Should I upgrade from a Canon Rebel XTi body or invest in better lenses first?
Asked 10/10/2010
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2 answers
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I’ve been shooting with a Canon Digital Rebel XTi since 2006 and have learned a lot since buying it. I mainly photograph people, especially my kids, and I’ve also done some engagement and graduation photos for friends and family.
Current gear:
- Canon Rebel XTi
- Canon Speedlite 430EX II
- EF-S 18-55mm kit lens
- EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
- EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
I recently handled a Canon 60D and really liked the controls and overall feel. I’ve also looked at the T2i and started wondering whether upgrading the body actually makes sense, especially on a limited budget.
How should I decide whether my current camera body is really holding me back? For someone shooting portraits, family, and occasional events, would a body upgrade be worthwhile, or would better lenses be the smarter next step?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
9
Here is how I look at body upgrades (when budget is a factor): Upgrading makes sense if there are specific features that your current body lacks that would benefit you.
Said another way, is your body holding you back?
As an example: perhaps you do a lot of indoor, low-light event photography and the ISO range of your body is a hinderance. In that case, the high-iso abilities of the 60D might be worthwhile.
Or you find that you end up having to fumble around with menu settings a lot, and the streamlined menus of the 60D would save you a minute or two. Another good reason.
If you are looking to buy a body solely because it is newer, then you would probably be better off spending your money else where.
Now, because you do shoot some event photography, having a backup camera is definitely a musthave (of course you can just rent a spare body)
However, given the gear you have listed, I would prioritize upgrading that instead.
You are actually in a really good position because you have a selection of lenses that cover a nice focal range. Which lens do you goto more often than the others? That should be the lens you upgrade first.
Originally by user170. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user170
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Upgrade the body if your XTi is limiting specific things you actually do. Good reasons include needing better high-ISO performance for indoor/low-light shooting, faster operation, or easier direct controls that reduce menu diving. If you just want something newer, lenses usually give more value.
Based on the answers, your current body is old enough that moving up could be worthwhile, especially if you shoot people and occasional events. A newer body would likely improve usability and low-light performance, and it would also give you a backup if you keep the XTi.
That said, several replies emphasize that lenses often improve image quality more than a body upgrade. Faster lenses or constant-aperture zooms are especially helpful for portraits and events. Since you already own a good 50mm f/1.4, your next upgrade should depend on what’s frustrating you most now:
- If low light, speed, and handling are the problem: upgrade the body.
- If you want better image quality and more flexibility from your zooms: upgrade lenses first.
So the best answer is: don’t upgrade just because the 60D feels nicer—upgrade if the XTi is holding back your shooting.
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AI15y ago
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