50D or New Lens? Hmm...

FM Forum Rules
Canon SLRs, primes, and zooms lenses reviews

FM Forums \| Canon-mount SLRs \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 end

Archive 2008 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

ctf10d
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I currently have a 10D and 580EX II+420EX, a 24-85 3.5-4.5, 50MM 1.8II and a 70-200 f/4 L.

Background: I enjoy photography as a hobby and I am the "official photographer" for my extended family and am the unofficial photographer for my church and kids' school. I've been digital since my Olympus D-620 (1999). Since that I owned (and still own) an Olympus C-3040Z. As you can tell, I don't swap equipment every year.

I am tempted to go for the 50D, but wonder if I should go for a 24-105 f/4L and wait for a body. I can't go wrong either way, because sooner or later I'll end up with both (or a 60D, instead?). I am mostly happy with my lenses, very happy with my flash setup, as well as my software (PSE7, Lightroom 2). The 24-85 is my least favorite lens in terms of image quality, but is the one i use the most for convenience of range.

"Gripes" with the 10D are autofocus is a little slow and sometimes sloppy (One-Shot with rear focus button helps). This makes it challenging for photographing any kinds of action. I am quite pleased with noise levels at 400 ISO and below and the resolution is fine for most things (except getting around 8x10 and larger). 10D body has about 40K shots on it. I use it atleast every week.

My gut says go for the body and do the 24-105 next year.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Nov 18, 2008 at 05:52 PM

Gary Petersen
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #2 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

It might be a good time for a new body. Normally I'd go for the lens but a lot of cool things have happened since the 10D.

Nov 18, 2008 at 06:00 PM

Andre Goli
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #3 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Why not a used 5d..... That's perfect for low lite like church, and for portrait.... And for school, it is perfect... I used to take pictures of my jumping little girls.... Going FF will be an opportunity for you, for the price of the 50D...

Nov 18, 2008 at 06:12 PM

rachp
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #4 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I agree with Gary - a lot of good things have happened since the 10D. Maybe go with a 40D and used 24-105mm. The 40D AF is much improved over the 20D and a lot of times I shoot ISO 1000 and up.

Nov 18, 2008 at 06:26 PM

matonanjin
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Why 50D? I see no compelling reason to go with it over a 40D. For what you would put into the 50D you can buy a used 40D and some glass. Based on your description of the 24-85 a tremendous combination would be a 40D and a Tamron 28-75 F/2.8. The little Tammy is very sharp and works great for portraits and in low light.

40D's are currently going in the B&S forum for $700 and the Tamron for around $300.

Andre Goli mentioned a used 5D. This also makes sense. It will cost more than the used 40D so you may need to wait on the lens. So you need to determine your priorities.

Since you are shooting non pro you really probably don't need a back up. You should also be able to get a couple hundred bucks for your 10D to apply towards the budget and $? for your 24-85.

Nov 18, 2008 at 06:48 PM

mgipe
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #6 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I would go with a new body, in order of preference:

used 5D -- orders of magnitude improvement over the 10D

40D -- best bargain on the market today

50D -- latest and greatest crop camera

Nov 18, 2008 at 07:33 PM

Jo Dilbeck
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I have to vote for the 40D and used 24-105. This would give you such a step up from the "walk-around" combo you have right now you'll think you've died and gone to heaven! You don't need the 50D, get the 40D-it's SUCH a bargain right now.

Jo

Nov 18, 2008 at 07:55 PM

anthonygh
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #8 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Use it properly and the 10D is a star performer and particularly well built. I can easily get sharp A3 prints...or when I need to really crop...sharp A4...

What transformed the camera was when I invested in two L lenses and two top primes.....the images just 'popped'........

There are a few things that are lacking obviously...fast write speed bugs me.....so I'm looking out for a mint copy on ebay and will use two with different lenses. I mainly work in a studio.

So..invest in a quality lens...why not just take your camera to a dealers and pretend you want a new L lens and do some trial shots with one on your camera....you will be pleasantly surprised!

Nov 18, 2008 at 07:59 PM

joezasada
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #9 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

don't get a new body

get a used 5D or 1D2 instead, better camera for about the same price as a 50D (the 5D will drop on the used market once the 5D2 comes out)

Nov 18, 2008 at 08:31 PM

wilsonprince
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #10 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Get the 50d, take care of it and it should last as long as the 10d has for you. I bought the 40d right before the 50d came out and I regret it. The 40d is great, but the 50d apparently has much better AF capabilities.

Nov 18, 2008 at 09:40 PM

rocketpop
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #11 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Personally, I'd get a 40d and a lens, or a used 1d2 before I got a 50d. Really, even a 20d/30d is quite an upgrade from the 10d in terms of sensor and AF performance. The power-on speed is much better, too.

Keh.com usually has used 1d2 for about the same as a 50d, and its in a different league in all categories.

Nov 18, 2008 at 09:53 PM

matonanjin
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #12 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

joezasada wrote:
(the 5D will drop on the used market once the 5D2 comes out)

It already has (in anticipation?)

Nov 19, 2008 at 01:51 PM

moneyshot
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #13 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

even a 20d/30d is quite an upgrade

+1! they are priced right on the buy and sell, and that leaves you lots of cash for glass.

Nov 19, 2008 at 03:04 PM

Seth Tower
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #14 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Forget the 50D. The 40D is the way to go.

Nov 19, 2008 at 03:40 PM

DynaSport
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #15 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Iuse the Tamron 28-75 on my 20D and it is a very nice lens. The AF is not as fast as Canon's USM, but it is plenty fast if you are not shooting action. When my combo focuses correctly the results are outstanding. Focus is not 100% acurate though. I am not sure if it is my fault or the camera/lens when it misses though. I don't want to give the impression that it mis-focues often, but it does happen. It happens with my 50 1.8 from time to time as well, so it's probably not totally a lens issue.

This is an example of what I get out of that combo.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Edited on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:56 PM · View previous versions

Nov 19, 2008 at 03:54 PM

dgenx24
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #16 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I agree w/ used 5D..
then your 24mm will be 24mm..
and you'll have wide instead of having to buy a wide lens...

Nov 19, 2008 at 03:54 PM

Gerry Szarek
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #17 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

For church use do NOT get a 20D the acoustic noise from it is horrible compared to the 10D, the 5D is pretty quiet not as quiet as the 10D but close. I opted for the 5D (used) when I traded up. Note the pixel density on the 5D is the same as the 10D so you shouldn't lose any reach.

Nov 19, 2008 at 05:20 PM

RobertLynn
Online
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #18 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Used body now, new lens later.

Nov 19, 2008 at 05:36 PM

toonhorse
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #19 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

Gerry Szarek wrote:
For church use do NOT get a 20D the acoustic noise from it is horrible compared to the 10D, the 5D is pretty quiet not as quiet as the 10D but close. I opted for the 5D (used) when I traded up. Note the pixel density on the 5D is the same as the 10D so you shouldn't lose any reach.

Acoustic noise with regard to images? Can you tell me what this is? Google only shows me audio links.

Nov 19, 2008 at 05:41 PM

RobertLynn
Online
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #20 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

He means the CLICK sound the camera makes.

10D is quite soft.

Nov 19, 2008 at 06:26 PM

sbeme
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #21 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I have the 24-105. I recently upgraded from the 20D to the 50D.
I would plan on both the lens and body upgrade. I have never used the 40D but I think its the way to go in terms of quality, price point. 50D is still new, and even though the price dropped quickly from 1399 (ouch, what I paid) to 1199, I'm not sure that it is worth the extra over the well-received 40D. And either will be a significant upgrade from the 10D.
The 24-105 is my walk-about, replacing my 28-135 and far superior. It is probably a two step up jump from your current zoom. Unfortunately, its still pricey. But probably worth waiting for.
Hope this helps.
Scott

Nov 19, 2008 at 06:39 PM

Lucky_Dog
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #22 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I have a 40D and a 50D -- if I were to sell one, it would be the 50D.

I just picked up a used 5D... that is also a good solution, although it *feels* like traveling back in time next to a 40D or 50D. I can't speak on IQ because I just got it.

I would recommend a 17-55 IS over the 24-105... I have both.

I sold a 24-85 for around $200 so remember that you have that money to play with, too.

Good luck with your quest, these problems are fun to deal with!

Nov 19, 2008 at 06:59 PM

RobertLynn
Online
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #23 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

The 5D is pretty damn sweet in terms of IQ. You'll probably be unloading the 50D, since you just bought the 5D.

Nov 19, 2008 at 07:02 PM

Lucky_Dog
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #24 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

RobertLynn wrote:
The 5D is pretty damn sweet in terms of IQ. You'll probably be unloading the 50D, since you just bought the 5D.

I need to keep 3 bodies at this point... two shooters (wife) and a backup.

Nov 19, 2008 at 07:03 PM

RobertLynn
Online
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #25 · 50D or New Lens? Hmm...

I didn't say you didn't have to have 3 bodies...just saying you'll sell the 50D. Trust me, 5D files are just special. You'll be selling the 50D to buy another 5d

Nov 19, 2008 at 07:08 PM


FM Forums \| Canon-mount SLRs \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 end