Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Next Camera essentials!
Right now I own a Canon Rebel EOS XTI/400D and two lenses; an EF-S 18-55mm, and an EF 28-135 IS USM. My next purchases will be an upgrade to a Canon 60D, an EF 50mm f/1.8 ii, an EF 100mm macro f/2.8, and a Sigma 70-300 DG f/4-5.6! Please tell me if these are some good decisions! And comment below if you have any other (inexpensive) lenses that you LOVE that I should consider!
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That sounds like some pretty major upgrading!
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for faster lenses, then I think you'll love those two prime lenses you are considering. The 100mm is not cheap, but sometimes you just need a faster lens, and the fast ones are never cheap. The Sigma looks like a good lens as well. I'd consider going for the APO version. I think that the improvement in image quality will be worth the extra cost.
The Canon 60D is a great camera, but I think it would make sense to consider the T3i as well. The T3i has the same image sensor, and is functionally pretty much the same camera as the 60D, but for a couple hundred bucks less. The money you save can be used for buying lenses.
In addition to being less expensive, the T3i is smaller and lighter, and the layout of the controls is mostly the same as your current XTi, so it would be familiar to use.
The 60D does have its advantages. The dual control wheels can be nice to have, and it does have a few ways in which it out-performs the T3i (like a faster burst mode). It is also built more sturdily, so if you are thinking this will be a long-term possession, or if you will be working it hard it might pay off to get the 60D.
I've been using a 50D borrowed from a co-worker for a few weeks. It is quite similar to the 60D, since it is its predecessor. It is really a great camera, but it is quite a load to tote around. The primary lens on it is the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. This is a great lens, but it is not small, or fast, or reasonably cheap. Also in the bag is the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro. This lens is awfully nice too, and is comparable to the 100mm Canon you are considering. It works very well when a faster lens is required, and is a good length. It is an option you could consider instead of the 100mm, as it is a bit less expensive. Another good option in this size range is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8. It is a similar length, but is even faster, and less expensive. If I were shopping I'd pick the Canon 85 or the Tamron 90, mostly based on whether I wanted the macro capabilities of the Tamron, or the faster Canon (I'm leaning toward the Canon). Given your apparent interest in macro shots you may be best off with the Canon 100mm or the Tamron 90mm.
My own plan for a camera is to go for a refurbished T2i. The differences between the T3i and the T2i are fairly small, and the price difference is enough ($750 vs. $900) that for me the T2i seems like the way to go. The refurb saves me even more money that I can spend on lenses, since that is where things matter most. I also figure that as cameras advance it is likely that I'd want a different one some time in the future, but hopefully the lenses would remain usable through several camera upgrades.
Have fun shopping!