One of the hardest things for me about taking up photography as a hobby is understanding the best kind of equipment to use.
I started out on this adventure by purchasing a Canon Digital Rebel XS with the 18-35 mm kit lens.
I was so excited to open the camera and starting taking beautiful pictures. But it didn’t really work that way.
I soon learned about aperture and shutter speed and how I needed a lens with a low “f” number to get those stunning photos with the blurry background.
So, I bought a 50 mm f/1.8 lens. The “nifty fifty” was one of the best purchases I made.
Over the summer, The Nerd bought me the Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 lens. Oh how I love this lens. It is my go-to lens if I’m just out for the day with my camera.
My photography evolved with this lens. I think it was a good investment.
And then, I bought the 85 mm f/1.8 lens. It is an amazing portrait lens. Some of my favorite photos have been with this lens.
Again, a good investment.
Now, I’m looking to upgrade some more equipment, but I’m facing a tough decision.
And what do bloggers do when they’re facing a tough decision?
They write about it!!
So here I am.
I’d really like to upgrade the body of my camera.
I’m leaning toward the Canon 7D.
It is a significant upgrade from my current model, and will offer a boost in ISO and autofocus point selection.
However, it is not a “full-frame” model, which means that cropping occurs in-camera when I take photos.
If I get the Canon 7D, I can also afford to purchase a wide-angle lens, which will come in handy when I take a trip out West in a few months. I’m looking at the Canon 17-40 f/4L lens.
BUT, if I want to go top-of-the-line with a full-frame camera, I *could* get the Canon 5D Mark II.
This camera costs about $800 more than the 7D, which means I could not afford to get another lens.
Is a full-frame model worth the difference?
I’m not quite sure. The only time I could see that being a factor is if I wanted to use a fisheye lens or extreme wide angle lens.
What do you think? Should I go with the 7D and invest in a lens, or go with the 5D Mark II and buy the body only?
Dang, photography is an expensive hobby. 🙂
Thanks for looking!
Just my 2 cents, but I would go with the 7D and the lens. The 7D would provide with more options, right? If you buy the 5D and can't get the lens, you're only getting the benefit of full frame. If you go with the 7D, you're getting a new lens too which will offer a bigger number of choices. 🙂
It really all depends on what you want to get. And what kind of pictures you are looking to take. If you are just beginning then I would go with just the body for now and you can buy the lens afterwards when you feel your ready for more professional pictures. I use to work in a photo lab and I can tell you that Cannon takes amazing pictures. It all depends on which stage of photography you are at right now. Good luck with your decision hun!! Its a hard one for sure! But you made a great choice going with Canon!
I have the 5D Mark II and am sort of obsessed with it. In my opinion, this is a super difficult decision – I think wide angle lenses add a ton of versatility, but I am so in love with the 5D. I think it really comes down to the usability factor – are you SO bothered by in-camera cropping that it could potentially ruin all of your photos? Do you see yourself getting the full value out of a wide-angle (I know I would!)? This is a super hard decision! Be sure to let us know what you choose!
Canon is Boss! But you are right, it is an expensive hobby. I'd say body only.
Go for the body and tell hubby that Valentine's day is coming for the lens!!!
Thanks for the post! Those were some helpful lens tips for me! You already take amazing photos so I say go with the Canon 7D and get the wide-angle lens too.
What are you doing with your camera old body?? Are you selling it?? I am looking to switch from my Olympus to a Canon or Nikon.
Thanks for the input everyone!
I am still so undecided, lol. I'm going to the camera store to look at them on Friday, so hopefully I will make a decision then.
I think for now, I'm just going to keep my old camera as a backup. 🙂
I would go for the first option. GL and have fun!