450D: Upgrade to 60D, or upgrade lens?
 

Hi guys,

I've had my EOS 450D for just over three years now. I'm starting to get a bit tired of the standard 18-55mm lens, and the noise in low-light situations.

I do have two other lenses - a Canon 50mm f/1.8, and a Canon 55-250mm. I absolutely love these two lenses. I had always been fine with the kit 18-55, but I just get the impression that it's starting to lag behind the other two in my collection.

I've come to the dilemma of upgrading the body, or getting a better lens. I've seen that plenty of people seem to recommend Canon's 24-105mm, but at £850 (cheapest price) it does seem very, very expensive for a lens, however amazing it may be (particularly considering I'm a student!). If I went for an upgrade, I would probably go for a 60D, probably with the 17-85mm lens (I think?) that comes with one of the kit deals.

So... anyone upgraded from 450D to 60D? I know the general rule people seem to go by is upgrade the lens first, but I feel like I've already got a few good lenses! I personally feel that the 450D seems a bit beginner-ish (this is how it constantly gets labeled) and do feel ready for an upgrade body-wise. However, I'm keen to see what other people think. Any recommendations? Would you stick or upgrade? Maybe you'd do both? And if you'd stick, what lens would anyone recommend to act as a replacement for the 18-55 kit?

Sorry it's a long post but I'd really love some opinions! Thank you all in advance :)

I am looking to replace my 450d and kit lens with the 60d and 17-55 f2.8 lens.The camera upgrade is because of my bad back and the lens is because of the sharpness and low light capabilities.The 18-55 just lacks in the detail and sharpness.I have looked long and hard and have settled on this combination,but it will have to wait until the new year unfortunately.

Des

Id upgrade deifinately, the 60d kit deal is very good and hard to beat for value i think, Ive got a 400d, and cannot wait to upgrade it, the two lenses you have would be good on the camera, the 50mm is an outstanding lens, You could sell the 450 to get a bit more cash towords the 60d or keep it as a spare, Selling it may allow you to increase your budjet slightly,

Dan

Hi guys, I've seen quite a good deal that would allow me to upgrade the camera with the 17-55mm f/2.8 lens, as mentioned. I'm very tempted, but if I miss the deal, I will probably upgrade the lens first (to that 17-55mm) and then think about the camera. But I'm hearing good reports about the 60D. Thanks for the advice guys!

Dan - just looked at your Flickr photos... what amazing shots!!

All I'd add is if you can afford it, go to the 7D. I have a 60D and it's really nice and all that. but every day I wished I'd stretched that little bit further.

I used to have 400D. Upgraded to 60D. I also had the same question - the body or the glass? ISO is much better now, and there's no noise even if I'm shooting at ISO 6400! That's just so awesome.

The kit lens (18-135) is also great since it covers a huge focal range, and now I don't need to change my lens so often. I do that only to change to a prime lens or a macro, but other than that - no need. I used to have 18-55 and 55-300 with my 400D.

So, I upgraded the body, but with that, I also got an amazing lens! :)

The old adage with photography is always to invest in the best lenses you can afford to help you get the best results you can with the camera body you have. However, then you can reach a point where you have a selection of fabulous lenses, but the camera body just isn't good enough to fulfil the potential of your lenses with regards to image quality and that's the correct time to upgrade the body.

From what you say, it's really the lens that you're not happy with the results you're getting from it rather than the camera body, though I get the impression you feel you're growing out of it too, but not to the same extent. I would start by uprgrading the lens and if you're still not happy, then look into upgrading your camera body.