Upgrade

[wavemachine]

I guess the question you need to ask is why did you want to upgrade your camera in the first place.

When I went from a 350D to a 40D for example I wanted better resolution, more rugged build, better and quicker control the mode wheel on the back.

With regards to lenses then it is a question of what your are going to photograph mostly for example do you want a good quality walkabout lens, zoom etc.

[Gratris]

Originally Posted by wavemachine

I guess the question you need to ask is why did you want to upgrade your camera in the first place.

When I went from a 350D to a 40D for example I wanted better resolution, more rugged build, better and quicker control the mode wheel on the back.

With regards to lenses then it is a question of what your are going to photograph mostly for example do you want a good quality walkabout lens, zoom etc.

I'm gonna sound like a prat now I guess but I just wanted to get a 'better' camera.

As for what I'm going to photograph, I would to be able to use it for almost every scenario, wildlife, landscape, close up's etc.

Or am I asking for too much?

[wavemachine]

I would suggest:-

Wide Angle for Landscapes

Sigma 10-20mm £340 Amazon

Zoom for Wildlife

Tamron SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD £302 Amazon

If you want more zoom then the lenses get heavier and more expensive.

Macro Lens for closeup also excellent prime portrait lens

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro CIrca £220 Ebay

There are a lot of these on Ebay because people buy macro lenses and find them hard to use so if you get a macro persevere it is worth it!

General Walkabout lens

Canon EF-S 15-85mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM £560 Amazon currently has a £55 cashback offer

Opinions will differ on the walkabout lens but I own that one and love it!

Also some of these are not full frame lenses so if you do upgrade to full frame later you will need to change the lenses I know the walkabout and wideangle fall into this category.

I am also not suggesting you buy all these lenses but it gives you an idea, there are travel lenses that cover a wide zoom range such as Tamron 18-270 but it is a compromise on image quality, I owned one and didn't like it.

[Gratris]

Originally Posted by wavemachine

I would suggest:-

Wide Angle for Landscapes

Sigma 10-20mm £340 Amazon

Zoom for Wildlife

Tamron SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD £302 Amazon

If you want more zoom then the lenses get heavier and more expensive.

Macro Lens for closeup also excellent prime portrait lens

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro CIrca £220 Ebay

There are a lot of these on Ebay because people buy macro lenses and find them hard to use so if you get a macro persevere it is worth it!

General Walkabout lens

Canon EF-S 15-85mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM £560 Amazon currently has a £55 cashback offer

Opinions will differ on the walkabout lens but I own that one and love it!

Also some of these are not full frame lenses so if you do upgrade to full frame later you will need to change the lenses I know the walkabout and wideangle fall into this category.

I am also not suggesting you buy all these lenses but it gives you an idea, there are travel lenses that cover a wide zoom range such as Tamron 18-270 but it is a compromise on image quality, I owned one and didn't like it.

Wavemachine, thank you for a very comprehensive reply, I truly appreciate it. It has certainly given me some food for thought.


New 7d? or upgrade lenses and stick with the 500d?

I'm going to have to sleep on this one. Then flip a coin.....lol


Once again, thanks for all the advice.

[JonnyM]

Yes, you seriously need to question why you want to upgrade to another crop sensor camera when by your own admission you are a novice? How long will it be before wanting to upgrade again especially as the 7D is getting on a bit. Unless you particulary spend most of your time doing one or two types of photography, landscapes or wildlife for example, most modern cameras are good enough for a lot of subjects. Yes the 7D has a higher frame rate than the 500d and 5dMKII but at this point in time will that clinch the deal?

I do however agree that purchasing good quality EF or compatible lenses is paramount but costly. However, you can use those lenses on both formats so an upgrade to full frame in the future won't pose much of a problem.

Ultimately I'd keep the 500d and get some quality lenses first and foremost, at the end of the day a camera's a camera and you've got one.

[wave01]

to explain a little there are advantages to a crop camera 1.6 times on a zoom so a 70-200 would be 112-320.
this is for all lenses.
looking at what you have now and thinking budget i would look at sigma 17-70os great kit replacement its a good all round lens. and a lot cheaper than the canon 15-85. your 75-300 you need to look at what reach you need then look at say a 70-300L this is pricey.
go to shop and take your camera see what they are like

[cosmicma]

300mm for wildlife isn't really enough you should be looking at closer to 500mm even on a crop sensor
iv'e seen great results using the 7d and a sigma 150 - 500mm os lens
even with your existing 500d the sigma 150 - 500mm os lens would do nicely

although the difference between the 500d and the 7d is significant good lenses will have far more influence on the final result

i don't really do landscapes so cant advise on a suitable lens

[Gratris]

Thanks for the advice guy's it is appreciated.


I certainly have a lot of ideas/advice to consider.


I have to say though, it's now looking favourable to keep the 500d and upgrade the lenses I have.