What should I upgrade?

[imthewalrus]

Hello guys!

 

I have a Canon 20D (yes I know), it works flawlessly and after using it for so long (4 years) it is still my main camera to take stills ( I am on a really low budget ). I currently only take stills of products I sell on eBay (laptops and desktops, server components too). I used to have a f/1.8 50 mm lens but it wouldn't focus anymore, so I bought a kit lens from one of the newer cameras on eBay. After much debate I think it's time for an upgrade. I am not looking to take video, or more FPS, I am just looking to take better stills. 

 

Now here comes the question, should I upgrade the body (it is still in mint condition, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it) or should I get a better lens? Which upgrade will give me the bigger upgrade in terms of quality for the money? I am not looking to spend more than $300, a buddy of mine is selling his 40D for $200, but I want to hear from the experts.

 

 

 

 

[JoaoPRSousa]

@Flyguygamer ?

@Flight1sim ?

 

I think these two can help you

[Flyguygamer]

If you don't need anything more on features then the body upgrade won't do much. You will get better photos from a price/dollar standpoint out of better glass.

 

Look for sigma/tamron 24-70 f/2.8, 24-105 f/4, 28-75 f/2.8, 17-50 f/2.8, 50 f/1.4, or canon 17-50 f/2.8, 50 f/1.8 (Only $125 new, great buy) Those will be good lenses if the price is right. I would look used. Also, lights are a huge help. I recommend something like these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEAYXY/ref=od_aui_detailpages03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CO2WP0U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y31FHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-Shooting-Diffusion-Backdrops-Photography/dp/B00GKGGICC/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-Inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW

 

Those should be good for now. About $265 and use the the lights to light the tent and use the flash on the camera. If you will ALWAYS use the flash on the camera no need for the wireless trigger. 

 

As a side note, I own the flash, trigger, lights, reflector, and lens so I can testify for them.

[imthewalrus]

-snip-

 

Very nice! If I could give you more likes I would, but I can't . Also, do they have bigger tents?  nevermind just found that they did. 

[Flyguygamer]

Very nice! If I could give you more likes I would, but I can't . Also, do they have bigger tents?

They do, what size are you looking for?

[imthewalrus]

They do, what size are you looking for?

 

Just found that they have a 60 inch, which is bigger than what I need. The background light I suppose goes right behind the tent correct? 

[Flyguygamer]

Just found that they have a 60 inch, which is bigger than what I need. The background light I suppose goes right behind the tent correct? 

What I would do is Set the then on a "Narrow (60")" table and set the 2 large lights on either side, then place the little one behind it.

Don't use the umbrellas on any of them. Now get this LINK  and LINK and mount the flash to it and put it OVER the tent facing down with the remote trigger.

And all for about $300

[imthewalrus]

What I would do is Set the then on a "Narrow (60")" table and set the 2 large lights on either side, then place the little one behind it.

Don't use the umbrellas on any of them. Now get this LINK  and LINK and mount the flash to it and put it OVER the tent facing down with the remote trigger.

And all for about $300

 

Thats a great idea. I really appreciate your help. 

[Flyguygamer]

Thats a great idea. I really appreciate your help. 

Happy to. 

Anything else you need just tag or pm me.

[ExcitezR]

yea just get a new lens the body is still fine as long as you shoot with low ISO's and as long as your not printing the images larger than A2 the body is fine if you can get you hands on a 24-70 for cheap from ebay you will be golden 

[cookiesfordays]

Definitely pick up a new lens, it'll give you much better image quality as long as you don't need to blow up your images big. Contrary to the people recommending 24-70's, unless you're planning on upgrading to full frame they are generally not a focal length that I'd recommend for a X0D because of the smaller sensor.

The lenses that I would recommend the most in that price range are:

• Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 - Fast aperture, cheap and excellent image quality
• Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 - Ultra wide angle if you want to do landscapes
• Canon 50mm f/1.4 - Fast prime with significantly better build quality
• Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 - Stabilised telephoto lens if you need more reach