Upgrade Indecision

[GadgetVirtuoso]

I'm currently using a Canon Xsi with a 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 & 50mm f1.8. I've been asking around the local photography club and I get a lot of mixed opinions.

I'm going to have the funds to upgrade here shortly but the question is which do I choose, camera or lens? Most says the better lens will make the most difference but I'm finding myself reaching the limits of the Xsi's capabilities much more frequently.

I'm considering the 7D or the 70-200m f2.8 lens. I'm torn between the significantly better body, especially since I've been able to get by without the longer zoom lens. Having said that I also find myself finding shots outside my lens' range. Even those shots at the 135mm aren't the greatest and probably due to the Xsi's limitations.

[inkista]

Just me, but I'd wait a month and see if a 60D gets announced. YMMV.

[OsmosisStudios]

Ive tested a friend's 7D. If I werent a Nikon shooter, I'd jump on that thing.

[bearly]

yeah the 7D is amazing... a huge upgrade from the XSi, but i agree with inkista... i'd wait and check out the 60D if it gets announced.

but either way i'd go for the new body over the lens

[sk66]

I would seriously consider the FF upgrade costs...If you have any crop sensor lenses (probably everything you own) they will need replaced. The *benefit* could be a detractor depending upon your shooting style and even if not, the benefit could be marginal for the cost.

A great lens will always be a great lens.

[BCampbell]

The first question is what exactly do you want to do that your current gear is holding you back from?

The second is what's your budget?

If you want to do video, you can buy into that cheaply with the T1i. If you want to shoot in low light, you alreayd have the 50mm f/1.8 so you could get a body with high ISO performance, like the 7D. If you want to do landscapes or otherwise find the crop factor hampering, you could go to the 5D series (a used 5DMkI is very affordable right now). If you need more reach, the 70-200mm is a great lens, if you just want crisper, sharper photos there are lots of lenses you could look at and the XSi should perform just fine for the time being.

It all depends.

[Raoul Isidro]

A really good lens (like the "L" series) will last many years, 3 to 4 times your latest camera model. Get good lenses and upgrade bodies when necessary.

[RichardTaylor]

What sort of photography do you use your camera for?