What should I buy?

[wbphoto]

This weekend I was on a roadtrip with my stepfather (Bristol night race to be exact) and conversation leaned towards my past year in photography. I've been obsessed with improving the quality of my work and slowly but surely building a name locally. As of now it is nowhere near my primary form of income, but it is for sure more than a hobby and a career path i'm interested in looking down.

Currently I'm shooting on the following:
-Canon 400D/Digital Rebel XTi (w/kit lens)
-Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens with hood
-Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash
-Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
-Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release
-540W/S 3 LIGHT SOFTBOX STROBE/FLASH PRO STUDIO LIGHTING KIT (although I rarely shoot in my mini studio)

I talked a lot about my limitations and nerves. I love my portrait work, but have kept away from weddings. Primarily because i'm scared to death of screwing it up and feel my equipment really hinders me in very low light situations. The XTi really doesn't do well when I change ISO, my kit lens isn't great, my Telephoto isn't fast enough, and I just can't shoot an entire indoor event on my nifty 50.

Apparently my passion throughout the conversation did something because he asked if $5,000 would move me into a better position to improve. Of course, my answer was yes. I could go on and on about how wonderful the gesture itself is, but let's get down to the details...where do I go from here?

My (non mark II) dream scenario would be a 5d, 24-70mm 2.8, & 70-200mm 2.8 IS. I haven't had a lot of luck tracking down any good deals on this gear used. At some point I would really like to have an Alien Bee 500 (or 1000) watt light with a vagabond as well for outdoor portraits.

Would I be better off to stick to the XTi and use the money on glass/lights/etc?
Go with the 5d and lenses?
Go crazy for the 5d mark II and get 1 lens?

Good lenses are worth more than a good body.

[PowerPix]

Why not buy a 50D or something like that and spend the rest on good lenses? It takes great low light photos!

[wbphoto]

I've actually been considering the 50D some, but I keep hearing that I really need to jump up to that Full Frame sensor.

Not the case?

[PowerPix]

From what I hear.....the jump up is not all that great. And is it REALLY worth the extra money?? I personally would not if I knew the 50D was just as good and took care of what I needed it to and more.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by wbphoto

I talked a lot about my limitations and nerves. I love my portrait work, but have kept away from weddings. Primarily because i'm scared to death of screwing it up and feel my equipment really hinders me in very low light situations. The XTi really doesn't do well when I change ISO, my kit lens isn't great, my Telephoto isn't fast enough, and I just can't shoot an entire indoor event on my nifty 50.
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My (non mark II) dream scenario would be a 5d, 24-70mm 2.8, & 70-200mm 2.8 IS. I haven't had a lot of luck tracking down any good deals on this gear used. At some point I would really like to have an Alien Bee 500 (or 1000) watt light with a vagabond as well for outdoor portraits.

Would I be better off to stick to the XTi and use the money on glass/lights/etc?
Go with the 5d and lenses?
Go crazy for the 5d mark II and get 1 lens?

Bad if you just lust for better equipment and good if you desire to provide better service/product to your clients. It is not camera vs. lens but proper equipment for the job.

Low noise high ISO (up to 3200) - 5D2
Fast standard zoom - 24-70 f/2.8 L
UWA zoom - 16-35 f/2.8 L
Tele - 70-200 f/2.8 IS
Portrait - 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.2 L II or 135 f/2 L
Closeup - 100 mm macro or extension tube

You can start with a 5D2 and 24-70 f/2.8 L. Rent any other lenses until you can afford to buy them.

My portrait gear is Canon 5D2 & 5D, 85 f/1.2 L II, 28-70 f/2.8 L, 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. I will use my Nikon D3 if I do weddings (which I don't).

[oblivi]

if you have $5000 to spend then you can get a very good body and an L series lens. But be certain that once you make that kind of investment that you are really putting it to FULL use. It would be a shame to invest that much of yours or someone else's money to just have the camera sit in your place until you go on your next vacation.

[RexK_Cozumel]

don't get the 5D while it will perform a little better in low light than your XTi it is no where near as good as the 5DmkII in that aspect.

I would go with the 5DmkII and 24-70 f2.8 as was already suggested.

[ess-see]

Hate to sound crappy about this, but maybe you should assist on some weddings to see whether or not the investment your very kind Stepfather is prepared to make is worth it? I realise the limitations you perceive in your equipment, but isn't it wirth getting a taster to see whether chucking more money at it is worth it?

I think the most important point you highlight is your nerves - they won't go away just because you 'think' you have the right kit.

You can take what I say with a pinch of salt because I am not a pro, have little real experience and don't have a portfolio, but I suggest you at least digest what I say because it could be an expensive mistake on both sides if you are not careful or ready.

Just my opinion.