Rebel XT to 50D or New Glass??

[pikers]

First off, I know this topic has been brought up before and I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but people in this situation are usually considering upgrading from like a 30D to a 50D or a newer Rebel to a 50D. My situation is slightly different…

I’m rocking the Rebel XT which I have had for roughly 5 years. Overall, I’m pretty happy with this camera. It’s never failed me and it delivers consistent shots. I would like to upgrade to something with more mega pixels for larger prints and a better AF system would be really nice. Below is the rest of my kit:

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
Canon 17-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (kit lens)
Canon 50mm f/1.8

So here’s the dilemma…

I have the opportunity to get a lightly used 50D at a really good price ($600) which would be a nice upgrade from my current camera. My only hesitation is everyone ALWAYS says to invest in glass for better pictures which I haven’t been able to do as you can see from my gear list. I could also pick up a PRISTINE Canon 17-40mm f/4L for the same price which would be a welcome replacement to the POS kit lens.

I’ve shot a few weddings as a second shooter and I usually rent lenses when I need them…but that’s getting OLD. The 50D would be a nice upgrade in speed, features, fps, and MP but lenses really do make the difference.

I guess the real question is, which would make more of a difference as far as the quality of images goes? I know lenses make the difference, but the camera has to count for something…especially when you are upgrading from something over 5 years old. Has anyone made this jump and what were the results? Can anyone speak from experience?

[lputman]

I don't know the life of your current camera, but if you have had for five years already, you might want to consider the newer body now and continue on your trek to purchase good glass.

[natek313]

Yeah, I tend to agree with Lori. I would seriously consider upgrading your camera body before investing in lenses. There are plenty of good options for you as far as bodies go, and there are good ones for the budget-minded (think Canon XS, XSi, etc.).

And whoever says that you always invest in glass is...well...wrong. Yes, glass is important, but there are things that a lens can't control. For example, low light performance. You can have the top of the line lens on your body, but if the body can't give you usable photos in low light when you need it, what's the point?

[djotaku]

I would not get the 50D. It's not horrible, but it's the worst outing Canon's had in a while. I am in the same boat as you - 350D and 400D (XT and XTi) and I considered going to the 50D. But if you look at the amazing tech in the 7D you should either go for that or wait for that tech to trickle to the XXD level.

I've decided to invest in some great glass for the next few years - basically get EF (not EF-S) lenses from 17mm to 200mm as three different lenses. Then I will jump up to full frame and get the 5D Mark whatever is around at that time. If you truly want good low light performance, you have to go full frame. Canon is really reaching the limits of what they can do with an APS-C sensor. I've read lots and lots of reviews of the 50D and basically Canon pushed too many megapixels onto a small sensor. I wouldn't recommend it at all.

[pikers]

Thanks for the input all...definitely some things to think about.

lputman,
My Rebel is actually in great shape...it looks brand new. I'm not sure what the shutter count is up to...probably in the 20k range.

natek313,
Good point about the ISO ranges and low light capabilities...that's actually important to me which makes me a little hesitant to get the 50D (haven't heard too many good things about noise at high ISO settings).

djotaku,
I have read a lot of mixed reviews on the 50D which makes me a little weary of picking one up...especially a used one. It has a ton of great features, but they aren't worth jack if images come out looking like garbage.

I may wait until the 5D MKII comes down in price and then go full frame. There's also a bunch of lenses I would like to add to the arsenal so I may just take that route to start off. I was amazed with the difference in pics just going from the 17-55mm to the 50mm. For the price of the 50D, I could grab the 50mm f/1.4, the 85mm f/1.8, or the 17-40mm f/4L which all produce great looking shots. Eh, either way I will have a new toy