Help me make a decision

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 15:16

So currently I'm using a 450D, and have done for 4 years. I have been using an 18-200 OS Sigma lens for that entire time, which was always 'ok'. I just bought a Canon 50mm 1.4 mainly for portaits which is fantastic.

However,

although the 18-200 has been ok, when I go the the 24 hour Le Mans race every year, it just doesn't have enough reach, so I end up cropping quite often.

So, I have considered a 70-300 IS USM lens, which can be had for about £220 on the bay.

I have also considered upgrading completely to a 7D, but then I wouldn't gain the reach of the 300mm lens.

What would you do? I keep trying to find a 7D for c. £470 on the bay, and if I were to find one I would probably take the plunge.

Should I get an extender? Should I upgrade my body, which would give me higher fps and a higher resolution so crops may be better?

I would really want to spend more than £300 on the lens, unless it's something really special.

Thanks for all your opinions.

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 18:26

No opinions at all guys?

ChrisD. · 27 Apr 2014 at 18:46

200mm should be enough on a crop body at Le Mans surely?

What is it about your photos you find lacking?

I had a 400D and went to a 60D, for motorsport it's much better. The AF is faster and it produces better images. But you also need new glass, as that Sigma isn't great.

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 19:08

You have to be quite far behind, as the fences are tall, so you have to find higher ground. For a max budget of 500, what would you suggest?

ChrisD. · 27 Apr 2014 at 19:20

Might be a stretch but a used 60D and a Canon 55-250 would be a nice upgrade. You'll benefit from faster AF, longer reach and a slightly better lens.

ChrisD. · 27 Apr 2014 at 19:26

Or there's the Canon 70-300 but it's a fair bit more.

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 20:01

I'm definitely interested in a 60D thanks for pointing that in my direction! Don't want to sell yours do you?

D.P. · 27 Apr 2014 at 20:05

I would keep the 450D. None of the newer canon crop bodies really gain you much worth the money (part of this is the older canon sensors were fantastic so there has been less need to improve) so I would invest in good glass and get a new body when something interesting arrives with better sensors and AF (7D mk2 perahaps).

70-300mm will give some extra reach, it is hard to get much longer than that. The canon 100-400mm is often Recomended for motor sports.

ChrisD. · 27 Apr 2014 at 20:06

It's for sale, look in MM.

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 20:08

The resolution and fps I find a bit limiting though. Would you say that the 60d wouldn't be a good upgrade? It would probably cost me 200 after selling some bits.

ChrisD. · 27 Apr 2014 at 20:10

As said I went from a 400D to a 60D and I haven't looked back. It's better to hold, is built better, it's faster and it takes better photo's. I don't know what extra the 450D has over the 400D though.

413x · 27 Apr 2014 at 21:13

when i was looking at cameras i found the 60D much much much better ergonomically speaker compared to anything in the smaller form

as a lot of people advised, this is very important. It was one of those things that was instantly apparent
i always found it tricky to hold my GFs 400D. My fingers are quite long and the grip area wasnt big enough and thus the tips of my fingers were against the lens side grip. This meant my hand wasnt in contact with the body all the way around. Dunno if this is an issue for you, but made a difference for me

i think i would only change my 60D for a 7D mk II if it ever comes out!

the 60D was also much cheaper than the 7D when i was buying. I couldnt justify the 70D being more geared to video (i was disappointed to hear that)

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 21:15

That's really helpful thanks. I do have large hands, so that would be very nice for me. Thanks for the tips.

THC_SsSsSnake · 27 Apr 2014 at 21:47

D.P. said:
I would keep the 450D. None of the newer canon crop bodies really gain you much worth the money (part of this is the older canon sensors were fantastic so there has been less need to improve) so I would invest in good glass and get a new body when something interesting arrives with better sensors and AF (7D mk2 perahaps).

70-300mm will give some extra reach, it is hard to get much longer than that. The canon 100-400mm is often Recomended for motor sports.

this is good advice re image quality and focus.

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 21:53

I understand that quality may not be much of an upgrade. But for the increase in fps, and quality, not to Mention weather proofing I think it might be worth it.

Vertigo · 27 Apr 2014 at 21:55

60D or 7D would be a useful step up I think. Whilst the 450D is good, the 12MP sensor will limit your ability to crop a bit. If you moved to an 18MP sensor such as those in the 60D or 7D then you'd likely find 200mm sufficient with a bit of cropping here and there.

These were shot last year with a 7D & 70-200:

Cleisthenes · 27 Apr 2014 at 22:06

Great shots Vertigo! Do you go to Le Mans regularly?

Vertigo · 27 Apr 2014 at 22:14

I've been twice, once in 2009 and again last year. It's great fun

We even blagged our way onto the grid just before the start last year!

413x · 27 Apr 2014 at 22:17

i really would like to take my new lens to these sort of events!
nice pics

ChrisD. · 27 Apr 2014 at 22:27

2012.

Canon 400D, Canon 55-250 lens.

Very drunk.