If you want to plus up your photography, you have choices to make. A new body can help, but in almost every case, a new lens in the better choice. Here’s why.
That new camera model from your preferred manufacturer looks enticing but it likely comes with a hefty price tag and few improvements. Modern cameras are excellent and have desirable features, but more often than not, simply buying a new lens yields better results. Depending on what lens you like, it’s usually a cheaper alternative to getting a new camera body.
Changing the kit lens can drastically improve your photos if you are just starting with an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera. Kit lenses are like training wheels, an inexpensive tool for new users to learn the ropes. Typically made in bulk, a kit lens is made of relatively cheaper materials to keep the price down. Apart from the body, the glass inside is of acceptable quality, but it’s not outstanding. As a result, a kit lens produces average images, especially when stacked against prime lenses. A newer lens won’t automatically make anyone a better photographer, but it can help.
Getting a new camera body makes sense if it is old, outdated, lacks the features you need, or can’t keep up with modern demands. An old DSLR with a small buffer will struggle to produce satisfactory results when capturing fast-moving action. Illuminated buttons can help astrophotography; higher resolution is a nice perk when doing commercial shoots, and so on. If you already have a camera that produces good photos, a lens upgrade would make them great.A good lens upgrades image quality
A good sensor is only as good as the lens in front of it. If the lens isn’t letting enough light in, a great low-light sensor can only go so far. A new camera body might have a higher resolution, better ISO performance, and rapid autofocus, but it can all be hampered by a low-end lens. A properly compatible lens can yield better corner-to-corner image quality and make a good camera body shine.
Only a lens can achieve image features like depth of field or bokeh. No matter how advanced a camera body is, these physical effects can only be produced by lenses, especially ones with low aperture.
