<p>Hello all,<br>
I'm new to the site but have followed for a few years. Here's a little information about me to help me make a decision. I would consider myself an intermediate hobbyist. I like to photograph a range of things, not really specializing in one area. (Portrait, landscape, macro, event) I have been asked to do a wedding for a friend's sister that I know cannot afford to have a professional photographer. I am not charging her as this will only be the 2nd wedding I've ever done (Before anyone gets upset, I understand this should be left to the professionals and I usually do say no, but she has a ton of hospital bills that need paid first and 2 small children. She cannot afford to hire a professional)</p>
<p>Equipment I have:</p>
<p>Camera: Canon XSi (450D) crop sensor</p>
<p>Lenses: Canon Kit Lens 18-55 IS (which I never use)<br /> Canon 55-250 f/4-5.6IS<br /> Canon 50mm f/1.8 II<br /> Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 DC (Which is on my camera majority of the time)</p>
<p>Accessories: Canon Speedlite 580EX II <br /> Omni Bounce Flash Diffuser<br /> wireless shutter release<br /> Off-Camera Flash Cord</p>
<p>With that all being said, here is my dilemma. I can't decide what to purchase next. I have a budget of ~$1000</p>
<p>1. Do I upgrade my camera?<br />I've been looking at the Canon 70D. I like the flip out screen (for low angle shots), the higher ISO than what my camera has, in-camera HDR (for landscapes), Video (which my camera does not have, though I rarely would take video anyway)</p>
<p>2. Do I upgrade to a 70-200 f2.8 lens?<br />I was planning on renting one for the wedding, but I think it would be great to have for my everyday use too. Questioning putting the money into it though. Canon is out of my budget range. Might be able to afford a Sigma or Tamron (are they comparable to the canon?)</p>
<p>3. Do I sell my Sigma 17-70 and buy a Canon 17-55 f/2.8?<br />I like my Sigma but the the 17-55 I believe would have better low-light quality though. The 17-55 doesn't have the longer focal length but I don't feel that would be a big issue.</p>
<p>4. Or do I buy the Canon T5i and Sigma 17-50 f/2.8?<br />Cheaper than the 70D with the same features that I'm looking for and buy the Sigma 17-50 f/2.8</p>
<p>Decisions, decisions. I keep going back and forth with my options so I decided to turn to you all for help<br>
Thank you for your thoughts on the matter,<br>
Michelle<br>
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