I used a changing table with my eldest for quite awhile; atleast a year and a half. We had one but didn't use it much at all with the second baby, as it was upstairs & we were usually downstairs. Didn't bother with one this time around & I don't miss it.
I remember really liking it & using it all the time with the first, though. I kept everything I used all the time on the shelves underneath...onesies, extra diapers, powder, socks, etc.
If you have the extra room in your budget & you want to try it out, awesome. Otherwise, I'd go with the shelving that can be used longer.