Buy 5D + old lenses or 350D (Rebel XT) and new L lens?

[mike dixon]

<i> I love my 5D, but be warned that it shows no mercy to soft lenses. And I'm afraid that the lenses you have are going to disappoint you on the 5D, if you are going to look at your pictures at 100% magnification on a computer screen. My 17-40 seems pretty soft on my 5D (image edges), while it is excellent on the 20D</i><P>

Rather than looking at images at 100% on the screen, make prints from both cameras that are the same size. Since the print from the APS-sized sensor requires 60% more (linear) magnification to get the same size enlargement, in comparison, the 5D images will look considerably-more "merciful" than they did on the screen.

[james_yap]

I personally would invest more on lens but after using a 400D, I'm not sure if I would suggest that in this case.

 

I find 400D AF doesn't lock sometimes even under broad daylight with my L prime lenses. from the 24 f1.4 to 85 f1.2 II. Not sure if my 400D is faulty though

[kin_lau]

It doesn't sound like Philip is much of a telephoto shooter, so I'll also recommend the 5D as well.

[philip_mcshane]

UPDATE:

Thanks to all for your answers. They have helped me find my way. A couple of things changed my original situation: I had an unexpected call on a little less than a quarter of the money I had set aside. That put an end to the Canon 5D possibility. I eventually got a second hand 20D in good condition along with a Canon 200 f/2.8 L prime lens and a Sigma 10-20mm. I am finally faced with two second hand lenses for the same price: a Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or a Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC. Any more comments? -- I will ask this final question in a separate thread.

 

Again: Thanks for your help!

[yakim_peled1]

If you can't afford the 17-55/2.8 IS or 24-105/4 IS I'd go for the Tamron 17-50/2.8.

 

Happy shooting,

Yakim.