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Dan, the camera glided along my left thigh and gently touched the floor of the bus. I sent it to Canon service center for inspection, but I didn't like it every time I looked at the scratches on the top of the built-in flash especially it was silver painted. Of course I must say clearly to avoid any dispute after sale. I asked for $750, but the buyer only agreed to pay $650 with the 18-55. That was a 6-month old camera. I consider me lucky because no one knew Canon would offer triple rebate just a few weeks later. I don't think I could sell it at even $500 after the rebate came out.

When I decided to a buy a DSLR and some lenses, I was thinking between two cameras: 10D and DRebel. I chose the latter becasue I thought the 10D would cost double, $999 for Drebel and kit lens vs $1800 for 10D and any one lens. So I bought the Drbel with three lenses: 18-55, 24-85, and 70-200 f/4. But soon I realized that I was wrong because when buying more lenses, it was only $300 difference of the $3000 I would spend.<p>

Then I dropped the Drebel with the 24-85 on he way back from Grand Canyon from my lap to the floor of the tour bus. I was lucky enough to sell them before Canon first triple rebate on DRebel and lenses.<p>

Then I bought the 20D with 17-40 followed by Tamron 28-75. By that time, people were crazy about the shaprness of the Tamron. But I didn't like it because I always compared it with my 17-40 about the build quality and AF speed. So I sold the Tamron and bought the Canon 24-70. It's an outstanidng lens except its size and weight. I can't never hold the 20D, 24-70, and 580EX for more than 15 minutes. The combination is ridiculously heavy.<p>

Then I tried the Canon 100 Macro. It just simply blows away all the lenses I own using it as a non-macro lens. Three months later, I bought the 300 f/4L IS. This lens told me that I should say good buy to the 70-200 f/4L that I could never take a sharp picture without a tripod. Just imagine every time I wanted to take a picture, I had to set up the tripod and find the collar ring. So when Canon introduced the 70-300 IS, I bought it and sold the 70-200 two days later.<p>

I added to my lens collection the Canon 24-105 last month.<p>

I still remember Jim Larson told me that all f/4 lenses are slow for indoor, but the 24-70 and 70-200 IS are too big and heavy to carry around. That is the reason I have never thought of getting the 70-200 IS. I bought the 24-105 to add to my 17-40. I believe these two lenses will serve me well with a future FF DSLR. the 24-70 will stay in house for my jumping and hiding students. The weight of the 300 f/4L is acceptable because there is no substitution. This lens with the Canon 1.4x II TC is just beautiful. someone told me that I can even add the Kenko 1.4x TC Pro to make it 940mm on the 20D. I'll try it soon.<p>

My experience in buying photography is simple. Buy the newest DSLR and keep it as long as you can. Collect only best lenses. You better have one good lens than a bundle of so-so lenses.<p>

To save money, buy only the best lenses and don't look back.

If you like the optic quality of the little 50 1.8, you're in trouble. When you ever hold and put any of the Canon L lenses on your DSLR, you will be in <b>big</b> trouble. My serious warning: <b><i>Never</i></b> try the Canon 100 Macro. But it's too late now. You won't like your kit lens any more.<p>

What you should do now is to buy a right one. If you want not to be bankrupted, don't keep chasing forever with a better one. Go out and buy the Canon 17-40 f/4L. I promise you that it'll be on your camera most of the time. When you're in low light condition and using flash is not allowed, use your little 50 1.8 instead. The 17-40 and 50 should make you happy for another year before you look for a telezoom.<p>

You will receive a dozen more advices to suggest you to try many other exccelent lenses such as Canon 10-22, 17-85, 17-55, 28-135, Tamron 28-75, Sigma 18-50, 24-70, or even Canon 24-70, 24-105... Just buy the Canon 17-40.<p>

Use B&H special code "psmar" to buy immediately two of the Canon f/2.8L lenses: 24-70 and 70-200 IS. You can't buy cheaper than thoses prices: $1099-$50 and $1599-$50. I would skip the 10-22 and 17-40 but get the Canon 16-35 f/2.8L instead. You still have $3000 to burn on three Canon prime lenses: 100mm Macro, 200 f/2.8L and 300 f/4L IS plus 1.4x II TC. Play these six lenses with your 30D for a while. Do not rush to the 5D too soon. Canon will introduce two or three new full frame DSLRs within two years that will make all current DSLRs history. <p>Don't bother to touch EF-S lenses. Do not listen to those who suggest the 24-105 over the 24-70. You will buy either only 24-70 or both 24-70 and 24-105. However, the 17-40 is worth to consider, but the 16-35 is still better. Do not buy the 70-200 f/4L. Stick with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS.

For you second question, is it important about power consumption? As many other electronic devices, the auto power off is completely off except the date and time that are run by a back-up battery (CR2016). Even the camera is completely off, the battery is leaking over time if you don't use it. A new battery holds power longer than an old one. A single fully-charge of a battery pack BP511A lasts after approximately 700 shots with 50% use of built-in flash under normal temperature, much more than a 2-GB compactflash memory can hold if you shoot RAW. Usually 2 battery packs will last all day of shooting.

Check wwww.supercoupon.com daily if you plan to buy a newly coming out camera or lens. Dell notifiction is usually too late. Supercoupon has information before the coupon starts. Try to order within the first two hours to avoid delay in shipping

Dell Home limited time offer beginning 4/26 8:00am CST through 4/27

8:00am CST or after 100 redemptions. Act fast as the coupon will go

soon.<p>

15% off EOS 30D Digital SLR Camera with 18�55 mm Lens, $1499 - 15%

off coupon TJH2J?09?9WDTG - $60 off coupon $XX9BNPKP49TM0 =

$1214.15 - 2% off using Dell credit card with no interest in 18

months. = $1188.67<p>

I oredered a Canon 24-105 and paid $980 by Dell credit card. The

final cost will be $930 after $50 rebate. The lens came 4 days after

I had ordered in perfect shape and brand new unlike B&H that people

bought and returned several times.

Check <a href="http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/peleng_fisheye_nikon_lens.htm">here</a>.

I agree with Mike. Sterling Tek barries are as good as the genuine Canon batteries.

Buy the 30D. Then you're all set for a while. Be careful the 30D is not cheaper than the 20D. <b>It's impossible.</b> I understand that you have been living, and addictive, with the quality of the 50 1.8 and 70-200 f/4L. However, if you decide to buy the 24-70 in the future, try it on your camera to get the real feeling about its size and weight. You don't want to "walkaround" with that lens. After buying the 30D, you'll need the 17-40 before the midrange zoom. The 17-40, 50, and 70-200 is a very nice, though not ideal, combination on your new 30D. As Yakim said, try both 24-70 and 24-105 before buying. If I were buying one of them today, I would chose the 24- 105 for its longer zoom range and IS feature. I have both and love both very much. Finally, I think the 5D, 17-40, and 24-105 would make a very nice set today. If Canon introduces the 70-200 f/4L IS, it would be perfect for those who don't need f/2.8 lens set.

Don't spend $5000 in L class lenses and a used DSLR. It doesn't make any sense. DSLR depreciate quickly because the new models are far better. Don't buy an old model, and never buy a used DSLR. Buy the brand new up-to-date technology and keep it as long as long you can. Today people shoot their DSLR like crazy. I have a friend who takes more than a thousand pictures a day.<p>

If you know why you don't want to buy a floor model plasma TV, you don't buy a used DSLR.

Don't buy an XT, or a 20D. Don't even bother to buy a used DSLR. Never buy a used DSLR. If you have money to buy a 5D and one good lens such as the Canon 24-105 f/4L IS, and if you can buy more good lenses in the future, go for it. but if you plan to buy a 5D and need to save a long time to buy another lens, buy the 30D and start with the Canon 17-40 f/4L. I won't suggest Canon EF-S lenses because if you're thinking of the 5D, you'll buy a FF DSLR in the near future. The whole point is that how much money you have now, how fast you can save more for more lenses, and how you want to spend your money on photography equipments. I have started playing DSLR for only more than a year, but I don't bother to think other lenses than Canon L lenses simply because I can afford them and want to spend my money on expensive lenses. That is my choice. My budget is $5000 a year for cameras and lenses just to enjoy taking pictures.<p>It is your choice.

As Bob said, just get the 5D and one of the three lenses: 17-40, 24-70, or 24-105. Sell whatever you want to sell except the 70-200 IS.

I'm with Chuck on two points: The 70-300 IS is more practical than the 70-200 f/4L. You should not buy refurbished 70-300 IS for one reason. There is a batch of 70-300 IS lenses that have problem at 300mm with portrait orientation. I would guess many of them are among the refurbihshed pile. I was lucky enough to buy a good one. By the way, I sold my 70-200 f/4L and bought the 70-300 IS.

It depends on how much you will pay your friend for the 70-200 f/4L. If you're happy with the current 75-300 IS, you don't need the 70-200 f/4L though it's an outstanding lens in optic and build quality. It also depends on your shooting style. The 70-200 doesn't have IS. I think you will be happier if you can sell your current 75-300 IS and buy the new 70-300 IS.

It's not true. Please check <a href ="http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=587802/search=canon+35l/skd=1">here</a> for the Canon 35 f/1.4L. Onecall and BestPriceAudioVideo.com are reliable dealers. The latter has better price but accepts retun for store credit only. The Canon 85 f/1.2L II has been available at many stores for a week. Please check <a href ="http://www.17photo.com/product.asp?id=1056B002">here</a>.

Here is their return policy:<p>

Returns:<br>

1) Returns on all Audio and Video products, including Videocameras, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, Receivers, and Computer products and related accessories are accepted within seven (7) days of receipt.<br>

2) NO RETURNS ACCEPTED ON TELEVISIONS. Any product defects will be handled by the product manufacturer under the manufacturer's warranty.<br>

<b>3) Returns are accepted on 35mm and APS photo products within 21 days of receipt.</b><br>

4) Shipping, Handling, and Insurance charges are not refundable.

5) All returns must have a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) clearly labeled on return box. Please call for RMA number prior to returning your package. Returns that are not clearly labeled with RMA number will not be accepted.<br>

<b>6) We accept returns on unopened and unused products without a restocking fee.</b><br>

7) All returns must be in mint condition, with all of the following: Original manufacturerﾒs box, Unmarked instructions and manuals, Blank warranty and/or serial number cards, Cardboard and/or Styrofoam packaging, and all other included factory accessories.<br>

8) We cannot accept any returns on products with filled-out warranty cards or product registrations.<br>

9) All refunds posted within 30 days of receipt of return.<p>

 

Please do not give up. If the invoice lists each item with individual price, you have 21 days to return the Sigma lenses. The problem is that they don't list the restocking fee, so they can charge up to 50% or even more. I suggest you to return everything. Call them immdediately and try to get RMA number today. You might need to spend all day and 50 calls to get the RMA number. Pack carefully every item and send them back using 2-day mail. Do not pay your credit card company the amount of $2400. If they charge more than 15% restocking fee, ask your credit company to put the difference on dispute charge and file a complaint to BBB. Do not give up.

The choice is obvious. For low light indoor with moving children and without flash, you want the 24-70. I don't say it's an ideal lens because f/2.8 is still not fast enough. But it is the only choice. I'm using the 20D, so my problem is that it isn't wide enough for shooting a group of playing children. I think the Canon 5D would be perfect. A prime lens is faser but I always have problem with space limit. I recently bought the 24-105. I can't say which lens is shaper. I think they're very close in optic quality. But f/4 is definitely slow for indoor, and IS is not really helpful for jumping kids. Every time I go out, the 24-70 stays home. I love the f/4 pair 17-40 and 24-105 for out door shooting. I think they are even better with an FF DSLR such as the 5D.<p>

According to my experience with camera and lenses, I think the following set up is very nice.<br>

Camera: 5D (main); 20D (back up)<br>

Outdoor: 17-40, 24-105, 70-300<br>

Indoor: 24-70, 70-200 IS<br>

Long Zoom: 300 f/4L IS<br>

Primes: 28, 50, 85, 100 Macro, 135<br>

Flashes: 580 (primary) 430 (secondary)

I'm with Lee and Don. I have both and will keep both. Do not believe to those who claim the 24-105 is better. They are both excellent in optic quality. However, f/4+IS cannot repleace f/2.8. The 24-70 is better for indoor while the 24-105 is more convenient for outdoor shooting.

Just keep it simple. Buy the Canon 100 Macro. You won't regret.

If you buy the 10-22 and 24-105, you don't need any of the lenses in your list.

I passed the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS and chose the 300 f/4L IS because beyond 200 we don't actually need a zoom lens. Moreover, with the 400 f/5.6L you will have only 400 and no IS. With 300 and 1/4x TC, you have two prime lenses in one: 300 f/4 IS and 420 f/5.6 IS. You can even add a 2.0x TC to make it three in one: 300 f/4, 420 f/4.6, and 600 f/8 with acceptable quality.

Actually the IS of the 24-105 is much quieter than other Canon IS lenses. It isn't normal if you don't hear anything with IS on.

You consideration and decision should be based on two factors. First, try to hold each of them in your hand with a big and heavy lens such as the 70-200 f/2.8L and a midium size lens such as the 28-135 IS. If you feel comfortable holding the XT, buy the XT. Second, consider the time that you will upgrade to an FF DSLR. If you plan to upgrade to say the 5D within 2 years, buy the XT.<p>