rwyphotography

<p>Last year I was facing the same situation and was deciding between the T1i vs 5DII. I went with the T1i and with the extra money I gradually added Sigma 30 1.4, Canon 85 1.8, Canon 70-200 4 IS, and finally the Canon 24-70 2.8. Over the last year, I learned a whole lot about photography, my preferred subjects and the equipment that I need and don't need. I did enough shooting that my T1i has been at the Canon Service Center all of April, initially with a broken shutter and now with a broken shutter button. When it comes back, I'll continue to shoot with it and in a year get the 5DII or 5DIII. <br>

Overall I realized that I learn with each picture that I take and shutter life for these cameras are rated to last 100k actuations and wear out over time(mine had a premature failure and was replaced under warranty). If you are at the beginning stage, I would get the entry level camera and build up your lens and lighting kit and upgrade the body later.</p>

<p>I have a 6 and 4 year old and I own the 85mm f1.8 and 70-200mm f4 IS. Practically, I end up using the 70-200mm f4 IS a lot more because of the zooming capabilities since they run around and can't hold still. I find that the reach of the 200mm allows me to capture their soccer games and award ceremonies while the zoom allows me to compose and frame much faster. While indoors, I shoot with at ISO of 800-1600 on a Canon Rebel T1i and with Adobe Lightroom's noise reduction, the quality of the picture is good enough for a 12 x 18 in. </p>

<p>I have the Sigma 30 f1.4 and love the image quality. Initially when I was reading the reviews, I read a lot about focusing issues with this lens. I did not have the problems and enjoy the light weight yet solid construction and the nice bokeh.</p>