40D+70-200mm f/2.8 or 50D(when it comes out)+cheaper lens

[photogenicly]

I am kind of new to the digital side of slrs but i am wondering if i should get a 40d with 70-200mm f 2.8 or a 50d with a much cheaper lens .cannot 50d and 70-200 f2.8 cos budget really tight

[zj2000]

If it were me I would get 20d with 70-200 2.8 and tamron 17-50... no matter how good the camera is a good lens will always give you better results whether in terms of contrast, color or sharpness....

[photogenicly]

oh thanks haha.......guess the lens are more urgent

[ferrai]

Yep. you can find a 20D for 500 in the BnS now

[coffee3in1]

Yeah, lens holds its value better.

[Ren_Hao]

I would go for the 40D and 70-200 f2.8 too...........

Bodies will get "outdated" much faster than lens. Lens will in general give you more "enjoyment" too

[Headshotzx]

2.8 or 2.8IS?

If it was 40D + 70-200 2.8L vs 50 + cheaper lens, I'd make it a 20D (or 30D, price will drop a lot when 50D comes out) + 70-200 2.8IS, then when you have money in year's time, get the next camera you'd like, be it 60D, 5d2, 1d3 etc etc.

Glass hold value better than cameras. You won't exactly feel "WOW" unless you upgrade to a fullframe or pro series. Those will confirm make you happy, but if budget is the main factor, Old camera + 70-200 2.8IS is the way to go.

[engrmariano]

definitely 40D + 70-200 2.8L IS

[digital601]

Originally Posted by photogenicly I am kind of new to the digital side of slrs but i am wondering if i should get a 40d with 70-200mm f 2.8 or a 50d with a much cheaper lens .cannot 50d and 70-200 f2.8 cos budget really tight

Since its your first; go for 50D.
You won't regret.

[devilboy]

Originally Posted by photogenicly I am kind of new to the digital side of slrs but i am wondering if i should get a 40d with 70-200mm f 2.8 or a 50d with a much cheaper lens .cannot 50d and 70-200 f2.8 cos budget really tight

I used to be a fan for bodies and have a few cheap lens to play with.... Till I buy a 2nd hand my 70-200L 2.8... Recent release of camera bodies no longer interest me. And I plan to save up for another 3 more L lenses in the next 3 years.. hahaha all in the pipe line
16-35L
100-400L
24-70L (Last in the list as I am very happy with my Sigma version)

[photogenicly]

oh tnks for the advice.oh yea one more thing is a the 70-200 a good lens cos i had good reviews for it

[wdEvA]

go for the 40D and get better lens.
no point getting the newest body but sacrificing on the lens.

[zj2000]

Originally Posted by photogenicly oh tnks for the advice.oh yea one more thing is a the 70-200 a good lens cos i had good reviews for it

It's a very good zoom lens. But once you have tried a canon tele prime nothing comes close. Ok I shall not poison you further.

[zj2000]

Oh one more thing don't waste money and time on cheap lenses, they will end up costing you more. When i first started i wanted to save money so i bought cheap lenses, i ended up selling them off at a big loss and buying a much more expensive lens.

[skagen]

easy answer for me.... I vote for better lenses.....

[lennyl]

This hobby is potentially expensive. You should not be looking at it as "how can I lose the least money". I'm not saying you should sell your kidney to get the best gear - I'm saying you should spend what you are comfortable with and get what fits your need best.

Your goal here, if you're serious about the hobby, is "what combo gives me the best images". Must you have f/2.8? What are you going to shoot? Is the choice between, say, a 40D + 70-200 f/2.8 IS or 50D + 70-200 f/4 IS? I don't have the answers, unfortunately, but hopefully the questions can help you figure out what works best for you.

[photogenicly]

oh tnk for all your advice i will keep an eye on the price and buy something after my exams haha..tkns again

[ahbian]

Originally Posted by photogenicly oh tnks for the advice.oh yea one more thing is a the 70-200 a good lens cos i had good reviews for it

Are you referring to the IS or non-IS version? I am thinking if you have tried shooting with them before or are you buying based on reviews?

Picture qualities aside, you must realize that the IS version weighs quite a bit, you should find out if you are prepared to lug it around for a day of shooting.

My standard advice is to see if you can borrow one from a friend or rent one, try it out for at least a day of shooting, then decide if it suits your needs.

[devilboy]

Actually, you can even think of a 2nd hand 5D and 24-105L f4 IS (Around $3500 - depending on conditions)??? With 5D MKII coming in such attractive price, getting a 2nd hand legendary 5D is definately an option you can look at. 70-200L f/2.8 IS or non-IS, its a very heavy lens to use for walk about and I think I am a lousy shooter myself, I cannot get a decent shot with 70-200 f/2.8 without my monopod, 24-105L is very decent multi-purpose lens.