The time to choose is nearing

[nwafan20]

Alright, I am getting ready to buy my camera and accessories. I will have about $1,200 to spend at first, until I earn more. Here is what I have already decided. (Unfortunately I won't be able to get the 100-400L for a while)

Canon Digital Rebel XTi body
2GB CF card (Already have)
Case (Already have)
tripod (Already have)

So, after purchasing the camera body, which I can get for around $650 now, that leaves me with 550 (Approx.) for lenses.

What would you guy's recommend, I want a telephoto and a lens what will be good for walking around with it on the camera for general shooting. I have looked at the 28-105, but on a 1.6 crop camera, that doesn't seem wide enough. I am also looking at waiting another month or so and possibly get the 70-300 IS USM, but we will see.

What would you guy's buy?

[NIKV69]

IMO if you want to get serious about av-photo buy a 2.8 80-200. You will have to get a little closer to your subjects but the results will be the best you can achieve. In the meantime save for the 400 IS. The 200 is much more sharper and more versatile. You can even throw a TC on it to get to 400 and still get decent results. I do the majority of shooting with my 200 and I wouldn't trade it for anything. If I am shooting departures then I will throw the 80-400 VR on but only out of necessity.

[T-Bird76]

Without a doubt go for the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens. Its 550 without tax and gives you outstanding results.

[pgengler]

I got the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM lens as a birthday present a few months ago, and I don't really have anything negative to say about it. The 70-300 looks like a nice lens, though; I know there have been plenty of times I've wished I could go "just a little wider" while keeping the 300mm. The IS on that lens will be nice for when it's windy or not quite bright enough. The only downside I can see is the price; it'll wipe out your lens budget and it might be too telephoto for a "walking around" lens.

My "walking around" lens is the (discontinued) Canon 35-135mm USM, which I got used, but if I were picking a new lens I'd definitely go with the Canon 28-135 IS USM. This lens will run you about $400, though, and so even with the cheaper 100-300, that's still about $680 (plus tax) for the two lenses. Maybe you could get the XTi kit with the 18-55mm lens ($785 @ B&H) and then get the 100-300 (total $1065) or the 70-300 (total $1335)? I also notice there's also a 75-300 lens; it doesnt seem as nice as the 70-300 or even the 100-300, and I can't vouch for it at all (the fredmiranda.com reviews seem to indicate that it's soft at 70 and again near 300, which might be OK if you're just taking pictures for the sake of it, but bad for uploading to Anet or JP), but at $160 might be a better fit for the budget, especially if you plan to retire this lens when you get the 100-400mm.

[nwafan20]

Ok, thanks guys, I think I will go with my first plan unless anyone has any other imput:

70-300 IS and 28-105

[nwafan20]

Well, looks like I won't have a problem getting the 70-300 IS, I just sold my RC plane for $325. Thanks guys for your help!