30d, 17-85 zoom, & memory (best deal?)

[dandcp]

Now that the Canon fall rebate is on I am ready to buy the Canon 30d. I don't think I will go with a kit lens but save that $100 and put towards a better wide zoom. Like the 17-85 IS USM I think. I eventually want to get a Canon EF 70-300 IS USM but don't think I can afford it right now.
And of course I need a memory card. Probably a Sandisk 1GB. Are there any rebates on those that I am missing?

So where is the best place to get these? Best deal? I am in no rush, just on a budget.
I have heard of B&H, Beach, buydig, and just heard of www.robertsimaging.com but not online, need to call Indiana store? and of course Costco. Not sure if they have the lens tho.

What would you do? Where would you buy this week?

[dandcp]

no reply? no extra deals I am missing?

Where's the best price and service then?

Thanks

[Jalva22]

Check out the thread on this forum for "where/where not to buy" to get an idea of reputable dealers. Then, you can easily find your answer by going to cnet or pricegrabber. Or just go to this site's "Reviews & Info" link and select the camera you want and scroll through the vendors.

[dandcp]

Thanks,

I think I will go with B&H, bought stuff from them before. (Video)

Anyone got the Mack 7-Year Warranty for Lens from there? is that worth it?

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[timmciglobal]

The 17-85 is an overpriced underperforming lens.

You would be much better off buying 30D, 430 EX flash and a 17-50 F2.8 Tamron or 28-75 F2.8 tamron lens.

Tim