Just decided on a Canon 30D - check out my shopping cart if you like

[Hoplite]

OK, after much researching (about 3 months worth :o ) and inquiries (one here (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29979)) the decision has been made. It shall be the Canon 30D. So shall it be written, so shall it be done!

Here's my list:

30D body
Canon 50mm f1.8
Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX Macro
Targus vertical/battery grip
Canon 200EG backpack
Bogen/Manfrotto 681B monopod
UV filters for both lenses

Grand total - $2400

No flash. That will have to wait till Father's Day or a birthday. Any recommendations?

The last month of my researching was deciding between the 30D and the D80. What sold it for me was the continuous framerate. I knew the difference and people told me the difference but it wasn't until I heard the difference back to back from DP Review did it sink in. Take a listen:

D80 @ 3 fps (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD80/Samples/Audio/d80-jpeg-fine.mp3)
30D @ 5fps (4.85) (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS30D/Samples/Audio/eos30d-jpeg(std-fine).mp3)


Since I'll be shooting a lot of sports and action initially with my daughters' competitive gymnastics and soccer, this feature will be invaluable. Plus the slight advantage low-light/high-ISO performance of the 30D also factored in the decision. I'm just hoping the Sigma decision doesn't come back and bite me in the @ss.

I've tried both cameras out and felt they were both equally comfortable. UI on both were easy enough to navigate. I'm sure more lenses will come but this will be a good start.

[coldrain]

I personally would not use UV filters as "lens protection", I would not really know what it is supposed to pretect from and it has the possibilty of introducing some reflections in shots.
If you are worried about finger smudges, buying a good lens cleaning kit (soft brush, special lens cleaning fluid, soft lens cleaning cloth) will be fine (and you will have to clean a filter the same way).

On beaches with wind, yes by all means use a filter if you feel it is needed... but filters do not protect from falling or bumbing into hard things. The lens hood protects when needed, and the 50mm has an intruded front element anyway.

For the rest the package looks fine to me, if you think you need or want the battery grip.

[Prospero]

Yes, that's a great kit. I'm sure you will have lots of fun with it.

I do notice that you have nothing selected to cover the range from 18-50. Personally I would get a lens for that range, even if it is only the 18-55 kit lens. I think the use of the camera is limited without something to cover that range.

[Hoplite]

Yes, that's a great kit. I'm sure you will have lots of fun with it.

I do notice that you have nothing selected to cover the range from 18-50. Personally I would get a lens for that range, even if it is only the 18-55 kit lens. I think the use of the camera is limited without something to cover that range.

Thanks, I'm pretty stoked about it. I had really enjoyed photography long ago with my Minolta film SLR. Had to sell everything for financial reasons. It's not until now that I have the means and the desire to do it again.

As far as a wide zoom, I was looking at the Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical IF (that's a mouthful) or the Tamron AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF. But most likely I will save up for the Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM. I also have my sights set on the Canon 135mm f/2 L USM. I'm sure there's more too.

[Hoplite]

I personally would not use UV filters as "lens protection", I would not really know what it is supposed to pretect from and it has the possibilty of introducing some reflections in shots.
If you are worried about finger smudges, buying a good lens cleaning kit (soft brush, special lens cleaning fluid, soft lens cleaning cloth) will be fine (and you will have to clean a filter the same way).

On beaches with wind, yes by all means use a filter if you feel it is needed... but filters do not protect from falling or bumbing into hard things. The lens hood protects when needed, and the 50mm has an intruded front element anyway.

I just think better to replace a filter that the lens due to a scratch. And I do plan to shoot nature is various environments. If I bump into something or something/someone bumps into me, I'd rather the filter take the brunt of it.

For the rest the package looks fine to me, if you think you need or want the battery grip.

I used a vertical grip in on a friend's 20D I borrowed for the weekend and like them as opposed to reaching over or bending my wrist over which I find uncomfortable.

[mcenut]

Did your friend have the Targus vertical/battery grip? I've been thinking about buying that one instead of the Canon grip a save a few bucks. But I have been worried about quality issues when not buying the actual Canon.

[Hoplite]

Yep, she had just purchased the Targus grip. Looks and feels identical to the Canon except for the button feel. It is noticeably softer than the camera shutter button but it is fine it you aren't that discerning. She likes it and I had no problem with it.

[cwat212]

You won't need the UV filter to protect to Canon 50mm 1.8. If you bump it the whole lens will break. Mine lasted a week. It is a great lens but just be aware that it breaks easily.

I would really suggest the 50mm 1.4. I know it costs more but I would have saved $85 if I had bought the 1.4 first.