kit alternative that is rebate eligible for the 350

[casperton]

Hi all,

Sorry if this seems like a repost - i have searched for hours and havent found an answer that addresses this specifc need.

Just ordered the 350d body only, my first digital SLR (been using a G2 since they came out).

I am looking to take advantage of the rebates and want a good all-around lens to substitute for the kit lens since its not rebatable. From my research the 50 1.4 U and the 17-40 4 LU seem to be highly rated. Am i comparing apple to apples here?

Could someone explain the difference or advantages to one over the other as an everyday lens? Or suggest a better "rebatable" alternative for me, a "cost conscious starter"

I should also mention i will be using indoors frequently, pictures of my toddler, and occasional outdoor landscapes etc

thank you all for contributing to this very educational forum

[Jon]

At one time, in the oh, so distant past, the "kit lens" for your (full-frame 35 mm) camera would have been a 50 mm something. The 17-40 is significantly bigger, which may matter to you, but it'll be more versatile. For indoor use, the 50 will be more desirable, but for outdoor landscapes you'll probably want something wider. From what you say, the 50 sounds the better deal, but only you can make the final decision.

[MrChad]

With the kit 18-55mm so cheap ($100), I'd purchase the camera kit and pair that with one of the longer zooms or tele primes for a larger rebate. The new 70-300mm IS wouldn't be a bad choice, neither would the 70-200 f4L. 28-135mm IS might be a great outdoor general walk around lens too.

[malla1962]

The 17-40 is a superb lens.:D

[casperton]

great feedback so far - i was intending to get a 70-300 eventually, maybe i should shop ebay for a 18-55 and get the 70-300 now?

[Jon]

The 70-300 will be both too long and too slow for your indoor toddler pictures. The 18-55 will also be on the slow side for that. Go with your gut, and get the 50 f/1.4 if kid shots are a major object. Maybe pick up a flash at the same time (either the rebated 580EX or the unrebated 420EX, 550EX,or Sigma 500 DG Super).

[casperton]

yes i learned that, the 70-300 would be for outdoor use

thanks for the advice on the 50mm and flash

[casperton]

found a 18-55 for sale locally on craigslist. Does this seem like a decent deal?
Asking 150, offered 100, will sell for $120

.......

I'd like to sell the zoom lens that came with my Canon 20D DSLR. It's the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 EF-S USM lens. I have 3 filters for this lens, a circular polarizer, a ND 2x filter, and a UV protector. All filters are by Promaster and were bought at National Camera recently. I will also include lens caps for each end of the lens. The lens is in good shape with no scratches on the glass. This lens mostly sat in my camera bag, so it's in good shape.

I'd like to get $150 which I feel is a fair price as the filters are lightly used and worth about $80 alone.

Please email if interested. Serious offers only please.

[MrChad]

Anything over $100 may be a hard sell since USM versions of this lens can be had new with warranty for $140 street. And a 58mm filter set isn't too expensive either.

Heck you can have a New Sigma 18-50mm DC, for about $100 with a 4yr warranty and metal lens mount construction.

[Jon]

Promaster isn't one of the top filter manufacturers, either.

[casperton]

Thanks to you all for advice - I was able to convince him to sell it without filters and talked him down to $80, worth it to me since he lives blocks from my office and dont have to go through a bidding, tax, shipping process