New to the Game need Help please

[jeffysonia]

Hello everyone I am new to this and am ready to buy the Canon XTI but I have a few options on which way to go. I can buy this package listed here for $950.00:

Digital Rebel XTi Body
Eyecup Ef
Wide Strap EW-100DBII
Video Cable VC-100
Cable IFC-400PCU
Battery Pack NB-2LH
Battery Charger CB-2LW
EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manual
IS & Macro Booklets Sigma 28-70mm f2.8-4 HIGH SPEED lens
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Lens
Titanium .45x Wide Angle Lens
3 Piece HIGH Resolution Filter Kit
Kingston 2GB Elite Pro Compact Flash
USB Compact Flash Card Reader
Digital Flash for SLR Cameras
Heavy Duty Aluminum Hard Case
Deluxe All Weather Proof Carrying Case
Deluxe Video & Photo Tripod
Professional 3 Pc. Lens Cleaning Kit

Or go with the XTI body and buy the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4.0L
Lens and just have that lens with the camera for around $1000.00.

Which way would be better? I know that the canon lenses would cover many different options as I want to shoot my son playing tee ball and swimming and just regular every day shots of the family and stuff.

How good are Sigmas lenses? ANy help and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!!!

[Jon, The Elder]

Or go with the XTI body and buy the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4.0L
Lens and just have that lens with the camera for around $1000.00.

This is definately the better deal. For 2 reasons.
You are essentially using the same camera body for both options.
The Canon 70/200 is one of the most popular lenses in use. It is quality and flexibility in one package. The lens will last you through many, many changes in camera bodies.
All of the peripherals can by purchased as you go.

[KCMO Al]

I second Jon's recommendations. I would almost always say beware of bundles. They almost always include bottom rung components (what the heck is a "titanium .45x wide angle lens, anyway?) and are used just to jack the price up. I don't know for sure, but it sounds like the Sigma is their run-of-the-mill consumer product which is acceptable to some, but not top-tier and in no way compares to the 70-200 f/4L. Go for that package and buy from a reputable dealer like B&H and get only what you need. As Jon says, you'll figure out what accessories you need fairly quickly and can get them as you go.

[zacker]

body and 70-200L that lens will be in your bag alot longer than the body!!

[Becca]

I agree, don't bother with the bundle. Sounds like a package I got suckered into when I purchased my first camera. You get a bunch of crap that you will never use (like that .45x wide angle lens) The hard case has been sitting in my closet since it got here and the soft case broke on about the 3rd trip out.

[PhotosGuy]

What they said. + you can get a used Kit lens (18-55mm) for about $60 to cover the lower end.
Post your best shots from the "kit lens"-EF-S 18-55 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185522)

[WolfHeart]

I just got my camera 'Package' Last August and i have already had to send my sigma 70-300 f/5.6 DG macro back for warrenty service. Now it sounds like a rusty cog when AF on anything. I wish i could do it over and have jsut the body and lens for that price.

Good luck and have fun snapping away.

[jeffysonia]

Thanks to everyone! Once I get the camera and all I will post pictures. I know I will need some help so get ready for lots of questions!

THANKS!

[KCMO Al]

Another hint that this is a rip...when they describe the items included from the manufacturer as "extras" like the lens strap, battery and charger, walk...no, RUN away.