20D or 350D and which lens to buy ?

[DavoMrMac]

Oh please please help, I have information overload.
Walked out of a Jessops last week (again) empty handed after hearing about the 350D. I mainly do product pack shots, but also get out and about to Motor Racing events and also take landscapes, so my photos vary a lot.

I had settled on a 20D and then heard about the 350D, which got me thinking to save on the camera and get a better lens.

Money is not an issue, so three main questions really.

1. Should I just jump in with a 20D or wait for the 350D, the main worries about the 20D were some forums having users experiencing various issues with the 20D?

2. What lens to get with the kit, 18-55, an IS lens, EF or EF-S, so much to understand. I guess I just want a good lens to take me from 18-70 as the lens that'll remain on the camera most of the time?

3. Then I would like to add a zoom lens to extend my range from where the main lens ends, up to 200mm. Nice and fast focussing would be good?

Any suggestions and advice would be really appreciated.

[gramps]

The 20D is a great camera - don't worry about "issues" that you have read about. If I were to startout today and not a few months ago as I did I would still go with the lenses that are in my signature and add the 10 - 22.

[Whaler]

20D ;)

[Chazs]

After having my DRebel for 10 months I was in the same boat. Settled on the 20D. Paused for a week when I heard about the 350D (Rebel XT), but realized the added features of the 20D, and what I like to do with photography, just far out paced the Rebels, new or old. I've had the 20D for a day and a half and am kicking myself for not purchasing it earlier.

My only decision was on which kit: the 18-55 or the 17-85 for an extra $400. I opted for the 18-55, and now only need a bit more for the 70-200L.

Get the 20D. You'll be glad you did.

[tim]

The main advantage of the 20D is the 2nd dial, though the larger buffer might help some people, and they've changed to a different bat for the 350D. I bought the 20D instead of the 350D, and i'm happy with it, but the 350D is great value.

For lenses how about the Tamron 28-75 and the Canon 70-200 F4? Both are highly regarded around here.

[DavoMrMac]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I had sorta decided on the 18-55 kit, either 20D or 350D body, but also read a lot of users bought body only and an 18-70 lens.

Also, what is the difference between these lenses, EF, EF-S, and L - I know IS is Image Stabiliser, so good for a zoom lens.

Thanks again.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'd say 20D just based on the fact that a 350D buyer will probably be waiting untill May to get there hands on one unless they are wllling to pre-order which might get you one by April.

Lens
Please take a look at the -=Top Ten=- Lens recomendations thread at the top of the EOS forum,. it may have the answers you are looking for.

[cactusclay]

The difference between the ef and efs that you are probably interested in is that only the reble and the 20D can use efs lenses right now, so if you are ever considering getting a pro dslr or a film camera, you might want to stay away from the efs lenses. I would get the 20D personally, because it really doesn't seem to be lacking anything that I can think of right now and the image quality is plenty good for what I use it for. If you got the new Reble, you might wish for some of the features on the 20D, then again, maybe not.

[wintermute76]

I have a similar question. I'm looking at pulling the trigger on a 20D this weekend. Just how good/bad is the 18-55mm that comes with it? Right now I have a Sony F707 with the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens. Better or worse?

Been eyeing up the Sigma and Tamron lenses in the 17-35mm range.

[tim]

Get the kit lens, if nothing else it's a cheap wide angle lens. Get the 50mm F1.8 with it, it's cheap and remarkably good quality given the price.

[raylks]

If money is not an issue, then get a 20D. Its build is more attractive than 350D. But if you prefer small size like me, then 350D will make you very happy.

[pradipkar]

I am thinking of Sigma 70-300 APO lens which is well over 500gm. Can XT (with small body ) support this ? I mean body weight is less than Lens weight, will it stress the mount point ?

[mr.photoguy]

Yes the XT's mount points are strong enough to support a good amount of weight. I believe it is made out of the same, or similar to the 20D's.