Help Me Spend My Money ;)

Hello fellow photographers,

This is my first post on the forum but I have been coming here for quite some time now. Anyway... I got my first slr last year, a used 400d, since then, I have greatly improved my skills and am itching for some new gear. Christmas is quickly approaching (a lot of money will be going out) but I have ~$800 to spend on myself. I have found myself longing for a non-rebel shooter, but I also want to invest in some good glass. I currently only own the kit lens and a nifty-fifty (I love that little guy). Back on topic...I shoot mostly outdoor soccer games (doesn't work well with the short focal lengths) and portraits.

My question for all you kind people is where I should put my money. My preferences so far are as follows:

A 70-200mm f4l non is
A 17-40mm f4l
A used EOS 1D (the 4.15 MP scares me but I've heard great things) ~$485 on KEH
A used EOS 1D Mark II (not as good used condition on KEH) ~$750
A used xxD (Suggestions?)

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Benjamin

The 70-200 would get my vote--Or a Sigma 70-200 f2.8

Glass before bodies is the way I went, and would be my recommendation.

The 1D dinosaur has some of the nicest OOC files out there, but it is going on 10 years old and has become a disposable if you have problems--and you have to shoot tight.

Best of luck with your decision, and welcome to the forum.

Help you spend your money? I can give you my address and you can mail me a check!

Numenorean wrote in post #13367401
Help you spend your money? I can give you my address and you can mail me a check!

You wish!! LOL

i think it would help with the decision if you gave examples of what you shoot. aside from that, all your choices so far are fairly solid, though i'd argue that the 1d2 is a better buy than the 1dc

What about a 5D classic ? It's a great body in my opinion
The 17-40 f/4 and 70-200 f/4 are great performers too, and the cheapest L lenses around

midget wrote in post #13367431
i think it would help with the decision if you gave examples of what you shoot. aside from that, all your choices so far are fairly solid, though i'd argue that the 1d2 is a better buy than the 1dc

I love freezing action and my family relies on me for portraits and capturing momories. Would you value the improved camera over the better used quality?

TC_Fenua wrote in post #13367434
What about a 5D classic ? It's a great body in my opinion
The 17-40 f/4 and 70-200 f/4 are great performers too, and the cheapest L lenses around

That's precisely why they are on my list. Is a 5D in my budget?

KEH is a little more expensive than if you buy from Ebay or right here.

dave kadolph wrote in post #13367398
The 70-200 would get my vote--Or a Sigma 70-200 f2.8

Glass before bodies is the way I went, and would be my recommendation.

The 1D dinosaur has some of the nicest OOC files out there, but it is going on 10 years old and has become a disposable if you have problems--and you have to shoot tight.

Best of luck with your decision, and welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the welcome, do you own the sigma? If you do, how has your experience been with it?

Numenorean wrote in post #13367401
Help you spend your money? I can give you my address and you can mail me a check!

I knew I'd get that from someone

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #13367490
KEH is a little more expensive than if you buy from Ebay or right here.

How can I assure the same quality?

Well, it's hard to go wrong here. People are extremely honest in the sell section. There's no guarantee, of course, but if someone is selling something you can ask around about them. People will be quick to tell you (look for the feedback section and do a search for the user).

I've bought and sold on here for a couple years with no problems. Ripoffs are pretty darn rare around here.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #13367523
Well, it's hard to go wrong here. People are extremely honest in the sell section. There's no guarantee, of course, but if someone is selling something you can ask around about them. People will be quick to tell you (look for the feedback section and do a search for the user).

I've bought and sold on here for a couple years with no problems. Ripoffs are pretty darn rare around here.

Thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to check it out.

I agree with those recommending going with a lens - the two you listed would be fine. You might also consider the EF-S 15-85 f/3.5-5.6 IS, which is an outstanding performer on 1.6 crop cameras. However, I just re-read your OP and noticed you felt your current lenses were too short for outdoor soccer - in that case, I'd definitely go for the 70-200.