New Purchase

Ok guys and gals, after much, much thought into this process I have decided to make my first DSLR purchase. Here is what I have decided on, please give your comments as I will be placing the order today for the items listed below:
1. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (I know there can be a lot of debate on this choice)
2. Canon EF 50 1.4 U
3. Canon EF 85 1.8 U
4. Canon EF 17-40 4L U
That fits in with my wife's budget for my anniversary. Well let me know what you think. I will be at first mostly shooting portraits and day to day pictures with the family and using it to take pictures on vacation. I know I need to get a medium zoom like a 24-70 or a telephot like a 70-200 but I would have to give up one of the other lenses in order to get one of these now. However I plan on these purchases in the future. Oh yeah I think I am a gear whore, this stuff is fantastic and I can't wait to use it and also buy more in the future. Well folks give me your thoughts on this soon to be purchase.

Larry

Looks like some good choices to me. I wouldn't mind having any of those lenses. However, if you plan to use the 17-40L for indoor shots you might need something a little faster than the f/4 it gives you. I use every bit of my f/2.8 Tamron lens when shooting indoors.

That list is really good. Those lenses will keep you happy for a very long time. The software that comes with the XT will be good for a while. Learn it well. Sometime you can add a speedlite. Don't forget filters for the lenses. I have polarizing or UV filters on all the lenses for protection. And get a great bag, and . . . So, you see, the list is great, but you are just starting. You will still need an extra battery and maybe a couple of CF cards. I always plan to spend $200 more when buying a new camera for those two required accessories. The rebates will make the $200 hurt less. I hope. Maybe consider Mike's suggestion and get a less expensive lens than the 17-40L and get the cards and battery. Tamron and Sigma lenses are good choices for the wide angle lens.

SuzyView

Looks like great choices to me Larry, would love to have some of them myself.
Enjoy your purchase, looking forward to your first post.

Wayne

With three of my four lenses in your selection, I would say you have made an excellent choice

Just save up for the 135mm L and we could be twins - well apart from my 10d

All the lenses are good solid performers. As has been pointed out the 17-40 is best used with flash, or outdoors with good light, or on a tripod.

My only point would be that I wouldn't buy them at the same time. The 50mm and 85mm are actually quite close. I might be more tempted to go for the 100mm macro. That gives you an extra string to your bow if that interests you. You might be best to get used to the 50mm and see if you actually don't want anything rather longer than 85mm.

All good fun though.

Best of luck.

Graham

All very nice lenses for sure, but, 85mm is just too close to 50mm for me and also, I don't find 85mm a 'comfortable' focal lenght with a 1.6 crop factor camera. I would suggest considering one of the 100mm lenses instead.