Buy, sell or trade....

What to do. I've been needing or wanting a back-up camera body for some time now so I responded to a local ad about a Canon 30D with 3 Sigma lenses and some accessories. I think I got a smoking deal but two of the lenses weren't the models that I was led to believe when I inquired. Nonetheless, everything is in near mint condition and I'm thrilled.

I got a Lowepro bag, the Canon 30D with BG-E2 grip, a remote switch, 2 off camera shoe cords, a 430 EX II, several UV filters (there's also a box for a decent CPOL filter but I don't see it in there), a Sigma 120-400 f4.5-5.6 APO DG OS, a Sigma 50mm 1:2.8 EX macro (at least think it's the EX, there's a big EX on the side) and a Sigma 18-50 1:3.5-5.6DC. There may be some other small stuff in there too, I haven't had the time to fully investigate.

So, I now have to decide what to keep. I mostly shoot wildlife photos, some landscape and macro and the odd family stuff but mostly wildlife. I already have a Tokina AT-X Pro 100 macro, a Canon 100-400L, a Canon 70-300IS USM, and a Canon 15-85. Frankly, I'm not sure that I need either of the two new Sigma short lenses and I probably won't keep the 120-400 unless I find that it's close, equal to or better than the 100-400, which I don't anticipate.

So, I have to decide whether to trade this stuff for what I want or to sell it outright and then purchase what I want. I could use a really good tripod, I know that. About the only lenses that I'm really interested in right now would be the 70-300L, the 400 f5.6 or maybe the Sigma 70-200 2.8 (my sons both wrestle and I think this would be a good lens for that). I also wouldn't mind upgrading the 30D to a 40D or a 7D but who knows.

Any opinions about what I should pare down or keep? I think I'll keep my two bodies in separate bags and keep my 60D with a super telephoto on it all the time and I'll keep the 30D in a seperate bag with a wide angle lens (15-85 most likely) and a macro. I know it's ultimately my opinion but I always follow this sort of thread here on the board and know I'll get some reasoned opinions. Thanks in advance.

Also, while I've read a ton of reviews of the 120-400 because I had previously considered purchasing one but I have no clue about the quality of the 50 macro or the 18-50, nor do I have a real idea of the value of those lenses (tried to use the search function but didn't find many on the for sale forum). I'm guessing that the 18-50 is akin to the 18-55 Canon kit lens, right? What about the 50 macro, it seems like a fairly sharp lens based on a couple of very quick test shots that I made. Value for either or both?

Doesn't seem like you have a need for any of the lenses in the package, so I'd get rid of all of them. You'll probably get more money if you sell them separately, but it would save you some hassle if you were able to find someone who wanted the whole package to purchase or trade. Trading might be challenging, if you're hoping to gain a decent tripod from it, but it can't hurt to post.

I would think finding someone to trade everything with would take a while...i'd sell them all..

figure you could get:
$225 for 50mm
$75 for the 18-50mm
$750-$800 for the 120-400OS...

i'd use the money and go for a 70-200f2.8 OS

OK, thanks for the input guys and I hope others will continue to add their thoughts. That's about what I thought for values. At this point, I'm stuck between wanting to upgrade one of my bodies to a 7D (I do mostly wildlife and some sports) or a higher end lens like the Sigma 70-200 2.8 (can't afford the Canon II and don't want the original I don't think), 70-300L or 400 f5.6. Even though I haven't tested the actuations on the 30D, it's minty but I think I might still consider upgrading it to a 40D for the pixels anyway, we'll see.

I'll probably mull it over for several days and at least take some test shots with each lens before throwing them up on the sale or trade board.