Upgrading to 30D Need help w/lens choices

Hi all...

This is my first post so please bare with me)

I am upgrading to a 30D and would like some input on what I should get lens wise.

Here is my current inventory:

Digital Rebel (300D)
Elan IIe (FIlm)
EFS 18-55mm
EF 28-80mm (pretty much the same as the one that came free with the Rebel)
EF 75-300mm (old school and slow)

My budget (not counting body) is about $2,000 and Canon has a great rebate going so I could up it a little. I really like to photograph people both candid and portrait and I love macro. I also photograph a lot of children's parties for friends (both indoor and outdoor) and am starting to actually get paid for it I have been looking at the 24-70 and 24-105 but the threads are mind boggling...too many to make a clear choice.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

On last thing...any opinion on purchasing from a store (Calumet) vs. online (B & H)???

Thanks again!!! Lisa

Are you selling all your other gear to get extra cash? I'd recommend it if you haven't thought of it.

If you are thinking macro and portraits, then I'd recommend something along a Sigma 50mm, 70mm, 105mm macros or Canon EF-S60mm, 50mm, or 100mm macro. If you really want to double the rebate and really like macro. Then a dedicated macro like the Caon 100mm macro should make an excellent choice and also work well for indoor/outdoor portrait lens as well. For party type shots, you can go wide zoom like a Canon 17-40L, 16-35L, Tamron 17-35, Tamron 17-50.

Good luck

the 24~70/2.8 should cover most of your needs for candid/portrait shots, but that and the 30D will likely eat up your entire budget. however, if you sell some of your old gear, you should be able to easily afford the sigma 70-300 APO macro for $200. you get a decent tele lens and macro. if you cannot afford the L, perhaps check out the sigma 24-70/2.8 for less than half the price. (or the tamron 28-75, which some claim is as sharp as the L lens)

as for where to buy, calumet is overpriced. go b&h, or a local retailer that will offer you a good deal. dont settle or give in when salespersons try to persuade you to get something different from what you originally planned.

Thanks so much for the help!!! Just got the 100mm and 24-70 from B and H Can't wait until Friday!!!

For portraits, I'd also highly recommend the 85 f/1.8. It's a great lens for a great price and is part of the rebates. Enjoy.