What would you do?

I've decided to go with the 30D vs the XTi for various reasons but I'm sure you guys don't need to hear about it. Anyways, here's my next dilemna--many threads are bashing the 'Kit Lens' but Costco, yes, I'm thinking of getting my 30D at Costco (again, for various reasons--cash back on my credit card, their killer return policy, etc) doesn't sell the body only and here's what they're offering:

1) $1,229.99 After Rebates
Canon 30D with 18-55mm EF-S & 75-300mm EF

OR

2) $1,149.99 After Rebate
Canon 30D with the 18-55mm EF-S Lens

Now, is it worth getting the 75-300mm for another $80 or should I go with choice #2 and just shop around for a better lens somewhere else? What's a good, all-round walk around lens that could almost do it all? I've been using my cousin's 28-135mm IS lens and it does a fine job for the most part.

I shoot everything from portraits, landscape, architecture, abstract, etc. I'm mainly a hobbyist looking to step up from the XT BUT I also shoot occasional weddings and portraits (for money). I need to stay within a budget though or else the wife will kill me. If I had to have one or two lenses and stay under 2k (that includes the camera from Costco, which leaves about $800), what should I get? I know there's not a do-it-all lens but you can lead me to think that there is.

Here's what I'm thinking that's in range, which I can get possibly two of the following if I combo them correctly:

EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS
28-135mm IS (since I'm familiar with it)
70-200mm f/4L
85mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.8

Dream lenses:

EFS 17-55mm f/2.8 IS
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS

What's the closest lens to the 17-55 f/2.8 IS that's within reason/price? 17-85? Tamron?

Thanks for all the help guys/gals!

Personally, I would go with the second option and put the money saved towards a lens of your choice. Although both lenses you mention are adequate, they are far from great performers. The 50 1.4 is an awesome lens for the money and that would be one of my first picks. The 70-200 f4 is also a stellar lens but it can't compete with the 1.4 in low light situations.

I'd go with Option 2. I owned the 75-300 and thought it was abysmal. When you can swing it, you might consider the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. Both are great lenses, and each would work well in lower light conditions.

Do a search for latest BHphoto code, buy body only, less than $1K after rebate! I did! I wanted very much myself to buy from Costco when I got my 30D last month, but just couldn't see paying that much more for so much less. Get the Nifty Fifty with BH and you still have a few bucks saved for another lens. My two cents.

Edited to add: If you go my route, you could go to eBay buy the kit lens and still ahve money left over compared to Costco, plus you have the 50mm basically free!

Be aware that the 50/1.4 is pretty useless wide open; it is very soft and has high chromatic aberration. Some people think the 50/1.8 focuses poorly. I've found that f/4 and up lenses limit me a lot; I'm trying to figure out how to make a pricey f/2 equivalent arrive at my house without my wife noticing.

See, the thing with Costco is that you can just about return anything and for any reason...I know I'll be happy with the 30D--it's not the camera, it's the photographer+good glass BUT if the 40D does roll around sometime in the near future, I know for sure I'll be able to return my 30D and get the 40D.

gkuenning--I hear you about the wife noticing things man. I have expensive hobbies--car and cameras. With my STi, audio stuff is pretty easy to add without notice but then came the new rims and exhaust. Boy, I was in trouble!

Keep in mind, you can double and triple rebates so you might want to consider that.

Off the top of my head
The 50 1.4 for instance would mean you save 230(100x2, 15x2). If add 85, Triple would be 390 (100x3, 15x3, 15x3).


Anyway, if i had to pick an option, go with #2

I'd go with option two. I have the 75-300 (makes a great micro aquarium) and it never seemed to have any kind of quality to the photos (just my own oppinion). Check out B&H or the current deals on the long lenses. I'm sure you could do much better.