30D, XTi or something else.

So for tax refund time (thinking ahead), i'd tring to debate if I should get a 30D, XTi or the 300 F/4L IS. I have a Digtial Rebel at this time and I just shoot with my Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 (I know I should get a 70-200 2.8, but i'm also buying the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens in December). So if you have the choice of those 3 items, what would you get?

If your drebel is serving you well, go for the glass. The 300 f4L IS is a stellar lens, but sure gives you a gap. Why not one of the assorted 70-200 offerings?

The 300d is doing what it's supposed to right now. I was looking at the 300IS due to the fact that I can put a 1.4x on it and have a 420mm 5.6 or I can put extension tubes on and have some great close up (or 1.4x and a tube and even more so). If I was looking at a 70-200 i'd be tough choice between the Sigma and the NON-IS Canon version.

Shoot the Drebel at ISO 1600 and tell me if its doing the trick now. Probably not, there is a great bit of noise at ISO1600, I upgraded to the 30D and there is a NOTICABLE difference in noise at ISO1600 on the Drebel and 30D. The 30D wins hands down.

Go for the 30D.

I'm normally never shooting above 400iso. For my needs really the 300d is doing what it needs to my lacking anything over 70mm is hurting. I sold my 70-200 f/4L (regret that now).

Here is a comparison of my 300D and a 30D at Best Buy. ISO was at 1600 on both and shutter speed and aperature were the same.
The pics are 100% crops. Keep in mind that it is 6mp vs 8mp, so the images are slighly different sizes. 30D on the left, 300D on the right.
There is not any PP done. Needless to say, I now own a 30D

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I'd go for the lens.

Wait until March 1 before you buy anything since new products will be announced end of February.

Well, I dont forsee much change in the way of a 300IS or 70-200 2.8. They could release a 40d but my price range is right about $1100. New camera body will be out of my range. I'm really thinking i'll buy the 70-200, then save up and get either a new body or the 300IS, save up again and buy whichever of those I didnt already get.

Nocturnus wrote in post #2300991
So for tax refund time (thinking ahead), i'd tring to debate if I should get a 30D, XTi or the 300 F/4L IS. I have a Digtial Rebel at this time and I just shoot with my Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 (I know I should get a 70-200 2.8, but i'm also buying the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens in December). So if you have the choice of those 3 items, what would you get?

I would not put too much faith in a poll to solve any kind of problem, much less one like this.

Essentially everyone is going to give you their take (read personal approach, likes, dislikes, hang-ups and biases). Everyone's experience and background is different.

Truthfully, a better solution is to flip a coin - if you don't like the way the coin toss came out, it tells you something doesn't it?

Poll was there just to see what people suggest not as my line for buying..

You can get the 70-200L f/2.8 (non-IS) for about the same cost as the 300mm. Add a 1.4x TC (maybe later) and you have a 280mm f/4. There is a 'good deal' on a new body, if that is the way you wish to go. B&H has new 20Ds for $950 and a used, condition 9+ ("Shows little or no signs of wear") for $769.

Personally I'd go for 30D, I did in Feb (from a 300D) and haven't looked back. Handling was the biggest jump for me.

I did a comparison of noise before I sold my 300D and the images are on my site (I can't give you the link right now as I am at work and can't view it properly with the c**p IT we have here!) but will add the URL later if anyone interested.

i would go lens myself. its still a good camera, but a lens is a better upgrade