It was in 2006 September that I finally decided to get a DSLR to complement my excellent, but slow, Canon Powershot G5. I had kept an eye on the scene for some months, and everything indicated the new EOS 400D [Rebel XTi] was the one to get.
When I placed my pre-order, I thought the EF-S 18-55mm kit lens would be fine to start with, but many online reviews bashed it hard, so I stepped up to the EF-S 17-85mm IS lens, adding another $700 to the total.
It wasn't too long before I realised two things: as an EF-S lens, it can't be used on full-frame EF-mount Canon SLRs. Moreover, its performance wasn't exactly stellar, definitely not justifying the price premium.
So, what to do? I studied the Canon EF line-up. Next on the list was the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, a premium, professional-grade lens that garnered much praise amongst its users. It also cost $2000: 50% more than the camera itself!
I was still naïve to the concept that lenses are oftern more expensive than the bodies themselves. Moreover, I did not have that sort of money on me. Still, I went for it. When one spends this silly money, it had better be on a keeper.
After a few dramas leading up to the purchase, I got my very own EOS 400D and 24-105mm lens. I was stoked! The speed, responsiveness and image quality were light years ahead of the G5. For once, I had no excuse to miss a shot.
Something was missing, however. The images were not quite as sharp, contrasty, or colourful as I had envisioned them to be. There was a certain dullness, a bland look to many of my shots.
October found me in Brisbane looking for a DSLR for a friend. In a tiny store, I spotted the legendary EOS 20D with the 18-55mm kit lens for a huge bargain. I did my best to convince him to get it, but he's the world's greatest procrastinator. So I ended up getting it instead :-Þ
Back in Sydney, I put the kit lens on the 400D, just to see how it performed. I was surprised by what I saw. The contrast and colours were deeper and richer, but most of all, the lowly kit lens was consistently sharper than the 24-105mm that cost at least ten times as much.
It wasn't until 2007 January 01 that I was fully convinced my 24-105 was a dud copy, for it would deliver good shots every now and then. On the 29th, it went off to Canon Australia for repair [along with the 20D for a focus issue]. Estimated repair time was 4 weeks, and I wasn't terribly sure what to expect, having heard some dubious experiences with those who had to deal with Canon Aus.
I was left with the EOS 400D and 18-55mm lens. This actually proved an effective combo. While I missed the extra reach of the 24-105mm, the image quality didn't leave much to be desired. Life went on, photos were taken.
Two weeks later, I received a call from Canon, informing me the EOS 20D did have a focussing problem and that it had been fixed. As for the lens ... they didn't repair it, but replaced it with a brand new one. When I went to collect it, they handed me an unopened box with a mint lens inside. Canon also extended the warranty till 2008 February.
I was stunned. Here I was, fearing the worst; instead, they delivered top service and a much faster turnaround. Couldn't get much better than this 
The replacement 24-105mm is a revelation. For the first time, I saw how it was meant to perform. True L-series image quality, with rich colours, deep contrast, and very sharp, even when wide open.
Kudos to Canon Australia for their outstanding customer service and support.
Image with the new lens : http://www.flickr.com …s/alexanderino/394352317/
