Need help with a lens decision for 30D (pretty quickly)

I was going to purchase my 30D online in a couple weeks, but it looks like I will need to pick one up locally as I just found out I'm going out of state this Saturday and will need to shoot for a softball event...leaves only tomorrow for purchase.

I've been going nuts trying to figure out which lens to purchase with the 30D. The kits I'm seeing at the local big box stores are the 18-55 (had it, don't want it) and 28-135 IS USM. There's one local independent who has basically everything, but then I'd be paying independent prices as well. I can't find any local stores that have a kit with the 17-85 IS USM lens either.

I know, you're saying, "IF you're going to be shooting a sports event, just get the 28-135"...My issue with this is my first lens is going to be my only lens for some months and was hoping to have a decent walk around lens on the wide side as the first and only for a while. I suppose I can suck it up and get the 28-135 and deal with it for a while, but this also poses another concern. I was hoping to only have 3 lenses ( +a 50mm).. Something wide, maybe a 28-75 and a 70-200 or 300. Having the 28-135 will overlap a walk around and a telephoto, so to me it's kind of a waste in the long term of investing in lenses.

Best Buy and Circuit City have the 30D with 28-135 (3.5) IS USM for 1499.00. The local independent has the 30D with a 17-85 IS USM for 1780.00...holy crap.

I know there are a lot of other lens choices, but at this point I'm limited to what's available locally...gotta pay tax too!! ffs... Maybe I should just take my POS P&S..

Help?!

If I were you I'd invest in the 50 1.4 Prime lens. It is a very good fast lens, and you can let your feet be your zoom. Can't go wrong with this lens. Then save up for the 17-40L and the 70-200 f/4.0 IS.

Fabrian wrote in post #3071460
I was going to purchase my 30D online in a couple weeks, but it looks like I will need to pick one up locally as I just found out I'm going out of state this Saturday and will need to shoot for a softball event...leaves only tomorrow for purchase.

I've been going nuts trying to figure out which lens to purchase with the 30D. The kits I'm seeing at the local big box stores are the 18-55 (had it, don't want it) and 28-135 IS USM. There's one local independent who has basically everything, but then I'd be paying independent prices as well. I can't find any local stores that have a kit with the 17-85 IS USM lens either.

I know, you're saying, "IF you're going to be shooting a sports event, just get the 28-135"...My issue with this is my first lens is going to be my only lens for some months and was hoping to have a decent walk around lens on the wide side as the first and only for a while. I suppose I can suck it up and get the 28-135 and deal with it for a while, but this also poses another concern. I was hoping to only have 3 lenses ( +a 50mm).. Something wide, maybe a 28-75 and a 70-200 or 300. Having the 28-135 will overlap a walk around and a telephoto, so to me it's kind of a waste in the long term of investing in lenses.

Best Buy has the 30D with 28-135 IS USM for 1499.00. Circuit City has it with a 24-105 IS USM for 1499.00. The local independent has the 30D with a 17-85 IS USM for 1780.00...holy crap.

I know there are a lot of other lens choices, but at this point I'm limited to what's available locally...gotta pay tax too!! ffs... Maybe I should just take my POS P&S..

Help?!

Sounds good, but I need to shoot a softball event in two days. This is what I need to base the fist lens on. I'll take that 50 though

JFB's right and wise. Grab the 50 f1.4, it is amazing, you will not regret that purchase whichever lenses you get later. Then get the 70-200, you'll need the zoom for the softball event. Take your time to pick up a wide zoom or wide prime.

Circuit city has the 30D WITH the 24-105L for only $1499? Sounds WAY too cheap. If its really that price, id pick up a few sets in a second.

At this point in time, I really didn't want to spend more than $16-1700 initially. I'm all for the 50mm, but it's not going to suit my needs on Saturday. If I'm to have a free choice of lens, I'll have to go to the local independent. He's got the 30D body for 1200$ plus likely 400-ish for A lens. I suppose at the local shop I have more variety, but in the end I still need something a bit long for this sports event. Ugh.

MegaTron wrote in post #3071573
Circuit city has the 30D WITH the 24-105L for only $1499? Sounds WAY too cheap. If its really that price, id pick up a few sets in a second.

Sorry, I fixed that. It actually was a misprint at the store. Both BB and CC have the 28-135 3.5 IS USM.

No way Circuit City has the 30D/24-105 f/4L combo for $1499. That lens is over $1000 alone.

Made me look though.

I also endorse the 50 f/1.4. Don't forget it frames on the 30D like an 80mm.

I've never used the 50mm. I'll try it out tomorrow at the store.

So are you guys saying to stay away from the 17-85 and the 28-135 and just have a 50mm for several months? (going to have to save for a while in order to add lenses)

For a softball game you would need at least 70-200 F4.My daughter played softball and I wished I had 300mm or more for infield and outfield shots.

For softball games, you need reach, atleast 200-300mm on a crop. I'd say more like 500mm personally. If you have a low budget, I'd recommend getting the 30D with a Canon 70-300IS.