hmm

Well I'll soon be upgrading to a digital SLR from my Rebel K2. I own the kit lens that came with the K2 and I plan on getting the 50mm f/1.8 lens soon to. I'm not sure what body to get. I was thinking of the XTi with a SIGMA 28-70MM 2.8 EX DG lens but then I went and held the XTi and it didn't feel right. I'm now trying to decide on eather a second hand 20D with the same sigma lens or just the 30D body. Is thier any other options for me? Maybe a better lens? My budget is also $1,500 (CAN).

If the XTi doesn't feel right to you and if you have a tight budget I'd go with a used 20D. The Sigma f/2.8 is reported to be a very good lens, and you're not going to find anything better for that range unless you pay over twice as much.

Dont forget the field of view on the 20D, 30D, XTi are all 1.6x crop factor cameras, so the 28mm gets cropped to a 45mm FOV. Might be a bit long on the short end. I would consider the Sigma 17-70 or Tamron 17-50 if money is tight.

I would look at refurbed/used 20D if the XT/XTi bodies don't feel right.

One thing that does improve the feel and handling of the XT/XTi's is a battery grip. Also, as already stated, do take in to account the 1.6 crop factor when picking a lens. If you decide to look for a 20/30D, take a look at Adorama. They periodically have factory refurbs for a substantial savings.

You could try a 2nd hand 1D

Dave

I upgraded from my K2 to the XTi, I just had to fork out the extra money to get the BGE-3 so it would fit a little better, I suggest paying a little more for the 30D. I think you will notice people respect it more, at least thats how I feel.

CincyShooter wrote in post #3772127
I think you will notice people respect it more, at least thats how I feel.

That is hilarious. I'm going to spend money on a camera because I care how someone I don't know, and will possibly never see again, respects my camera.

Most people I run into are in awe of my XT, and don't know it from anything else, including Pentax, Oly, whatever.

440roadrunner wrote in post #3772209
That is hilarious. I'm going to spend money on a camera because I care how someone I don't know, and will possibly never see again, respects my camera.

Most people I run into are in awe of my XT, and don't know it from anything else, including Pentax, Oly, whatever.

If you are a professional photographer looking to expand a client base then it is rather important. It can also increase the amount of attention and respect you receive at a given event-- ie people look your way, etc.

440roadrunner wrote in post #3772209
That is hilarious. I'm going to spend money on a camera because I care how someone I don't know, and will possibly never see again, respects my camera.

Most people I run into are in awe of my XT, and don't know it from anything else, including Pentax, Oly, whatever.

Oh I could care less, I love how people spend 2400 dollars on equipment that they don't even know how to use, I deal with them all the time, Their pictures look horrible, but by spending that extra money they believe that the camera will do everything for them.

I went from a Rebel Ti 35mm (same size as your K2 I believe) with a battery grip to the Rebel XT and, yeah, it felt a little small and akward at first but I soon got used to it and came to really appreciate the small form factor. I later added an Opteka battery grip to the XT for occasions when I need a little better balance and now it pretty much feels the same as my old Ti. Though I still like the small form factor for traveling.

Then again, I sometimes use a 30D and it feels great in my hands with all the extra controls I used to wish for on the Ti/XT. My take is that if you're on a budget, though, save the extra cash for lenses and go for the XTi with a grip.

As far a lens for your new XTi, I'd suggest the Sigma 17-70mm "Macro" or perhaps the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 or Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (though these are made for smaller sensors and won't work well on your K2).