Potential new gear

Go to B&H website....

30D
17-55 IS
70-200 F/2.8 IS (don't get the non-is)
two 580EX II
seven 2GB extreme III cards

USD$4832.50
with shipping to UK: US$4962.45

conversion to UK pounds via xe.com: 2,427.53

That is what I'd consider a MINIMAL kit if this is something you wanna do.
I'd still sell the 17-85 and get either a 30 1.4 or 10-22.

Lloyd, thanks for the tips and the links - much appreciated- you mention the 70-200mm non-is, I've read (somewhere) that the non-is is sharper than the IS version, this true?
Plus, would you go for a 30D or a 40D?

cheers
Rhys.

it is sharper and f4 IS is one of the sharpest zooms available...brand new design...brand new performance...i still can't make up my mind if i need 2.8 that much ..i am keeping it for now but f4 IS is very tempting

the captain wrote in post #4044130
Lloyd, thanks for the tips and the links - much appreciated- you mention the 70-200mm non-is, I've read (somewhere) that the non-is is sharper than the IS version, this true?
Plus, would you go for a 30D or a 40D?

cheers
Rhys.

It is known that the non-is versions are typically sharper. BUT... take some photos with the 70-200 2.8 IS... it is still CRAZY sharp and beautiful. also, the IS version will get you pictures in some places where the non-IS version will fail you. Most wedding shooters who get the non is version sell it at a loss and buy the IS version later. Skip that mistake.

As for the 30/40 debate... I think the 40D is an awesome camera on paper, though I haven't used it yet so I cannot comment. So yes, I would buy one if you could afford the extra cash. But I was trying to be realistic and keep the list under your budget. Honestly, my 20D has gotten me some of my most favourite images ever so I wouldn't be the least bit apprehensive in saving money and getting a 30D. but if you got the cash, go for the 40D. The highlight tone priority and focusing system upgrades are worth it in my book.

From Warehouse Express the 30d is £560, the 40d is £139 more after the cashback. That'd be worth it to me.
If you're desperate to stick to a budget you can get the 40d, 17-55 and 70-200 from Hong Kong on Ebay at quite a saving.

Personally I'd use Warehouse Express, and get a couple of 550s from ebay s/h (or a 550 and a 420), the 580s (and 430's) are better ergonomically, but at a price (again you can get them on ebay from hong kong).
If you buy from B&H, there'll be VAT on top when it arrives here as well as the extortionate postage.
7dayshop has some memory bargains.