40D or 30D with 1st L glass?

currently I own an XT, 85mm f1.8, and 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS
I do mostly families, kid type pictures, but I have done a few weddings and would really like to be capable to do more. Lately my (2yr old) XT has really been struggling. It looks really pixely and strange. I have a couple of big shoots coming up and I'm having families ask daily for me to take pictures. It's the first time that I have been nervous to say yes not because of my lack of ability, but because of my lack of confidence in my equiptment. So I'm ready. I was going to pull the triger this morning. B&H with a code has the 40D for $1,249. Best deal that I can trust. but then It dawned on me that for only slightly more 300-400 I could get a 30D and my first L glass. I want the 28-75mm f2.8L! What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? Help me people!!!

IMO, glass is way more important than body. The 30D is way more than capable. I love both my 30Ds and have no intention on upgrading just because the 40D is out.... in other words, if you can afford either the 40D alone, or the 30D AND good glass, then go 30D with good glass...

28-75 f2.8L?

Sorry sometimes I'm a dingbat. 24-70mm

TomC723 wrote in post #4189450
IMO, glass is way more important than body. ....

I agree, glass is more important, but I am assuming that you mean the 24-70L f/2.8, no? In any case, it seems as if you stocking up on lenses of the same range, that is your not really expanding your capability but increasing quality. You might consider adding equipment outside of your current setup. Possible the 10-22 on the wide end or the 70-200 on the long end.

I'd love to get a 70-200 but for the $$$ I'm Ok in the range that I have. (for now) But I just need to bump up the quality of the final outcome. I would sell the 17-85 if I got the 24-70 I would just like to see the magic that the "L" brings. Is it true?

Federkeil wrote in post #4189415
currently I own an XT, 85mm f1.8, and 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS
I do mostly families, kid type pictures, but I have done a few weddings and would really like to be capable to do more. Lately my (2yr old) XT has really been struggling. It looks really pixely and strange. I have a couple of big shoots coming up and I'm having families ask daily for me to take pictures. It's the first time that I have been nervous to say yes not because of my lack of ability, but because of my lack of confidence in my equiptment. So I'm ready. I was going to pull the triger this morning. B&H with a code has the 40D for $1,249. Best deal that I can trust. but then It dawned on me that for only slightly more 300-400 I could get a 30D and my first L glass. I want the 28-75mm f2.8L! What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? Help me people!!!

How about a 40D and a Tamron 28-75 f2.8.

How much is the Tamron?

Do you love yours?

I've got a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. It's a killer lens and as I recall around or perhaps less than $400.

Federkeil wrote in post #4189562
How much is the Tamron?

I paid around $300


http://dealcatcher.pri​cegrabber.com …-75%202.8/sort_type=pri​ce

40D winz.

there is a 28-70L by the way, it is the older, awesome version of the brick you refer to.

I say go less camera and more glass. there are plenty of little things that people complain about with the new 40d - filthy sensors, manufacturing debris, questionable focus, etc... if you are looking for reliability and value, go with your gut and get the 30d/lens.

Federkeil wrote in post #4189531
I would just like to see the magic that the "L" brings. Is it true?

It's oh so very true... I have the 24-70 f/2.8L... before that, I had the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG Macro.... The quality difference was incredible... for me anyway...

L lenses are addictive for a reason... lol...

And BTW: I'm not an Lcoholic... Lcoholics go to meetings....

Magic is such a strong word. I would say that the L delivers at the fringes where a non-L will have difficulty. Comparing the two at f/8 – f/11 and there may not be that big of a difference.