first dslr advice, big vacation..

Heh, kinda turning into a lens section post but anyhow.

What about a low light lens? 1.4? handy or ideal?

Well, how about you get started with the xti/17-55 (an enviable set up), and see how things go while you mount your learning curve. You'll find out if you need to go longer, shorter, faster, whatever. Once you get to that point - say in 2 months, or even while you or on the way, c'mon back and we'll spend some more of your money

In any event, I don't think the 17-55 will disappoint, and even if a new set of priorities develops (say you decide on a 10-22 and a 24-105), it could be sold quickly for little loss.

well said
Thanks everyone for the time and advice. Appreciated!

rezion wrote in post #4194442
Heh, kinda turning into a lens section post but anyhow.

What about a low light lens? 1.4? handy or ideal?

f/1.4 is excellent, as a new photographer you’ll hardly find use for anything faster.
However, there are no zooms faster than f/2.8, for that you have to look at the primes.

rezion wrote in post #4194442
Heh, kinda turning into a lens section post but anyhow.

What about a low light lens? 1.4? handy or ideal?

Handy for sure, for low light and shallow depth of field (typically in portraits).
You're in prime territory there though - the 50/1.8 is very good, and very inexpensive (~$US80); the 50/1.4 is better in all ways, but much more $; the 85/1.8 has a good reputation, and a relatively affordable price too.

You may also want to consider the new 18-55 IS kit lens to get you started. Should come fairly cheap as a kit and from what I hear is a nice imrpovement.

I assume you are thinking new XTi. If so, consider the following:
New
XTi = $590
17-55 = $950
Total = $1540

Used (approx pricing)
20d = $500
17-40 = $550
70-200 = $500
Total = $1550
Used is only F4 vs. F2.8

Just my $0.02

Pete-eos wrote in post #4194501
You may also want to consider the new 18-55 IS kit lens to get you started. Should come fairly cheap as a kit and from what I hear is a nice imrpovement.

If size and weight is important for travel, then this lens is ideal at only 200g.

The 17-55 IS is an excellent lens but it's not small or lightweight. I'm not sure if this is a consideration for your vacation.

rezion wrote in post #4194413
Aye.. I think the "walkabout" lens may be the best option.. especially if it can grab like that picture. I realize there is some give and take with the focus lenses. Given my ~6month learning curve I'm unsure if I'll truly be able to get my moneys worth in photos with all the snazzy lenses. Dirt, space, money and skill are all considered.

I actually am quitting my job and am planning backpacking for some time. So an extra 2k in lenses shortens my traveling time by many months : /. My brother just got back from a 9month tour of SE Asia and convinced my to go on an adventure.

i know you're thinking dslr...but just curious if you've thought about the s5is, it'd save you some big bucks...which equals more travel, and the zoom on it is great...plus it's easy no learning curve...just my 2cents

If you want *wide* landscapes on the XTi try a Tokina 12-24 it is built like an L, f/4 through out the zoom range. Or if you want just one lens to "do it all" and you are ok with the inherent compromises at the wide end and the far end...Tamron has an 18-200 that is image stabelized. But may be hard to find. Also get a cheap ponch and OpTec makes a package of two rain sleeves for you body and glass so you can shoot in the rain or heavy mist...when light conditions are very cool for photos. You get the shots others won't because they won't want to "be there".