Should I buy the 40D or canon 24-70 f/2.8

I have a canon rebel body (8MP) and the stock lense and am in love with my 50mm f/1.8 I would love something with a zoom like the 24-70. I mostly shoot pictures of my daughter. I am only an amateur, but have a new love for photography.

So I can't decide whether to spend my money on the new lens or new body?

ag93 wrote in post #4264342
I have a canon rebel body (8MP) and the stock lense and am in love with my 50mm f/1.8 I would love something with a zoom like the 24-70. I mostly shoot pictures of my daughter. I am only an amateur, but have a new love for photography.

So I can't decide whether to spend my money on the new lens or new body?

Well, I'd say you can't lose with either of those choices, but getting the 24-70 will certainly help you get a wider range of shots at available lighting. I'd say go for that, then plan for the future!

New lens for sure. I assume you have the XT? The 24-70 f/2.8L will bring a whole new world to your present camera. I just upgraded from the original D-Reb 300D to a 40D so for me, its quite a jump. That and the great deal I was getting from Circuit City's 10% AAA member discount

Check out the marketwatch for the Dell Small business 20% codes. You might be able to grab the 24-70 f/2.8L at 20% off, which would make that a very good deal indeed.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=402687

If you said you were shooting sports and needed a faster camera, I'd say the 40D would be the step to take. For what you are shooting, though, the XT is more than capable enough, and the money would be much better spent on a quality lens. Putting the 24-70 on your XT would be a huge upgrade. over the kit lens. Plus, later on when it comes time to upgrade your camera (or replace it) the 24-70 will still be there taking great pics.

24-70 all the way....
'nuff said!

Definitely a new lens. Bodies come and go. Lens almost always stay.
24-70 is a dream lens.

Here's another vote for getting good glass first, but with a twist....based on your stated use as a general all around lens to take shots of your daughter, have you thought about the 24-105? The longer reach, lighter weight and IS are really nice and you only loose one f/stop to get it. Both lenses are excellent and if you really need the faster speed and better bokeh, then you should get the 24-70. You cant really go wrong. I have never regretted choosing the 24-105 over the 24-70.

24-70 and maybe a minor jump to say a 20D or an XTi...

24-70. For what you shoot, you'll get much more out of better lenses rather than a body upgrade (from an already capable XT).

17-55 2.8 IS? then you'll be able to save more for the 40d later on

Go with the glass....it will make a much bigger difference to your photos than the 40D would.

Generally, buying lenses will do more for your shots than a body and in this case, I'd say the lens is the better option.

Lens first.

sugarzebra wrote in post #4265266
Here's another vote for getting good glass first, but with a twist....based on your stated use as a general all around lens to take shots of your daughter, have you thought about the 24-105? The longer reach, lighter weight and IS are really nice and you only loose one f/stop to get it. Both lenses are excellent and if you really need the faster speed and better bokeh, then you should get the 24-70. You cant really go wrong. I have never regretted choosing the 24-105 over the 24-70.

I never regretted getting my 24-105 lens either. I used the original kit lens until I took over 1100 pictures at the Hershey Car show. When I came home I had to delete over half of them because of picture blurr!! (Was very upset to say the least!!) My wife bought me the 24-105mm IS USM for Valentines Day in Feb. '07. It's been the only lens I've been using. I've done two Weddings (not as a primary) and a Graduation and Horse Show. I was very pleased at the quality of pictures I got out of everything I took. Only one or two bad pictures. As one pro mentioned on this forum about this lens saying that "this would be the one and only lens he'd leave on his camera". I see why!!