I want to buy a new lens

I have a 300D with a 50 1.8, 18-55 (kit), and 55-200 lenses. They are decent and give me some versatility but I'm now coming in to more money and I want to start spending on camera gear.

I was thinking that a 20D would be awesome to get, and there are times when I feel that I could use more camera. I could get one if I sell my 300D, but I think I'd rather get some nice lenses instead. Lenses are more important than body to me at this point.

I am willing to spend something in the neighborhood of $1000 USD and I want to buy a GOOD lens. The lenses I have now are prosumer lenses and I want to start getting lenses that are more capable, but then I could also get a lens that is on the higher zoom end of the spectrum.

My uses for my camera are across the board. Right now I'm working in politics and so I do a lot of close-proximity journalistic shooting. As soon as this ends (November), I'll probably spend a lot more time in the wilderness hunting animals with my camera and so better zoom abilities would be good then.

So, I guess my question is this: what are some of your favorite lenses that are priced in the $1000 range (give or take a couple hundred) and what do you think is my best strategy?

Oh yeah, I like Macro photography too and wouldn't be opposed to a 100mm macro or something like that.

on the wider side (to replace your 18-55 kit lens), you could try the 17-40 f/4 L. It recieves high praises from everything I have seen about it.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=279​582&is=USA

edit: and the 100mm canon macro lens would be a good option too. It can double as a good portrait lens as well.

If I were in your position, I'd do one of two things.
#1 - Ditch the kit lens and get the 16-35 f2.8L (or the 17-40 f4L for much less if you can afford losing that stop)
#2 - Ditch the 55-200 and get the 70-200 f2.8L nonIS

Both of those options will put you around $1k and will be significantly better glass than what you're shooting now. I also agree with you on your decision about the body. Bodies come and go, but glass you can always keep and it'll hold value.

What about possibly getting something like a fixed 300? Or how about that Bigma lens? Am I looking for future trouble if I buy non-Canon gear?

I'm definitely also looking into the used market, of course, but I am kind of nervous about the prospect. Anybody here able to reassure a nervous shopper?

Hi Jaypie ....

you're right about 'something fixed'

IMHO, you absolutely positively have to get one of the 50's for low light photography and creative DOF control.

Make your pick ... http://www.photo.net/e​quipment/canon/ef50/

Best regards,
Andy

Andy, you may have missed it, but I do have a 50, the thrifty.

I would spend another $200.00 and get the 17-40L and the 70-200 f4L and call it a day.

Jaypie, you're right ... I missed it. Should have worn my glasses 8)

No big deal, get the 1.8/85 then

Best regards,
Andy

17-40L and the 70-200 f4L

That combo is looking good to me, but I would kind of like the ability to go further in regards to zoom. I do like to do wildlife photography and a longer zoom would be nice. I know that the 400's are a little more expensive, though... Any thoughts?

100-400 L? A few hundred more then the 17-40 and 70-200 f/4 L combo, but it will give you that extra reach (in exchange for the wide end)... cost is around $1400

or get the 17-40 and 70-200 f/4, and also the 1.4x teleconverter. I'm pretty sure that will work on the 70-200 (making it an f/5.6).

As tofuboy said - The 100/400L IS USM is a good start and you won't "wish I bought the other one".

I use it for wildlife/car races/horse shows/portrait in a pinch.

The IS is worth its weight in gold!!

Any money left? get the 28/135 IS USM and you got the whole spectrum covered with these two and your 50mm 1.8