Lens(es) or a new camera?

I'm going to be on my honeymoon to St. Lucia at the end of September. I've decided to save up some money for photography equipment to take on the trip.

I'm going to shoot for $1000 or so by then. I'm currently lacking in both the lens, as the camera department. My only dSLR is a 300D. Although, the sensor is clean as ever and it takes good pictures.

My lenses, on the other hand, have taken quite a beating. my canon zoom and tamron I got for free, because they were beat up quite a bit. Neither of them are very sharp and both have dust/scratches. My kit lens is in decent condition, my nifty fifty and sigma 105 are both in perfect condition.

So what would you suggest I upgrade? If I get a camera, I'm thinking a used 30D. I'm not a hardcore photographer, but i'd like something better than what I'm using. I'm not much for portrait photographs, but I love taking photographs of landscapes/nature.

Suggestions please!

Thanks

Before I get to your question let me say Congrats! Also, this thread might do better in the lenses or camera forum.

I just got back from a day on St. Lucia...it's beautiful...one of my favorite in the Caribbean (we had our wedding and honeymoon in the British Virgin Islands). Most of the shots on the first page of this link are from our St. Lucia day:

http://cwwayne.zenfoli​o.com/p858458679/

Anyway, I'd definitely recommend lenses over a camera. Lot's of options with different prices if you like landscapes:

17-40L
17-55 (that's what I have...LOVE IT! Not cheap though)
Tamron 17-50 (gets high marks by many on here)

Now if you really want a better camera I guess you could always get the Tamron and maybe pick up a used 400d XTI. I think you'll see the bigger difference in quality glass though.

How about Sigma 30 1.4. You have the kit lens as your zoom, the siggy will be very good in low light situations and will give you a 'normal' view in your crop camera. This is the first lens I bought after the camera. Try Tamron 17-50 2.8 also. Good walk around lens.

BTW, Congrats...

I'd like something with a small zoom, but sharp. My kit lens certainly isn't very sharp. The temptation of a new camera is great, as my 300D does incredibly poor when it comes to higher ISO, regardless of the glass it's got attached.

It's not that bad if you stop it down to f/8-11.
Post your best shots from the "kit lens"-EF-S 18-55

Are you sure that your exposures are correct? That makes a big difference.

I'd say, keep the 300D & go for some faster glass. You might find a good deal in the "Sell" forum.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5657930
It's not that bad if you stop it down to f/8-11.
Post your best shots from the "kit lens"-EF-S 18-55 Are you sure that your exposures are correct? That makes a big difference.

I'd say, keep the 300D & go for some faster glass. You might find a good deal in the "Sell" forum.

Thanks. I'll start searching for a new lens then. While I would love an L, I don't know if I can really justify paying close to a grand for a lens just yet. I can see $500 or so, though. I'll get there eventually, but for a side-hobby...

What would you guys say if I got both a used 30D and a used Tamron 17-50 f/2.8? I really just don't feel comfortable spending so much money on an L lens when my work isn't professional and I won't use it every day. Call me crazy, i guess! Would you guys still say go with better glass?

You don't have to spend $1,000 to get an L lens. If you search high and low you can get a good used 30d and a 17-40 or a 70-200 f4.0 for about $1,100.

There is nothing wrong with a 300d. It doesn't have the best IQ at iso 1600 but make damn sure you don't underexpose. If the exposure is good or slightly overexposed a noise reduction software can easily fix the little bit of noise that appears.

It really is all about the glass. PP can fix most things that an under performing body does wrong. Nothing can fix the poor image quality from a bad lens.

POTN is a great location to learn. The question and the answers recieved gave me confidance. Photography as a hobby does not always mean the best body or the best lense. I was surfing the POTN site with the same question as the orginal post. My 300d is still my best camera body. I have had many hours of fun and enjoyment with it.. glass ...well someday

I had my honeymoon in St. Lucia last November.. it was great what resort are you going to?

At the time I just had my Sony H5 12x P&S, but that place is so beautiful even that took nice pics!

It's nice to travel light.... so you might just want to keep your Rebel and bet better glass. Perhaps a 17-40L or Tamron 17-50 as others suggested, and a 70-200 f/4L that will be around $1000 or just under.