New lens or new camera...

Hello everyone! I have a digital rebel and want to buy either a 20D or a Canon 400mm f5.6 prime lens. Of course I will eventually get both, but I've got to decide which one to get first. Can anyone decide for me? Also, how can I prevent my wife from finding out about my purchace(s)? Since it will be my first white lens, it may be difficult!

In reality, she doesn't really know the price, so I could go to the store and pay half in cash and the rest by credit card, giving the impression that it cost half the price...

Thanks for any advice.

Dante has the sneakiest way I've seen so far, Look up his p[ost or maybe he'll chime in. It has something to do with making it look like Canon is doing a free service or something like that.

You are right! His idea is brilliant! Thanks for mentioning it!

Hmmm...............I would recommend the lens first.

Although the 20D now offers a rebate...............

STill, I would still recommend the lens............the Rebel is still an excellent camera in terms of image quality.............st​ill on par with the 20d.

Ro1

Always get good glass, so buy the lens first, once you have seen how good L glass is you will then go and buy the 20D, and want more L glass, it 's a never ending circle.

I say get the glass too.
The lens will be the same price indefinately.
But, the 20D will decrease in price over time, so if you buy it later you will probably save some $$.
In the meantime, you will be able to shoot nice 400mm shots, something you can't do if you buy the 20D first.

I am with the others... when I bought the camera, i was thinking between 20D and rebelXT. I picked rebelXT b/c it is cheaper, then always ask myself why i did not get the 20D.

After I bought the 17-40L, I forgot everything about the 20D/rebelXT conflict. Go for the glass!

Go for the lens. No question. By the time you buy the camera you may get an improved model at the same price.

I tend to agree with the general consensus.
The lens makes the shot, the camera stores the shot.

Very true in film and still true in digital but less so.

When you expose a frame in film the media is the same no matter what camera and lens you use, ie Fuji Velvia is Fuji Velvia in an Eos 3000 to an EOS 1V.
In digital however it's slightly different, we are exposing to a CMOS or CCD chip and there is a great deal of difference between the D30 and the 1Ds MK II.

I agree, buy the lens first. Did that last month. Bought a few new lens to go with my 300D. Figured I'd pay those off then buy a 20D in a few months...seemed logical, right?
BUT I couldn't wait...so last night I bought a 20D and grip and it'll be here tomorrow.

I'll second the lens also. You have always time to buy a new body, or upgrade what you have. In the meantime, you need to take pictures !

My wife doesn't read this so here is what I did...

I bouught a new 100-400mm L lens and told her I got it used for 500 less than I paid for it. When it arrived I got so excited I opened it before she realized where it came from. (B&H - but I said used from a forum member). This part was easy, and a forum member that remains unnamed is a sucker.

PS going on 20 years and I love her more than life --- but my needs still remain.

My wife is taking a trip to Europe in a few weeks. I'll try and time the delivery from B&H to arrive while she's away. Then I'll just say I bought it used on the web for a few hundred bucks. Since she has no idea what an "L" lens is, she won't be the wiser.