Witch option to my Canon family?

(hopefully a few people who come to correct typos will give me some advice)

What I currently have:

Canon Rebel XS
-18-55 kit lens
-75-300 f/4-5.6 telephoto (dont like this lens)
-50mm f/1.8

Expodisc, some filters, the works.


I am looking to upgrade next month and I have three options.

I can get:

ONE:
Canon Loyalty Program Upgrade to a 50D

TWO:
70-200mm f/4L

THREE:
430ex II
Bg-e5 battery grip
6 Million Dollar Home
and some other goodies

I shoot alot of sports and such. I also shoot school dances and concerts.
Which would be best for me?

I want better noise performance, more features on a camera and a better layout and faster frame rate.

On the other hand, my telephoto is too stupid to focus on an object even when standing still. Ever try shooting soccer games in manual focus? Its hard.

And on the third mutant hand(dont ask), a flash would be pretty neat to have and a battery grip would be cool.

if you have any other suggestions, feel free to add them.

My vote is for the 70-200mm.

Sports_Dude wrote in post #10107063
My vote is for the 70-200mm.

and a battery grip. Price should be similar to the 50D upgrade price.

The 50D upgrade price is $670

THe 70-200 is $640..grip is $115

Viva-photography wrote in post #10107071
The 50D upgrade price is $670

THe 70-200 is $640..grip is $115

Isn't it $670+tax and shipping? If so, the price will be pretty similar ($30+ or so difference, assuming you buy the lens and grip from an online retailer who doesn't charge tax)

true true, forgot about tax.

I think what I'll do is try to snipe a 70-200mm f/2.8 non IS off of ebay.
And if I cant get one after a week or two, I'll just buy the 70-200mm f/4L new and the grip

Used or refurbished 40D ($600 or less)- does most of what the 50D can do, save your money...
With my 30d/40D I find that I only use the grip when I need to, so you may find that you don't really need one right away just for the size.
Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS ($900) awsome for low light, very fast accurate AF.
Canon 85mm f/1.8 ($350) great for low light moderate telephoto use.
430exII flash is always good, or save some money and find a used 550ex which I argue is better.

The 70-200 f/4L is an awsome lens but don't expect it to be much good indoors especially for dance/concerts (why I recommend the 85mm).

but for $70 more I can get a brand new 50D..

Viva-photography wrote in post #10108213
but for $70 more I can get a brand new 50D..

You do realize that "upgrade" means trading in your current camera right? So it's your camera+$70. If you can sell your XS for $300 or whatever that's money in your pocket...

Yes. I do.

With the 40D and selling your XS, you should have enough to grab a flash. That's what I would do. However, I am biased to my 40D and think it's more than enough for me. From what I gather overall, 40D + flash will be much more useful to you than a 50D.

Viva-photography wrote in post #10108213
but for $70 more I can get a brand new 50D..

Through the Canon Loyalty Program, the units are considered refurbs. Many of the units are actually new, but there are lots of cases where the camera is indeed a used / repaired unit that was brought back up to factory specs.

i think you should add a broom and a big cauldron to your list...that way you can fly around instead of drive or walk and have a nice big pot to put all your gear in first !

If I remember correctly, the Loyalty Upgrade only applies to broken cameras.

dudemanppl wrote in post #10117115
If I remember correctly, the Loyalty Upgrade only applies to broken cameras.

That should be easy enough to arrange....