Need Some Advice on New Camera

[johnnynumfiv]

I've been out of the loop with cameras lately since I don't work at the photography shop anymore. I'm ordering my camera sometime this weekend and would like a little input from you guys. I'm a canon fan, so I'm looking at the 40D.
Should I get the camera with the kit lens, 28-135mm IS f/3.5-5.6 : Canon | EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Can | 1901B017 | B&H

or should I just get the camera body and get a good lens like this one:
Canon | 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens | 0344B002AA | B&H Photo

Is that a good general shooting lens? or should I get something else?

How big of a CF card should I get?

[Quiggs]

I get by with a pair of 2Gig cards and my spare 1Gig. I'd go with the baller lens, but that's cause I am a baller.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Go the L lens and at least 10gb of Extreme III or IV CF cards.

[johnnynumfiv]

Ordered the stuff:
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum...-post4964.html

[pat_ernzen]

Ordered the stuff:
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum...-post4964.html

Nice. That's a pretty good universal setup, though, I know I'd definitely want something wider in addition to the 24-105.

[johnnynumfiv]

Nice. That's a pretty good universal setup, though, I know I'd definitely want something wider in addition to the 24-105.

Any suggestions?

[henk4]

Any suggestions?

Hmm, depending a little of what you like to have in front of your camera. 24 is large if you go to a motorshow, (you have to stand back too far) but 105 is nothing for track shots.
For general photography, 24 may also not be enough, especially for views of the scenery, but you will less easily get frustrated, because you can plan better.
FYI, I use a 17-40 and a 28-300 on the 40D.

[pat_ernzen]

Any suggestions?

Yeah, I'd suggest either the Canon 17-40mm or I'd look into the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. I was going back and forth between these two lenses and decided on the Tamron. It's what I use the vast majority of the time, but I don't do much track photography. It's not perfect, but it's great for the price and has great image quality. Though, it'll only work on cropped sensor cameras, so that's something to keep in mind. I want to pickup a Canon 70-200mm of some sort eventually. Between the Tamron, a couple other lenses I have (50mm and 28-105mm) and the 70-200 I think I'd be set.

[John Thawley]

While the 24-105 is a great lens (I own one), it's not going to give you a true wide angle. After all, on a 40D it will give you a 35mm view considering the sensor's crop factor.

I also carry the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 which is a beautiful lens.... though a bit pricey. I had the 17-40 prior to that.. it's also a nice lens, but only f/4.

Last, I carry the Sigma 12-24 - I use this only for some specific shots, not sure I'd recommend it for an all-around wide, though.

Beyond the 24-105, I carry a 70-200mm f/2.8, a prime 300mm f/3.5 and my 500mm f/4.

As someone else posted earlier... whatever you do, ALWAYS buy good glass. Bodies come and go... but the best glass stays with you a long time and it will hold its resale value. I have sold "L" series glass for 85%-90% of the original purchase price several years after owning it. The loss is such that I'll often sell one JUST to get a "fresh" one.

JT