[netronelson]

Evening folks,

I've got about £300 cash, £100 tied up in a camera i'm planning to sell (see here Film Experiment - Canon A-1 (sorry for the forum hopping, what with the new subforums!)... and if I replace a lens I already have (see sig for my kit) i'd put the difference from that to the total...

I like the idea of an L lense - I guess its the aspirational part of the hobby that steers me in this direction, but also i'd like to see what the quality difference is like for myself...

Looking in my bag, I think it's the long end that is the weekest, but I also miss having a dedicated macro lens - or should I chuck all the money at a 50D?

Cheers for the advice.

Nelson.

[netronelson]

Oh, and can someone explain the relevance/importance of knowing the serial numbers of lenses like the L 70-200mm ?

Ta.

[Strobe]

Assuming your sig kit list is up to date I'd be tempted by a Canon 70-300 IS or for a tad more the 70-200 F4 L non-IS. They are both far superior to the Sigma APO. The last few pages of Adrian's gallery thread has plenty of images using the 70-200 F4.

[onefivenine]

You've learned enough already from other lenses.
Get some L glass. Or get a Canon 100mm 2.8 macro.
The serial numbers or date codes just tell you how old it is. Not much else. Glass is glass.

[RobDickinson]

Some lens's have needed recalls etc and as said serial number can tell you how old it is, also can check if its stolen I guess...

"Canon 30D. Tamron SP AF 28-75mm F/2.8. Tokina AT-X 124 (12-24 f/4). Canon 430 exII. Sigma 70-300 DG APO macro. Canon 50mm 1.8"

30D is a fine camera , 40D would be a nice upgrade especialy for the LCD and 6.5fps if you shoot sports.

You have nothing wide - do you not miss it? a 10-20 or 10-22 or something?

If /when you use the 70-300 would you be able to make do with just 200? a 70-200 L (or sigma) is a very classy piece of glass and likely to be the best lens you have by a long shot (my sigma 70-200f2.8 utterly destroys my 50f1.8 in IQ!).

Also think abiotu an 85f1.8 or a 30mm f1.4HSM sigma.

[jonnypb]

I wouldn't bother with the 50D IMO as it's rather expensive and the 40D is just as good and cheaper

In terms of glass the 70-200 F4L would be very nice if you don't mind white lenses and will be tack sharp or the rather good 70-300IS

Lots of other options such as the 17-40L, 24-105L (2nd hand) or the Canon 100mm USM Macro (Which I'm considering buying )