Calling all DSLR Users

My advice is have a look at the Canon 50d with kit lens as well as the Nikon D90 with 18-105. Both decent cameras and you will have a warranty. You will have mucho to learn with these cameras and can get more glass down the road later. However i would also be tempted to get the 50 1.8 that both do as it will be a fun lens for not much money.

I myself went with the Nikon as it felt right in my hands.

After getting some more advice, Im not sure now whether to go for a cheaper older body and stick with the quality glass or blow my budget.

[fizzwheel]

Go with the quality glass IMHO

It depends on what you're using the camera for, it's that simple.

If you're primarily taking scenic landscape shots, the 10-20mm is going to be great. If you're more of a portrait, cityscape or action the 24-105 would be a pretty hand lens for your kit.

Totally agree with Sean, the 50 prime would be a fantastic lens too, especially if you wish to travel light.

The 100-400 again, plenty of uses for on of these. Thing is, I'll shoot just about anything, so I'd use them all.

They key factor is the mulitplying factor of the body - that would make your 24-105 around 40-170 - that's not going to cut it for good scenic landscapes, as at it's widest you'll also get a lot of distortion and possibly more susceptible to chromatic aberration (purple fringing), so you'll be learning a lot of Photoshop too .

Taking all this in to consideration - if it were me, on a finite budget, I'd be looking at the wide lens, and the 100-400, with a view to picking up a prime at a later date, if the prices are really too good to pass up If the camera is cheap as chips, take it, and factor in that you'll probably want to pick up a 5D Mark II second hand in a year or so if you can stretch to it.

Set a target number of 'money shots' throughout the next year, if you hit your target, upgrade then body, knowing you got some serious lenses that you'll have for many years.

You really can't go wrong with Canon gear, IMHO.