What should I buy - body & lens?

[Siv]

Current situation:
Rebel XTi, 17-55/2.8, 50/1.4, 100/2.8L macro

Immediate problem:
The Rebel is my wife's camera (bought as present with 17-55) and whenever we go out, I want to use it so we fight over the camera. The 50 and 100 are for me ;)

Annoyances:
I get frustrated when the XTi does not focus in low light.
I really do not like using a flash unless I absolutely have to.
I have FF envy.

Medium term problem:
We are going to Africa for a wedding and then safari this summer.

Long term annoyance:
I don't want to buy a 5D2 and then have a 5D3 come out 2 minutes later.

Potential solutions given budget of ~$3k:
50D and 70-200/2.8 L II
7D and 100-400
5D2 and 300/4 or 400/5.6

Alternative solutions welcome but unfortunately, I am a Canon snob so I'm unlikely to entertain a non-canon lens (unless it's a Contax or Zeiss)

HELP!!

[crazeazn]

what do you want to shoot?

[David Whatley]

NiftyFifty 1.8
Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 some canon snobs love this lens
85 1.8
70-200 2.8
Then get a 40D or a 5D or both

[jkderby]

Buy what you want to.

[jfoureyes]

For a safari a 400 mm would be on my list.

[jkderby]

7D with 100-400. Because of crop factor it would be 160 to 640 mm.

[brewercm]

I don't have any lens/camera recommendations as I'm a Nikon shooter.

I just wanted to say that I believe what you are doing for your wife and your marriage is truly an honorable thing. You should be put up for man of the year in my books.

[tml]

Originally Posted by jkderby

7D with 100-400. Because of crop factor it would be 160 to 640 mm.

+1 since you are going on a Safari. Perhaps, even a refurbished 7D so that you can sell it later without much loss to pay for the 5DMk3 in the future. Also, don't forget a good and sturdy tripod for that big lens.

Have a great trip,

Tri

[Siv]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

what do you want to shoot?

At the moment, everything - product type shots, land scapes, birds, animals and a lot of family with fast moving kids. The XTi works well when there's plenty of light but it's in the low light situations where getting focus is a challenge. I take a lot of photos in the evenings and nights so the light is not so good but I don't like using a flash because it's too intrusive.

[Siv]

I bought a 60D and a 70-200L II. Took it to Katy Rodeo last night and had a lot of fun. Now the learning begins...

[duronboy]

40D, 70-200 2.8 IS II, 2x tele

[Phisch]

Are you getting your wife a FF camera so you can keep the XTi? Then I'd agree with Clifton ;)

For the safari, I'd look at renting a 400mm. Then you can spend your $ lenses that will be more practical in the long run. Lenses and a good tripod, since you like shooting in the dark with no flash.

If you want a 5D Mk II you'll love it. The nice thing is it will still work after a 5D Mk III comes out. Hehe. I think Canonrumors.com gossips that it will come towards the end of the year. There's the school of thought that gets giddy because they expect a price drop on the 5DII, so, that's something to consider. It gets knocked for focus issues, though. You might look at the 7D anyway, even though it's not FF. It sounds like it might be a good fit for the various things you want to shoot?

/end rambling.