Well, the 30D is a bit of a let down, but the EF-S 17-55mm lens is one of those "things that make you go hmmm". Overpriced at the 1k+ msrp, but the lure of an optically stabilized f2.8 normal range zoom is huge. It would seriously open up the available light shooting options beyond high ISO paried with prime lenses.

Note to Canon: Next year for PMA I want IS in a modern 50mm prime. Please.

Matthew

Don't hold your breath, since the only primes with IS are the EF 300mm f/4 L USM IS and longer. That 80 f/1.2 sure looks nice though.

-Zeke

Canon's 17-55 is something a response to Nikon's 17-55, which has been available for several years, but Canon gives image stabilization for roughly the same price as the Nikon which doesn't. Likewise, Canon offers the 17-85 IS, for which Nikon just responded with the new 18-200VR. I'm a bit surprised to see such a lens from Canon since they seem to be saying that "professionals" use larger sensors, yet they come out with a professional-grade lens for the smaller sensor.

Nikon's new lens, this time around, is a VR version of the 105mm 1:1 macro lens. VR in a 1:1 macro is a big deal if you've ever tried doing hand-held (non-flash) macro pictures.

What I'd like to see next, from any vendor, are some super-wide, super-bright primes. Right now, Sigma offers a 30mm f/1.4. I'd like to see a 20mm f/1.4 lens or something, with or without stabilization. That would be a useful tool.

I've been looking at the sigma primes. The 30 f1.4 sure is tempting. It's on the list right after whichever 70-200mm I eventually buy.

Of course, after having a hands on with the 1D mk II, I'm certainly aiming for owning one some day, which means I really should stay away from cropped lenses.

Matthew

I would assume an L series with ring USM would be very fast. My two L's are very fast (16-35, 24-70).

I have no idea of their sales numbers, but these days I'd wager that 95% of their lens sales are zooms.

-Zeke

Every time I inch closer to buying that Sigma 30mm, I find something else I can do with my standard issue $100 Nikon 50mm f/1.8. It's just amazing how much quality you can get out of the cheapest lens in the lineup. I assume Canon's 50mm primes are similarly good value for the money (and fully compatible with full-frame cameras).

At least on the Nikon side, I have no fear of my cropped-sensor lenses being obsoleted any time soon. Nikon has steadfastly stuck with their DX sensor, for good or for bad. If Nikon's pro cameras eventually move to full frame or something, then I'd be thrilled to pick up a used D2X. With Canon, I suppose, you need to assume a mindset of "get what I need for what I've got". If you've got a 1.6x body and you need a wide-angle lens, then get the cropped lens, use it, and worry about ditching it if and only if you eventually get a different body. Otherwise, don't worry and be happy. (Or, buy Nikon and just be happy )

Well, canon has two 50mm lenes, 4 if you count ones that aren't available at thie time. The 50mm f1.0 the amazing "EOS is a real lens mount" lens, which hasn't been available for years. The 50mm f1.4 is the standard 50mm, but it isn't "professional grade". The 50mm f1.8 (mk II) is the "thrifty fifty" and costs about $75 and is the best deal for a canon lens out there - probably sharper than any zoom. The 50mm f1.8 mk I is the original thrifty fifty, and has a distance scale and a metal mount.

Not that you needed to know any of that. All are good lenses, none are "L" or professional grade. It's really a large hole in their lineup. Easily filled with an stabilized f1.4 or f1.8 lens.

Matthew
(who appologizes for being drunk, if that affected the posting)

Seeing as the IBM hard drives didn't work out, I figured I'd go ahead an order a 30D with the new 17-55mm lens for $1.5k from Amazon. Yet another price that's Too Good To Be True, but it doesn't hurt to try.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZF...5Fencoding=UTF8

Matthew

Yet another price that's Too Good To Be True, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Uh-hunh!

Canon EOS 30D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS Lens

Availability: This item is currently not available. Request this item from another seller.

tanstaafl.

PMA hasn't even started and practically every company has spilled the beans on their new models and other products. I wonder what, if anything, will actually be announced "at the show."

Nikon hasn't announced aything in the SLR range, but knowing them that won' change ocne the show starts anyway.

Bruno

Nikon announced a stack of point-and-shoot cameras, a new macro lens, and new RAW processing software. I doubt there will be more announced at PMA. The rumor mill is buzzing about a D3h that would upgrade the resolution on the existing D2h. Maybe we'll hear more from Photokina (late September). The rumor mill has been decidedly quiet about upgrades to their "consumer" D-SLR cameras, but given their stunning price drops, it's certainly about time for something new between the existing low-cost D50 and the shiny new D200 (e.g., an upgrade to the D70s).

Damn, its already going on 2 years since the last Photokina? For some reason I thought thelast one was last year (making the next one in 2007).

The D70s didn't come out too long ago - I don't know about an update just yet. I do see room for another low-end offering under the 70s though. And perhaps something between the 70s and D200.

Canon's approach is to just release a few hundred models per year and just beat everyone with confusion. I think I'll pick up an SD700 or similar this summer though. And I'm still keeping my fingers crossed Nikon does something new with the D200 later this year when I'm in the market for it - maybe an X upgrade (D200X sounds nice).

Bruno