My Gear
I have gotten a lot of requests from visitors of EOSrebels.com to post my gear. Now I don't claim to be an expert on photography, I just created this site from a beginner's perspective who is learning the ropes. Everyone has their preferences and budgets and I'm sure many will disagree with my choices. I'm perfectly fine with that. I think people should be able to choose whatever gear works for them within their budget, usage, and skill level. I have done a lot of research on equipment and thought carefully through each of my decisions as well as getting feedback and input from friends who have experience with different lenses. If I had an inheritance from a rich uncle, I would definitely have a few more lenses. But until then, I will continue to save up and get one lens at a time.
There are generally two camps of philosophy when collecting camera gear. One purchases equipment within their means and buy a higher quantity of inexpensive lenses and such to cover their needs. There are plenty of lenses that are very reasonable that will more than meet the needs of the amateur prosumer. When they outgrow their equipment they sell it off and upgrade. I am in the other camp and purchase the best equipment with the hopes that I will grow into it. This is one of the reasons I chose the 20D over the XT. I would prefer not to have to sell my equipment later (even though most lens values don't depreciate much). So I would spend $1000 on the best L-lens (but cover only a certain range) over getting multiple lenses that could give me more versatility. Either way you choose you might feel restricted. Whichever camp you choose is completely based on preference.
Here is my list of gear followed by my dream gear.
Camera Body
EOS 20D
I started off with the original Digital Rebel and sold that on eBay after outgrowing it. It was a fantastic camera to start off with, but I felt like it wasn't as responsive as I would like and the startup time was too slow for me. I found myself missing out on shots because the camera was booting up. I debated getting the XT, but opted against it because of the user interface and actually preferred a larger body because my hands were too big for the XT and it was uncomfortable. I'm very happy with my decision and would make the same choice if I had to do it again. That being said, I have a friend who went from the original Digital Rebel to the 20D and just sold it to get the XT because the 20D was too big and heavy.
Lenses
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
This is my walkaround lens that is on my camera the most. It wasn't my first choice after all of my research. I thought I needed a much faster lens than this and doubted the viability of IS to make up for it. Initially I had my heart set on the 24-70mm f/2.8L which costs about $1100. I was debating between that and the 17-40mm f/4L. I decided against the 17-40 because I thought it wasn't long enough and that I would miss that 40-70 range. I finally sucked it up and forked out the $1200 for the 24-70 lens (twice actually after some buyers remorse for spending that much money on a lens!). It was huge and heavy. I tried out the lens at a wedding and didn't see a difference that justified the cost, but it wasn't until a pro photographer friend of mine told me that I should consider the EF-S 17-85. I was shocked when he told me this, because I thought surely he'd tell me to stick with this lens. But he actually has both and for the size and convenience as a walkaround lens, he highly recommended the 17-85. I decided to return the 24-70 lens, bought the 17-85 lens and saved myself $600. This was just in time for my trip around Central Europe.
I am so thankful that I got this lens because it isn't nearly the pain in the neck the heavy 24-70 was to carry and it has taken some pretty great shots for me. Sure I wish I had a few extra stops and that the lens was faster. But this lens has the perfect focal range (the wide-end comes in handy) for a very reasonable price. I recommend this lens for anyone considering their first zoom lens or a good walkaround lens. Great for light travel!
Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD-IF
Getting into photography can be an expensive hobby. For those of you on a tight budget like myself but in need of a great performing lens at a very reasonable price, this lens is for you. I picked mine up for just over $300 from amazon. The 2.8 aperture performs well in low light although it could be a little faster at focusing. But one great thing is that it's a lot lighter than the Canon 24-70 at about 1 pound. Usually a lens at this aperture range would be a lot bigger and heavier. Definitely pick this one up if you don't have the $1200 to spend on the 24-70.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
This has been my best investment in a lens so far. For under $600, you get L-quality glass and a pretty fast fixed f/4 aperture. Although it's not a small lens, for the telephoto range it has, and the impressive photos it takes, it is relatively compact. I've taken so many great shots with this lens that I have more than justified the cost of the lens. It's great for outdoor shots or even indoor shots with decent lighting (if you don't mind shooting at high ISO). I swear this lens makes me look like a pro when I'm really far from it! The next step up to the 2.8 IS is a bit too heavy in weight and price for me. If you're considering a telephoto lens, I guarantee you won't be disappointed with this lens.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
I debated whether or not it was worth spending another $300 for this lens when I already owned the 50 1.8 but when I saw some shots on this lens from a friend on Flickr, I knew I had to have one. This is an amazing lens and the sharpness and bokeh are gorgeous. You can't go wrong with this one and if you're looking for a prime it's pretty well-rounded. It's great to learn how to shoot with a prime because you learn how to sharpen your skill at that focal length.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II USM
For $80, how could I not buy this lens? All of my Canon friends told me this was a must have prime lens when I first got my Rebel. They were right. I've taken some pretty great shots with this little lens. I highly recommend it to anyone just getting their lens kit together. It's so small and compact that you don't even notice it's there.
Flash
Speedlite 580EX
I chose to buy the top of the line Speedlite 580EX flash. I am still getting the hang of using the flash and have a lot to learn about it. I picked the 580 over the other flashes because I figured if I'm only going to get one flash, I might as well get the best one and keep it for as long as I can. That and I got it on a big sale at Dell for around $300!
Dream Gear
If I had an extra three or four thousand dollars lying around, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the following lenses:
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Despite the fact that I returned this lens, I do occasionally get twinges of regret for not having kept it. I spent weeks researching the best general purpose lens and time and time again, this lens came up the hands down winner. It was the lens of choice for many professional photographers, especially those who shoot portraits and wedding photos. I personally really enjoy taking people pictures and this lens would have been perfect. At an f/2.8 aperture you can get some great depth of field and it's fast enough to use in low-light situations without a flash (and not needing to sacrifice picture quality by jacking up the ISO to 1600 to get certain shots). This lens has gotten rave reviews and if I had the money, I would definitely consider buying this lens.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Although I love my 70-200 f/4L USM lens, sometimes I find myself wishing I had another stop. The f/4 in low-light at weddings and when people are moving quickly like a dance performance on stage or at a sporting event, tends to be a bit too slow. I find myself getting a lot of blurry pictures because my hand gets tired from holding up the long telephoto lens. Sure this lens is no paper weight, but it has a wide aperture of f/2.8 and IS on top of that to compensate for my tired hands. My friends who own this lens swear by it when shooting sporting events and performances. Definitely not for the thin of wallet.
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
I just want this lens to get really cool looking fisheye pictures! You can take such great group shots and portraits or landscapes with this lens that you just can't get with other wide-angle lenses because of the distortion of the lens. I really like the images I've seen from this lens. They are both sharp and creative. I know it can get overused, but that's why I would only get it if I had the extra money lying around. This is definitey a fun addition to anyone's gear list.