New Camera or lens

[fyrftr007]

I have one of the first digital rebels made. I am considering purchasing either a new camera set-up or perhaps a significant upgrade in a telephoto zoom lens. I would consider myself a intermediate amature photogragher. Landscape photos and some sport photography are the usual.
Would I get more bang for my buck if I purchased a high quality L series zoom or is that like putting 100,000 mile tires on a 1964 buick with 300,000 miles. I have about $1500 to spend.
What I have noticed is in many of my shots while using the current and crappy Sigma 200mm lens, the photo subjects are not sharp and crisp as I would like. I would usually not print larger than 11" x 14" photos.
My thoughts are a new high quality lens would help and also be usable when I upgrade.

Any thoughts??

[bearly]

which body and lenses exactly do you have?

and with $1500 you could upgrade both if you wanted... you could get the T1i (500D) body refurbished (which is just as good if not better than new because the inspections for refurbs is way more rigorous than new models) for under $700 from amazon and then a nice lens like the 17-15 f2.8, though that specific one would put you over your $1500 budget by $150-200...

something to consider

[fyrftr007]

The body is the original Rebel digital ( no other markings) I bought it new in 2004?? the lens I use the most is a Sigma 70-300 4.5-5.6. I have been told the lens in a POS... and I agree. I am looking for a lens that has similar telephoto/zoom capabilities.

Thanks for your response!

Pat

[jofrost]

I'd upgrade both too if I had the budget to do so . BH Photo has the Rebel T1i for around $650 ( body only ) which leaves plenty left for a decent lens of your choice . Pretty sure a new Canon 70-300 would still be within ...

-John

[shep]

now is the time to upgrade. check around because almost every retail store is still having great after christmas sales. you could very well get a great package deal on some great cameras. from what i've seen of nikon's package deals, you won't get the best glass, but it won't be terrible either. i don't ever shop for canon, so i can't say what their package deals look like. i'm sure if you shopped around you could afford to get a new camera and lens, if that is what you decide you want.

[lauderdalems]

Canon rebates are still good on several bodies and lens. An 'L' lens really makes a big different, but an upgrade on a new body would also make a huge different too.

If you had someone nearby with Canon lens and you could take a couple of test shots with different lens it might give you a better indication of your needs.

I upgraded from the old Rebel XT to the 40D and it make a big different, but so did my upgrade from the 70-300 to the 70-200 2.8IS.