since the original 1d and 1d2 prices came down to the point I can afford, I'm thinking of 2 setups for a similar price. one is to get a second hand 1d with 35L or a second hand 1d mark2. I already have a 28mm f/2.8 if I get a second hand 1d2.

the reasoning behind this is that since high ISO of 1d classic is not as good as 1d2, I'd use a large aperture lens in low light situation. or I could get the 1d2 with a better high ISO performance. I've never held a 1d series body before, but I did hold a Nikon D3 and 5D/40D at local stores. I just love the pro body ergonomics and the balance.

asking for your comments and advices. also I'm looking at original 1ds as well. any comment on that is also welcome

thanks a lot
positron

Who, what, when, where, and why do you shoot?

sorry I didn't mention what to shoot. I'm interested in all kinds of things from landscape, nature, close-up...etc. I can even bring it to casual gathering with friends to save the memories, but probably not too much sports. i don't have any extra money for another lens.

thanks

I'd sell the 28 2.8, get the 35L + 1D, and buy an 85 1.8. The 35L and 85L are my favorite lenses, and they're fantastic on any body you use them on. The 1D is great for a lot of things, you just have to think a bit more about your final composition especially when using primes, as those pixels get cropped away mighty fast. I keep meaning to pick another one up again just because of its sync speed.

So the next most responsible question would be, "Have you tried a grip on your XT?" I ask, because many people say they can't really feel a difference between a gripped Rebel or xxD and the 1 series. And if you could get by with the grip, then I'd say use what you've got and invest in good lenses. Let the change in bodies come after you've firmed up your glass arsenal.

Haha. Once you've touched a D3 or even just a 5D/40D, I don't think you can sleep well with a Rebel anymore. I was handed an XT a few months ago to take some shots of a guy's family and my hands were killing me within 30 seconds, and the ergonomics were absolutely terrible.

I agree with bacilonur. I have a fairly large hand than others at my height, and I had an XT before. the small camera and grip make my hand really uncomfortable. even with 5D/40D when I held it, about 1/3 to 1/2 of my pinkie is holding nothing but air at the bottom of the camera. it makes me uncomfortable.
the nikon D3 is just wonderful on my hand. i'd think it'll be the same for 1d series

I'm with freaklikeme on this one, although I'd suggest a gripped 20D or 30D instead since the Rebels are too small. Based on what you describe, they seem to fit your needs better than a 1D series and give you more money for glass. Seeing as that you have a pretty broad range of subjects, getting by with one lens might be tough.

IMHO a basic setup like 20D+grip, 35/2, and 85/1.8 would be much cheaper and more flexible for your needs than the setup you describe. YMMV.

Unless you are doing sports/PJ, go with a 20-40D and spend the rest on glass.

Sorry, I didn't realize you no longer had the XT (that is a 350D, right?). I was just going off your profile. For the price of a 1DmII, you could get a gripped 20D and a 24-70L, and with the money left over and the sale price of your 28, you could get an 85 f/1.8. Or, if you really like shooting primes, keep the 28, gripped 20D, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8, and 135L.

But, if you're accepting no substitute, then go with the 1D/35L combo. That, at least, minimizes your investment in the body and gives you a lens you'll probably still have long after the 1D has clicked its last.

Zander Alberts wrote:
Unless you are doing sports/PJ, go with a 20-40D and spend the rest on glass.

But a used 1D is no more expensive than a used 40D.

Adding a grip to a xxD doesn't give it 1/16000 sec shutter or 43 AF points or 1/500 sync speed or 8fps. OTOH, an XXD with grip is lighter than a 1D!

Stuart

yeah, price of a used original 1D is just in between of used 20D and 40D. I like the body of pro cameras plus the advantages like AF, sync speed, better viewfinder.. etc over the 20D/40D. this way I could also put more money on a better and fast glass. but what if I go with a 1D mark2 for the better high ISO performance than 1D? I chose a fast lens (35L) to compensate for the high ISO on the 1D. is it a reasonable thing to do?

1DMk2 is much better than the Mk1 and way better than a 20D.

Or, wait a month or two and get a 50D.

Get a 5D. 35L + 5D= pure awesomeness.

I realize the 5D/40D/50D image qualities are great, but I just love the 1D series body. the size and weight are well balanced for my hand. I had a 350D before and found out I 'd like to go wide. FF is great, but I just don't have much fund.

i'm assuming you have $1500-2000 to spend, based on your initial post. if i needed ~ one extra stop of iso capability and 8 mpx resolution, then a 1D II and 35/2. otherwise, a 1D original + 35/2 + 85/1.8 + flash for a do-everything kit.

but for what you describe as your uses, a 5D + 35/2 would be my all-round top choice (still within $1500-2000)