Thing is...as much as I like reading reviews and comparing photos on the net, I definitely need an expert's advice on what lens is the best. yeah, I know...stupid question, well not stupid, but kind of lame, at least.
I got my Canon EOS 30D...yaaay! Finally! Ok, next step... what lens to get? Well, I guess, first of all, I should ask myself what do I want to shoot? People, landscapes, macros? Well, I ended up wanting an all-day lens...
Here are the finalists (please believe me I have read about 10 times every review available on the net about these lenses, I just need some real advice):

Sigma AF 70mm f/2.8 EX DG macro (I mainly used [link])
Sigma AF 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG macro ([link])
Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF]([link])
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM (i thiink you all know this one)

I seem to be strangely attracted to the Sigma 24-70 MONSTER, just because of it's size and build quality, although it has some flaws (big flares, 82mm filters not that cheap, not sharp at all, some say).
The Sigma 70mm is an EISA winner, so is the Tamron.
I kinda gave up on prime lens, because I want a more "all-rounder" at this time. So...which one? The Sigma 24-70 (which is for full frames, btw) or the award winning, but smaller, cheaper-plastic feeling Tamron 17-50mm with a lot more CA ? They're both on my shopping list, but only one can remain. Comparing photos on the net doesn't really help, as my eyes cannot simply notice any big quality differences (and in any case, I'll never have to view a photo at full res, as I don't print and don't need full views on my 15 inch LCD). I just don't wanna flip the coin on this one!

With what...u might say...well at myself and my stupid S6500fd...first of all because when I bought it, it was extremely expensive for me, and now it's half that price...Today you cand buy a 350D with the money I bought the Fuji then. But most of all, I was present at a friend's wedding this weekend and I thought it would be a great opportunity to test my Fuji indoors...well, I did managed to get SOME shots right (with the right WB and focused) stupid LCD, makin' me happy for nothing...'cause u see, when u take a shot at 6 megapixels on a 2' LCD, everything looks AWESOME! but when u full view it on a 22' screen, oh well, let's just say that investing a large sum of money in a mediocre camera instantly seems a stupid mistake. But let's be honest, it's my fault as well, even if I used a tripod incorrect WB, stupid out-of-focus portraits, high level of in-camera noise reduction and none of the punchy effect from a real SLR. Very dissapointed with my camera and myself...I bought a Kenko Circ Pol which cost a lot of money and does very little for that tiny CCD...so, yeah, we learn from our mistakes...I just wish I would be good at something from the start, just havin' a sixth sense about anything...'guess I'm just average

Hi everyone on DA who is reading my journal entry...it's been a long time, with my work and all...Haven't submitted any new deviations, 'cause I'm waiting the paycheck to buy myself some stuff for my camera.
Ok, here's the dilema...A Fuji S6500fd...which is a good enough camera for people like me (noobs @ photo ). I'm thinking of buying some filters...maybe my pics will be better this way. Although I realise that much of the filter's function can be reproduced by software, I'm still interested in at least buying a Hoya IR R72 and a ND filter, and also a CIRC POL Hoya...Thing is...I got my eyes set on CIRC POL...just 'cause, from what I've read and heard from real photographers, it's a must-have filter. So, CIRC POL it is! But what kind? I'm thinking of Hoya, but they have a lot of models...CIRC POL with HMC, Low Profile frame, Digital Multi Coated and other stuff, then there is the Hoya CIRC POL Pro series...I could give u a link to the store, but it's in Romanian, so I don't think it would be much of a help...as for my Romanian DevFriends, I'm sure u know which store I'm thinking of
I'm also thinking of buying a Cokin P system - the P120 and P121...is the investment worth on my DSLR-like camera?
Some thoughts, please...I already have an opinion on this, but I need some approval from you, more experienced photographers
Thank u for all you'r upcoming advice!

Yeyyy...finally I got a call from Vivendi games (the guys who own Blizzard) for job interview...in an hour, I have to be there...I'm so nervous...my first job-interview...I know I won't get the job, 'cause I'm very shy and get very nervous when people ask me questions about where do I see myself in 5 years from now and stuff like that...And you would think that beeing a psychology student helps a little...well...in theory, but the practice, well, that's another story
Oh well, what doesn't kill you, leaves you with no money in your pocket, I always say!
This SUnday I went to a photoshoot with SassenachJC and soon I'll be posting new photos...
Wish me luck, anyone who reads this before 11 o'clock (GMT +2)

The whole story at [link]