Ms Secretary,


Sounds like you have some focused aspirations. It also sounds like you know what you want. Now "you" need to decide how much to spend and on what. The 50 is a pretty good portrait lens on the 40D at f2.8. The 100mm f2.8 macro is an absolute fabulous portrait lens on crop and FF. It also doubles as a close up "macro"lens. That coupled with a 430EX flash could scratch that itch for a few more weeks. Soon or later your going to want that 70-200. f2.8 IS is the best. I wouldn't knowI'vegot the non-IS version. But I still love it!!. For wide angle/standard walk around the Tamron 17-50or for 2.5X the price a Canon EF 17-55 IS. I hear the night club calling and you might not need to use flash with the Canon 17-55. Remember that both of these lenses are for 1.6X crop cameras like the 40D. When used the equivalent field of view is like a 28-75mm lens on a FF like the 5D.I think you know that. I ramble.


My vote would be for 17-50 f2.8 lens and a good flash. Learn how to bounce the flash and mix it with ambient. That will help your candid portraiture as much if not more than investing in a 70-200.


It goes on and on and on,


Chuck