WRT suggestions that you consider a less expensive body, I have this to add. Camera bodies are a little like computers. You are paying to use the thing for a few years, since in a few years something better will be out. So if you're prepared to spend $8000 on a body every few years, by all means, go for it: the 1DsIII is a great camera if price is no object. But don't think of it as an investment to last for decades. (Not that the camera won't last- it's built like a tank... but my guess is, in a few years a $2000-3000 camera will be superior).


Now to lenses. They hold value better. I agree with others who say that you need to know what you'll be shooting.


That said, for portraits I would start with the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. If I found myself taking lots of portraits, I might later find that I wanted one or more of 85mm f/1.2, 135mm f/2, and 200mm f/2. (Which, personally, I do... all of them ) You would know which (if any) you want after using the 70-200 for a while.


For macro I would start with the 100mm f/2.8 macro. If I found myself taking lots of macro pictures but wishing for more reach, I would add the 180mm macro. If I found myself maxing out the magnification and adding extension tubes and never getting enough (which personally, I have ) I would think about adding the 65mm mp-e


I'd get a 16-35 f/2.8 or 17-40 f/4 for landscapes. If I found myself taking lots of pictures at the wide end (which personally, I don't), I would later add a 14mm prime.


If I wanted to take pictures of birds or do other long range nature photography, I would get a 100-400 zoom. After using this lens for a while, I might find I wanted a faster lens (300 or 400mm f/2.8) or a longer one (eg 600mm f/4 or 800mm f/5.6).


Why, with all of that, I might almost be happy.


That is, until the 1Ds Mark IV comes out. []