Noob looking for all around DSLR. 40D 50D D300?

[tsaraleksi]

You'd have a hard time taking product shots like the ones that you demonstrated with that lens. The minimum focus distance on the lens you linked to is 1.6 feet, compared to 6 inches on the dedicated macro canon 100/2.8.

 

[jwsciontc]

honestly i could get pics like that with a P&S, just buying expensive equipment doesnt't automatically give you great looing pictures out of a box. It sounds like you'll be using AUTO all the time as well. I would even pick up the new Canon XS or a xti/xsi or a Nikon d40

 

[ANDS!]

You'd have a hard time taking product shots like the ones that you demonstrated with that lens. The minimum focus distance on the lens you linked to is 1.6 feet, compared to 6 inches on the dedicated macro canon 100/2.8.

Hardly. 1.6 feet is three times the minimum focusing distance of the 100 F/2.8. Zoomed in, he would have no trouble taking close up shots of anything he is wishing to sell.

As for the OP, that lens is "fine", but there are certainly "sharper" and faster lenses. Howver, if you are shooting product photos in a controlled environment using dedicated flash units, how fast the lens is irrelevant. If you chose to go that route with the lens, make sure you do pick up a SpeedLite or two (if you're doing product shots you can certainly get away with one), as well as taking a look at some Macro Photography (specifically those who do still life) forums as their setup will help you here.