hey all, I am new to the still photography scene, but i am very much interested and going to be getting some new gear. I am a sports nut, and other then day to day shooting, Ill be focusing my hobby on sports. Hockey will be the main, but baseball or football will be there too. I am looking to spend around 600-1000 or so I'm kind of flexible. I've done my research for bodies, and odds are I'm going for a xti. But id like you as sports photography hobbyists, and fans would help me get a package that will accommodate a beginner. I'm not opposed to used stuff if someone has a set up they would like to part with.

Thanks a bunch

Dan

Welcome Dan!

Your budget doesn't work too well for hockey, even at a bare minimum you'd need around $1300 and thats going with a used 1D (original) and a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 (doubt you can find one used)
Light is the issue, although the ice may look nice and bright it's not how a camera sees it, especially with the AF and the XT series is too slow AF wise and has shutter lag to add to the hassels, Anything less (than above) and you have to just prefocus and hope the action goes where your focused.
do a search here as we have lots of threads on this.

JS

The only thing that might save him is, are you shooting youth hockey or pro hockey? He could MAYBE get away with something less if it is exclusive to a well lit rink? If not, what JS said is right on the money, I know, I have been there.

hmm thanks guys.

so best case scenario for a begginer wanting to learn and get going is what you put above there? Any other suggestions? Id also need a lens for day to day use.

you may not want to get an original 1d if you are shooting ambient hockey. a 30d may suit you better. don't get me wrong, i love my 1d to death, but it's high ISO noise control is not spectacular by any means. the 30d is much better at high ISOs