using the new Rebel and 17-85 lens

these two w/ Flash at ISO on Auto (prolly 400):
<img src="http://marsavius.net/sam/elements/pics/17-dec-2005/images/IMG_0309.JPG">
<img src="http://marsavius.net/sam/elements/pics/17-dec-2005/images/IMG_0323.JPG">

these two w/out Flash and 800 ISO:

<img src="http://marsavius.net/sam/elements/pics/17-dec-2005/images/IMG_0290.JPG">
<img src="http://marsavius.net/sam/elements/pics/17-dec-2005/images/IMG_0321.JPG">

let me tell you it is freakin' hard getting good pics with kids running around a gym. so many great shots with only 1/2 a second to snap 'em and then the kid's moved out of view.

Nice job! I see a lot of folks with young kids on FM screaming for fast glass...it's the only way to keep up with the kids once they figure out how to run away from mommy/daddy and their big old camera. I tried taking pictures of my cousin's puppy earlier this year. Even with 2 bum legs (him, not me) I had a hard time keeping up with him! Ultimately, I think continuous mode might be useful. Rip off 3 or 4 shots...one of them is bound to be in focus with them actually facing the camera...maybe...one hopes.

That third shot is great - the natural light really brings it out. What you need now is an external flash that you can bounce. Your daughter is the same age as mine - hard to believe they're 4 already.

You have FEC on your camera, get a difusser and you'll get every shot in focus...no blur and at ISO 100. It's better than spending a ton of cash on fast glass IMO. Even with fast glass sometimes you still have to up the ISO to get the shutter speed you need. I paid $119 for my 420EX used at B&amp;H.