The above is true... 7DII is rated for 200,000 "clicks", up from 150,000 in 7D, and twice the 100,000 rating of the 6D. But, I gotta point out that shooting at 10 frames per second versus 4.5 frames per second, if you aren't careful you can use up all those extra "clicks" pretty fast! I see myself taking more shots with 7DII even compared to original 7D. By the way, in addition to it's life expectancy rating, the 7DII's shutter is also higher performance in other ways. It has 1/8000 top speed and 1/250 flash sync... compared to 1/4000 and 1/180 in 6D.

I'm sure there's more... but those are the things that come to mind, comparing 7D to 7DII. For an all-around, multipurpose camera such as you're seeking, I really think it's your best

As to lenses, are you aware of the EF-S 10-18mm that Canon introduced this year? Their EF-S 10-22mm USM has been one of the very best crop-sensor ultrawides for a long time, but at around $600-650, it also is one of the more expensive. The EF-S 10-18mm IS STM is a bit plasticky, but at under $300 it's one of the best values out there now. Most think it's image quality is among the best of any ultrawides, even the 10-22mm. Plus it's one of the lightest and smallest... 67mm filters (most of the others use 77mm, except for a few that use 82mm). And it's the only UWA that's got image stabilization. Maybe that's not as critical with an UWA as it is with a telephoto, but it's also not bad to have it since it apparently didn't add any cost to the lens.

I usually question the need for an ultrafast wide or walkaround lens such as the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8... but you mention photojournalism and that sometimes requires it. Yes, it's a "crop only"... but so is another lens you might want to consider: Canon EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM is close to the same price, but smaller and lighter. While it's a great lens for full frame, I wouldn't suggest the EF 16-35mm f/4 IS USM for use on a crop sensor camera. You'd be paying extra, but not gaining anything for it and compromising on lens speed, as well. If/when you ever do get a full frame camera, then you can sell off any crop only lenses and upgrade (unless you decide to keep some).

Are you aware of the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 Pro DX? It's also crop only, more a true wide angle and ultrafast, too... currently on sale at a hefty discount. I don't know a lot about it... my main concern would be focus speed (but a Tokina 12-24/4 I use is very fast focusing, despite using a micro motor focus drive). There also is the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 Pro DX.

As I get older the size/weight of a camera has become an issue. The 7D II is larger and heavier and is no fun to carry around on cruise ship tours. My 7D II was modified to be full spectrum so I could shoot IR, astro and visible light. When touring I took my 6D & 7D II with 24-105/4 lenses. That wasn't much fun. In June I will tour the Yukon & Alaska and may try to use a single camera for IR & visible light. I am looking at products made by Xume which allow fast filter switching. If I decide to use 2 cams, I will use a small, lightweight ~50mm lens on each camera. BTW, an A7R is roughly half the weight of a 7D II.

Don