fly boy

This will be my ultimate purchase:

Canon EOS 7D
18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed.
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) for shooting from bright to dim light.
8.0 fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large/JPEGs with UDMA CF card and 15 RAW.
Advanced movie mode with manual exposure control and selectable frame rates: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD): 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 1280 x 720 (HD): 60p (59.94) / 50p, 640 x 480 (SD): 60p (59.94) / 50p.
Intelligent Viewfinder with 100% field of view, wide viewing angle of 29.4°, high magnification of 1.0, intelligent viewfinder with glass pentaprism and an overlaid LCD display in viewfinder supports various shooting styles.
New 19-point, all cross-type AF system equipped with dual diagonal cross-type sensors in center at f/2.8 and f/5.6 and AF area selection modes to match various shooting situations.
iFCL Metering with 63 zone dual-layer metering sensor that utilizes AF and color information for optimizing exposure and image quality.
Magnesium body with shutter durability up to 150,000 cycles and exclusive dust and weather resistance.
Maximum resolution for any application.
The EOS 7D features a Canon-designed 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution it's easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth. Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors ensure that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS 7D's ability to capture and process data of images shot at 18.0 Megapixels at 8 fps, as well as Face Detection Live Mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral optimization are all possible thanks to the Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors.



Canon EF 70200MM F/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens




Improving upon one of the most celebrated lenses in the Canon EF line is no easy feat, but Canon has done just that. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality and reduced chromatic aberration. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m/3.9 ft. at all zoom settings, which is useful for photographers in smaller spaces trying to get closer to a subject. It features a next-generation Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths. And as with all L-series lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is dust- and moisture-resistant and designed for use in the challenging environments typical of rigorous professional use.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

I have both and it's a fantastic combination.
Remember too, a 1.4 extender can be used quite nicely on that lens.

Also consider your potential needs for a regular 'all around' type of lens such as Canon's 24-105 f4

pigpen

I don't own this lens, but was doing research on it. I was surprised in several reviews I read (and I mean several), they said the 70-200L 2.8 ($1350) was actually sharper than this lens because of the extra glass (elements) required for the IS. Again, I can't speak from experience, but I will own one version of this lens someday and would like to hear from anybody who has one/the other or both.
thanx

P.S. I own theT2i, which they call the baby 7D, and I love it.

fly boy

I will definitely add the 1.4x extender. Thanks

fly boy

I also own the T2i and learning all the controls.

dfalk Loc: Chugiak, Alaska

Perhaps. But I bet most of us wouldn't be able to tell the difference. We would be able to see the camera shake induced softness from not having the IS. I have the 70-200L 2.8 IS II and have no regrets.

pigpen

I would love that lens, just not being a pro, I don't know if I could justify the extra $1,100 to my wife. Somehow I can already hear in my head something like, "I want a new couch!" LOL

dfalk Loc: Chugiak, Alaska

Here's what worked for me:

Go out on your boat and get really close to breaching whales...after a couple of close splashes she'll offer to buy you a longer lense. <G>

pigpen

Great idea!

But if I could afford a boat, I could afford the lens.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Or maybe the other way around. If you bought the boat maybe you *couldn't* afford the lens.

So there's your strategy for approaching your wife with the idea..."But honey, it's a heck of a lot cheaper then a boat."

This could work! or maybe not

pigpen

Worth a shot!

SteveH Loc: Putnam Valley NY & Boynton Beach, Fla

I have a 5D (full frame) with the 24-105. This is definitely a great lense. If I was to buy another camera I would go for the 7D.

I have a Canon L 70-200 4.5 which takes great pictures. I am looking to trade it for the 2.8 70-200 because I want the extra lense speed and blurred backround for portraits.

You are really going to need to purchase the 24-105 or the f2.8 which is I believe 24-70 for wide wider angle shots. With the cropped sensor and a 70mm starting point you could miss quite a few shots, especially scenics etc. on a vacation, etc.

Steve

Ageless Loc: Tucson, AZ

Actually the Canon 60D is rated better than the 7D and half the price. I would think the 60D would be the baby 7D. I just bought the 60D and am learning the the camera. It takes great pictures and wouldn't trade it for anything.

SteveH Loc: Putnam Valley NY & Boynton Beach, Fla

Rated by who? The 60D is a nice camera but all the ratings that I have seen favor the 7D by a wide margin.

Ageless Loc: Tucson, AZ

Consumer Reports.