Canon 7D Mk II - essential accessories: I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would like recommendations on the rest of the "kit". I will add a 2nd battery

xerxesix Loc: Portland, OR

I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would like recommendations on the rest of the "kit".
I will add a 2nd battery - assume it should be a Canon or are there other manufacturer ones that are equally good but a but cheaper.
Memory cards have me a bit confused. I think these should probably be 64 GB each but again not sure will 32 GB be OK?
The other question is about transfer speed. Seems the higher the bigger the price but I understand the 7D has a pretty decent size buffer so what speed would be good enough without expending the extra $ for a higher transfer speed.
I have pretty much concluded that I would buy it with the kit lens. I have a 15 - 85 Canon lens and really like it but sometimes would like just that little bit of extra reach. Not sure there are other really good options for a nice walk-about lens that will give the same IQ results.
I have a pretty decent flash so will not need another one. On camera flashes seem to be a last resort for any decent flash photography.
Recommendations for any "must haves" will be welcome.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

xerxesix wrote:

I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would ... (show quote)

You will probably have maximum fun with your new rig. You are getting camera that is designed to satisfy your needs for a long time. The lenses you use with it will vary as you develop your own style and find out exactly what the camera will allow you to do. Your choice of memory cards is somewhat suspect, why the large capacity? Those cards are generally for long shoots involving lots of shots. Sports shooters would be a good example of who might use them. The size you use should be dependent on your usage. Keep in mind that the bigger the card, the more shots go on it, and the more shots on it the more shots you can lose, etc. Whatever you decide will be fine for your use. Hope you have the maximum allowable good times. Enjoy.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Must have's.
500mm mkll f4!!
SS

xerxesix Loc: Portland, OR

Looks nice but a little out of my price range - will go to the 7/11 and buy a lottery ticket - maybe then

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

xerxesix wrote:

I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would ... (show quote)

You didn't mention what kind of stuff you shoot that led you to consider buying the MK II.
This is primarily a sports and wildlife action camera, not a 'walk around' camera where the kit lens would be useful.
If you do shoot sports or wildlife action then you need to be looking into a telephoto 300 and longer.
If however you mainly shoot stuff like flowers, old barns, sunsets, and portraits, there are better choices in cameras out there then the new 7D.

xerxesix Loc: Portland, OR

That does raise an interesting point. While I do not shoot a lot of wildlife I do enjoy doing it when the opportunity arises. Sports is not on my list. My approach is to buy the best I can afford and then I live with for a while. I currently own a T1i and have enjoyed using it but have become aware of its limitations. What alternatives would there be? - Probably be difficult to change my mind but I am willing to listen. :-)

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

xerxesix wrote:

That does raise an interesting point. While I do not shoot a lot of wildlife I do enjoy doing it when the opportunity arises. Sports is not on my list. My approach is to buy the best I can afford and then I live with for a while. I currently own a T1i and have enjoyed using it but have become aware of its limitations. What alternatives would there be? - Probably be difficult to change my mind but I am willing to listen. :-)

The 32GB memory cards are sufficient- not too large and not too small.

The 7D MK II is a 'specialty' camera. It is designed for sports and wildlife photography. It has a very rugged build and an advanced auto focus system. The Canon 70D or Nikon 7100 may do everything you need and more. Either of these cameras will be a considerable upgrade to what you currently have.

What 'limitations' are you refering to? This would be important in your decision.

xerxesix Loc: Portland, OR

Some of the limitations that have made me look at other cameras are:
The low FPS. Love the sound of the 10 FPS on the MkII. The focus is another one. I have several pictures of birds in flight with fantastic clear backgrounds and blurry birds.
Also, the video does not autofocus when you zoom on the T1i and I have been using the the video lately because my grandson has just started walking and sometimes it is nice to simply go to video without having to grab the video camera.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

xerxesix wrote:

Some of the limitations that have made me look at other cameras are:
The low FPS. Love the sound of the 10 FPS on the MkII. The focus is another one. I have several pictures of birds in flight with fantastic clear backgrounds and blurry birds.
Also, the video does not autofocus when you zoom on the T1i and I have been using the the video lately because my grandson has just started walking and sometimes it is nice to simply go to video without having to grab the video camera.

Given what you have said here, the 70D may a better fit for you. The auto focus system is a 19 point with all being cross points. A very good AF system which is far better than the T1i. The 7 frames per second is also not too bad on the 70D- not 10 for like the 7D, but probably adequate for most people.

You mention the auto focus during video, you will need an STM lens to take full advantage of this. This would be true of both the 70D and 7D MK II. The 70D gives you two advantages for video work. First, the touchscreen that allows you to tell the camera where to focus And secondly, the articulating screen that really helps with video work.

I am not trying to talk you out of the 7D MK II (I own one and really like it so far) but a new camera body is not something you buy every week. Take the time to consider your options before you buy.

Grammieb1 Loc: New Orleans

xerxesix wrote:

I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would ... (show quote)

What kind of photography are you planning to do with your 7Dll? What kind of budget do you have? What is essential for some is a luxury for others. Are you planning to do sports, indoors or out of doors? Wildlife, birds or bears? Are you doing video or just interested in stills? There is such a range & variety of gear that can be acquired. A good starting place is deciding what you would like to shoot & buying gear that will help you toward that goal. Bab

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

xerxesix wrote:

I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would ... (show quote)

You can save money if you find a kit that offers the things you actually want. Otherwise, buying individually is the way to go.

I've found that 32GB cards are more than I need. Ordinarily, I use 8GB Eye-Fi cards. If I'm away for a few days or doing a lot of shooting, I'll use 16 or 32GB cards. I don't like to have everything one card - just in case. The important thing with cards is the speed. See what your owner's manual says about approved cards. As with most things, getting the absolute fastest will probably require a huge jump in price. Sony recently introduced a fast card that costs $400. It depends on how often you shoot longs burst capturing raw images.

I've used non-brand name batteries in everything for years with no problem.

Don't rush to buy everything right off the bat. Take your time and see what you really need.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

I Just responded to another post but I agree that it sounds like the 70D is a camera better suited to your needs. I just purchased a package from a local camera store which is from Canon which included the camera, 32G card, bag, HDMI 18-135 STM lens for $1340. I would consider the battery grip which makes it more comforable to hold and an extra battery. Love the set up for walk around etc. but have 7DII for my sports and Wildlife. Hope this helps.

jerryc41 wrote:

You can save money if you find a kit that offers t... (show quote)

dpaden Loc: Homewood, Alabama

I would buy the Canon battery. I've read of problems caused by some other brands. If you will be out for all day shoots, you may want two spare batteries. I use 32MB cards. I use no more than 32GB because I don't want to put all my eggs in a big basket. I have had a card go bad before with a lot of photos. Be sure to get SD or CF cards that are as fast as the camera will take advantage of. Otherwise, you'll be waiting longer than necessary for the camera to write the photos to card before you can take another shot. On my camera, when in JPG mode and fast CF card, I have counted 50 shots without pause. I quit counting at 50. Slower cards won't do that.
Congratulations!

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

xerxesix wrote:

I am on the verge of buying the 7D MkII but would ... (show quote)

Welcome to the Hog, xerxesix.
When I bought my XTi, I called Adorama and the guy at the other end offered lots of advice as to the accessories I might want. I asked if he worked on a commission and he said "no".

dpaden Loc: Homewood, Alabama

I would buy the Canon battery. I've read of problems caused by some other brands. If you will be out for all day shoots, you may want two spare batteries. I use 32MB cards. I use no more than 32GB because I don't want to put all my eggs in a big basket. I have had a card go bad before with a lot of photos. Be sure to get SD or CF cards that are as fast as the camera will take advantage of. Otherwise, you'll be waiting longer than necessary for the camera to write the photos to card before you can take another shot. On my camera, when in JPG mode and fast CF card, I have counted 50 shots without pause. I quit counting at 50. Slower cards won't do that.
Congratulations!