If you can't use flash or you are too far away to use flash then you have two options. (maybe more)
1. Buy a faster lens. f2.8 would be two stops faster and would put the iso at 500 or so.
2. Shoot as you did and post process with a good noise reduction software.
You can shoot at 3200 or 6400 ISO with the 7D. ( I have, many times, and with satisfying results).
Problem is when you have slow lenses ( which quality is not the best ) you end up with blurry images with low contrast.
A nice 70-210 F2.8 would have taken care of your situation I believe. Problem is, it costs over $2,000.
trc
Loc: Logan, OH
We all use different photo imaging enhancement programs and we all have our favorites. I have several and used Aperture 3.2.4 I quickly tweaked it several different ways and came up with this on your thumbnail. I agree with someone else about using at least a f2.8 lens and probably a telephoto at least 70-200 mm would reach out and grab what you wanted in this case.
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