Been using Wasabi batteries in my Canon DSLR's for years and have never had a problem. My 7DII takes LP-E6 or LP-E6N batteries and purchased them on Amazon. Like Wasabi batteries as I have never had a problem with them, guess I have become brand loyal!!!
Like their equipment. Last year bought a pair of YN685's and a YN622C-TX flash controller. These were a replacement of an older Canon Speedlite. Caught a Youtube video about them and (believe) Tony Northrup did a review on Yongnuo flashes. Great quality flashes with no problems.
I have been dealing with Canon for many years and have never had a problem. Last year sent back a camera for a warranty repair, no problem, the repair was done at no charge and returned to me in a few days. They actually called me to explain what had happen and what they did. All was fixed and today the camera still works as new...Their customer service is the best....
I've been using Wasabi batteries for years and have never had any issues. Have 3 Canon bodies with grips and they work well with all of them. Date my batteries when I receive them, depending on use usually replace them every 18-24 months. If you are a heavy user I would suggest replacing them every 12 months regardless of brand. Using Wasabi this becomes reasonable. Realize many here have been using batteries much longer with good results but I'd rather use a fresh set at $25.00 than using name brand at $120.00 a set and MAYBE getting an extra year out of them...
Have a Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 USM VB and a 1.4x Tamron converter. Earlier this year I tried the 2x and wasn't pleased with the results so I returned it. The 1.4x was much better on my Canon 5D and 7DII. Can only suggest that you match the converter with the lens. If Canon a lens get a Canon converter if Tamron get a Tamron converter etc. I think this makes a difference...I have tried it on my Canon 70-200 L f/4 and it works quiet well but not as good as with the Tamron lens IMO...
Use the 40 Gram Silica Gel Canister in my camera cabinet. When traveling use silica gel packets in my camera bag. I've only had to recharge my canister once. I put it in the oven at 250 degrees for a couple hours and it comes back to life...You can pick up the canister on Amazon very reasonable. Keep those lenses dry!!!!
As most I would go with new...$50 more on the purchase for new don't even think about it. Have been dealing with Cameta for years and Enzo has always taken care of me. They do have some wiggle room on price as I have found out buying refurbished lenses. They don't list many Canon refurb products but if you call them somehow they appear....
If you have a lot invested in Nikon gear guess I would stay with that and update. About 15 or so years ago sold all my Nikon gear and entered the Canon world. Have no regrets. Love their "L" series lenses...Started out with a 5D which I still use today and the puppy has over 100,000 clicks on it and still performs very well. I shoot a lot of sports and find the 7DmarkII at 10FPS is very adequate with the 70-200f/4 for outdoors. Indoor sports use the 70-200 f/2.8. Depends where you want to put your$$$... To change gear can be costly especially if you have money invested in good glass, if using kit lenses on an older camera now is the time if you decide to change. Most here appear to be Nikon users, which is fine but I find Canon does me better....
Lexar without a doubt...Been using them for years and never had one fail....
Many companies like Microsoft, Adobe etc. stop sending software updates for their older versions thus causing us to use the current version as is or update the the newer at a cost. Have been a lightroom user since the first edition offered. I've learned it and know it, for the $10.00 per month you get the latest Lightroom Classic CC, Photoshop, and updates as they are released. If only doing a few dozen pixs a month maybe another program will work. CC looks like the only way you are going to be able to use these programs in order to keep the latest updates and programs in the Adobe world. If one buys a 12 pack of beer it will cost you more than $10.00, a roll of film with processing well over $10.00. IMO Adobe CC is worth the money....
Have a Tamron 70-200 G2 f/2.8 I use for indoor sports. Had both the 1.4x and the 2.0x converter. Did not like the results using the 2.0x so I sold it. The 1.4x is a keeper, much better results ....There are many articles written about both but the 1.4x seems to be a better choice. Gets my vote...
Jerry you're absolutely correct. I have a Sony Blue ray player and it is one cranky player. Some slideshows and video DVD's it plays and most it doesn't. Have an old Zenith DVD player and it plays everything. Must be newer technology...I have been using supermediastore.com for all my discs over the past 20 years and I agree they all work regardless of brand with very few failures.
I own both lenses, each have their place. Shooting outdoor sports I use the 70-200 f/4 and hand hold it with great results. If I use the "tank" 70-200 f/2.8 a great and equal lens it gets a bit heavy after a while. A monopod helps but I move around to much and have to be fast to get the shot and that stick just seems to get in my way...90% of the time the f/4 is my go to lens, my favorite lens for outdoors. Indoor sports I prefer the f/2.8. If I had a choice of one over the other I get more use out of the f/4....
If recently purchased should have come with some type of warranty. If a refirb most come with at least a 90 day warranty. If purchased from Canon USA they are very good with their warranties and will either repair or replace it for you. If under warranty I wouldn't go screwing around with the pins. Always insert your CF cards carefully, different than inserting a SD card. Your camera takes both cards but the CF card is faster. Good Luck!!!