24mm isn't wide enough for landscapes IMO and you will want something wider. A wide aperture is not needed for landscapes because you will want to be maximising the depth of field (to make sure the shot is sharp from front to back) and this requires narrower apertures. I don't recall shooting wider than f8 for landscapes (I typically shoot f11 - f16) and have never shot at f2.8.

I use a Canon 16-35 F4L IS for landscapes (on a full frame 6D) and it is an awesome lens. I also use this lens for interiors so the f4 aperture isn't wasted, although it isn't needed for landscapes.

Before I bought the 6D I used a Canon 10-22 on a crop sensor 7D (effective focal length 16- 35) and this too was a fantastic lens. The only reason I got rid of the 10-22 was because I moved to a full frame for my landscape photography.

If you have photo editing software buy the ND filters. You can replicate the graduated ND effect using photo editing software but you can't replicate the "movement" effects of ND filters.

I was forced to upgrade to PSE14 from PSE9 when I bought my Canon 6D and I have to say I love PSE14. Once you get the hang of it the program is logical and user friendly (I suggest getting a book to speed up the process), the features are superb and it really will help you get the most out of your photos.

All things considered PSE14 is not expensive and it gives a lot of bang for the buck.

Am I happy with my PSE14? You bet I am

Buy it - The Canon 7d is an awesome camera and at that price it is a steal. I use my 7d for sports photography, bird photography and wildlife photography and I wouldn't use anything else - the super quick focus and crop factor for the extra reach have helped me bag some shots I am really proud of.

If the 7d is for you get - I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Cokin have a strong colour cast although you can get rid of this setting a custom white balance and then photo editing software.

I started off with Hitech grads (couldn't justify the cost of Lee) and was very happy with them.

When I wanted a 10 stop ND filter I couldn't justify the cost of the Hitech version so I took a punt on a Zomei and I have to say I am well impressed with it. It is a great filter with little colour cast.

I was so impressed with the Zomei 10 sto ND that when my Hitech grads became useless (they scratched real bad) I decided to buy some Zomei filters, and I have never looked back. Zomei are a superb filter at a great price.

Stock photography is a highly competitive market and very difficult to make decent money with. I have used stock sites or a few years now and whilst I have made some sales it hasn't allowed me to give up the day job. I have all but given up with stock sites.

Rather than shooting stock I now sell my photos through Deviant Art (where I make the odd sale) and print on demand stores (where I do make pretty good money).

With the 1.6 crop factor and super fast auto focus the Canon 7d is an excellent wildlife and bird camera (that's what I use mine for) and for that sort of money it is a steal. You won't be disappointed.

BTW I also shoot a Canon 6D full frame and whilst it is an awesome camera the 7D is my go to camera for wildlife, birds and sports because I get way more keepers than I do with the 6D.

Don't just rely on reviews - go to a camera store and see the tripod.

Hold the tripod, pick it up, set it up, put a camera and lens on it, wiggle it about to see how sturdy it is, pack the tripod away, see what it's like to carry...... there are a lot of things you need to consider.

Once you have seen some tripods you may find a brand/make more suited to your needs within your budget.

btw I use a Manfrotto and it is the best tripod I have ever owned.

The Canon 50mm f1.4 is not worth buying and I would suggest you either buy the cheaper 1.8 or if you have deep pockets and want the best the 1.2L.

Even though the 1.4 is faster than the 1.8, and has a wider maximum aperture, it is pretty soft at 1.4 and you'll be using it at f1.8 instead so why not buy the 1.8 in the first instance and save yourself some cash.

The additional cost of the 1.4 over 1.8 really isn't worth it. The 1.8 does feel cheap and nasty, but don't let this put you off because the image quality is superb.

I tried using prime lenses for a European trip a few years back and I have to say I struggled with composition somewhat. Streets are narrow and tight, and moving around isn't always easy (a lot to do with the amount of people) and I found switching between lenses not only cumbersome but a worrying experience (there were several times I got bumped in to and nearly dropped the lens!).

Rather than prime lenses I now use 2 zoom lenses for all my European photography - a Canon 16mm - 35mm F4 and a Canon 24mm - 70mm and take two cameras so I don't have to switch lenses. I find the image quality of these 2 lenses simply awesome.

The 2 zoom lenses are versatile and I can capture photos quickly and effortlessly (which gives me more time to enjoy the cities and soak up the culture) and I don't have the worry of dropping a lens.

I note you are thinking of taking a 28mm lens. European cities are quite tight and I think you will want to go wider than 28mm. In Venice and Verona last year I didn't go any narrower than 20mm (and mostly shot at 16mm). Just something for you to think about before you go......

I keep getting the emails from WEX and Jessops about pre-ordering. Now to fund it - anyone need a kidney? Only 35 years old, well looked after, not abused etc......

Canon's flagship 70-200 - I have one for indoor sports on my 7D and it is simply awesome. Enjoy!

Awesome shots - the detail is stunning. Love the second image of the pelican in flight - well captured that.

A quiet evening on the Norfolk Broads - Thurne Mill at dusk.