Camera Labs

Hi guys,

At this time I think I have my gear all planned, but I just can't be sure about certain details. At this moment I have the following gear:

Canon EOS 40D
Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM
Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM

I am planning to buy the following:

Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM
Canon EF 2.0x Extender III
Canon EF 100/2.8 L Macro IS USM
Canon EF 25mm Extension Tube

My reasoning for this list is as follows: I want a 7D because I don't want to sacrifice the extra "reach" I get from the 1,6x crop factor. I love nature photography and am planning on photographing wildlife in the near future. Even a safari is planned for 2013/2014 so a full frame camera would limit me a lot in my tele range. The 2.0x extender will be used with my 70-200/2.8 L USM to get my tele up to 640mm. The speed of the 7D (8fps) and accurate AF (19-points I think it was, all cross type) are two more reasons to go for the 7D instead of for example the 5D MII. A 5D MIII might be awesome, but that is clearly not within my budget.

The 24-105/4 L IS USM is something I want to have to fill the gap between the 17-40/4 and the 70-200/2.8. This will be my main lens then. I heard the 24-105 is a better lens than the (old) 24-70/2.8 and IS really appeals to me on my standard lens since this will be used in a lot of different situations, including situations with low light. The 100/2.8 L Macro IS USM is something I would like to buy for macro, because of the IS. A macro lens with IS seems like heaven to me, and the 25mm Extension Tube will make even higher magnification rates possible.

Like I said before: I really like nature photography (from animals and macro, to landscapes and plants) so I think this is a good plan to go with. My question is actually pretty simple (even though this big explanation suggests otherwise): am I right to think this is pretty nice gear to go for or am I missing out on some great alternatives? It is quite hard to determine whether or not this lens is better than the other, or this body is clearly preferable over that one so any advice is appreciated.

So thank you in advance for reading this enormous story and I hope you guys can give me some advice.

- Mike

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

Given what you have I think that's a reasonable choice. I might suggest some alternatives for ideas.

The 70-200/2.8L with 2x extender image quality may or may not be an issue. I don't know first hand how good that might be. If you need 400mm much, then consider adding the 100-400L instead of the extender. Of course that does involve carrying another lens if you need to have the 70-200 with you at the same time, but adding/removing an extender in the field isn't too much fun either.

I would skip the Canon 25mm extension tube and get a 3rd party set instead. Much cheaper and you get more options on how much extension to use.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

I will also agree on recommending something other than the Canon extension tube.
I purchased an entire set of 3 tubes that would still maintain auto-focus for less than what a single Canon one cost.
There are no optics in these things, just air.
How this works is there is a small tube that runs the length of the extension tube which connects the contacts of the lens to the contacts on the body.

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Canon Rebel XTi, BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes

Alright so it's better to pick a third party for the extension tubes then. The extender is, at this time at least, a better option for me than the 100-400. It would indeed mean another lens, and my backpack is not big enough to carry another big telelens. The results with a 2.0x III will probably be good enough, but I won't know that for sure till I tested it. When the time comes I might show some example pictures. Thanks for the help guys .

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

Well for safari i would sure save for 400 f5.6, it is relatively cheap, and has long reach,

but with this kind of lenses, one thing you miss - good tripod.

If you dont sell your 40D, then dont worry about changing lenses, you will have 70-200 (or other) for details and 400 for reach and simply changing cameras.

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I'm new to DSLR's, so please be patient and take my opinions with reserve. Thank you : ) Yes, i am Canon man.
Google + My picasa photos My 500px album
Canon 60D + 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS, Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS II, Canon 430EXII, polarizing filter 72mm,
Canon AT-1, 50mm FD F1.8
Canon A430,

Well at this time I have no intention of selling the 40D, but I might change my mind when I get too impatient and want to buy the 7D faster . A second body doesn't sound to shabby though, since I will have a back up than in case the 7D dies on me or something.

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

Or using two cameras / lenses next to each other

Personally I prefer the 100-400mm IS over the 400mm 5.6. The price is similar but the 100-400mm offers the zoom and the IS. Both lenses are partially but not fully sealed. The 100-400mm has a smaller minimal focusing distance, which is nice for higher magnification.

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Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

Does anyone have experience with the 70-200/2.8 combined with a 2.0x Extender III? This still seems my number 1 solution, because I won't be able to take another super telezoom with me. There is just so much I am allowed to carry on a plane .

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

Well, not my experience, but a trusty photographer told me it is terrible... he liked 1.4x III though

i will send you a link in PM where you can search for reviewed 2x extender from canon

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I'm new to DSLR's, so please be patient and take my opinions with reserve. Thank you : ) Yes, i am Canon man.
Google + My picasa photos My 500px album
Canon 60D + 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS, Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS II, Canon 430EXII, polarizing filter 72mm,
Canon AT-1, 50mm FD F1.8
Canon A430,

Great thanks! Will look into that straight away .

EDIT: OMG what a HUGE difference between the 100-400 and the Extender! I hate to say it, but the extender is REALLY bad on a 70-200/2.8 L USM. I guess I will have to scratch that and go for the 100-400 after all... Or does anyone have experience with the Sigma super telezoom lenses? If that's nice too, then I might want to cut a bit on the expenses.

EDIT 2: I already found the answer myself on the website you sent me Dingo; that's bad too. The only thing really sharp is the 100-400... No cutting on expenses it seems .

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

But indeed the 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM is probably my favourite lens out of my set of lenses, followed by my 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM. The last one gives me the possibility to just skip a 70-200mm 2.8 - I just can't zoom and instead of it I get the possibility to shoot macro, even sharper results and a lighter weight for even less money. Strike!

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Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

Well now that I have a 70-200/2.8 L USM I wouldn't want to trade it for any other lens. I guess the new list of lenses will be as follow:

EF 17-40/4 L USM
EF 24-105/4 L IS USM
EF 70-200/2.8 L USM
EF 100/2.8 L Macro IS USM
EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

That will be one hell of a collection to carry around ^^. And then I haven't even considered both bodies (7D with grip and the 40D) yet! I have got to go to the gym more . Awesome collection though I think. Will take me a couple of years, but after that I wouldn't have a clue what kind of lens to buy. Let's hope I am finally done buying lenses then...

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

You don't need to carry around everything all the time. For example, when I go on wildlife walkabouts, I typically use two lenses with a body for each. One has the 100-400L for general longer range. The other typically has a wide angle zoom. Maybe I have a macro and fisheye in the bag case the mood takes me, but I certainly don't take everything!

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

That's gonna be a new experience for me: I always tend to take everything with me. At this time that is still doable, but it won't even fit in my bag soon . And I am already pretty tired when I have been carrying my current gear around all day. It's worth the pain though .

But I agree: I will have to start leaving stuff at home when going on certain trips. Any tips on what to take with me on safari in Africa? I was thinking about taking this:

7D + 40D
17-40
70-200
100-400

Leaving my macro lens at home, since I don't expect to be using that anytime soon there. This should be a very versatile kit though.

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Cameras: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 40D
Lenses: Canon EF 17-40/4 L USM, Canon EF-S 60/2.8 Macro USM, Canon EF 70-200/2.8 L USM, Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM
Want list: Canon EF 24-105/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro L IS USM

I haven't done the African safari thing (yet) so I don't have 1st hand experience. Since I don't have a 70-200 class lens myself, I obviously couldn't take one but the rest sounds solid. I'd probably lean to take a bit more than you think you need. If it turns out you don't need anything you can leave it at camp. I've heard dust can be a problem so you probably wont want to change lenses if you can help it while out.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.