Home Forums Gear Photography New body or lens?

So, I was given a gift certificate for a local camera store by the parents of our cross country team for taking and sharing photos for the season. Not why I take them but it was a really nice gesture. So my question is, what would be the best to upgrade? Lens or body?

Current body: Canon 7D (purchased used from a 'Fire member), Rebel T3i

Current lenses: Canon 18-135 STM, Canon 18-135 USM, Canon 50mm STM f1.8, Canon 24mm f2.8, Canon 70-300 USM II

I mostly do sports (T&F and cross country, landscape and wildlife). I don't do a lot of indoor sports, a couple of indoor track meets each year. I have rented the Canon 70-200 IS f2.8 for such events in the past

Thinking that it makes the most sense to upgrade my body, possibly to the 7D Mk II. Not interested in changing brands at this point. I am happy with Canon.

I’d buy a new lens, the Canon 100-400 USM f/4.5-5.6 is an excellent lens and would compliment your current lenses.

I have used that lens a couple of times, it is a very nice lens, I agree. I borrowed one for a trip to Africa this summer. Also used it for the state track meet, where you can not get as close to the track as you can at other meets

The most important question, what is the budget? Your camera is an excellent camera. The 70-200 F4 IS is an awesome lens as is the Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 at a very reasonable price. The Tamron allows you to take amazing pictures in low light and the results are fantastic. I have no skin in the game and these are very honest suggestions

Feel free to contact me at joelcameralandny.com with any questions

Budget is $2000 and under. I have rented some fast zooms (Canon 70-200 II and Canon EFS - 17-55 f2.8) when doing some indoor shooting. I have read that the 7D MkII has improved AF and handles higher ISO better than the 7D. I rented a Canon 70-200 f4 IS for a outdoor XC meet and I am not sure that I could tell any difference in IQ from my 70-300 NanoUSM in that setting

I have read that the new 100-400L IS II is very sharp. It's smaller aperture should work outdoors in the stronger light.
https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/08/canon-100-400-is-ii-mtf-and-variation-tests/

As Joel mentions, the Tamron 70-200 G2 is pretty good
https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/20...-new-tamron-70-200-f2-8-sp-di-vc-usd-g2/

Have you missed shots with your current setup due to the 7D's autofocus that would lead you to want a different body? Wonder if you could rent the 7DII and see if it enough better?

Not so many missed photos but I know that I have missed photos with the 7D in sports. Now, some of that is certainly my skill level. But in watching some of the videos and reading articles on the Mk II, it does have a more accurate AF system and exposure compensation is better. Also seems to have a better capability in low light. I like to get by without a flash, when I can, even if I have to bump up the ISO.

I agree that the 100-400 Canon is a wonderful lens. Right at the edge of my price range, I think. I took one to Namibia this summer that I was able to borrow from a friend. Some really nice results.

I shoot a 7D II and a 100-400 quite a bit for outdoor sports. And this combo is one of my go-to's when I'm humping gear around an XC course. Full disclosure: I've never shot the mark 1 version of the 7D nor any of the lenses you list, so I can't offer a direct comparison...with that said, the 100-400 will obviously get you a bit more reach than what you have, and perhaps faster and more accurate AF (can't tell from your smugmug hosting whether they're pinsharp or not. Monitor sized looks fine, pixel peeking little soft). Grabbed some recent XC shots. Let's see what Imgur does to mine;

Imgur softened them up a bit. Guessing Smugmug did same to yours.

What are you hoping to gain out of the upgrade?

I have noticed that images on Smugmug get softened unless they are set to view at original size.

Probably looking to gain a bit more IQ. I have shot XC and track meets with the 70-300 and been happy. I agree that the 100-400L is a great lens and probably a good choice if I decide to do more wildlife as it would increase the reach. Would put me right up to my budget threshold but I know that many say that the glass is more important than the body.

Here is a shot with the 70-300 from the 7D

Here is one with the 100-400 and the 7D

I'd love to see your images at full resolution to compare the images between lenses. Failing that I'd suggest you take a critical look at your images shot with your existing lenses and those shot with the L glass. If when you pixel peek you can't see a clear difference in the resolution, then I'd say there might be some gains to be had with improving technique. If you can see the difference and you feel the spend is worth the difference you're seeing, then you have your answer. I've seen great images posted with the bodies that you already have. I personally wait for a quantum leap before popping on new bodies. I shot a 1D mk2N for a long time in the face of the Mark III and Mark IV being available (toward the end, I did feel hampered by the high ISO performance).

I guess I would have to say that I am not one to pixel peek. Not even really sure how you do it? Anyway, I have enough saved that I could do both a new 7D MkII and the Tamron 70-200 G2 or the Canon 100-400 II. Leaning towards the body and lens, as far as a bang for the buck.

Ended up with enough on the gift certificates to go with a new 7D Mk II body and Tamron 70-200 f2.8 G2. Have not really had a chance to use them much yet.

I really need to start deciding on a new body, and a way to pay for it

My D800 bought new in 2012 is near enough 190,000 shutter count. She is beat up, flash sync terminal cover is gone. The release mode dial
lock release took a hard hit a couple of years back and free wheels now. Camera doesn't fire I check to see where it has stopped. The rubber textured has worn smooth. It has started deciding on its on that the lens is set at f/1.8.

But she still works and outs out some of the best tones and hues.

She is going to give up one day. I better start getting ready.

Lots of good choices out there.

What I do is to keep an eye on some of the older Canon L lenses that are the most appreciated by photographers, lenses that are "previous" models, or without IS. For example, The EF 200mm f/2.8 L II (black color with the red ring up front) is relatively cheap, quite fast, and sharp. The same for the older 135mm f/2 L. The 100mm non-IS Macro is also very sharp, and well as the 400mm L without IS. Some of these lenses aren't produced any longer, but still sold at Adorama and B&H. yes, it's nice to have the newer lenses with IS, but I just used a tripod-if needed-with the older lenses.

This is a good place to find information about Canon lenses and cameras:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42034

It looks like black friday special pricing is active now at the major online retailers. I am seeing a $400 rebate on the 100-400L2. Perhaps give Joel a call

I saw that price as well....Pretty tempting for a great lens

I'd second the Canon 100-400 for outdoor sports. Cookie has both the old and new models. The newer model is very crisp and a bit quicker on focus. With a crop sensor (1.6 multiplier) one would effectively be packing a 160 to 640 mm unit.

Also quite durable, as I ran over Cookie's EOS 50D last week with a Ford 350 crew cab pickup. Camera is shot, but lens handled it beautifully. My head is now shaped somewhat differently, but the doc says it should be fine in a week or so.

A backyard photo with the new 7D Mk II

Very nice. The detail in the dog's hair is outstanding.

Thanks. Still getting used to all the new settings as far as AF/shooting modes. Trying to capture photos of dogs playing in the backyard will test the camera and cameraman, it seems!

I'd not wanna suffer the body or glass cited.

Better to back up a Generation or two,procure a Pro body and stay the course with "L" glass.

Hint....................

Not as rich as you, to go all L lenses

Don't be in a hurry,to make a bad decision.

Buy smart and pass on the schit.

Hint.......................

Move the 70-300 and both 18-135, add in your gift cerftificate and get the best 70-200 you can. a non-Is 2.8 if you can manage it, IS if you can afforde it. Id always choose the bigger apperture over the IS when talking sports as your shutter speed will somewhat negate the benefit of IS. The 7d is a fine little body. Older 1D are very nice but, I think one always chooses glass over body and imho , your long glass is your weak spot.
I've seen your work and fundamentally its solid. Where there is room for improvement is isolating your subject from the clutter. You are going to achieve this three ways. The first and most important is thinking about where you stand and setting it up so the background is clean and hopefully distant. Sometimes kneeling can change everything. The Second is to crop tighter and tighter, then tighter some more. The last is that longer and bigger aperture glass. You can isolate with Bokeh shooting wide open and more length makes tighter crops possible. Equipment is important but, no panacea and you always need to use what you got, right?
Throw your long glass on the 7d and that 24 on the rebel for the jube(celebrations). Leave them there and focus on where ypu are and whats behind what you are shooting.

Buffer depth,frame rate,finite focus control,metering and the ability to pick/choose function interpolation(s) and ISO handling capabilities...are all 100% functions of the body. Hint.

The 7D is a Lemon,with nothing redeeming in it's regard.

Once you taste a killer body's resolve,it will ALL make sense. Until then,you are trying to see,what you can't picture. Pun intended.

Backing up is easy,adding "reach" is not.

Hint....................

Just perused KEH and 1D3's are under $500...though I'd slam their "Bargain" billing and buy the $373 one. Hint.

A 7D is a fhuqking buckboard wagon,pulled by a 3-legged Sloth,in comparison. With the '3,you'll be able to see where it's you or the mechanics,which is why you started the Thread. Hint.

KNOWING,trumps Guessing.

Hint............................

1D3/100-400(Version 1),isolation bokeh.



Just sayin'........................

'Nother 1D3/100-400 V1 Bokeh Burn.



Hint.......................

Oooopsie!



Same combo again.

Hint.................

Ooooopsie.



Same combo again.

Hint.................

Oooooopsie...a fhuqking 'nother.

1000 words on 1D3/100-400 V1 buffer depth/frame rate,metering and IQ poured outta camera. JPEG. Hint. laughing!


We'll save Bokeh for later. Hint.








Just sayin'.

Hint.

Laughing!.....................

Ooooooopsie!



Laughing!................

The silence will be DEAFENING.(grin)

Hint........................

I agree the 1D3 is pretty solid, and once you go there there's no going back. Only knock I'd give it is for highschool ball you go to some pretty dark places and the 7d iso range is much better in that regard. I've got a 1D3 if the OP wants to go that way. I think glass is still the low hanging fruit here and obviously something within budget is the way to go. Dude is right basically about the 1d3 v 7d thing though it's probably a horizontal move not an upgrade and not really what you were asking but, there some validity there though.
This fan boy thing for the 100-400 is just crazy though. If you want a slow, softish and small aperture zoom get a 70-200 and put a 2x teleconverter on it and then at least you can have a top shelf lens some of the time. If you need any validation on that just scan the sidelines at pro and D1 sports or the Olympics. You don't see long white lenses with black hoods, they are all white hoods, black hoods are hanging on slings. That's just reality. Anecdotally pulling a few shots out of your catalog doesn't make f5.6 2.8 somehow, that aperture has utility. Maybe on the steppe of Alaska it's not as important, maybe things are spread out over the plain and separation is easy but, the OP is shooting clusters of runners with challenging backgrounds. His needs might be different.

It's great BTW how you make talking about photography suck, way to be be a big steaming dick, you should totally start a blog. bigdicksphotoadvice.com You could totally pontificate without annoying opinions other than your own, get some sponsors and then [bleep] on their products, it would be great, for you. Hint

The fox pics are super cool.

I'd suggest yet another "Hurt Feelers Report",to "explain" your very WELL founded Insecurities. Hint. congratulations?!?

Pardon my being afforded the luxuries,of not being forced to guess,if only because I shoot it all. Knowing me,I'm likely sandbagging to boot. Hint. LAUGHING!

No need to suck my ass,I was there and saw all through the eyepiece,which is why it rated my slapping the shutter.

Hint.

Bless your heart.

Laughing!......................

Ooooopsie.



Canon P&S in waning light,shot WFO,at minimal ISO(Canon G-11),ambient light and no fill-flash.

Hint.

Laughing!....................

Oooopsie! 1D3 buffer depth/frame rate ain't horrid. Hint. Congratulations?!?







I know....I know,you Pavement Pounding Puzzys only shoot Turds melting on the sidewalk.

Knowing me,I'm probably sandbagging. Hint.

Bless your heart.

Laughing!................

Only thing youve shown is an ability to enter credit cards numbers as an online shopper. Nothing here demonstrates craft or skillfullness. So you can shoot animals sauntering around the plain in perfect light. Big deal.
Your advice typically consists of 'suck it up butter up and spend like a big boy". Real helpful. Alaska is a good place for you, its a shame theres internet there...
Notice also I haven't thrown my cock on table for you, it won't prove anything. Forums are supposed to be fun and for sharing.
While you know everything, you should totally go hang out on SportShooter then get back to me on the hurt feelings thing.

I'm simply afforded the luxury,of not being forced to guess. For those mechanical/intellectual reason(s),I'm more than a touch "comfy" in all circles. I enjoy you Do NOTHING Dumb Fhuqks and your Stupidity. Hint. Congratulations?!?

I'll feign my GREAT "surprise",that you've shut THE fhuqk up and went DIRECTLY to Whining,if only because it is the only "move" you "have".

Be SURE,to "tell" me more.

Hint.

LAUGHING!..................

Have fun with the caribou dbag

Spend as much time as required,to "convince" yourself...that you have a fhuqking clue. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Laughing here.

Hint.



Bless your heart,for TRYING.

LAUGHING!..............

I'm REALLY "surprised" that a City Slicking DUMB Fhuqk with "Pro's" on each shoulder...couldn't quite submit a pic,with wares "espoused" in her "experience". Hint. LAUGHING!

Same old Do NOTHING Schit.

I retain the right to sandbag...more than a smidge.(grin)

Hint.

Laughing!..................

Oh my...the silence is "Surprising".

Hint.

Laughing!................

Listen you sad little crumble of a man, it's cute that you call furtively tugging at your cock to coax another inch out sandbagging but, it's not. I owe you exactly nothing and need to prove nothing to you. I've been paid to WORK on the sidelines of pro and D1 college events people pay good money to attend. I've sown my craft in rain, under deadline and with no do-overs and supported my family doing it. If I see fit to help someone on here with examples of my WORK I'll do so as it suits me. Walk softly and carry a big stick. You might want to think about that a little. You've been beating your little toy drum around my feet enough. You're a hack and rude dick. You get off belittling those seeking help. You're a small little chump of a man and I am done with you. Also since you have problems barking up the wrong tree here's a little tip. I'm only scared of persons that have worse cauliflower ear than myself, words to live by. You never know who that guy your talking [bleep] to is.

I'm "sorry" for horning you up,but am NOT "surprised". Hint.

Your "abilities" are dismal(at best). Hint. Congratulations?!?

Bless your heart.

Congratulations?!?.......................

STILL quiet.

LAUGHING!..................

Still purty quiet. Laughing!

Here....kitty kitty.

Hint.................................

Purty quiet.

Laughing!.................

So Stumpy pollutes another interesting thread.....

Stumpy's presence is like throwing a huge mud ball, the size of a basketball into your wife's washing machine's spin cycle...

Shefire,

Pardon my citing facts in the firsthand...while you Whine in the next party. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Be SURE to "relate" the "gear" you "use" and extrapolate same to the OP,via your "knowledge"."experience" and "results".

Hint

Bless your heart for TRYING.

Laughing!................

Take it easy on him.
He doesn't know how to act.
And has never had any friends.
And don't know why!

Dealin'Suck,

GoogleFu a smidge and "cite" the "cameras" you are "using". Then be SURE to PM Shefire,so she can call a Manufacturer with a fresh Whine and her bottomless cup of Nothingness conjoined,as "Testimony".

You'd do WELL to shut the fhuqk up,take notes and apply same...but your being devoid a "move" that stalwart,only adds to the oblivious Hilarity of your "efforts". Hint. Congratulations?!?

Bless your heart(s).

Laughing!................

Geeze! Last time I was here someone was asking about body/lens options. Not much in the way of helpful comments. To bad this is not a face to face discussion.

You've NEVER listed a picture "you" shot...you sad sack drooling kchunt.

HINT.

Laughing!..............

BS:
What kind of parasites is that fox coughing up? Looks to need some serious worm meds.

Heart Worms.

Laughing!.............

Heart Worms? Poor critter must be on its death bed. I know there is a cough that can accompany heart worm infestation, but never knew they could escape the circulatory system. Maybe roundworms?