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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.

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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.

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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

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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


Joel Paymer
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720 Old Bethpage Road
Old Bethpage, NY 11804
www.cameralandny.com
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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

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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?

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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.

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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.
[Linked Image]

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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;
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Last edited by ChrisF; 11/01/18.
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Imgur softened them up a bit. Guessing Smugmug did same to yours.

What are you hoping to gain out of the upgrade?

Last edited by ChrisF; 11/01/18.
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Originally Posted by ChrisF
Imgur softened them up a bit. Guessing Smugmug did same to yours.


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

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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.

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

[Linked Image]

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

[Linked Image]

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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).

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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Lots of good choices out there.

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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

Last edited by Ray; 11/18/18.
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