Plan B - version 135 (amended)

[Steves_8]

Right. I started out planning to spend a few 000's on a second body to replace my 6yo (I thought it was bit younger than that, but just ckecked) 5D3. Obvious answer: 5D4.

Then I thought, what about a cheaper but still competent body, plus a lens? I then looked at the 6D2 and a 24-70 f/2.8L (which would mean selling my 24-105 f/4L to fund the extra required).

Then I read some good reviews of the 7D2. Cheaper still, this would mean I could add a zoom, such as the 10-400L MKII.

That's where I am currently - the 7D2 plus version 2 of the 100-400mm. My thinking is that, with arthritis limiting my DSLR photography to perhaps another 5-6yrs only, and with justy 30K shutter actuations on the 5D3 so far (plenty of life left and reduced duty would extend that), perhaps my priority should be in expanding my gear's capabilities.

That being so, I think the 7D2 and 100-400 would be the best choice, not least in terms of possible focal lengths (thus photography possibilities). The two bodies, one FF the other crop, my existing lenses and 1.4TC III, would mean I could cover everything from 16 - 1200mm. The two body formats would give me decent low light shooting (the 5D3) plus speed for sports and reach for wildlife and sports.

My only reservation is the age of the 7D2's technology. I am leaning away from the similarly-capable 80D because I need pretty rugged build quality for when I'm stumbling through the Australian bush, chasing trials bikes and critters.

[ebiggs1]

"I don't agree with that statement."

Me either.  It's almost ridiculous.

[Waddizzle]

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@RobertTheFatwrote:

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@Waddizzlewrote:

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@Steves_8wrote:

OK, even I got tired of my prevaricating. Just placed an order for a 7D2, EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II and a Speedlite 600EX II-RT (to replace the Nissin).

So my kit will be 5D3, 7D2, 16-35mm f/2.8L, 24-105mm f/4L, 70-200mm f/2.8L II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II, Canon TC 1.4x III and Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro plus paraphenalia.

I think that should cover 99% of the subjects I like to photograph without resorting to stronger painkillers.

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That is a very nice kit.  I have a 6D, instead of the 5D3, and the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro, instead of the Sigma.  Unfortunately, it also makes for a good argument against using teleextenders.  I have recently dropped the 7D2 for a 6D2, which can take advantage of the TC more efficiently.

You may be a little disappointed using the 1.4x III with the 100-400mm.  I know I was, when I used it with the 7D2.  Only 1 AF point is available with that combination on a 7D2.  You would not use a TC with the 16-35mm, or the 24-105mm.  Having a 100-400mm in your bag almost makes using the TC with the 70-200mm moot.  My expectation would be that it would not work with the Sigma Macro, but perhaps it would.

While the 80D may not have the weather sealing of the 7D2, it works VERY well with the 1.4x III and 100-400mm II.  The 80D gives you 27 f/8 AF points, arranged as three rows of 9 AF points.  The same AF system is used in the 6D2..  Both bodies track moving subjects very well, much better than a 7D2, IMHO.

I am not knocking the 7D2.  I am just warning you what to expect when you use  the TC with that gear.

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I don't agree with that statement. The 70-200 with a 1.4X is still a constant-aperture f/4 lens, which is a half to a full stop better than the 100-400.

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Almost is not absolute.  

AF speed is nearly cut in half with the 1.4x and the 70-200.  Nothing is free, and AF speed is the price you pay.  Do you want AF speed, or one stop improvement in aperture?  Take your pick.  You have chosen aperture.  9 times out of 10, when I am using a telephoto I want AF speed.

[ebiggs1]

"...my kit will be 5D3, 7D2, 16-35mm f/2.8L, 24-105mm f/4L, 70-200mm f/2.8L II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II, Canon TC 1.4x III and Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro plus paraphenalia."

  Enjoy your new 'friends'.

[Steves_8]

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@ebiggs1wrote:

"...my kit will be 5D3, 7D2, 16-35mm f/2.8L, 24-105mm f/4L, 70-200mm f/2.8L II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II, Canon TC 1.4x III and Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro plus paraphenalia."

  Enjoy your new 'friends'.

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It remains to be seen whether we're still on friendly terms after i've spent a couple of hours hoofing through a hilly forest in 40C, with all my gear. In the way of early explorers who vanished when trekking across deserts, you might be able to find me by following the trail of discarded equipment.

[RobertTheFat]

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@Steves_8wrote:

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@ebiggs1wrote:

"...my kit will be 5D3, 7D2, 16-35mm f/2.8L, 24-105mm f/4L, 70-200mm f/2.8L II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II, Canon TC 1.4x III and Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro plus paraphenalia."

  Enjoy your new 'friends'.

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It remains to be seen whether we're still on friendly terms after i've spent a couple of hours hoofing through a hilly forest in 40C, with all my gear. In the way of early explorers who vanished when trekking across deserts, you might be able to find me by following the trail of discarded equipment.

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There will be a wildlife photographer there, cursing his own equipment while trying to photograph the buzzards picking your bones.

[ebiggs1]

"...you might be able to find me by following the trail of discarded equipment."

You might try Reeces Pieces.