Thanks again everyone for all your time!

I wasn't even aware that flickr or pixel peeper existed - excellent research tools and thanks kayaker for posting those pics.

Taking into account everyone's tips I have narrowed it down to a few options:

1. 7D with 15-85mm IS USM ($1800) with either 70-200 F4 L ($2450) or 70-200 F4 iS USM ($2850) or 70-300 ($3075)

2. 7D with 10-22mm ($1855) with 24-105L ($2720) plus cheaper zoom lens eg 55-250 ($2870) as suggested by the Dr

OR

3. 5D Mark II with 24-105L ($2850)

I would also buy a 50mm prime as suggested and filters / hoods for each as suggested - oh plus the bag / tripod / memory card (which one is best - I dont plan to shoot heaps of video)!!

Thanks again.

Just for info / I don't really plan on shooting sports in the near future so the 8 fps doesn't concern me too much. I don't mind spending around 3500 (bit more even - not counting all accessories) to initially get started.

Thanks again