I'm looking to revamp my kit before the year is up, how's this end result look?

[Kayaker72]

David,

You are basically describing my kit as of this February. I have the 5DIII, 24-105, 100-400L, 50 f/1.4, and 100 mm L macro. I do have the 580 EX II and tripod and would recommend both. I don't have a wide angle lens anymore, as I used the EFS 10-22 on my 7D. While I am still getting used to this kit, thus far, I am very happy with it and would recommend it to others.

But, of course, that hasn't stopped me from plotting improvements. So, bestw ay for me to comment on your proposed kit is to comment on ways I am thinking of improving on my own. Areas I am thinking of modifying:

• Wide Angle. I am debating between the Samyang 14 mm f/2.8 and the Canon 17-40 f/4. Thus far wide angle isn't something I shoot very much, so this probably won't be my next lens except for the fact that both are very affordable. The Samyang is $300-$400 and I just saw a refurbished 17-40 go by for ~$570 on the Canon store.
  
• Faster general purpose lens. I am very impressed with the 24-105, but I am considering eventually either keeping the 24-105 and adding primes in that range or going to the 24-70 f/2.8 II. It is hard to miss how many times and how high up the 24-70 f/2.8 II has made Bryan's "Top Lens" lists and, of course, the DoF/lower light benefits. But also, there is the AF issue. I can tell the difference in low light focusing from when I have the 50 f/1.4 on vs the 24-105. The difference is that the 50 f/1.4, being f/2.8 or faster, falls into the "Group A" category of lenses for the 5DIII being able to use all 61 AF points but also activating the five f/2.8 dual cross type AF points down the center column. The 24-105 is a "Group C" lens and can use all 61 AF points, but only the single cross type down the center (I believe f/5.6 sensitive) and not the f/2.8 sensitive "dual" cross type AF points. As I said, in low light, around the house I can tell the difference.
  
• A 70-200 lens with extenders. This very well could be my next lens. Maybe not for a little while, but I can see this is a great focal length on a FF camera. Of course, the debate will be between the 70-200 f/2.8 II and the 70-200 f/4 IS. I can't get out of my head how good a kit would be of 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 II and a 2x extender on the 5DIII. Three lenses (counting the extender) that is both fast (f/2.8) between 24 mm and 200 mm and long (out to 400 mm at f/5.6). I like simple, compact, and flexible. That would be all three.

• The release of the 100-400 II or 400 mm f/5.6 IS. Depending upon the optics, either of these releases could easily cause me to change my plans.

• Big White lens. Someday...

• 24 mm Tilt Shift. I am waiting for someone to review the recently released Samyang, but if it isn't great, then someday, the Canon 24 mm II.

Ok, that was fun. But, I may also simply continue with my current kit as I am very happy with it. It does need a bit more speed, so I can see at least adding a prime lens here or there, say a 35 mm prime, maybe a 24 mm or 85 mm.

Anyways, good luck with your plotting.

Brant