Quote Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
As Daniel Browning has pointed out, the 24-105mm f/4L IS on FF is better spec'd than the 17-55mm f/2.8 on 1.6x - the FF equivalent of the latter is 27-88mm f/4.5, so by comparison the 24-105mm is wider, longer, faster, and still has IS. True, faster shutter speeds are possible with f/2.8 (since the crop factor applies to DoF but not to exposure), however, the better ISO noise performance of FF compensates for that as well - higher ISO gives you a faster shutter.

Very good points, I didn't really think about the improved ISO performance and apparent reduced DoF on the 5DII vs. 7D making up for the smaller aperture of the 24-105mm f/4L. I own both lenses, but actually often find the 24-70mm f/2.8L on my 7D when I'm using it for indoor sports. The 24-105mm f/4L now is usually on the 5DII for landscapes.


Denise, is your 70-200mm the IS version? If not, then I could definitely agree that the 70-300mm is an upgrade from the non-IS version.


From your comments earlier, it sounds like you might like this plan:
  • Sell the 70-200mm since it seems you don't really use it
  • Sell the 1.4x extender
  • Sell the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS
  • Buy the 5DII
  • Keep the 100-400mm
  • At some point buy a 17-40mm f/4L or 16-35mm f/2.8L [] for 5DII wide-angle goodness
  • Do what you want with the 85mm situation, but the Canon 85mm f/1.8 is a very nice lens anyway



On your nature hikes, put the 24-105mm on the 5DII, and the 100-400mm (effective 160-640mm) on the 7D. There's some gap there, but you really don't need every focal length covered at all times anyway. This is similar to what I do, though instead of a 100-400mm I have a 70-200mm on the 7D, though I've given some serious thought to making it a 100-400mm or the new 70-300mm.


EDIT:


Quote Originally Posted by ddt0725
Thanks, everyone! Yep, I needed to have some sense knocked into me! I will hang onto the 100-400mm. It has been my daily traveling companion for too long for us to part ways now ...I would definitely miss it!


Out with the old 85mm and $600 ...in with the new Sigma 85mm.


Out with the 70-200mm f/4, 1.4ex II and 17-55mm ...in with a<span>used5d II???? Hmmm, I'll have to think about that one awhile!

Looks like I was typing while you posted this, and we were on a similar wavelength.


I'm one that has always preferred buying my equipment new. I like to know the history of what I'm using. If it interests you, keep in mind Canon has rebates for their Pixma Pro printers right now, making them free with the 5DII. I have the Pixma Pro 9000 II, and I love it. The prints it makes are incredible, I doubt I could do better going to a printer in town. They look awesome hanging on my walls. Should have you pick up a 85mm f/1.2L or TS-E 24mm f/3.5L with it too for the double rebate and have you send it to me, lol. []


- Aaron