...around 33 of them, to be exact. []


Hi All,


That $3300 cash is
just itching to be converted into lenses...


Initially, I was planning on the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM and a carbon fiber monopod, and
putting the remainder toward the future purchase of a fast prime - 35L, 50 or
50L, 85L or 135L). However, some recent discussions (thanks, Brendan and Denise!) and
looking over my photo library, have me leaning toward getting the EF 24-105mm
f/4L, and wondering if I really need a 70-200mm zoom and if so, if it must be
f/2.8.


My current gear list includes:


EOS 7D with BG-E7 battery grip
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6<span style="color: red;"]LIS USM
EF 100mm f/2.8<span style="color: red;"]LMacro IS USM
EF 200mm f/2.8<span style="color: red;"]LII USM
EF 1.4x II Extender


I don&rsquo;t shoot any one type of subject in particular. The majority of my shooting is around the house and on family outings, pics of my 2 year old daughter primarily &ndash;
candids and portraits, a mix of indoor and now that the weather is nicer,
outdoor shots. I also enjoy hiking around for nature shots, landscapes, flowers, wildlife, birds, etc., although I don&rsquo;t have as much free time for that as I&rsquo;d
like. Also, we&rsquo;ll be travelling to China in 2011, our first international
trip with a child along - meaning less space in the bags so I&rsquo;ll only be able
to take 2-3 'essential' lenses.


I love the 17-55mm focal length for most indoor shots, but in dim lighting f/2.8 isn&rsquo;t quite fast enough for ambient shots of a moving toddler. Outdoors, something longer
than 55mm would be nice, but the 200mm prime is a bit long for &lsquo;everyday&rsquo;
use.<span>


<span> Also, with the weather-sealed
7D body, I wouldn&rsquo;t mind doing some shooting in the rain &ndash; but currently, the
only weather-sealed lens in my kit is the 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS.<span>I don&rsquo;t feel the need to spend the
entire amount on lenses right now &ndash; I&rsquo;m still wanting a CF monopod (~$250) for
use with the 100-400mm, and I rather like having a bit of ready cash on hand in
case something interesting pops up on Craigslist (like the EF-S 18-200mm that just came up for $425 including hood, which although not an ideal lens would certainly solve the trip to China space issues!).<span>


<span>So, with all of that in mind, here are some possible
combinations I&rsquo;m considering for purchase, along with the costs (I&rsquo;m including
the appropriately-sized B+W MRC UV filters in the totals):


1) EF 24-105mm f/4L
+ EF 35mm f/1.4L &ndash; a great outdoor walkaround lens plus a 'normal' (on a 1.6x
crop) fast prime for indoor ambient shots. Total cost = $2550.<span>


<span>2) EF 24-105mm f/4L + EF 70-200mm f/4L
IS + EF 50mm f1.4 (incl. hood) &ndash; gives me f/4 from 24-200mm (and sits just
above my 10-22mm), plus a fast (but non-L) prime, but which is also somewhat
close in focal length to my 85mm f/1.8. Total cost = $2800.<span>


<span>3) EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II + EF 50mm
f1.4 (incl. hood) &ndash; throw caution to the wind and "Get the II", along
with a fast prime. Total cost = $3,050.<span>


<span>4) EF 24-105mm f/4L + EF 50mm f1.4 (incl. hood) + EF 135mm
f/2L - great outdoor walkaround lens, fast indoor prime, and I just really want
the EF 135mm f/2L! Total cost = $2600.<span>


<span>5) EF 24-105mm f/4L as kit lens with 5DII [] &ndash; not looking
for a second body as I still have more to learn with the 7D, but I figure
someone will suggest this so I&rsquo;ll include it preemptively. Total cost = $3300.


I&rsquo;m open to any and
all suggestions and advice, from anyone with experience with one or more of the
above lenses, or anyone who just wants to do a little vicarious shopping!<span>


<span>Feel free to vote for one of the above
combinations, or suggest a modification, or something completely different (but
not radically different, please! - Brendan, did I just hear you say to sell all
my lenses 100mm or longer, add the proceeds to the cash and get the EF 500mm
f/4L IS?!?<span>).


Thanks in advance!


--John