Just Graduated High School, Need Help Deciding What To Buy

First of all, I'd like to apologize if this is in the wrong section; I figured it would be most appropriate here as I am currently leaning toward a new lens. With that said, allow me to explain my situation.

I just graduated from high school, and as you can guess, I received quite a sum of money from friends and family. I've been primarily a sports shooter for the past three years using my XTi and my slowly increasing collection of lenses (see signature). For a graduation present, I asked for and received a brand new 7D, mostly because I was beginning to feel limited by what the XTi had to offer (max ISO of 1600, no spot metering, 3fps, etc) as well as the fact that the technology is out of date when compared to the 7D. Also, I felt comfortable moving from an entry-level body to a semi-pro body. Don't get me wrong, the XTi is a great camera, I just felt as though it was time to upgrade.

Now that I have a new camera body much better suited for sports shooting (ISO expandable to 12,800, 8fps, spot metering, and more), I've come here seeking advice as to what my next purchase should be. Currently, my gear consists of what is listed in my signature. Like I said, I'm primarily a sports shooter, but I also have some situations where I shoot portraits (senior pictures, family parties, etc), as well as car photography (example here). My question is: what do you recommend I buy that you think would suit my needs? I've got about $1000 from graduation as well as $3000 in the bank, but I'd LIKE to keep the spending under 2 grand, at least until I go to college and get a job this fall (remember I'm only 18 so my budget is limited!). I'm not in a rush to buy anything, so suggestions to continue saving are also appreciated. I have been eying a 24-70 f/2.8L as well as a 580EX II with pocket wizards. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance for reading as well as responding!

if you shoot indoors it might be worth selling your 70-200 f/4 then buying a 2.8 is or is II which i have and there is nothing better

Sell the 70-200 f/4, the XTI, and the 70-300 f/4-5.6. Then with all that cash now get the 70-200 f/2.8 II, and maybe a 24-70 f/2.8 with that.

You've had that 7D long enough, time to move to a 5D.

You don't appear to have a macro lens, pick up the 100 2.8L or the 100 2.8.

rick_reno wrote in post #12579741
You've had that 7D long enough, time to move to a 5D.

You don't appear to have a macro lens, pick up the 100 2.8L or the 100 2.8.

Yeah, 4 days with the 7D is way too long! Haha just kidding so far I love the camera. Although I do plan on moving to FF eventually, and the 5D would probably be my first choice.

The reason I'm leaning toward the 24-70 is because the 70-200 is pretty much glued to my XTi, and the 17-40 is generally on my 7D, and that 30mm gap sometimes kills me...

You're an impressive person, at 18, to be that dedicated to photography and that serious. Bravo!

Have you considered the 100-400L?

It's a fantastic lens (outdoors) and the reason I like it for sports is the push-pull zoom feature. You can have it at 100, find your target (like a fast-moving jet, wide receiver, etc.), slam it to 400 in a split second, then nail the shot.

I love me the 100-400.

Hmm, I never even thought about the 100-400...that is certainly a valid possibility.

The 24-70 f/2.8 L is a good lens, I got mine about a month ago, Go for it.

Tony_Stark wrote in post #12579646
Sell the 70-200 f/4, the XTI, and the 70-300 f/4-5.6. Then with all that cash now get the 70-200 f/2.8 II, and maybe a 24-70 f/2.8 with that.

^Second this, 70-200mm MKII seems to be a must have.

Tony_Stark wrote in post #12579646
Sell the 70-200 f/4, the XTI, and the 70-300 f/4-5.6. Then with all that cash now get the 70-200 f/2.8 II, and maybe a 24-70 f/2.8 with that.

I agree

The 7d acts as a wireless ETTL controller for Canon flashes using its built in pop-up flash. So you shouldn't really need pocket wizards to use external flashes with it, at least not right away. Check out this site and you will learn how to get by without pocket wizards pretty much entirely:

http://speedliting.com​/

I would also consider saving for the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 OS. It is a great sports lens, and gives you extra reach over the 70-200 when you need it, as well as excellent evening/night sports performance.

Here are a few examples from an overcast evening game the other day. I took 125 shots and only about 25 were not in focus in a manner that could even vaguely be considered the camera/lenses fault:

7d, 235mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 1600

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

I've experimented with the 7D's wireless flash control. Haven't done anything serious with it yet but it sure is fun to play with. As for the lens recommendation..so many choices to consider!

Definitely off load the rebel, the paperweight, the 70-200F4, the 70-300.

Pick up either a sigma 70-200 or a canon 70-200 F2.8.

I mean the F4 is also great. I was days from buying one until my parents did the graduation thing on me. And boom f2.8

cokethenwpepsi wrote in post #12579843
Hmm, I never even thought about the 100-400...that is certainly a valid possibility.

Is your 70-200L the IS or non-IS? If it is non-IS, dump it and get an IS version. I would recommend the F4, it would save a lot of money and weight (the 2.8 costs and weighs about twice as much and only gives you one more stop). Then use what you have left to get 100-400. You will add a lot of versatility to your system with that combo and step up to supertele range for your sports.

You have rented lenses before, right?

That's always a great way to find what you like.

I don't know where you live, but if you're in a major city you can find a lens rental place and try to work some deals.