Upgrading! Help me out

I am looking to replace the kit lens, 28-135 that came with my 7D. The last lens was purchased about 3 years ago which was the Tokina, looking to refresh the line up.

They are as follows:
Canon 28-135
Canon 50mm f/1.4
Tokina 11-16

I am open to all suggestions but I have really been looking at the 24-105 and 70-200 f/4. IQ is my first priority. With the replacement, it would be used primarily for shoot mostly outdoor portraits, fashion, a bit of automotive as well. All with artificial lighting.

Budget isn't that big of an issue but I'd like to keep it around $1,200 new OR used.

Any suggestions?

I assume you mean that you are looking at the 24-105 OR the 70-200 F/4. They are both great lenses; I have them both. The 24-105 is primarily my portrait lens; the 70-200 is primarily my sport lens. But I have used the 24-105 for sports and I have used the 70-200 for portraits.

But for "outdoor portraits, fashion, a bit of automotive as well" I think the 24-105 is probably going to serve you better. You may need the wider range of that lens. Ultimately, you are probably going to end up with both. But for your present day needs, as you described them, I would say go for the 24-105.

The 17-55 IS USM and a 430EX II flash would certainly be an upgrade, but I am not sure it would meet all of your needs.

Maybe the Sigma 17-50 OS or Tamron 17-50 non VC would leave a little in the bank for a telephoto such as one of the 70-200 offerings.

Sell the 28-135 and keep the other two. This will free up some cash.

Thanks for the quick responses! For clarification, that budget will not include lighting.

I already own 2 B800's, 580exII and a 430ExII

24-70mm f/2.8


70-200mm f/4 IS

that 70-200 f4 is a great lens for the money.

135 L 2.0

Just got a 135mm F2.0 L. What a great lens! Might be worth adding to the list.

matonanjin wrote in post #12781106
But for "outdoor portraits, fashion, a bit of automotive as well" I think the 24-105 is probably going to serve you better. You may need the wider range of that lens. Ultimately, you are probably going to end up with both. But for your present day needs, as you described them, I would say go for the 24-105.

+1, you'll need both at the end, but 24-105 should come first due to your priority.

Excellent advice. I think I will be ending up with both of them.. But it looks like I'll be focusing on the 24-105 first. Thanks all