What next?

Photography is a growing hobby/passion. Today I own the following:

7D MKII

Tokina 11-20 2.8
Sigma 18-35 1.8
Sigma 18-300
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS USM V2

Canon 600EX-RT
(2) Yongnuo YN600EX-RT
Yongnuo wireless flash trigger

Siriu tripod with E-20 ball head
3 low end tripods (used for flashes)

Bower remote wireless shutter


I plan on selling the Sigma 18-300 as it is not delivering the images I want.

I am trying to figure out, do I want something to fill the 35-70 void I have or go >200mm. I have been using the 70-200 at 200 to shoot marine life and could use additional reach. But, my girls are 11 months and 3yrs old. I could see use for that (-)35-70+ range as they grow older.

The optics of the 70-200 are awesome. The 18-35 is also quite nice as well.

What would be you recommendation to:
A) fill the 35-70 void
B) fill the +200mm void

Being this is a hobby, budget is in mind. But the 70-200 has me realizing nice glass is well, nice glass. I want great images!!

I don't really want to go prime. I don't always have a controlled environment to frame with my feet, so I like zooms.

Any input welcome.

One addition to this. A full frame is in the future adding to the 7d mkii abilities, likely something like a 6d or used 5d mkiii, just not near future. The Sigma 18-38 1.8 would still work but at a 25-35mm range.

I think 35mm on a crop is fine for your kid photos. I usually shoot my kids with a short focal length. That way you get a lot of the background and gives context to your child.

You could get a 50mm prime if you want to get an indoor shot with large aperture.

You mentioned problem areas but it doesn't seem like they are limitations at this time. Things could be easier if you had "x" lens. The one thing that stands out is shooting marine life at 200 on crop. If a full frame is coming in the future, you're going to need more reach on the long end if you plan on shooting the long end.

I think if like zooms and need something flexible, any of the 24-70's and 24-105's come to mind. Pricing for various versions can be relatively cheap as some are kit lenses.

Thanks for the feedback.

I forgot to mention I have a Yongnuo 50mm 1.8 prime as well. It's not a bad lens, it can give some nice shots but prefer the ability to quickly zoom in/out for farming. I would rather fill the frame than crop in PP.

The full frame would be used for lower light conditions or wide angle where the 7d mkii makes the Tokina a 17.6mm.

I find even at 200mm, I am not filling the frame much with an otter that is >200 feet away. I would continue to use the 7d mkii for these occasions.


Long end I am considering either a used Sigma 150-600 S or the updated Tamron 150-600. What other options

That 35-70 though, not sure what to look at. I do like the faster lenses and constant aperture.

Shaun

Example from last night where 70mm was just a tad too long to catch all of the rock. Had no way to back up any more than this. I did not have the 50mm prime with me.

I was out shooting the sunset with to Tokina. Put the 70-200 on as I was driving home.

Maybe I'm cheap, but I use the 10-18mm/18-55mm on crop for landscape. Especially when I don't need shallow DOF like in your image. They've got IS so you don't really need a tripod either.

Shaun Liddy wrote in post #18255832
Example from last night where 70mm was just a tad too long to catch all of the rock. Had no way to back up any more than this. I did not have the 50mm prime with me.

Why not take two photos and merge them together in photoshop? Maybe not the ideal solution, but it should have worked in your example.