Which zoom lens for canon 7d

I am now ready to buy a new zoom lens for my 7d before we head off to Thailand for a holiday.

I want something with good focal length but also reasonably fast, but as I am not made of money I will have to compromise.

I considered getting the 70-200 f/2.8 with a 2x converter, but you loose a couple of stops by using the converter so it hardly seems worthwhile going down that path.

At the moment I a torn between the Canon 100-400 f/4.5 - 5.6 or the Sigma f/4.5-6.3. both these lenses offer good focal length, but are somewhat slower than what I would have liked, but that being said, I imagine most of my shooting will be in reasonably good lighting conditions.

Out of the two lenses, which one would suit the 7d better? I like the idea of the Canon 100-400 lens because I could still use a 1.4x converter with the lens, but am somewhat put off by the push pull zoom mode.

Keep your 17-55 sell everything else and buy a 70-200 F2.8 MK11 and a 1.4 extender.

lens pirate wrote in post #10788229
Keep your 17-55 sell everything else and buy a 70-200 F2.8 MK11 and a 1.4 extender.

+1

J.

+1 for the option of buying 70-200 2.8 II + 1.4 x

Another supporter for that decision.

Although, you could also get one of the older 70-200's and pick up a UWA with the extra cash. I can't imagine going somewhere like Thailand without one.

+1 with the above posters. the 70-200 should cover your needs. imo, unless you absolutely need the longer FL on the 100-400, then go with the 70-200.

Your 70-300 IS makes a good travel tele-zoom, if you think you'll use it. If bringing a 70-200 F/2.8 though then with a 1.4x you are at 280mm which for most people would be sufficient for a holiday (you're not going to photograph birds, right?).

Why the need for the long reach? What are you planning to shoot?

ecub wrote in post #10789280
Why the need for the long reach? What are you planning to shoot?

I am looking at the lens long term. My wife and I travel quite a lot. Next year we are doing Singapore, Bali and China. The year after, we are doing Hawaii then to be followed by South Africa. I need focal length for surfing and safari shots.

I guess the new 70-300 might be perfect for you!

lens pirate wrote in post #10788229
Keep your 17-55 sell everything else and buy a 70-200 F2.8 MK11 and a 1.4 extender.

+whatever number is current for this suggestion

70-200 f/2.8 + 1.4x... nice.

i need to really work the street corner and get me one of those