Making a wise choice on lens purchases.

[candc]

Well in that case then I agree with takesome1, get the 600ii. Its terrific for birds. You can hand hold it for short periods but you will want a sturdy monopod at least. over the next year all the new canon ff body stuff will shake out so you can decide which one to get.

 

[FTb-n]

You didn't state what 'L' lenses you have. From your description of your interests, I would start with the EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II and the EF 24-70 f2.8L II. For wildlife and outdoor sports, add the new EF 100-400. Then go with the 5D3, maybe two of them. If money is available, the 1Dx would be a great alternative. Personally, I like shooting with two bodies and currently use two 5D3's. But, I would seriously consider one 5D3 and one 1Dx.

Of course, this is general advice. The above "kit" can cover a wide variety of subjects and venues.

Sorry, what I already have is in my signature.

I agree with all of you that said it... a FF camera is very important. I am very set on the EF 200 f/2L, or the EF 600 f/4L for this year. If I go with the EF 200 f/2 then the FF body will also be bought this year. I should have said that I will also be getting the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L because that will be an obvious hole to fill, but I'm not having any debate with myself on that one. It must be done. The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS ii will also be done in a couple of years.

The sticky point for me is between the 200 f/2L and the 600 f/4L for this year. The EF 200mm f/2 will work for sports and be great for indoor sports. It will also work for birds with an extender attached. My purpose for the 600mm would be for birds, other wildlife and daylight outdoor sports.

Thanks for all your responses guys.

My mistake. I usually look at signatures for gear and somehow missed yours. Too much multi-tasking.

The 200 f2.0 makes more sense if you already have the 70-200 f2.8 because you know how the zoom fits your needs and how the extra stop will help. I'd be inclined to go for the 600 first because it fills a gap in focal length. But, only you can tell what your needs are.

As others have suggested, definitely get the FF body before making the lens choice. I bought my 70-200 for my 60D. I was amazed at this lens on crop. But, it's so much better on FF. My perspective on necessary lenses changes after I went FF. You may make smarter choices for your needs after you see what your current lenses can do on a FF body. Or, you may reaffirm your choices. Either way, you'll be more confident in your decision.

I don't mean to talk you out of the 200 2.0, it's a great lens. A friend of mine uses it for figure skating ice shows -- great for indoor sports. But, with the high ISO advantage of FF, you may find a less "urgent" need for the 200 2.0 for this year, making the 600 a more desirable lens for 2015.

The options that you are considering are sure to please. Have fun with them!!

 

[dickgrafixstop]

My advice is worth what you're paying for it - as are all other replies to your post. It's great that you have a goal,
but equipment isn't the answer. It sounds as if you have a decent kit already - maybe not what the vocal majority here might choose, but certainly enough to accomplish your "improvement" path. My advice then would be to
spend a few dollars on instructional and technique books, master the tools you have available and practice until
you feel comfortable. A few dollars invested in one of the photo weekends with an interest group may pay you many more dividends that a new lens. Strangely enough, doing this will "show" you which additional lenses or
equipment you may want/need far better than some posting group. This step might take 6 months or six years,
but put aside a little jingle each month so that when you do discover something that you need, you can get it.

 

[bholliman]

My advice is to get a 5D3 and 200/2L first. Full format is a big step up in IQ over a crop body that allows you better control (options) for depth of field control.

The 200L will be a much more versatile lens than the 600/4 as it is an awesome portrait lens if you have room to work and with extenders will give you reach up to 400mm f/4. 400mm might be somewhat limiting for wildlife but the added stop of light over your 400/5.6 will be noticeable.