Amateur Looking for a new zoom Lens

[surfvisions]

I bought my first DSLR : Canon EOS 450D twin kit lenses ( EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS USM ) . 6 months later I set up my own website selling pictures of people surfing ( I do it part time for extra cash ) . I'm still learning . I use the 55-250 mm lens for my pictures ,obviously zooming and sharpness is very important for my website. I feel I need a new camera body ( maybe 7D) and a better zoom Lens maybe up to 300 mm or 400 mm for more profesional looking pictures. Any reccomnedations ( anything more than 2,000 dollars is out of my reach! ). Thanks in advance. You can see some of my pictures in my website : Surfing Photography Sydney Northern Beaches | SURF VISIONS

[RichardTaylor]

If you want Canon lenses out to 400mm. (300mm is not a lot more than what you have now)

(1) Approx $AU1500 for this excellent prime (I have a mate who uses one for motor sport and he loves it.
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM .

(2) Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Approx $AU1829.
I own one and it is a very versatile lens.

[-Garfield-]

I have to agree with Richard. 100-400 is very versatile zoom lens. If you don't have another body I'd go with it. Surfers can be far away and you can shoot @400mm, but when you want to shoot something closer you don't have to step away so much.

If you had 400mm then you need to have also some lens for closer action.

[Murtasma]

I think you need to spend your money on a lens before a new body. I would go with the Canon EF 400mm lens. Then if the budget permits get an extender for it. A new body won't do you much good. You would get faster and more accurate focus with the 7D but you can't afford the lens and the 7D so you must go with the lens first. Down the road you can buy the 8D or 9D or whatever is the latest and greatest, or just get a 7D at a reduced price.

[surfvisions]

Thanks for your suggestions !!
What about Sigma , Tamron or Tokina zoom lenses instead ? are they up to the task or should I go only with canon ?

[RichardTaylor]

I had a Tokina 80-400 and it was a good lens.
Auto focus failed after approx 13,000 photographs. I replaced it with the Canon 100-400 which is a better lens and still going strong after 100,000 photographs.

If you do buy a Tokina in Australia, do not buy it from a grey market retailer as you may have a lot of problems in getting it fixed (and a Mack warranty is not the answer). This is from personal experience.

[gturner]

100-400 - no question. I would even consider the other brands in this category.

[sam112]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

I had a Tokina 80-400 and it was a good lens.
Auto focus failed after approx 13,000 photographs. I replaced it with the Canon 100-400 which is a better lens and still going strong after 100,000 photographs.

If you do buy a Tokina in Australia, do not buy it from a grey market retailer as you may have a lot of problems in getting it fixed (and a Mack warranty is not the answer). This is from personal experience.

I do agree please don't buy such a costly lens from grey market. Its better paying more and buying from a good retailer. Even I will suggest to go with Canon Zoom lens 100-400mm

[in2fx]

100-400 is not the fastest lens around, but for outdoors and surf, it will cover the task very well and save upgrading the body for your next upgrade

[BK553]

70-200L 2.8 with IS, or the 100-400. Both are good, I like the 70-200 better, but that's just me.