Quite a Dilemma...

[Axys32]

So, I currently have a Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, and I'm decently happy with it, but there are countless times that I've found it to be quite slow, and Ive been forced to up the ISO on my Canon 7D pretty high. But, its survivable.

So, theres two options I'm considering: Either A, upgrade my current lens to some faster ones, or B, look at some other lenses allowing me to do things I can't with my lens now.

Since Ive had the 18-200mm for about a year now, its extremely convenient, pretty lightweight, and the only lens I own, I'm leaning towards option B, specifically either macro or super-telephoto.

Of those which do you think I would be better off doing? I would really rather go for some of the L lenses, just because of their superior build quality and better image quality.

[RichardTaylor]

Beside the ability to improve your hand held shooting in low light what will you be using your new lens for?

[Axys32]

Well, its really going to be used for about anything, as I am more of an enthusiast than anything, but I do occasionally do photography for people, such as parties, portraits, sports, engagements/weddings, etc. And for all those (except maybe the sports) thats where either the 24-105 f/4L IS or 24-70 f/2.8L I'm considering as a replacement would come in handy.

But since I usually play around with photography for fun, I really feel that I would rather be able to do things other than what I do now, not just what I do now better. And the two things I always seem to lack are the extremely close shots of the small world, and the extremely long for good wildlife and lunar photography.

So, thats kinda my problem, do I want to do what I already do, just better, or do I want that extra freedom... What would you say?

Thanks!

[RichardTaylor]

If you budget can stand it I would initially go for the Canon 100mm F2.8 IS L macro lens. That will help you with close ups and, up to a point some low light shots and a (longish) portrait lens (headshots). Otherwise consider the non L version or something similar like the 90mm Tamron lens.

Either of the 24-70/104 lenses would make a good upgrade for your "standard" lens, although neither are very wide on a crop camera.
I own a 24-105 and it is a great general purpose lens (on a full frame camera).

For wild life I would not consider any thing less that the CANON 70-300 IS USM lens and even better would be the Canon 100-400 F4.5-F5.6 IS L lens.
I have both the above lenses, however the 70-300 only seees use whn I want to travel a bit light.

Hope this helps.

[Axys32]

Ok, thanks! That was extremely helpful! I was highly considering the 100mm f/2.8L macro already, but I just wanted to confirm that I was spending the money right. Someone also recommended that I purchase the Canon MR-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash to go along with it, and I see how the flash could definitely be helpful, but another $500 on top of the lens hurts pretty bad... If I were to pay that much, I would really like to get maybe a Speedlite 430EX II with a ring flash adapter if they make it, but Ive only found adapters for the 580EX II. That would give me the ability to use it as a normal flash or a macro flash both for the same price.

The wideness issue with the 24-70/105mm is one I have noticed (I have a 7D) and Ive considered buying the 10-22mm to go along with it, to help remedy that problem, and give me some extremely wide options.

The 100-400mm is also one Ive considered, if I decided to go longer, and it would fit perfectly into my dream replacement for my current lens which is the 10-22, 24-105, and 100-400, giving me an almost uninterrupted range from 10-400mm (darn you 23mm!). You mention the 70-300 and that you have both it and the 100-400, which brings me to the question, why do many photographers have lenses that cover almost the exact same focal range? Sorry if that makes me sound like a complete idiot at this, Ive just wondered. Haha.

Thanks alot, and sorry for making you read my short book!

[RichardTaylor]

I know a few, however they are sports shooters and are using two bodies. I shoot with a 40D & 5D

As far a telephotos goes I have few, but are used for different purposes.

For shooting motor racing trackside it will be a 100-400 on a 40D and a 70-200 F4 L on a 5D (also is a backup). There will be a 70-300 (backup) in the car for those tracks where track is a bit distant (even with a media pass)

I shoot birds with 100-400 and a bit of other stuff.

I use the 70-200 F4 L for outdoor event lens (parades and citizenship ceremonies etc) It will usually be on the 40D.

For vacations with my family, where I feel I may need a long lens, involving flights, the 70-300 + 40D will be in my carry on bag along with the 5D + 24-105..
.
I also have a 85 F1.8 (doesn't see much use), a Tokina 100 F2.8 Macro, and a 135 F2 L for when I am mainly just shooting for myself - it is my favourite lens, but not most used.

I put most pics through the 100-400 (sport) however it is a bit big & heavy as walk around lens/general purpose telephoto.

If you are shooting with a full frame camera and a crop camera the overlapping lens ranges complement each other nicely.

My lenses grew as my needs changed. If I was doing again I would plan it a bit more but would probably end up with something similar, but less primes.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by Axys32

Someone also recommended that I purchase the Canon MR-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash to go along with it, and I see how the flash could definitely be helpful, but another $500 on top of the lens hurts pretty bad... If I were to pay that much, I would really like to get maybe a Speedlite 430EX II with a ring flash adapter if they make it, but Ive only found adapters for the 580EX II. That would give me the ability to use it as a normal flash or a macro flash both for the same price.

You don't need a ring flash yet. A flash unit is a great idea instead of getting a faster lens, if you're doing a lot of indoor work.

Either of those Speedlites are great solutions. You're probably best off getting the 430 for now, of those two, but so some research. It depends heavily on what your upgrade path for lighting looks like. You should also look into diffusers and bounce cards, and methods to get the flash off the camera (sync cords or wireless transmitters).

With a flash you wouldn't necessarily need the faster lenses, and you'd also have the ability to use various apertures to your advantage, whereas with just a fast lens and no flash you're limited to very wide apertures.

[Axys32]

@RichardTaylor: Ah, yeah, that does make sense having them for different occasions, when you need a more convenient weight/size over the focal length, or vice versa, but I don't have that kind of money. Haha.

@BCampbell: Ok, thanks! I think I will go for the 430EX II then, because I don't think I want to spend $500 on just a ring flash. I actually found an adapter for the 430, which would be much more convenient and in the end a lot cheaper than having both flashes. If I do end up purchasing the 430, I will definitely invest in a diffuser, to soften the harsh shadows, though, and as for a wireless transmitter, the 7D is supposed to have one integrated, but I'm not for sure if it is compatible with the 430, I do know it is with the 580.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by Axys32

and as for a wireless transmitter, the 7D is supposed to have one integrated, but I'm not for sure if it is compatible with the 430, I do know it is with the 580.

I didn't realize you were using a 7D. I believe you're all set! You open the on-camera flash and, as I understand, it uses an IR signal to trigger slave EX flashes. Any of the Speedlites that are listed with slave compatiblity should work, so the 420, 430, 430II, 550, 580, and 580II should all work as wireless slaves triggered by the 7D. I would say any of the 4xx are a good bet; if you don't want to go used, get the 430 EXII, but the 420 and 430 have plenty of features if you find them for the right price.

Don't totally take my word for it, do some research but I'm 90% sure those will all work. And look into the differecnes in the models, and what they're going for.

[Axys32]

Alright then! And ok, ill check and see if it is compatible. I think Im pretty much decided on the 430EX II, though; Ive done plenty of research on it first, of course.