Just moving up from a P&S

[TheDr9669]

In about 2 months time I will be getting my first DSLR. After much reading I have settled on a Canon EOS 7D. The biggest reasons for this body being high speed, (8fps), very good noise qualities at higher ISO's, and very fast AF. I understand lenses are an investment and good glass can make or break a photo. I am going to be getting at least 2 lenses at purchase and need recommendations and ideas as to which ones would be best. The main reason for moving from a P&S is low light and speed. I take a lot of low to medium light with moderate amounts of action photos. I don't really like using flash but might eventually get a good flash. My total budget would be ~$3000 including body. I was thinking of a good wide angle (EF 24mm f/1.4) and a medium zoom (EF 24-70mm or EF 24-105mm).

On another note, where would be a good shop here in Houston to purchase equipment? I don't mind used as long as it is good. Houston Camera Exchange?

[crazeazn]

Houston Camera Exchange or Camera Co-Op, both have awesome staff. Highly unlikely you would see the stuff you want used.

[dryicerx]

The 24mm won't be such a great wide angle on that camera, nor would the two zooms will feel medium, they'd be quite on the long end... don't forget the 7D has a 1.6x crop factor.

If you're not planning on upgrading to a full frame anytime soon, may I suggest the 17-55mm 2.8 IS (IQ is amazing + IS, and honestly should be among the L's). As far as the wide angle lens, there's the 14mm 2.8... but won't be as good for low light as you mentioned the 24mm 1.4 (so depends if you'd rather trade some low light performance to gain more wide angle).

Either way, the cam and which ever lenses you decide to get would be a potent mix :) just my 2 cents

[toverman]

Keep an eye on the buy/sell section here. I have been fortunate to buy and sell from excellent fellow TPF'ers.

A 24-105 f/4L IS is a solid, basic choice for general shooting. Very sharp, pro-quality lens. With the ability to shoot effectively at higher ISOs in conjunction with IS when shooting static/slow subjects in low light, I bet you'd find it useful. Field of view with the 7D's smaller sensor is about equal to a 38-168 range. That would get you started and let you save up for something wide later on.

[jtriron]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

Houston Camera Exchange or Camera Co-Op, both have awesome staff. Highly unlikely you would see the stuff you want used.

CO Op can be slow to offer help //However most of the info. is solid.

[Richard DeYoung]

I buy from TPF exclusively. Good stuff, however you may need to wait awhile till what you want is listed. Never been boondogeled by TPF member.