Advice on what lens to purchase please

[Magic unicorn]

Hi everyone,
I am looking to purchase a new better quality lens for my canon 7D. I am tossing up between the 24~105L lens or the 18-135 lens. The 135 they don't make in the L glass and I want the best quality possible as I am now selling my photos. I take animal port rates an equine sports shots I already have a canon70-200L2.8which is brilliant but I need a wider lens also.

If neither of theses can you suggest something please.
All help appreciated . Thank you in advance

[enaiman]

+1 for 24-105
It's an excellent lens and my absolute favorite. A 2.8 aperture wouldn't hurt but it doubles the price

[Glenn NK]

The first step in your decision should be to determine the focal length(s) you require for your type of photography with this camera.

What you must also consider is if you will be adding a second camera in the future that is full frame (5D series, 1D series for example) as this affects your present choice of lenses.

We can all add our personal choices (and we probably will), but often this will be not good advice without knowing your preferences, style and subjects.

Glenn

[RustBeltRaw]

The 24-105mm f/4L is a solid lens. On the 7D, it's effectively a 38-138mm lens, which is a good spread for medium-range work. If you're outdoors in decent sun most of the time, f/4.0 will be just fine, but if you ever need to do low-light work or want a shallower DOF, the 24-70mm f/2.8L is worth a look, but it's pricier. The site below has images quality tests from both lenses available.

http://the-digital-picture.com/Revie...s-Reviews.aspx

Personally, I'm a die-hard prime lens user, but using one for mixed-range action can be pretty frustrating.

[rpcrowe]

The Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens is arguably about the best mid-range zoom lens on the market for the 1.6x format. It can't be used on a full frame camera but, I am very happy with the quality of my 1.6x format cameras.

I most often shoot with the 7D and a 40D with my 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and my 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses mounted. It is the best focal length, weight and price combination with shich I have ever shot in 50+ years of photography. The image quality + auto focus speed and accuracy are great.

IMO: I would not choose an extended focal length lens, such as the 18-135mm, for paid photography. The overall image quality, auto focus performance and wider and constant f/stop makes either the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS or 24-105mm f/4L IS lenses a better choice for paid photography.

The advantage to the 24-105 is that you can use it on full frame cameras. Another lens you might consider which is also suitable for full frame is the 24-70mm f/2.8L (series).

In answer to the obvious questions:

Yes, I would like a second 7D but, the 40D is a very viable camera. The extra cost is just not worth it to me.

No, I don't miss the 55-70mm gap between my two go-to lenses.

However: I would not be happy working with the 17-55mm lens alone. The 55mm end is just not long enough. However, I use my 70-200mm lens for most animal portraits.

[Melkus]

Since you have the 70-200mm that would cover doing sports so all you really need is a travel lenses or a walk around lens the way I see it. The 17-55mm or the 15-85mm are very good lens and would fill in your needs.

[Magic unicorn]

Thank you everyone for your help, very much appreciated. I will have a look at the 85 as well now,
The 105 was a possibility but the camera shop talked me out of that one... Reconsidering now
Thank you again.