Canon® EOS 7D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 9. Lenses and Accessories

While the EOS 7D delivers fine images with all of the Canon lenses, it delivers the best images with high-quality lenses. Ultimately, your investment in lenses will far exceed your investment in the camera body.

Most photographers know that "the camera is as good as the lens," and this is no less true for the 7D. With its high resolution and cropped sensor, the 7D demands a lot from lenses. Keep this in mind as you add lenses to your gear bag.

As you consider a new lens, remember that you are building a system of lenses that will last for years to come. So it is a good investment to buy lenses that serve your needs now and in the future.

Evaluating Lens Choices for the 7D

The 7D is compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses and accessories. That's a wide range of lenses, and your options are even more extensive when you factor in compatible lenses from third-party companies.

Building a lens system

One of the first considerations photographers face is building a lens system. A few basic tips can help you create a solid strategy for adding new lenses to your system. For photographers buying their first and second lenses, a rule of thumb is to buy two lenses that cover the focal range from wide-angle to telephoto. With those two lenses as the foundation of your system, you can shoot 80 to 95 percent of the scenes and subjects that you'll encounter. ...