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a digital photography noob has a question about image quality

hello,

i am new to this forum and digital photography.
i was using a canon film camera since the 1980s, until now.
never cared much for digital.
for the few photos i took a year my film camera was good enough.

but im a pensioner now and will go on a 8 weeks trip to south africa this year.
so i decided to go digital.

i bought a 5D Mark3 and a 650D at amazon.
now i have 24 days left to decide if i keep the 5D Mark3 or the 650D

what puzzles me is that the image quality is, as far as i can tell, exactly the same.
i bought a epson R3000 printer and when i print the files i can hardly see any difference.

i know why the 5D Mark3 is more expensive (better build, more functions, FF sensor etc.) but i thought there would be a visible difference in image quality?

sorry if this is a stupid question. as i wrote im totally new to digital cameras.

i just wonder that i get the same image quality in a 700 euro camera and in a 2800 euro camera.
i see bigger differences when i change from one film type to another on my analog camera.

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Canon EOS-1D C Firmware for 25p Coming in April

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<p><strong>25P for Canon’s 4K DSLR

</strong>Well, <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/01/canon-eos-1d-c-information/" target="_blank">the 25P firmware we talked about</a> was announced this week, availability won’t be for a few months though.</p>
<p>You can read about the update on the Canon Germany web site.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.canon.de/About_Us/Press_Centre/Press_Releases/Consumer_News/Cameras_Accessories/EOS-1D_C_feature_upgrade.aspx" target="_blank">Read the press release</a> (in German) | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/855962-REG/Canon_EOS_1D_C_EOS_1D_C_4K_Cinema.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Buy the Canon EOS-1D C</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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Canon EOS-1D X Firmware 1.2.1 Available

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<p><strong>Canon EOS-1D X Firmware 1.2.1

</strong>Firmware Version 1.2.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:</p>
<ul>
<li>The function to disable the Image size selection button has been added.</li>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which Err 70 and Err 80 may occur during certain shooting conditions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_1d_x?selectedName=DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">Download firmware 1.2.1 here</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827036-REG/Canon_5253B002_EOS_1D_X_EOS_Digital.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Buy the EOS-1D X</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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can anyone share a basic easy multicam video set up with 5d3s?

I just wanted to know if anyone here shoots along with other 5d3 users and has allot of experience setting several 5d3s up for a multi camera shoot,

A friend and myself are about to shoot a bar mitzvah and want to using he multicam features in Adobe premiere, i wonder if anyone can share tricks to set up a multicast session, we plan to use a bunch of flash and SD cards (auto swap mode) unless anyone suggests other wise, i assume ALL-i compression but e have hit walls with tacky obstacles while recording video already, for example some videos are only 1 mins long while others are 5, i have no idea why the camera stops the video recording but i do get the 4 GB limit etc from time to time saying the camera split the files up .

any advise appreciated and thanks in advance

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Lens Help..EF 28mm f1.8 any good?

Hello,…always looking for people’s opinions, especially when it comes to buying new gear.
For a long time I have had an itch to pick up a Canon 24mm f1.4L II for my FF, but it is a pricey one. I would like to do some static star shots and trails also, as well as have a nice fast wide prime for indoor and landscape. Until the funds materialize,does anyone have any positive experiences with the 28mm f1.8?

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Paul Buff Cybersync advice

So here's my setup. 5d Mk3, Alien Bees and PW Plus II triggers.

I'm see the black band as discussed here previously when trying to sync at 1/200th. Yes, it goes away at 1/160th.

I'm thinking of selling the pocketwizards and getting the Paul Buff Cybersync Transmitter/Receiver pair. Does anyone know
if these triggers suffer the banding problem?

I have a pair of the cactus triggers which I haven't tried yet. I rarely use them because the batteries always seem to be dead.

Any experience with these is appreciated.

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Chinese aftermarket guns

We're seeing a very interesting explosion of capable and affordable after market alternatives to the genuine article. Yonguo, phottix, oloong, and triopo come to mind, all in fierce competition with each other -- all are playing leap frog as regards feature sets. Phottix is combining Nikon and Canon capabilities in one unit, I presume to cut mfg cost. The more Canon-oriented Yonguo just announced an on-board radio receiver/trigger in their very affordable (560 iii) manual gun. Oloong is said to be producing a full-featured flagship clone this year, and triopo just announced another HSS gun competing directly with Yonguo's newest 568 HSS capable gun.

With the chinese guns, speedliters can affordably fill an apollo orb or a parabolic umbrealla, for example, with three or even six ETTL/HSS guns without breaking the bank. Yonguo in particular has an aparently large market share and reasonable reputation for acceptable reliability, from what I can tell. Their "flagship" HSS/ETTL capable gun is presently $170.

Yonguo appears to be the chinese gun of choice for canon users, or at least they are the emerging darling. with such fierce competition it wouldn't surprise me if they produce a 568 mark ii soon, by adding the radio recever of their model 560 iii. Its an interesting show to watch, with HSS, ETTL, and integrated radio trigger capabilities appearing in the after market. And with Canon themselves asserting true radio control with their new flagship system, the days of Pocket Wizards or other expensive radio ad-ons (for speedlites), appear to be numbered.

Frankly I'm tempted not to invest any further in the Canon guns, but just keep my 580ex ii and invest in a bunch of Yonguo guns and tranceivers. The capability you get per dollar is astonishing, and the affordable reduncancy mitigates the reliability risk. Sadly I expect Canon's next move will be some sort of digital key authorization mechanism to lock down the hot-shoe ETTL and HSS communications, preventing the chinese from reverse-engineering their stuff and selling at 1/4 the cost.

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Lens recommendations for wildlife

I am look at a longer lens for wildlife and I need help picking out a lens.
Here I the options I see so far
1-70-200 already have but if I add an extender
2-100-400
3-400 5.6.

I don't know if I would miss the extra versatility of the 100-400 over the 400 5.6. And I am hesitant of a extender setup because I have heard image quality can be pretty bad.
I mostly looking at elk, deer, foxes from a pretty good distance.
Does anyone have any recommendations?

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Canon 1D X on the Street

Saw a western guy shooting with a 1DX on the streets of Bangkok the other day. This is not something you see every day, the 5D Mark II and III are a much more common sight. Reason I am posting this is for those concerned about bringing their best gear to this amazing part of the world. I almost did not notice it was a 1DX, I just registered in my subconscious a guy with a camera, then my old brain slowly told me there was an black body L lens and it was attached to a 1DX. I know quite a lot of the pro photographers in this part of the world so I paid a little more attention as I hurried on by to my next appointment. The guy was taking street shots and looked like a tourist (was it CR guy?! haha ;-) ) But my point is not to worry, unless you really know cameras (like people on CR do) then most people would not even have noticed anything other than a guy with a camera, a regular sight in most tourist spots in Asia. In fact, some would probably think something that big has to be seriously old (aren't cameras getting smaller for the average Joe?!).

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Sigma Announces New 30mm f/1.4 for APS-C

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<strong>YOKOHAMA, Japan </strong><strong>—</strong><strong> Jan. 29, 2013</strong> — <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/" target="news-story-7920380613">Sigma Corporation of America</a> a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp" target="news-story-7920380613">lenses</a>, <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/cameras/" target="news-story-7920380613">cameras</a> and <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes.asp" target="news-story-7920380613">flashes</a>, today announced the release of four new lenses for the <a href="http://sigma-global.com/en/lenses/cas/product/art/a_35_14/index.html" target="news-story-7920380613">ART product line</a>, including three lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and one lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors. This announcement comes at the start of the <a href="http://cpplus.jp/en/index.shtml" target="news-story-7920380613">CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2013</a> this week in Yokohama, Japan.</p>
<p>The new and updated Sigma lenses include the 30mm F1.4 DC HSM, which will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.</p>
<p><strong>30mm F1.4 DC HSM</strong>

Sigma pioneered the large-aperture, APS-C format, standard lens category with its 30mm F1.4 lens in 2005. With new optical configurations of nine elements in eight groups, as well as rounded aperture blades, this updated lens delivers pleasing sharpness and a beautiful bokeh background. Its angle of view is equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm camera (which is similar to that of human vision), its minimum focusing distance is 11.8 inches and its maximum magnification ratio is 1:6.8. The lens’ optimized power distribution helps to minimize field curvature, prevent a loss of image quality at the edges of photographs and produce outstanding image quality. Its double-aspheric lens minimizes spherical distortion, astigmatism and coma, and its rear focus system prevents focus-dependent variation in aberration. Together, the new optimized auto focus (AF) algorithm and rear focusing system ensure smooth and accurate focusing. The new 30mm F1.4 is also compatible with <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/sigma-usb-dock" target="news-story-7920380613">Sigma’s new USB Dock</a>, which will enable firmware updates and focusing adjustments, is expected to be available in coming months.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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Canon Announces 3 Long Zoom PowerShot Cameras

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<p><strong>LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 28, 2013</strong> – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of three stylish, feature-packed PowerShot Digital Cameras: the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS, ELPH 115 IS and A2500. These new models are ideal for photography enthusiasts of all levels looking for great photo quality and excellent video performance in compact, powerful point-and-shoot designs.</p>
<p>The new PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera provides advanced wireless connectivity for easy sharing. Providing great performance in dimly lit situations, the ELPH 330 HS digital camera includes the Company’s HS SYSTEM that delivers clear images with minimal noise and maximum detail even when shooting in low-light. The new cameras offer great features such as Canon’s Smart AUTO, enabling even novice users to get optimal camera performance automatically, so whether photographing a running child or a solo recital on stage the cameras deliver spectacular images with ease. Smart AUTO allows the cameras to detect up to 58 scenes for the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera and up to 32 scenes for the PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera and PowerShot A2500 digital camera. All three models also feature ECO Mode, an advanced new method that manages power consumption and extends battery life by approximately 30 percent, when enabled, allowing you to shoot more photos for a longer amount of time.</p>
<p>“With the introduction of these sleek, new models to our family of PowerShot digital cameras, we are able to provide our customers with a range of imaging options including more models with wireless connectivity to upload and share their amazing creative images,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.</p>
<p><strong>PowerShot ELPH 330 HS Digital Camera</strong></p>
<p>Photography today is as much about image quality as it is about sharing, whether through prints or online communities. With this in mind, the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera builds upon the success of the PowerShot line with built-in advanced wireless capabilities to easily share high-quality images captured with an impressive 10x optical zoom lens and 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor. After an initial one-time set-up, the camera can connect to both iOS<sup>®</sup> or Android<sup>™</sup> smartphones and tablets<sup>i</sup> for quick and easy sharing. Users launch Canon’s free CameraWindow application<sup>ii</sup>, available on both the iOS<sup>®</sup> and Android<sup>™</sup> operating systems<sup>i</sup>, to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from the camera to their device. Frequently used devices and accounts are conveniently stored in the camera’s wireless history menu for quick one-touch access.</p>
<p>With these enhanced wireless capabilities, users now have the ability to comment on their uploaded photos directly from the camera – so being part of conversations taking place on social networking sites is easy and convenient. In addition, individuals can control the destination of Facebook uploads – choosing to share content with everyone, or post photos only to selected Facebook groups. Users can also instantly upload images wirelessly from the camera to Canon iMAGE GATEWAY<sup>iii</sup>, and automatically upload them to a computer remotely. Photos can also be printed wirelessly using Wireless PictBridge<sup>iv</sup> on select Canon wireless inkjet printers, including the new PIXMA MG6320 Photo All-In-One printer, so special moments can be preserved and cherished.</p>
<p>A fantastic multipurpose lens: the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera provides a 10x optical zoom lens taking images from 24mm wide, up to 240mm at the telephoto end, able to capture that group shot, or zoom in for a dynamic close-up. Great even in low light, the camera’s 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor combine and deliver on Canon’s HS SYSTEM helping ensure detail is captured even in dark or shadowed areas at a maximum ISO speed of up to 6400. For capturing memorable moments on video, at the touch of a dedicated movie-record button, the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera shoots beautiful 1080p Full HD video and includes a built-in stereo microphone for great sound. Helping document vacations with your own personal highlight reel, the camera’s new Hybrid AUTO mode utilizes a combination of Smart AUTO and Intelligent IS to create a beautiful and steady HD video clip (up to approximately 4 seconds) in Movie Digest mode every time you shoot a still image. Helping ensure you don’t miss those magic moments, the camera features both High Speed AF for fast focusing speed and High-Speed Burst for continuous capture at up to 6.2 frames per second while maintaining superb image quality. The combination of features, including wireless connectivity, Canon’s Intelligent IS system and ECO Mode, help make the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera a great imaging companion for vacations, all-day sporting events, or family parties.</p>
<p>Expected to hit store shelves in March, the PowerShot ELPH 330 HS digital camera will be available in three modern colors: black, silver and pink for an estimated retail price of $229.99.</p>
<p><strong>PowerShot ELPH 115 IS Digital Camera</strong></p>
<p>The new pocket-able PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera features an 8x optical zoom lens (28-224mm), which provides a focal range to capture most any situation. The PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera includes a 16-megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor for exceptional image quality. For those photographers who “shoot it all” and seamlessly move from scene to scene, the PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera provides Canon’s Smart AUTO mode that intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on up to 32 predefined shooting situations for capturing spectacular images in a variety of settings with ease. For creative video capture, users can record HD video with a built-in microphone for great sound. The PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera also includes Canon’s unique Intelligent IS system technology, matching the lens movement with one of six stabilization modes for smooth video and sharp still images. The camera also includes Canon’s new ECO Mode allowing you to shoot more photos for a longer amount of time.</p>
<p>With anticipated in-store availability in March, the PowerShot ELPH 115 IS digital camera will available in four sleek colors: blue, silver, black and pink at an estimated retail price of $169.99.</p>
<p><strong>PowerShot A2500 Digital Camera</strong></p>
<p>Rounding out Canon’s new PowerShot lineup is the PowerShot A2500 digital camera, which includes a 16-megapixel image sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor, as well as a 28mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom that can extend out to 140mm at the telephoto end. The camera also features Canon’s Smart AUTO mode that analyzes each scene to intelligently select camera settings based on 32 predefined shooting scenarios to help capture stunning images with ease. The PowerShot A2500 digital camera can also capture great video, recording HD through a dedicated movie button. Helping ensure crisp images, Canon’s Digital IS reduces the effect of camera shake and subject movement. For travelers and those on the go, Canon’s new ECO Mode conserves battery life, allowing you to shoot more photos over a longer period of time. For those photographers looking to be a little more creative, the camera also features various Scene Modes such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome to help provide additional creative freedom when capturing your photos. And for those just learning the art of photography, a Help Button will provide simple explanations of camera settings and functions.</p>
<p>Expected for sale in April, the PowerShot A2500 digital camera will be available in silver, red and black for an estimated retail price of $129.99.</p>

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Why does Canon release 17 new powershot cameras per YEAR?

Seriously, nobody needs that many low quality PS cameras that make no changes to image quality at all. Their pro cameras get 2 body releases per year, and their amateur DSLR gets a yearly refresh.

Can anyone explain this? Is it just a to trick consumers into thinking a largleystagnant technology is improving with more bloated features that do nothing?

Feel free to discuss.

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Canon 6D or 5D Mark III

I know this question has been asked over and over in this forum. But thought of clarifying a couple of things. My apologies if my questions are redundant.
About me - I am a photography hobbyist. I own a EOS 40D, 17-40mm F4L, 100MM Macro Non L, 70-300mm IS Non L and 28-135mm Kit lens. My 40D is close to 5yrs and I have taken a lot of photos with it while I learned. Its still in excellent condition, But It might very well be hitting its shutter life limit soon. Thinking of an upgrade soon.

The plan was to get the 7D (or 7D Mark II or whatever the next version is if it comes sooner). Waiting for the next version based on rumors does not make a whole lot of sense I guess. Also buying the old 7D when it is already 3yrs since launch also does not seem like a good idea for me. Also I kind of changed my mind in favor of a FF Camera. I like taking landscape photos and interested in low light photography. I also like to take stop action kind of photos like flying humming birds etc. My 40D IQ dips big time in low light. From what I understood FF cameras fare better in low light as far as IQ is considered.

I initially thought of getting the 6D. But the lack of CF cards, low FPS, and Auto Focus is making me debate whether I should invest 1K extra for the 5D mark III. I love the fast frame rate of my 40D , But the AF makes me wanting for more. But I am confused, do I really spend 3.5K (with the kit lens) for a hobby. With the available lenses I have, does 5D mIII makes even sense. But then this would be an investment I make for atleast another 5-6 yrs or as long as the camera works. I am currently in US, buying these cameras in India will cost significantly higher.

Or settle down for the 6D and get a 70-200MM F4L IS for extra 1000$ I save.

Some of my photos are in the below link, please check and let me know if I should consider going for FF and if FF, should I go for the 5D MIII?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/98679084@N00/page2/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98679084@N00/page12/

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Need advise on getting a wireless timer to shoot time lapse videos with a 5d3

any suggestions welcomed, i am new to time lapse, i own iphone and ipad so if that route is easier please do share your thoughts although i can agree its weird leaving your iphone hanging around till the battery die.

Then again i did look into cheaper wired timers as well as wireles ones, i plan to do ALLOT of time lapse so i am open to something worth investing in if its worth it, i will use it with the 5dmkiii.

thanks in advance

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a new stabilized 70-200mm f/4 option, by Tokina

Just saw this on some other sites tonite.
They've been making lots of wide zooms but i haven't seen a new medium long since I can't remember when.

http://photorumors.com/2013/01/28/new-tokina-at-x-70-200mm-f4-pro-fx-vcm-s-and-at-x-12-28-f4-pro-dx-lenses/

Nothing on Tokina's site yet.

Looking fwd to test results.
Canon's and Nikon's offerings are already pretty good but there's still some room for improvement.

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New PowerShots for CP+, no DSLRs.

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<p><strong>New PowerShots for CP+

</strong>The next photo gear show is CP+ in Tokyo, which runs from January 31 until February 3, 2013. We’re probably only going to see new PowerShots announced from Canon.</p>
<ul>
<li>IXUS 610</li>
<li>IXUS 110</li>
<li>IXUS 90F</li>
</ul>
<p>Not really the excitement we were hoping for, although it was expected.</p>
<p>The <em>could</em> announce the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x officially too, which we’d all really like so we can stop talking about it.</p>
<p><strong>Source: [<a href="http://digicame-info.com/2013/01/cp-3.html" target="_blank">DCI</a>]</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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7D- Hot Pixels and Noisy Photos

Hey,

Recently I have been shooting long exposure photos with my 7D and I've noticed that even at ISO 100 my photos are becoming really grainy after the sensor is exposed for only a few seconds. I have also noticed that at 30 sec + exposures I have red and white dots ( i thing they are hot pixels ) showing up in my pics and if the exposure is going for 30 minutes + You can barely make out the photo because the entire image is covered in red and white spots.

If someone has had a similar issue or know what could be the problem help would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Remy.

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What to look for when buying a 5d mkiii

Going to finally go and get the 5D mkiii the weekend :) :), just want to know from any one that has one, is there anything i need to look out for when checking the camera over in the shop? It's a lot of ££££££ so want to make sure its ok before I walk out with it.....any advice would be great..thanks I advance

The reason for asking is that i am not in the UK at the moment, so i do not have the comfort of being able to return it if things go wrong, this is why i want to make damn sure everyting is ok....

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Sigma 35 1.4 or Canon 50 1.4 or Canon 24-70 2.8 II

Hello Guys,

I`m in the process of choosing my next lens, i Have 3 options:
Sigma 35 1.4
Canon 50 1.4
Canon 24-70 2.8 II

The propose of the lens is for street photography and portraits. I prefer lens with some wide capability, that can give me versatility and the possibility of larger compositions. My main concern is Image Quality.

Can you give me your thoughts.

Thanks

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Lens Help - 17-40 & 70-200 f/4 or 24-70 f/4

I've been a long time reader and finally thought I’d ask for everyone’s advice on a lens purchase dilemma I’m having. I realize the “which lens should I buy” posts can get annoying after a while so I’ll preface this by saying that I've tried all the lenses I’m deciding between and am really stuck!

First though thanks to everyone for all the incredibly usefully information that I've read over the years on these boards. It has certainly helped improve the quality of my photos.

About Me:
I currently have a 6d that I got for Christmas. Before that I had a Rebel XT for 8 years that I used with a the EF-S 17-85 and the 85 F/1.8. I just sold the 17-85. I am loving the 6d so far. Coming from an XT it’s one heck of an upgrade. I’m up north so I can’t wait for winter to clear so there’s more time to get outside and shoot!

What I like to shoot:
Landscapes
My 4mo old daughter

What I like to do:
I do a lot of walking/hiking. I don’t like carrying a ton of stuff, and almost never bring a tripod. So my landscapes tend to be handheld wherever I am. I wasn't into people pictures until we had our first kid. Now she seems to dominate my subject matter.

So at first I was going to get the 6D with 24-105 the kit lens. I wanted to learn more about the 24-70 f/4 and was hoping it would be available as a kit option alongside the 6D. As a result I kept waiting and waiting for it to be released. I finally gave up and bought the body only as I didn't want to miss any more shots and figured the 85 F/1.8 would get the job done in the short term. I also picked up the 40 F/2.8 for something a little wider while I made up my mind. I was attracted to the 24-70 f/4 because of the IS (handheld), small size (for walking/hiking) and macro features (I've been wanting to do more of this but couldn't commit to a dedicated lens). In hindsight I should have just gotten the 24-105 as a kit. I just wasn't excited enough at the time and felt like I'd regret it.

I went back and looked at photos from the last few years and realized that on my 17-85 I took almost all of my photos at either the wide or zoom end. Very few in the middle.

Through a stroke of good fortune I received a $1,250 gift card to Amazon as a perk from work. I netted $375 selling my 17-85 and an old 70-300 so I have $1600 or so to spend on the lens I've been waiting for. After doing some research and trying out a lot of lenses I’m down to the following options:

Option 1:
EF 24-70 F/4 IS - $1,499

Option 2:
EF 70-200 F/4 IS - $1,099
EF 17-40 F/4 - $699

I realize there are rebates ending on the option 2 items Feb 2nd. Not sure how likely it is that they will be extended but those prices include the rebates.

Here are my thoughts:
Option 1: Great size for walking/hiking, very useful focal range, brand new IS, and can do my macro thing when I want to try it out. When I tried one at a local store I was impressed with how small it was. Cons are the price (I feel like I’m overpaying as an early adopter) and the fact that it doesn't seem to “wow” everyone on these forums from an IQ standpoint.

Option 2: I’m really excited about the 70-200. From my brief experience renting one it is an awesome lens and I've never really owned a good telephoto. The 17-40 also intrigues me as I love wide angle stuff. The cons are the added weight and I worry about the 17-40 as my primary walk-around. It doesn't have IS (is that ok for my handheld landscape needs?) and I’ll be missing the 40-70 range in my kit. Not that it’s essential to have everything covered.

My questions:
1. Is there some other combo for around $1600 that I should be considering? Perhaps even non-canon lenses? Blow it on a prime instead?
2. Is the 17-40 ok for general purpose use? Without a tripod? How much will I miss the 40-70?
3. How is the 70-200 as a portrait lens? Is it usable indoors? I have my 85 f?1.8 and absolutely love it so indoor use isn’t a necessity.
4. Are these canon rebates that are ending Feb 2nd likely gone for a while?

Thanks in advance for all your help! Sorry for the long post.

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