Yikes, I suggest spending more on glass, less on on other stuff

Same here, another thing I think you should do is don't skimp on the eye piece, focusing will be the most challenge so don't go cheap on that.

I've read a few posts on great results using older Pentax and Nikkor lenses on 5D forum and the kit's 28 - 135 is a good multipurpose still lens.

I'm very open to specific recommendations on glass if you have personal experience or work showing it in use.

The zoom on the 28-135 is not very smooth, at least on mine. If you plan on stationary work it should be fine. This lens is pretty sharp but, as you know, it lacks a large aperature, it's a good all around lens. The 70-200 f4 IS version would be a nice lens, if you don't think you need the 2.8 version. Another consideration if you don't need IS and plan on using a tripod, is Sigma's 70-200 2.8 lens. My version is very sharp and you can find a used version in the $400-$500 range. If you plan on any hand held work, you should strongly consider the 70-200 2.8 IS lens.

Just my $ .02

Thanks,

Thanks Vincent. Most of my past work has been with a tripod, and I zoom very infrequently while shooting. I've heard good things about Sigma, but never used them. I think Phil had several call-outs in his recent articles of a few lenses he liked. I'll have to reread some of his posts.

I tested the Hoodman and Zacuto loupes at DVExpo, and my personal finding was that the Hoodman version was very specific in terms of your eye registration to the unit--if you shifted a small amount, the edges of the frame would blur. The Zacuto version was much more forgiving in that regard, however I felt it over-magnified the image. I know the idea was to extract as much focus information out of that LCD screen but at a certain point, you're just seeing space between pixels. I'm pretty particular about the image size in a viewfinder; I hate to have to scan side to side when composing an image.

The Zacuto magnifies 3X, doesn't it? I guess that means the Cavision that magnifies 6X might be a bit overdone?

I took the 7d out for some night time timelapse experiments last night. Nowhere near Tom @ Timescapes standards but pretty pleased for my first attempt! Just wish I didn't get bored so easily!!

Philip Bloom Blog Archive 7d Timelapse experiment in Dungeness (http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/09/26/7d-timelapse-experiment-in-dungeness/)

The Zacuto magnifies 3X, doesn't it? I guess that means the Cavision that magnifies 6X might be a bit overdone?

I'm using the CAVISION product on a Canon T1i, whether it overdoes it or not is really going to depend on the individual using it and on the detail shown on the LCD. As I understand it the LCD on my camera is the same 920,000 pixel version found on the 50D and the same one that is on the 7D, my impression from actual use is that I really appreciate both the magnification (6X although I feel like I could also come to like and work with the 3X on the Zacuto) and the brightness of the LCD image in that viewfinder.

Another plus feature of the CAVISION eyepiece is the size. The lens is larger than found on the Hoodman 3.0, for me it is easy to see in and work with. I have both the CAVISION and the Hoodman and even though the Hoodman offers no magnification I carry it with the neckstrap lanyard when I have to go "light" and work the camera handheld.

You have the Cavision with the swingaway bracket, right? Is it adjustable left and right and forward and backward? I know the bracketry is designed for the 5DMKII and I'm not sure where the LCD of the 7D is in relation to that one.

You said you take yours off for handheld work, is it that heavy?

I know several have raved about the loupe-sock. Haven't heard much about it recently versus the Zacuto, Hoodman, or Cavision. Any comparisons?