Are you talking about speedflashes? I never use them to be honest with you.

I use Location Kits, Monoblocks, or natural light with reflectors or large white cardboard...

So i am torn about my lighting situation. AB800 or 580EX ii ? What are thoughts? What soft box and stand would you use for the ab800?

Wow great deal! you should spend the extra cash and buy an L 1.2

Yo..
I am definitely going with the 7D. For lenses I am going to get the 50mm 1.8f EF 2 and the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 F4 L IS USM Lens. I know you are selling your 24mm but I can get a brand new USA one for 850.

Keep me updated on which you decide.

24-105, but I want to move towards another direction. Dpreview is a great GREAT resource. I like to shoot medium format with a digital back Leaf Aptus II. It is in photography, why I would buy a medium format digital back over my camera is the bit-depth thats where the $$$ is. My camera is 14bit and I think the 7d is 12 or 13 I don't remember. But Thats the thing, save money concentrate on good glass! large format is a blast too!

Well, the 7d is great but if you're doing high-end couture outfits (D&B, etc), you most likely would want to go medium format, which If I could afford I'd have the Mamyia 645 or a hassleblad, but 7d is a great camera.

But good glass is essential and in all reality the Sony cameras probably have better glass than Canon and Nikon because they are using Carl Zeiss lenses.
But if you're sticking with canon get the 7d, it's a great camera can't go rong with it. If you're doing PHOTOJOURNALISTIC You would want to stay cropped sensor (mainly in my opinon) because most of your stuff will be print, magazine, tiny photos -- the Canons Bit depth and processor is strong imo. But the 7d is going to have a better time handling the higher ISO's past 1000 which is alot better!
So it's up to you and it also comes down to filter on your lens as well to make that glass the best it can be. Like said before Im trying to sell my 24-105 F4.0 L lens.

Anyways,

To answer your question:

If you shoot normal day everyday things ranging from family events, to cars, to traveling photos get the 7d, you could save even more money and buy the Rebel T2i which is 18.0 Mp and HD video and is stomping competition, it's a great camera and the rebel I believe has an EASIER learning curve.

Yes you should invest MORE in good glass, I'm selling my 24-105 L series lens for $1,000.00 shipped anywhere perfect condition lens hood, suede carrying bag, and can include the hoya filter which is $145.00 in the price as well.

But 24-105 is good because you get an overall wide angle then can go to standard portrait range (105mm) so just keep a heads up.

Hey So your question is regarding the 5d mark 2 vs 7d, first question I ask novice photographers; What is the main use of your camera?