eddypoon

<p>The 17-40mm f4 L lens should get you started. <br>

Your issue of objects being too small when they are farther away is normal, especially when you use a wide angle lens. Try a longer lens at your local camera shop, or borrow one from your friend. </p>

<p>Separately I would recommend adding a 50mm 1.8 to your equipment list.</p>

Test it yourself here.

http://www.shooting-digital.com/columns/schwartz/shutter_release_test/default.asp

Mine is at around 0.1 second.

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 L

and one L zoom/prime lens for your 200-300mm needs, which depends on your strength (they are all heavy)

From a resale value point of view, a small scratch on a 5D LCD doesn't make it significantly inferior compared with a normal one. Covering the LCD/top display with a transparent cover serves only for aestheic reason for the original owner.

In any case my camera's LCD is hard enough such that it doesn't break in my normal uses. I don't think a "strong LCD guard" is necessary but you may want to consider a small piece of transparent cover sheet to keep LCD from minor scratches.