Lens reco for new Canon 60d user

BrockspurBrockspur Registered Users Posts: 6 Beginner grinner
edited October 30, 2011 in Accessories
Hi All

Just got a 60d as my first DSLR. I bought body only as was advised that the kit lens wasn't that great.
Now need to wade through the dozens of options on what lens/lenses to buy!

My budget is c. $1000 and I'm hoping to get a focal range to be able to do decent landscapes + a reasonable zoom for portrait/street work.

So far I'm thinking of using the whole budget on a 15-85 but would love some advice on best options for that budget.
thanks in advance

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited October 24, 2011
    An ideal standard zoom for the 60D is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm, f2.8 IS USM. It's just superb for any Canon crop 1.6x/APS-C body, but that shoots your budget.

    A close second, as long as you don't need stabilization, is the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm, f2.8 XR Di II LD IF. That would leave you some budget for maybe a Canon EF 85mm, f1.8 USM, to use for head shots and head-and-shoulders.

    Also allow for a decent flash and modifier. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the Sigma DG Super flashes are very capable and I use them for professional applications as well as personal stuff. You can make your own flash modifiers, and a couple that I use and recommend are:

    http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

    http://abetterbouncecard.com/

    Joe Demb also makes an interesting device for sale (reasonable):

    http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

    I own a FlipIt product and it works well and is very well made.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • rpcrowerpcrowe Registered Users Posts: 733 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2011
    Speaking about flash...
    I love the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro (DFD). I will use it with any hotshoe flash (I have a 420EX, 550EX and 430EX). The DFD is very versatile and one model fits all of my flash units despite the differences in sizes.

    I can use it on camera when I am traveling light. Attaching the Flip-It to the end of the flash head rather than the rear, allows me to shoot in either the vertical or horizontal position with minimum flash readjustment.

    1056292365_9SbJL-L.jpg

    The Flip-It portion of the DFD is adjustable in its angle.

    1056292358_HVxgc-L.jpg

    The DFD can be used even when there is no ceiling off which to bounce the flash such as when you are shooting outdoors at night as in this Chinese night market...

    858911199_3wdQp-L.jpg

    When I am able, I will use the flash on a Stroboframe Camera Flip Bracket and modify the flash with the DFD. It gives pretty nice lighting in a situation in which I have to move around...

    http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Portraits/Portrait-Professional/16520661_359bqh#1244320241_7kTXJ

    Note: exceept for liking his products, I have no connection with Joe Demb...
  • BrockspurBrockspur Registered Users Posts: 6 Beginner grinner
    edited October 30, 2011
    thanks!...what next ?!
    Thanks for the advice. I'm not getting in to flash work yet but I've gone for the 17-55mm and it seems great so far (though it does weigh a tonne for a 'walkaround' !).

    Next on the wanted list will be a bigger telefoto zoom + potentially something wider for land/sea-scapes.
    What should I set my sights on?

    landscapes....the 10-22mm ?
    telefoto...70-200 f4 ?

    Nick


    rpcrowe wrote: »
    I love the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro (DFD). I will use it with any hotshoe flash (I have a 420EX, 550EX and 430EX). The DFD is very versatile and one model fits all of my flash units despite the differences in sizes.

    I can use it on camera when I am traveling light. Attaching the Flip-It to the end of the flash head rather than the rear, allows me to shoot in either the vertical or horizontal position with minimum flash readjustment.

    1056292365_9SbJL-L.jpg

    The Flip-It portion of the DFD is adjustable in its angle.

    1056292358_HVxgc-L.jpg

    The DFD can be used even when there is no ceiling off which to bounce the flash such as when you are shooting outdoors at night as in this Chinese night market...

    858911199_3wdQp-L.jpg

    When I am able, I will use the flash on a Stroboframe Camera Flip Bracket and modify the flash with the DFD. It gives pretty nice lighting in a situation in which I have to move around...

    http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Portraits/Portrait-Professional/16520661_359bqh#1244320241_7kTXJ

    Note: exceept for liking his products, I have no connection with Joe Demb...
  • ThatCanonGuyThatCanonGuy Registered Users Posts: 1,778 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2011
    Brockspur wrote: »
    Thanks for the advice. I'm not getting in to flash work yet but I've gone for the 17-55mm and it seems great so far (though it does weigh a tonne for a 'walkaround' !).

    Next on the wanted list will be a bigger telefoto zoom + potentially something wider for land/sea-scapes.
    What should I set my sights on?

    landscapes....the 10-22mm ?
    telefoto...70-200 f4 ?

    Nick

    Those are both nice lenses. I own the 70-200 f4 and it's great. If you want something lighter for walkaround, you could consider the 50mm f1.4, or better yet, as Ziggy mentioned, the 85mm f1.8.
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