What main lens to choose for the Canon 60D?

[MiqsPix]

I currently have a Canon EOS1000D and want to upgrade to a Canon EOS 60D next month. However as I already have the EF-S 18-55 IS kit lens, a Canon EF-S 55-250 IS zoom and the Tamron10-24 super wide angle, I am agonising over what lens to go for as a possible replacement for my 18-55 as I am advised it may be not ideally suited to the demands of the 60D. I have been looking at the Tamron 18-270 and Sigma 18-250 as "do it all" lenses but undecided as I love my Canon 55-250. Getting one of these however would remove the constant changing of lenses as I have to do now whenever I want more distance. Basically are the Tamron 18-270 and Sigma 18-250 lenses any good and is there a better option for me at around £400 from Canon. I notice also the Canon EF-S 18-135 as a cheaper option but really don't know what to do. I would appreciate any quality advice from anyone on this to help me.

[rbarry]

Hi MigsPix
I own a 550D (same sensor size as the 60D) and purchased a Tamron 18-270 vc (IS). I have no regrets buying this lens, and for everyday snapshots where versatility is needed it's great. I find mine to be very sharp in the mid zoom range, but wide angle is a bit distorted and beyond 250mm IQ tails off significantly. How this compares to the Sigma 18-250 I can't say from experience, but I guess you get what you pay for.
I have kept the original kit 18-55 IS lens as it can produce good results and will be sold with the body if I come to upgrade in the distant future.
To do justice to the 550D I also purchased a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (non IS) which is very sharp and of course with constant F2.8, very good in low light.
The jewel in the crown though is my Canon 70-200 F4 IS which is truly spectacular! Some may advise you that your Canon 55-250 IS is a great lens and not worth swopping out for a 70-200mm, but if you are considering a versatile zoom lens for everyday use like the Tamron 18-270, it may be worth selling the Canon 55-250, saving a few more pennies and get some great glass to match your 60D like an L series lens such as one of the 70-200mm versions that are available.

[matt wilson]

Firstly why the hurry? .Wait until you get the 60 d try the lenses you have and then make a decision.It comes down to versatility over ultimate quality .I have a eos 50 d that I got with canons 18 to 200 zoom.It's not a bad lens but suffers at the extremes of the range .The stabilisation is excellent though.I use it when I don't want to carry everything around and it's well balanced to the body.

My favourite lens is a canon 100 to 400 L and there's no doubt it is far superior in image quality .It should be for the price though.

Ask yourself what you want to do with the images.Only mega enlargements are going to be a problem.

I bought a 1000 d for my partner .Put my lenses on that and you would struggle to know which camera took the image .

It may not have occured to you but if you invested in lenses rather than a new camera you may well find your photo's improve .Any camera body is old hat in a matter of months .(something I think of as rubbish ,my 50 d is regarded as old because the 550 7d and now 60 d have come along .I see absolutely no reason to replace it though)

£500 to 600 would get you a 50 d body which with the exception of hd video and built in speddlight transmitter

Some could say is better built than a 60 d .

Ask yourself whethr that may be better option.

Huge mega pixels means nothing on a sensor .You are simply cramming more on the same size chip.

Food the thought ,but the choice is yours.

[AndyStevens]

I'd add to Matt's advice - I've just grabbed a 50d body only (they are disappearing fast at less than £600 body only) and it does all that I want. And holding a 50d and 60d - the build quality of the 50d seems more substantial.

Of course I'd like a 7D or 5D MkII - but back to reality

[leeristol33]

Hi Migspix - I have a 7D and bought the Sigma 18-250 lens which generally scores top marks in superzoom reviews along with the Tamron 18-270.

In the end I sold it as for me the image quality wasn't doing the camera justice. I wonder if the same might be true for the 60D aa well. Obviously with the superzoom you do get convenience of a single do it all lens.

I then bought the Canon 15-85mm as I had a budget of £500 and I have been delighted with it. It's pretty wide (the widest I've had) and a decent range to 85mm - it also has Image Stablisation and the HSM motor.

Alternatively the Sigma 17-70 OS gets good reviews too - I had the older version with the non OS and that was really good.

Hope this helps

[waveydavey]

I have the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 OS on my 7D, it's just superb compared to the crappy 18-55.

I also have the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS, which I pretty much use a s a"standard" lens.

Anything like an 18-250mm, or an 18-270mm is a cheap all-rounder and nothing more.
This may sound snobby, but if you're going to spend your hard earned on a nice shiny camera, don't then waste money on something cheap that "will do".
As it happens, I have tried the Tamron and compared to the Canon 55-250mm, it's pants.
The Canon 55-250mm is actually really good for a cheap lens, and will probably suit a 60D until you go for something liek a 100-400mm.....