60D + 18-200 vs t2i + 18-55 + 55-250 - premium worth it?

I'm a new user who's read up on the forums and wanted to get some feedback as someone who loves taking photographs (and editing) but only now has decided to step up to DSL.

I primarily take photos of family whether indoor portrait, outings (zoos/aquariums/etc), kids sports. Video is also very important to me as I would like to leave my HD Canon camcorder at home when possible. Especially video of the kids in action.

For me a D60 with a 18-200mm lense combo ($1250) is a little over budget and was looking at a T2i with a 18-55 + 55-250 as its quite a bit cheaper ($850). I'll probably not have the money to buy another lens for at least 6 months if not year with the D60. Am I better off saving the money so I can purchase an additional lens that much quicker?

From reading up it seems either path in regards to lenses will be more than adequate for a beginner. I'm just looking for justification to spend the $400 premium for the 60D besides especially in regards to any differences in the two models/bodies.

Thanks for any input.

Its really 2 questions, is the 60D worth the premium over the T2i? - I think it is just based on having all 9 auto focus points having cross sensors that can see vertical and horizontal lines of contrast. The Rebel only has cross type in the center point.

The other question is the 18-200 worth it over the 18-55, 55-250? No way IMO. The 18-200 weighs more than the other two combined and the image quality really takes a hit having that much zoom.

Why not get the 60D body only with the 18-55 and 55-250 separate? or skip the 18-55 and pick up a Tamron 17-50/2.8 non VC used.

Those where the two best "packages" I could find (price wise) that weren't full of useless crap. I'm basically trying to keep it around $1000 and get a lens/body combo I can be happy with for at least 6 months knowing I can upgrade once I have the money and become more familiar with the camera. So I'm open to other options as long as it gives me the versatility to cover the most common shots (even if not perfect for them all) and stay within budget.

In general the less focal range zooms cover the better the quality, the extreme being prime lenses - which of course increases the hassle of carrying and swapping them. If you have an idea of which focal length you like more a prime can have a big wow factor, particularly when compared with non dslr cameras, as can you isolate your subject from the background more easily...

Video is a whole different ball game, it might be easier to think of it as "cinema" instead of video: no autofocus but potentially amazing image quality... But then you'll probably want to invest in accessories for sound and light...

For your budget you can probably get the T3i, which I've read has even more video related features, with the 18-55 and 55-250. I'm pretty sure you can also wing it with a T2i which is almost the same camera, and invest in all the inevitable little extras: extra batteries, memory cards, filters, a backpack...

Good luck!

rolandct said:

I'm a new user who's read up on the forums and wanted to get some feedback as someone who loves taking photographs (and editing) but only now has decided to step up to DSL.

I primarily take photos of family whether indoor portrait, outings (zoos/aquariums/etc), kids sports. Video is also very important to me as I would like to leave my HD Canon camcorder at home when possible. Especially video of the kids in action.

For me a D60 with a 18-200mm lense combo ($1250) is a little over budget and was looking at a T2i with a 18-55 + 55-250 as its quite a bit cheaper ($850). I'll probably not have the money to buy another lens for at least 6 months if not year with the D60. Am I better off saving the money so I can purchase an additional lens that much quicker?

From reading up it seems either path in regards to lenses will be more than adequate for a beginner. I'm just looking for justification to spend the $400 premium for the 60D besides especially in regards to any differences in the two models/bodies.

Thanks for any input.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. Sounds like I have some more research and thinking to do.

I can't speak to the 18-55mm and 55-250mm lens, as I have never used them, but I do regularly use the Canon 18-200mm IS. I have been very happy with the quality of images I get with it. The zoom range is extremely handy. For example, when at a Santa Claus parade with my daughter last Christmas I was able to zoom in on Santa at 200mm and then turn around the next instant and zoom back to 18mm to get the reaction of my daughter seeing Santa. Her expression was priceless. Both photos had excellent clarity. I love that this lens allows me to capture moments like that which would otherwise be missed if I needed to switch lens. It is worth considering this convenience when making your selection. I have not used the lens for video so I can't comment on that for you. Good luck with your choice!

I'm now leaning towards a single lens whether it is the 18-200 or 18-135 and your example helped seal the deal for me. That's a situation that I am in many times that I didn't even think of with trying to capture action away from the kids and then back at the kids. Thanks!

If you are down to thinking you are going to get a single lens I have one other point for your consideration. How much of your photography will be inside with your children? When I am going outside with my family I often reach for the Canon 18-200mm. But if you take alot of photos inside too, you may want a faster lens (ie. f/2.8). You can certainly take indoor photos with the 18-200mm, but a faster lens will adapt better to low light situations. Being on a tight budget many of the f/2.8 lens are expensive and may be out of reach at this point (like the Canon 17-55 f/2.8). Go to a camera store and check out the Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 and read reviews on it as well. Here in Canada you can get one for $469 on sale (Aden camera for example). If you could get a good deal on the body of a 60D you may still be able to come in on budget with a lens like this. I have the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS as well as the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. While I would give the Canon a slight advantage over the Tamron, I have found the differences in the image quality small (That says alot about the Tamron as the Canon is an excellent lens and is at least twice the price). The Tamron has produced many beautiful images for me both indoors and outdoors and I think you will find if you do more reading on it that it is generally held in high regard. This lens of course has a shorter zoom range, so you need to decide what is most important to you. There is always a trade off. As much as I love using the 18-200mm, if I had to live with only one lens for a year and I had to come in under your budget I might lean toward selecting the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 for the indoor/outdoor photography advantage.

Consider that camera bodies will come and go and improve every year, but lens will stay with you for years if you buy good ones. If I were starting out and know what I know now, I would consider a used 50D or T1i and better glass. Youj can then upgrade the body in a year or two when you know more, and either of those with produce excellent images.

The Tamron 28-75/2.8 is a real sleeper at it's price. I had both it and a Canon 24-70/2.8 L (which costs a lot more than your entire budget) and I often chose the Tamron when going out with the family - it was/is that good.

Frank
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To err is human, to really screw things up requires a computer.

Thanks for the advise. I'm more looking for 1 lens when out and about and not have to switch. I'm OK with having another lens (if I can afford it) that I'll switch to knowing what type of shooting I'll be doing. For instance if I'm going to be doing all indoors and don't need a long zoom I'm good with a separate lens off the bat.

Assuming I can budget for it would you recommend the the 18-200 and maybe a prime lens (form other things I've been reading) for indoors or the Tamron and picking up the 55-250? Thanks!

That's the part I have been struggling with. I know I can save some money with the T3i and may not even appreciate all the advantages of the 60D in the beginning.

It's just tough as surprisingly the price difference between the two once you look at the standard kits that include 55-135 or 55-200 the prices aren't much (

If you get the Canon 18-200mm IS to use primarily outside as a one lens solution I think you will very likely be happy with it and will get good results. I also think getting it with a prime for inside as you mentioned may work well for you.

As far as a prime lens I picked up a Canon 50mm f/1.8 to try. Someone gave me the advice a few years ago that it would make a great lens for a children's event like an indoor birthday party and that I could use it without a flash. The lens is great (and the price is right!!) but on a crop sensor body like the 60D it is equivalent to a 80mm lens. When you are inside photographing kids you need be able to back up away from them to get everyone in the image with the 50mm ! This is not always possible or practical. The Canon 50mm is a great inexpensive choice for a prime if you have the space to move around with it. If you are interested in a prime for indoor photography with your kids , I would suggest to go with something wider than 50mm if you can. I have heard some good things about the Sigma 30 mm f/1.4, but have not had a chance to use one myself. Perhaps someone can comment on the Sigma 30mm.

I think I'll settle then on the single lens for now and have almost two months to play around and learn the distances until the holidays and birthday party when I'll be more concerned about best indoor performance. Then I'll keep your advice in mind if I decide to go with a prime for indoor. Thanks again.

Bob Atkins has a lot of useful information on his website (search yahoo or google) for newbies re. creating a system. I'm switching over from Nikon and appreciated the information.

jitteringjr said:

The other question is the 18-200 worth it over the 18-55, 55-250? No way IMO. The 18-200 weighs more than the other two combined and the image quality really takes a hit having that much zoom.

Click to expand...

With all respect, you can't combine 18-55+55-250 and compare to 18-200. 18-55 pulls down the combination too much.

From my 55-250 experience:

My brother has 60D+18-200, I have 60D+15-85+55-250.

55-250 is much shurper than 18-200. I posted below few shots with 55-250 at max tele, quiet cropping was involved.. Raw, just croped and resized.

18-55 - yes, soft, what you do expect for $120, I got it first just to add wide to 55-250 (my primaraly shooting - wildlife) if I would need it and budged was in concern and replaced lately with 15-85, what is the difference!

OP can save money arround 60D, but go for better lens set up. 18-55 will be the waist eventualy.









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