Which lens combination would you choose?

Michael Thomas Mitchell wrote:

Steveep wrote:

My choices are the kit Canon 18-135mm STM,Canon 24mm stm, Canon 50mm stm & Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS.

The 18-135 is the single most VERSATILE lens for the 70D, with an extremely wide zoom range, stabilization, good optical quality, and STM technology for really nice video with the 70D.

I know it comes down to what I'm going to be using the camera for: photo / video or both, and I will be mostly photographing the kids and family holidays etc.

When I was last taking photos as an enthusiast, video wasn't really available, so that’s new to me. I'll be mainly using it for photos, but may use the video from time to time.

The 70D makes video fun and easy. An STM is needed for best results.

Is it pointless having the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 as well as the Canon 24mm f2.8 stm as essentially they have the same spec? Do you think the Sigma could replace the 2 primes?

Yes, too much overlap for a new kit.

My thoughts are either the

18-135, 24mm & 50mm - kit lens for video, primes for general photography (I'm a big fan of using primes - on my previous set up, I used the 50mm mkII for 95% of my shooting)

or

I'm no fan of the 50 on APS-C, but if you used it that much, you might enjoy it. You might also consider the 40mm pancake lens.

Sigma 17-50mm & 50mm - noisy autofocus on the Sigma for video, but good quality constant aperture photo zoom for general walk around photography.

There's no true telephoto, but the bright aperture is nice. A nice lens for a bigger kit..

i won't really have the cash to buy additional lenses for a while, so I'm hoping what I buy won't need adding to.

Then you need VERSATILITY. That's the 18-135.

Ultimately, you'll want the trio of STM zooms which also include the 10-18 and 55-250, each about $300. You could also bypass the more expensive 18-135 and get the 70D with the cheap-but-good 18-55, and then use the saved money for one of the other two, and perhaps even a 50 or 40.

I'd just be interested to hear what your thoughts are and what you'd choose.

Thanks

Good advice for limited funds.  I'd also keep an eye on refurbs at canon site and use extra to get extra lens.  Eventually 55-250 stm and 10-18 stm are incredible to have.