T6I vs SL2

ZedDoctor wrote:

Current Fuji user looking to add a different brand. Will be getting some glass from a friend

Mostly portrait and car photography. Occasional trains here and there.

Local store has T6I with 18-135 kit for $50 more than SL2 with 18-55.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

First, make sure the 18-135 is the STM version.  Since you don't seem to have a need for telephoto range regarding what you shoot, I would look into the SL2 with kit lens and add the EF 50mm STM for portraits.  It will give you much better control over depth of field and is just a great lens all around.  The new EF-S 18-55mm STM lens is excellent being very sharp and delivers very good IQ.  This way you get the added benefits of Canon's latest APS-C sensor and Digic processor.  You might find the better low ISO DR useful and high ISO noise performance over the T6i.

This is my own personal opinion, but I think the IQ on the Sl2 is much better than t6i using the same lenses.  I do like the 18-135 STM lens, but it is sharper with the Sl2. I do realize I might have gotten a bad copy of the T6i.

ZedDoctor wrote:

Can anyone make a suggestion or two on lenses to get for this.

My friend gave me his 10-18 IS STM, 24 2.8 STM, and 50 1.8 STM.

You have a very good friend as those are all excellent lenses.

Do you think that the 24-105 f4 L would be too much for it?

IMO, the 24mm end isn't wide enough for an APS-C camera. I have the EF 24-105mmL that I use on a 6D and also have the SL2 with the EF-S 18-55mm STM f/4.0-5.6 kit lens. I think the kit lens is very close in IQ to the 24-105mm lens. It is sharper, IMO, than the 24-105L and is a better fit with the SL2. It keeps the combination small and lightweight. I suggest getting the SL2 with the kit lens and see how it works out. I have the 10-18mm, 18-55mm and the 55-250mm STM (for an equivalent range of 16-400mm) and find this to be a wonderful compliment of zooms. Plus, all these lenses are small and lightweight. Many compare the 55-250mm STM to the EF 70-200 f/4 IS for IQ.

Those are terrific lenses to have with it. The 24-105L works well with it, especially if you think you might go to full frame some day.  I actually like the 18-135 on it better because of the additional reach at both ends and the fact that it is so much lighter.  It's a lens that will work nicely with the10-18. I also like the 70-300 USM lens. It is also pretty inexpensive right now.  But the 24-105 does do work well with it. (It was actually using the 24-105 on both the sl2 and the T6i that made me think the Sl2 had much better IQ. Whatever you get, you should enjoy the camera.

Consider the weight of the lenses if you carry the camera around. 18-135 with SL2 will be nose heavy. It ceases to be fun after a while. 24-105L is a nice lens, but it's even heavier. I would not consider it. I used to walk around with 6D and that lens, and I found that combination to be nose heavy, let alone with SL2.

Check if that 18-55 is STM. They have good reputation and are light.

Lepewhi wrote:

The SL2 comes in white; )))

Seriously, I think if you want to do a lot of sport photography, you might want to go for the T6i, more focus points. If you do more travel photography, go for the SL2, smaller lighter. I think the sensors are similar, if not the same. So, images should be the same. Just depends on what your interests are.

The sensors aren't the same or the image processor.  They each have 24mp but the SL2 has Canon's current on-chip ADC design which provides better dynamic range and lower noise at higher ISO.  Plus, the processor in the SL2 is Digic 7, Canon's latest.  Also, the SL2 has much better live view performance and comes with PDAF for butter smooth AF performance in video and faster live view auto focus.

Lepewhi wrote:

Thanks, I stand(or sit) corrected.

I do plan on getting the 200D/SL2. I'm going to wait for a while for the price to drop.

It is easy to equate Canon's first generation 24mp APS-C senor with its second generation. At a glance they look nearly identical.

I think the body only price for the SL2 might go down to $450USD and the kit to $500-$525USD eventually but it will take a while.  I don't think we will see fire sales on it as it has little competition at the moment from Nikon.

Lepewhi wrote:

Yes, I'm going to the States in the Spring. Hopefully by then, it'll be cheaper. Plus I want it in white. I haven't seen it here(Belgium) in white. And with the €-$ exchange, sweet.

If you are going to be close to a Henry's camera store in Canada then you might get an even better deal.

Jeff Peterman wrote:

I've traveled a lot with the 18-135 on an SL1 and never found it to be "nose heavy." The key is to support it with your left hand under the lens

How long did you walk around like that? I hike, and walking all the time with one hand supporting the camera is not feasible.

Jeff Peterman wrote:

I always use a sling bag. When I'm not using the camera, it is in the bag, where it is easy to pull out and use any time - I keep a wrist strap on the body, instead of a neck strap. I have spent all day wandering cities that way (keeping it in the bag, except when in use makes it less obvious too).

I see. That must be the difference. I normally keep the camera outside all the time.