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.

[RichardTaylor]

From personal experience (Tamron 18-200 (on a 350D) & Tamron 18-250 (on a 40D)) you will be taking a step backwards getting a superzoom. Yes you will be getting a lot of convenience but that is it.
IQ is not great, especially at longer focal lengths, focussing is slow and they are not fast lenses. I very rarely use mine. The Tamron 18-270 reviews are not all that positive either.

Are you going to keep your 1000D when you buy your 60D?
If so you lens changing problem is solved (up to a point).

The only lens I would consider as a kit lens replacement would be the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, however that is above your budget (I don't own one)

[CaptB412]

When I had my 50D, I used the Canon 18-200 and was generally very satisfied with it as a walk around lens and it appears to be in your price range and may provide you with a very good one lens solution for your 60D.

[inkista]

Superzooms tend to be roughly on par, performance-wise with kit lenses.

Personally, I think that maybe you should put off your decision to replace the lens right away, and just try out what the 18-55 will do on the 60D for yourself personally, before deciding it isn't up to the challenge. What works for one person may not work for another, and you're the best judge of what's going to work for you. And technique and processing skillz can get you a ways with the 18-55 kit.

Secondly, I'd say that if you really want to increase the quality of the glass you're going to slap onto the front of the camera, you're (unhappily) probably going to have to increase your budget, or go to primes. And if you think you're swapping lenses a lot now....

My general advice is to upgrade your lenses before you upgrade to a better body. There will always be a newer, shinier, better camera body every year to two years. Your lenses will stick with you through multiple bodies. Money you spend on glass is going to last you longer than the money you spend on camera bodies. Instead of blowing four-figures on getting the 60D, you could blow that same amount of money on the 15-85 IS USM, or even an L lens. And maybe your XS would look a whole lot better to you.

I leave you with two images:


Canon 50D. EF-S 18-55 II (i.e., softer non-IS version of the kit lens). iso 200. f/8. 1/160s. handheld. Shot RAW, processed in Lightroom.


Canon XT/350D (8MP--pretty much the camera that was tweaked/upgraded with XSi tech to make the 1000D/XS. Same 7-point AF). EF 135mm f/2L USM. iso 800. f/2. 1/1600s. SOOC jpeg.