Camera Labs

I already have a Canon 60D for myself with Canon 15-85 f3.5 IS, USM lense and a Canon 70-300 IS USM zoom for further out zoom shots. I am buying my wife a Canon 60 and I am torn between getting another 15-85 f3.5 IS USM and get a prime 85 f/1.8 for low lighting shots. Or getting a Canon 17-55 f2 single lenses, I know I will loose some focal length with the 55 vs the 85. The dust intrusion I read about kind of worries me a little on the 17-55 for that much money. We are outdoor/wiildlife photo enthusiast, nature shots, flowers, rivers, falls etc. I do not plan on shooting weddings, but will shoots sunrise and sunset photos. The money out is close to the same, any ideas to help me make y mind up please? Tim

Here is a thought, why not rent some lenses to see if you enjoy it before purchasing it?

Also, having different lenses will allow you to have more variety in your shots than just having two of the exact same lenses. Since you will be together, you might enjoy swapping lenses at times to get a different perspective.

Also, since this camera will be for your wife, would she appreciate something a little smaller than the 60D, such as the 600D (T3i) or the newer 650D (T4i)?

You also said that you enjoy the outdoors, so if she would like more of an all in one solution, there is the Canon EF-S 18-200mm as well as a Tamron 18-270mm.

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Canon Rebel XTi, BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes

thanks for the adivce, I was leaning to the 60D only becuase she has used mine and likes it and I felt like with both having thee same camera that we can get better on the same camera. And I am so impressed with the 15-85 I felt stay with what works, even though the thought of us having as many different lenses open up more options in the field.

The debate between the 15-85 and 17-55 f/2.8 as general zooms for crop sensors is one that could go on for eternity and not be solved, and boils down to if you think you need the range or aperture more in the expected usage.

To throw in another option, have you considered the 24-105L? It's similar or a little more costly than the 17-55, but it is weather sealed. You will lose the ability to go wide angle gaining a bit on the long end instead, but it is a step up in construction.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Thanks, I have looked at the 24-105, I just read alot that its more of a full frame lense than a crop sensor. But it is a tough lense that has rave reviews.

Then you might want to check out Gordon's review of the 24-105mm f/4L on a crop body.

Here is a thought: What does your wife want?
Does she want something heavy, or lightweight?
Does she want a one lens solution or does she want to change lenses?

Have you taken her to a store to see what interests her?
Letting her hold a camera would probably help her decide what she wants as she can find what would be most comfortable for her.

_________________
Canon Rebel XTi, BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes

I would consider 24-70, but 24-105 is also a good choice. I would not consider changing 15-85 outdoors, i changed it few time only on two one-day shoots, and i already got so much dust inside i did not have in whole year.

Just as i thought as a novice, and now it had been proven - lens without weather sealing are bad choice...

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I'm new to DSLR's, so please be patient and take my opinions with reserve. Thank you : ) Yes, i am Canon man.
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Canon 60D + 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS, Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS II, Canon 430EXII, polarizing filter 72mm,
Canon AT-1, 50mm FD F1.8
Canon A430,