New Canon gear advice needed please: I have a Canon T3i with the following lenses: Canon EF 50mm/1.8 Canon EF 85MM/1.8 Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6 Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3 I take a lot of...

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

I have a Canon T3i with the following lenses:
Canon EF 50mm/1.8
Canon EF 85MM/1.8
Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6
Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3

I take a lot of landscape pictures, and do portrait sessions occasionally.

I was thinking of getting the Canon 60D, mainly for it's more durable build, but am now wondering if perhaps I should just get another lens for the T3i instead . If so, what would you suggest and why? My budget is around $500, so that excludes and L lenses.

rabsmostwanted Loc: Northern Ireland

Hi. What about getting a set of filters instead.You seem to have most bases covered with your lenses, unless you go for a longer one but your sx50 should cover the far stuff.

Budnjax Loc: NE Florida

i think the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro is a great lens...the non-"L" version is right at $500....on a crop-sensor camera, this is equivalent to about 160mm....sharp as a tack from close to infinity....

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

wtompkins wrote:

I have a Canon T3i with the following lenses:
Canon EF 50mm/1.8
Canon EF 85MM/1.8
Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6
Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3

I take a lot of landscape pictures, and do portrait sessions occasionally.

I was thinking of getting the Canon 60D, mainly for it's more durable build, but am now wondering if perhaps I should just get another lens for the T3i instead . If so, what would you suggest and why? My budget is around $500, so that excludes and L lenses.

We all know that glass is king, so if you like landscape photography, and you keep your current camera, the lens for you is the 10-22mm. Good luck.

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

rabsmostwanted wrote:

Hi. What about getting a set of filters instead.You seem to have most bases covered with your lenses, unless you go for a longer one but your sx50 should cover the far stuff.

I have just basic filters; what do you suggest?

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

I'll take a look at both of those lenses. :)

rabsmostwanted Loc: Northern Ireland

I use a variable nd filter ( goes from nd2 -400) & a set of graduated coloured filters.Nothing to fancy or expensive, they are always in my bag for when they are required & do as good a job as the branded ones.

ronwande Loc: Hendersonville NC

I recently upgraded from a 40D. I was looking at the 60D but then read the specs on the T3i. The two have the same sensor and image processor but the T3i is about 6 ounces lighter and therefore easier to carry around. I am careful with my equipment and the lower weight and cost considerations outweighed (pun intended) the more rugged construction.

I am quite happy with the T3i.

amehta Loc: Boston

mdorn wrote:

We all know that glass is king, so if you like landscape photography, and you keep your current camera, the lens for you is the 10-22mm. Good luck.

I agree, an ultra-wide could be perfect for you.

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

You already have this range covered but.....the EF-S 15-85 is great.
http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-15-85mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

On the other hand.....unless you are absolutely sure that you are going to stay with APS-C format cameras, I'd suggest buying EF lenses exclusively. If you eventually move to FF you won't have a collection of lenses that you need to sell.
With that in mind.....the EF 100mm IS macro someone else mentioned is excellent. If you buy it you will become spoiled though.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

wtompkins wrote:

I have a Canon T3i with the following lenses:
Canon EF 50mm/1.8
Canon EF 85MM/1.8
Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6
Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3

I take a lot of landscape pictures, and do portrait sessions occasionally.

I was thinking of getting the Canon 60D, mainly for it's more durable build, but am now wondering if perhaps I should just get another lens for the T3i instead . If so, what would you suggest and why? My budget is around $500, so that excludes and L lenses.

Do you still have your 18-55? it's not listed, I use mine indoors a lot , or my Sigma 17-70, 18 -55 is nice and light, not attention getting as a longer larger lens, Bob.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have similar equipment. I just added the 85 mm 1.8 & with the 50 mm 1.8 are great low light and portrait lens.

I believe that looking at your kit the best money spent would be on an ultra-wide. There are many that would work from 8-24. I found a great copy of the Ef-s 10-22 mm. This lens used can be had used 375-500 or refurbished @ 550.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

wtompkins wrote:

I have a Canon T3i with the following lenses:
Canon EF 50mm/1.8
Canon EF 85MM/1.8
Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6
Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3

I take a lot of landscape pictures, and do portrait sessions occasionally.

I was thinking of getting the Canon 60D, mainly for it's more durable build, but am now wondering if perhaps I should just get another lens for the T3i instead . If so, what would you suggest and why? My budget is around $500, so that excludes and L lenses.

I have a 60D and the T3i is a good camera. I recently purchased a refurbished 24-105 'L' lens, but the 100mm is also and excellent choice.

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

I really appreciate all the advice, thanks so much! However..... my husband and I have decided to use most of my bonus money for a used quad....that way I'll be able to ride around in the 100's of beautiful acres where I live and take photos :). I'm going to use some of the money though to buy some filters, a flash bracket, a flash with triggers and Elements 12.

I'll start saving up for either the 100mm macro lens or the 10-24; they both look like great lenses!!

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

wtompkins wrote:

I have a Canon T3i with the following lenses:
Canon EF 50mm/1.8
Canon EF 85MM/1.8
Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6
Tamron 18-270/3.5-6.3

I take a lot of landscape pictures, and do portrait sessions occasionally.

I was thinking of getting the Canon 60D, mainly for it's more durable build, but am now wondering if perhaps I should just get another lens for the T3i instead . If so, what would you suggest and why? My budget is around $500, so that excludes and L lenses.

You didn't mention using your T3i as a chock block for your Chevy so I don't think you have to worry too much about durability if you are just using it to take pictures with. It's a good camera and I don't see where the 60D has any real advantage over it. I would use that $500 for other accessories you may need, since you seem pretty well covered on lenses. Do you have a good flash? Tripod? Photo editing software? etc, etc. How about a macro lens, as someone already suggested? What you have is a good all around camera and a set budget. My suggestion is that you use that budget to enhance the capabilities of what you have.