gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

SharpShooter, you are correct. I don't shoot action shots. Landscapes and babies. I hate carrying and changing lens and that was the reason for the 16-300. I thought it would be a good choice for my sunrise / sunset pics, while the 24-70 2.8 would be good for my baby pics. I just went to a Tamron workshop and thus the reason for considering the Tamron lenses. Thanks for your advice.

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

I would recommend sticking with a newer Canon body. I'm not familiar with the T2i, but I'm thinking your lenses should work with a Canon T3i or T5i. If you are going to change brands, I'd highly recommend Sony. They make excellent cameras with a variety of features for a wide range of prices. My Sony a58 has a 20 MP APS-C image sensor and takes excellent photos, and the Sony lenses for APS-C cameras are reasonably priced, in my opinion. They also make mirrorless camera bodies with APS-C sensors, like the NEX-6, which are reasonably priced, in my opinion. Mirrorless cameras are substantially smaller and lighter without sacrificing image quality.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If changing lenses is important, consider the Sony RX10 - and never change a lens ...

Carl 383 Loc: Southampton UK

Earlier this year I switched from Canon (albeit a 300D) to Sony A77.
The kit lens and cheap Canon 70-300 were not sufficient to hold me back.
I am now in the process of suffering a major GAS attack.
The A77's "kit" lens - 16-50 f2.8 is superb and I have since added a 50 1.4, a 70-300 G lens, a 100 f2.8 Minolta macro as well as the Sony F60M flash and a Sony battery grip, plus numerous other bits (yesterday I ordered a carbon fibre tripod / monopod!) As I said; "A major GAS attack"
Yes, it will cost to change but if nothing from Canon appeals, then it is time to change.
I am not recommending a change of brand to everyone - our tastes / requirements differ as much as we differ as individuals. I am not a stranger to change, having started out with an Olympus OM 10, OM 40 and an OM 2n. I was a happy snapper until Canon came along with the T90, that was when I decided to go over to Canon with the purchase of two new T90's, nothing from Canon has grabbed my attention since, certainly not the 300D which I only purchased in order to get into digital (requiring a lens / flash change) Then came the A77 which was the first camera since the T90 that caused an attack of GAS.
I still have the OM2n and both T90's, the 300D went to a good cause - a guy who wanted to introduce people to the joys of photography (hi eospaddy if you're reading this)
Will I change brands again? No, I have made too much of an investment in decent glass, I am now locked in to Sony (Canon you made a major marketing mistake when you changed the lens mount when you went over to auto focusing and subsequently digital) Apart from the "kit" lens I am careful that any other purchases will be compatible with a future full frame Sony which I may acquire.
DON'T BE AFRAID OF CHANGE - unless you are "locked" into a brand.

gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

Thanks, all. I hadn't considered the Sony, but will now give it a look. Maybe by the time the Christmas sales start I'll be ready with a decision! I've gotten very good advice and ideas here. I appreciate it!

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

The 6D is a wonderful low light performer, and coupled to the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC, it becomes a stellar combination. Using a 24-105mm f4 lens is also good. You just have to adjust the ISO to make the 6D perform. When my 6D was delivered I was surprised at how light weight it is, vs the Classic 7D. As far as your lens purchase, get the Tamron SP 24-70 f2.8 with VC, for your 6D, then look for a used Canon EF 70-200 f4L IS USM. That lens will give you great glass and fill the small void between 70mm and 100mm for those great portraits. Remember, that Tamron "SP" note on the lens means "Special" which puts it into the class of "L" quality. Also, Tamron is now the only lens maker with a f2.8 with image stabilization. I would have suggested the Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM II, but that lens is to expensive, and not really needed when you can jack up the ISO, and get practically noiseless shots. You can remove the slight bit of noise in Lightroom, or any other photo processing program. You can get the Canon EF 70-200 f4L IS USM at KEH, and probably the Tamron, and maybe even the 6D. KEH is your used gear friend. They use a very conservative grading system with their used equipment, and even have a trial period, and 90 day warranty. Although, I'd buy Tamron products new, Tameron has a 6 year warranty on their lenses vs Canons skimpy 1 year. If you want to go Ultra Wide angle, you'll be there with only one more lens, the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L USM, you don't need IS on a ultra wide lens. If you decide on moving up to wild animals, the Tamron SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC, USM will do the job on your 6D, and all these lenses may even bring in a paycheck someday.

B

loperR Loc: Medina ,Ohio

Try refurbished at Canon Store,they have great deals on package lens & camera.

gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

Bill, thank you for such valuable information! You may have just made my decision for me. I really appreciate your time and expert advice. I love the idea of buying used, but have been skeptical of the sources. Thanks for the recommendations!

gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

Bill, two more questions if you don't mind. The 6d is approximately $800 more than the 70d. That difference alone could pay for a flash and decent tripod. Will the full frame improve the quality of my photos that much? I will gladly pay the difference if it will, but have never used a full frame, so I don't know. My other question is , what are your thoughts on the Tameron 16-300? When I'm at the beach, I like the capability of taking wide shots of the sunsets and close ups of the birds without changing lens in the sand.
Thanks again for your advice. Also, anyone else who might be reading this, please feel free to help and indecisive woman make a choice!

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I don't own the Tamron 16-300, but I do own the Tamron 18-270 and have used it on the beach in Navarre, Florida. With that range of 16-300mm you will probably give up some image quality no matter where you shoot it. On the beach, for the problems with blowing sand, change your lenses in a satin pillow case. You can use it like photographers in the past used a "changing bag" to load film into a camera in bright sun.
As far as sunsets, you'll be look to the West, maybe find a pull over along the road for the shots. You don't need to up against the water on the beach to make the shot

Now for the camera section of your question. The 70D is a very capable camera for sunsets, and shoot gulls and other birds on the beach. If you can use the extra $800 elsewhere it's your decision. As far as the full frame 6D, it will give you remarkable shots. You'll see a improvement in your portraits, and if you do macro. If your like me, your subject of your photography is always changing. You really don't want to place camera body limitations on any type of photography you get into. As the quality of your photography improves you'll want to move on to a better standard of your photos. I don't know what you shoot with now, but make sure you have gotten the most out of your current camera and lens combination. If you own and shoot a old Rebel, and are not getting the results you feel happy with, get a good "L" quality lens. See how it makes your photos better off the old Rebel. Spending money on a new body, expecting all your woes to be gone, is a fools game. Quality starts with the photographer, he knows his camera, and when a upgrade is evident, he first buys glass.

B

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I'm not a Canon guy and, if you are unhappy with your current lenses, I think your idea of the d7100 and the lenses you propose would make a great alternative.

I was in Costco just a few hours ago and noticed that they are featuring the Canon Eos 7D (But which?) with two kit lenses. I didn't really pay too much attention.

I'm not too fond of the idea of a used camera unless there is a significant warranty attached. However, a factory refurbished Nikon D7100 can be had for less than $1000. I have purchased several cameras, projectors and other refurb equipment and have never had a bad experience. Since the refurb process is a more individualized one, I think you wind up with a better chance than with a new one. I have purchase factory refurbs from Adorama and Cameta as well as the projector from Tigerdirect.

PVR8 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I think you should do exactly what your mind first thought. You'll be very happy if you follow your original instincts. The D7100 is a great piece of equipment and the lenses you're thinking about would give you the kind of range that you need for the type of shooting that you do. You might consider the Tokina 11-16 2.8 instead of the Tamron 24-70 2.8. I have a Nikon D7000 and a Tokina 11-16 and I want to get the Tamron 16-300. I also mainly shoot landscape and I want to get into more nature macro shooting. I think I will be quite complete with the 11-16 mm and 16-300 mm lenses along with my 100 mm 3.5 macro lens for my macro shots. Good luck with your decision.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Newer tech would be the 7DII. Though it is not THE landscape camera, it would be GREAT for capturing grand kids.