I've had my Canon SX50 for about six months (I upgraded from the SX40) and am considering purchasing my 1st DSLR. I love the SX40, but because of the slow focus, I miss too many shots. I probably will keep it as my "purse" camera, but I would like a better one to use on occasions I know I'll be taking lots of pictures.

I'm drawn to the Canon 70D, because of the features & reviews I've read. If I were to only be able to have two lenses, which would be the preferred two? And if I could afford a third, which should it be?

I shoot wildlife, flowers, indoor events (parties, restaurants, etc.), my kittens (their antics are HARD to catch!) and I love to travel, so lots of scenery.

I'd like to stay no more than $1,600 or so.

Any advice would be greatly welcome, and thanks, in advance! :-)

With improved optics - but a bit of a price (about $800 w/lens kit - Amazon)- I've always been a fan of Sony, going back to Beta. The Bionz X image processor is new, but would have to investigate it more. Sony may have another hit on its hands.

Sony a6000 key features:
•24.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
•Bionz X image processor
•Hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 179 phase-detect points
•Built-in flash + Multi-Interface Shoe
•11 fps continuous shooting with subject-tracking
•3-inch tilting LCD with 921,600 dots
•OLED electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots
•Diffraction correction, area-specific noise reduction, and detail reproduction technology
•Full HD video recording at 1080/60p and 24p; clean HDMI output
•Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps

Trust it will fill the bill; haven't looked at any feedback from consumers, but you seem to be satisfied w/Canon, so...

I have heard good things about the Tamron but have never have a chance to use it. Some Hoggers have posted some very good shots on this site. On the other hand I own and love my Canon 100-400L. I have had it for a couple of years now and it amazes me each time I use it for clarity and ease of use. The IS is first generation and will save you a couple of stops as opposed to 2nd generation of newer Canon lenses, which will assist you in up to 4 stops. I use the IS all the time while carrying the camera. The only time I shut it off is if it goes on a tripod as this is one of only a slight few lenses that Canon recommends shutting off with a tripod.
Also the 100-400 has two IS switches, mode one to assist horizontal and vertical movement and mode two to assist you while panning. The 100-400L is a great lens and on a crop camera like yours will give you a reach of over 600mm. Adding a 1.4 to it, you will lose some image quality. The question you have to ask yourself is how often will you be needing to shoot past 400mm, if most of the time, then stick with the Tamron rather than add the 1.4

Finally the push/pull feature on the lens is faster and more smoother moving (IMHO) from 100 to 400 than rotating the lens while taking BIFs (and rodeos and races). Some do not like this feature but I find most of the nay sayers have never even held the lens let alone used it.