Photobiker: I have the Yongnou YN-565 EX speedlite. This is very similar to the Canon 560EX II but much cheaper. It boasts full auto and manual, ETTL, wireless remote compatible with the 60D, vertical and horizontal rotation, and a bunch of other features. I found it fairly easy to set up and use, although I am still learning all the features. The 60D can work with this flash in various ways - when off the hotshoe you can set the camera to use int + ext or ext only. Definitely recommend this flash unit.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Much appreciated.

Charles

@rpavich : thanks for the suggestions. I totally understand the flash benefits and I have a speedlite with wireless trigger. I'll check out your links as I am still learning how to use the speedlite to full advantage. That said, I do also want a lens that will allow large aperture opening - sometimes precisely for the very limited dof.

Recently given a Canon 60D by my wife with EFS 18-135 IS lens. Great setup that I am still learning to use.

Looking to get an additional lens to use indoors, mainly to photograph people. The zoom lens I have is great but maximum aperture opening is limiting for indoor / low light conditions. I like trying to use available light or subtle flash lighting to capture people when possible.

Any recommendations for a good, reasonably priced, lens around 50mm and f 1.8? Some zoom range nice but not necessary. Macro capability also nice but not necessary - may need a separate macro lens eventually.

Appreciate suggestions from the group.

Returning to photography after a break of 25 years. In my 20s, living in Australia, I had a Canon A1 with various Canon and Tamron lenses. I was a hack photographer and mostly took record shots of things I saw, both natural and man made.

I now live in Texas. Earlier this month my beautiful and loving wife gave me a Canon 60D with an IS zoom lens and YN-565EX flash and I'm learning how to use this set up and relearning photography in general. Like the wireless remote flash operation and having a digital SLR rather than film.