Model selection help wanted

Any more thoughts guys

and yet more comparisons later - its definitely the 650d

and as for lenses

Tamron 17-50 (non VC) 2.8 (exc IQ) or the Canon 15-85 £250/£478

less flexibility on the Tamron though half the price

and

Tamron 70-300 zoom (heavy??) or Canon 70-300 IS USM £320/£330

would the missing 50-70 range be a real issue if I went with Tamron 17-50 and is there a better option by sticking to 200/250 range rather than go to 300

a little over budget so will add the tokina 2.8 100mm Macro at £310 later

cheers

Managed to get my hands on the 60d and I found it quite heavy compared to the 600 and less intuitive to use. So it looks like the 650d is my choice spoke to a canon rep in store who put my mind to rest over the a/f system with non STM lenses. Just need to find one to try.

As for lenses I've decided on the Canon 15-85 and Tamron 70- 300 zoom

Still trying to decide on the macro erring towards the Canon 100mm (non L) but the Sigma 105mm or the Tamron 90mm are still in with a shout

reefman wrote in post #14652759
Managed to get my hands on the 60d and I found it quite heavy compared to the 600 and less intuitive to use. So it looks like the 650d is my choice spoke to a canon rep in store who put my mind to rest over the a/f system with non STM lenses. Just need to find one to try.

As for lenses I've decided on the Canon 15-85 and Tamron 70- 300 zoom

Still trying to decide on the macro erring towards the Canon 100mm (non L) but the Sigma 105mm or the Tamron 90mm are still in with a shout

Sounds like you are making great progress. You will like the 15-85. The Tammy 70-300 also has a good rep. Just take a lot of test photos when you get it to make sure that you get a good copy of the Tammy.

Canon 100 mm Macro also has a very good rep. Can't comment on the Sigma 105 or the Tammy 90. Lots of lens reviews at Photozone.de, Lenstip.com, slrgear.com and the-digital-picture.com

Good luck and happy shopping!

Yogi

Following further research I've now ruled out the 650 and am going with either the 60 or 7d. I like the added functions, the a/f flexibility and the better burst buffer but the size bulk is a concern. I've tried both in store with the 15-85 lens and not sure I could be discreet with that system whilst I fiddle with the wealth of controls.

Can I do the wildlife and action stuff on the 60d same focusing but less customisable than the 7d

Are my selected lenses overkill for the 60d?

thanks for all the help so far

I've taken the plunge and gone with the 7d just arrived today and cant wait to get shooting with it.

Got the 15-85 and 70-300 Tammy too just need a bag now and a new strap as its quite heavy with the longer lens on any idea

reefman wrote in post #14730560
I've taken the plunge and gone with the 7d just arrived today and cant wait to get shooting with it.

Got the 15-85 and 70-300 Tammy too just need a bag now and a new strap as its quite heavy with the longer lens on any idea

Congrats! That is a real sweet kit!

For a bag, take a look at the "Canon 2400 DSLR Gadget Bag". Kinda long, goofy name but a great bag and, unlike most Canon stuff, it is pretty cheap. Don't let the price fool ya! It is a high quality bag with lots of extra storage compartments to keep all of your accessories: http://www.amazon.com …t+bag+for+eos+s​lr+cameras

MakisM1 wrote in post #14624286
Body

Tamron 18-270 PZD is good enough you don't need all the other kit lenses

I have used the Sigma and liked it. But a Canon is Canon and the difference is small (100 mm).

Nobody should miss a 50 f1.8!

Tamron 18-270 is a good lens for what it is. You can do much better by purchasing several lenses, which is the sole and entire purpose of using an SLR in the first place. If the Tammy 18-270 is good enough, you don't need a DSLR. Don't get me wrong, I can see owning it, for a general purpose, I don't feel like carrying 2 or 3 lenses kind of day. If it is your only lens, you would be better served by the Panasonic DMC-FZ150, or the Canon SX40.

I can't speak to the IQ of the Sigma macro lens. One HUGE difference between the Sigma 105 and the any of the Canon lenses is: the Canon's focus internally. That means they don't extend while focusing. The Sigma does extend while focusing, which means the lens will be closer to you subject. Flowers don't much care. Bugs do.

reefman wrote in post #14623954
I'm a returning slr user after leaving the hobby about 15 years ago during which time I've been making do with a compact.

I'd narrowed my choices down to the canon eos 600 or 60d (after seriously considering the nikon 5100 too) but now see the 650 has hit the market and looks like a good buy.

Other than general use I'd like to get into some wildlife and macro photography and also shooting my reef aquarium inhabitants.

I was erring towards the 600d but now the new tech in 650 plus higher frame rate is an attraction.

I don't really have a need for video but guess if its there may well use but not prime concern which is has to be image quality.

The 650 now looks like my choice but I'm concerned about the new focusing system and how it will work with the non stm lenses which I developed for video rather than still use and will be slower to focus but how will the USM lenses perform?

Which would be the better choice for my needs and can anyone suggest the way to go with lenses a good macro and a mid range zoom

thanks guys

I suggest the 60D since it's not awhole to of money going from 650D to 60D and you get a wee bit more fps and the top lcd (it's dealbreaker for me.. really) plus the battery can easily take 1200 photos before charging (good if your in a position far out in the bushes with some wildlife).
Canon have a crop factor of 1.6x so anything above 250mm (with crop it's 400mm) would work with wildlife.. or am i wrong?

*edit
Just saw your purchase.. good choice. Enjoy.

reefman wrote in post #14730560
I've taken the plunge and gone with the 7d just arrived today and cant wait to get shooting with it.

Got the 15-85 and 70-300 Tammy too just need a bag now and a new strap as its quite heavy with the longer lens on any idea

Ofcourse the Blackrapid RS-4 or the bigger Cargo version RS-5.
I can't live without mine.
Carryspeed and Sun sniper are similar straps.