I need a third lens

I have a 15-85 and a 60mm macro for my 60D. Should it be something with some reach and can I get used for $700 to 800 bucks.

200 2.8 is a great lens..not sure how much reach you need..what do you plan on shooting with a longer lens?

Definitely something on the longer end; 135L, 200L, 70-200L F4 (NON IS), or 70-200 F2.8 (NON IS - can be had for 850 if you look hard enough).

Are you just trying to cover your range? For your budget you can get a 70-200 f4 or even a used one for cheaper and have money left over for something else. I had one, it's very good for the price.

I borrowed a 70-200 2.8 non IS and really liked the range but at stepping on 68 I'm not as steady as days past and I really hate taking shots that are not sharp. The lens was really sharp but the amount of unsharp shots far out weighted the sharp ones. IS puts the cost out of my reach since my only income is SS. The 135L seems like a winner but I'm worried about being a little unsteady with that one also. Is the 135 easier to handle than the 70-200? Thanks for all the help and advice.

70-300 (non-L); IS is awesome, and can be found used for $350 or so.

The 135L is definitely lighter, and with F/2, I wouldn't worry about camera shake issues. If anything just crank up the ISO a bit on the 60D, I'm sure it could go up quite a bit.

Macarize wrote in post #15016951
The 135L is definitely lighter, and with F/2, I wouldn't worry about camera shake issues. If anything just crank up the ISO a bit on the 60D, I'm sure it could go up quite a bit.

Ironically, I struggle with handholding my 135L. Maybe I just need a grip for my 5d, but I can't seem to get sharp images under 1/200. Sometimes even with 1/200 only half of my shots are sharp. It's awkward weight, as I never had trouble handholding my 70-200 f4 @ 200mm, not sure what it is.

Get something with IS! The sigma 70-200 2.8 OS can usually be had for $850-900, or you could go with a 70-200 f4 IS around that price.

At 400-500$ original 70-200mm L F/4 non IS is your best bet.

70-200 for sure

If you need IS, get the tamron 70-300 VC USD. Good lens, and cheap.

Sirrith wrote in post #15017027
If you need IS, get the tamron 70-300 VC USD. Good lens, and cheap.

I'm a big fan of that lens, but it has some heft to it Not heavy, but not a light lens.

since you are on a fixed income - you may want to consider the 55-250 as well. They can be had for pretty cheap and the IQ is quite good and it is extremely light.

Thanks everyone for the good info. Looks like the 70-200 may be the winner.

2cruise,

I don't know the prices of used 70-300L lenses but I love mine on the 60D. I know they show up new for around $1200 off and on so I'm guessing the used price might be near your budget. It doesn't have the f/2.8 but if you're happy with your 15-85, you'll know exactly what to expect. The extra 100mm has come in handy for me.