What are good starter lenses for a Canon EOS 60D (APS-C)?
Asked 2/7/2012
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I’m buying a Canon EOS 60D and want to build a practical starter lens kit. Older recommendations often mention lenses like the 18-135mm, but I’m wondering whether there are newer or better options that are especially well suited to the 60D. What lenses make a good starter kit for general photography, travel, family photos, and possibly some low-light indoor shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I think there is an 18-135mm kit option - that would be good for a starter zoom. But if money allows, then I'd recommend the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. This is not new to market - but I am putting it out there as an option.
It's a stonking good lens. Almost the same focal range as the standard kit 18-55, but with L series optics (though Canon will never label it as such as it's an EF-S lens designed for crop-sensor only), and a fast constant f/2.8 aperture through the entire zoom range WITH image stabilisation.
I had this lens for a couple of years, and only sold it only because I moved to using mostly prime lenses.
Would be the perfect companion to the 60D. The weight of it would balance out nicely too...
Originally by user7566. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7566
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—older advice is still largely valid for the Canon 60D. A strong starter choice is the EF-S 18-135mm as an all-purpose walkaround lens: it gives a very useful zoom range for travel, family, and general photography without frequent lens changes. Some users also consider the 18-200mm for similar convenience.
If you expect to shoot indoors or in lower light, a constant f/2.8 standard zoom is a big step up. The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is highly regarded and pairs very well with the 60D. More budget-friendly alternatives mentioned are the Tamron or Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lenses.
A Canon 50mm f/1.8 is also a smart, inexpensive addition for portraits and low-light shooting.
In short: for a simple starter kit, go with the 18-135mm plus a 50mm f/1.8. If low-light performance matters more, consider a 17-55mm f/2.8 (or 17-50mm f/2.8 alternative) plus the 50mm f/1.8.
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