2-3 lenses for both stills & video for 60D

[westis]

Hi,

I have searched on numerous sites and forums about what gear to get for the Canon EOS 60D that I have just purchased. One of the most difficult choices, as I do both stills and video, is lenses.

I don't do any commercial work (at least not for now) and mainly use my camera for documentary purposes, such as travels (Kenya being the most frequent country visited). I then move around a lot, so need to have equipment that is fairly easy to bring along, and quick to use.

I had thought of going for the Canon EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS or Canon EF 24-70 2.8L for a standard zoom, and Canon 70-200 4.0L for a tele.

But then I've read a lot about prime lenses and thinking that maybe a Canon EF-50 1.4 could be an option. But would I use that much instead of the standard zoom covering the same focal length?

And would I need a wider zoom, such as the Tokina 11-16 2.8 that I've read much good about?

I have never before filmed with a DSLR (but a lot with standard video cameras), but have had a Canon ESO 1000D with the kit 18-55 and a Canon 55-250 4-5.6 lens. Zooming has been essential to me for shooting stills, as has the tele both for the depth of field (which of course will be vastly improved by a couple of extra steps of aperture). But when combining video and stills the world has changed a bit.

I'm looking for some advice that hopefully can guide me to what lenses to actually get. Budget for lenses is up to around $2,000.

 

[kaydawgy]

I own the Tokina 11-16mm, Canon 50mm 1.4, and the Canon 17-55mm 2.8 and I must say I love them all and use them for different reasons. First the 17-55mm is the sharpest out of all 3 (probably because of the L series glass it uses) It's zoom range is very much helpful and needed. When I want to glide or "fly" around with my stabilizer, then I turn to the Tokina 11-16mm. This is another solid lens that accents the effects of flying through a room. If I'm in a really dark room, or want a real artsy DOF shot, then I'll use my 50mm 1.4 to get the best possible image when I can't work with any extra lighting.

Canon 50mm $350
Canon 17-55mm $1050 (ouch)
Tokina 11-16mm $600

This would put you at your max budget.

 

[ROCKMORE]

If you go for the Canon 17-55mm 2.8 and the Tokina 11-16 2.8 and need a long zoom the 70-200 f4L is the best option in it's price range would but you a few hundred over budget.

 

[Kin Lau]

For $2k, the 17-55IS + 70-200/4IS should do quite nicely. I love my Tokina 11-16/2.8, but realistically, not many people know how to use an ultra-wide well (including me).