My child is now 2 years old, what should my next purchase be?

[Magijr]

Hi all,
I purchased a 60D 2 years ago (I love it) to take photos of my family and newborn. He's now 2 years old, and I find its a lot of equipment to carry with me at all times. I own a 17-55 EFS, a 50 1.4 and a 60mm macro. I love all three lenses, however I find myself using my cell phone to take photos because I do not always have my camera with me. I'm looking at the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III. I would love a camera with Wi-Fi abilities. I'm also wondering if I should I sell the 60D and try a new body (full frame)? Do you all have any recommendations / thoughts? I am open for anything... new lens, new camera or other ideas. Thank you for your help.

Thank you,
Bruce

[Anthony M]

Hi Bruce, that's one problem with the DSLR. You've either got to get into the habit - and risk possible damage/theft/whatever if you do have it - or miss pictures. I tend to fall into the latter category myself. Guilty as charged. Yes, they can be a lot to haul around.

However, IMHO even if you invest in another type of system heavily - you run the risk of the same thing happening even if you go mirrorless, FF or otherwise.

I think you need to examine why you don't have your camera with you first and foremost, and fix it.

This is really, honestly the time you should be photographing and videoing the little guy, because he's going to be shaving in about a week!

The camera you've got along with the lenses are near perfect - about the only thing I'd think of adding is a 70-200/2.8L IS, or for a grand less the Sigma/Tamron equivalent so you can invest in a good flash and triggers. Also a UWA, like the great new (and inexpensive) Canon 10-18.

Yes, you should have a point and shoot just so you've got something when your hands are full (I've got 2). And I bet you can get a zillion suggestions here for the latest and greatest - there's a new one about every 6 months.

But there's no magic bullet out there. Just discipline. Do it for you, do it for your wife, and do it for your son. Because you will just as easily not have your P&S with you as well. Keep your P&S with you, but find a way to cart your 60D as often as possible.If you get in the habit, and if you're finding yourself missing shots not because you didn't have your camera, but because the technology is letting you down - come back and we'll talk!

[Kayaker72]

Tough question. The best camera is the one you have with you and if you aren't using the. 60d, that is telling. Canon does have the SL1, which you could consider. I've heard good things about the RX100 series. Www.imaging-resource.com reviews all sorts of cameras. I looked at the shutter response and was surprised to see the RX100 II was similar to the 60d. I am on my phone (traveling) so I may have missed something.

So if you can live with a fixed lens, could be tempting.

[Haydn1971]

My combo priority for photography is...

1st - iPhone - on me 100%
2nd - EOS-M & 22mm - in my work bag and taken on casual trips
3rd - 6D & 24-70 f2.8 II when I'm walking light, sometimes add my 70-300L if I've got a backpack
Last - 6D and a selection of lenses to suit the job in hand when I'm going full bore photog, have access to the car nearby or not going to be carrying for a long distance.

The iPhone is great for capturing moments - don't underestimate the power of a camera phone for memories.

[Photog82]

With the right bag you can carry a lot of equipment without a lot of work. I carry my bag with me most of the time and so far have not had any problems with losing it, etc.

[neuroanatomist]

It's definitely a challenge. I do bring my 1D X + 24-70/2.8 II with me on most family outings, often with the 70-300L in a lens case under the stroller.

For times that wasn't feasible, I used to use a PowerShot S95/S100, and was tempted by the RX100 models. I opted for the EOS M instead, small body, (relatively) big sensor, and serves as a backup camera that works with my EF lenses.

[jrw]

It can be a challenge to find the equipment that best suits you with as few compromises as possible.
My carry around, in a backpack that goes almost everywhere with me, is a 5Diii with 24-70 or 24-105 as one lens system. Can easily carry more lenses, water, lunch in backpack as well I just choose to limit bulk and weight.
Am starting to look more seriously at a mirrorless now that full frame sensors are becoming more prevalent. Not as a replacement to DSLR, especially 1 series bodies for sports, but more as a highly capable compact carry around. The technology has gotten to the point where it just might be a viable alternative for me.

[Hjones]

Have you considered changing your camera bag? I used to find it a hassle to lug my gear around, but ever since I bought a toploader pro 75AW I pretty much carry my gripped DSLR and 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II with me wherever I go-- and that's saying something, since that's not a light combination. There's way smaller shoulder bags, like the toploader pro 65, which is fit for a gripped dslr and a general-sized lens. It's a very small bag that fits only what you need to shoot, and it's easy to forget you're carrying it. Since it's a holster bag, you can quickly unzip it and pull your camera out from the top, shoot, and then quickly put it away.

Starting to sound like a Lowepro ad, sorry. I've just absolutely loved the toploader ever since I got it last Christmas, and it's really changed my shooting habits. Beforehand I only had a backpack, and it was a bit crazy for me to carry a backpack with me wherever I went. So I looked into holster options and found the toploader, which worked out great for me.

[Jayson]

When I use to go places with just my wife and I, I didn't mind carrying around the DSLR with a couple lenses. I was always ready for a shot. Now that I have 3 kids, I hardly take the DSLR out of the house when it is the family. I purchased the EOS M specifically for this purpose. I carry that little image maker everywhere. I hate taking pictures with my phone since even the slightest challenge in natural light give the iPhone horrible blotchiness. I currently have the zoom lens and have purchased the 90ex and the 22mm f/2. I haven't had a chance to use either of them, but the zoom did a wonderful job catching the little guys wherever we went. The high ISO on the M is easier to clean up than on my 7D and it produces great results. I carry it in a bag that is very small so there isn't any restriction where I can take it.

If I were you, I would jump on one of the deals on a mirror less camera be it the EOS M, Sony or Nikon. I would go with the EOS M just because you have lenses already and if you felt like purchasing an adapter, you could use them as well.

[neuroanatomist]

Have you considered changing your camera bag? I used to find it a hassle to lug my gear around, but ever since I bought a toploader pro 75AW I pretty much carry my gripped DSLR and 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II with me wherever I go...

I have all three Lowepro Toploader Pro bags (65/70/75), they're great. I use them for body+lens, or more. I have Lens Cases to strap an extra lens to the outside, or a Wuick Flex Pouch 75 for a 600EX-RT flash. With the Toploader 75, I can put a fast prime (35L:85L/135L) in the bottom with a 24-70/2.8 II on the camera. Very versatile!!


When I use to go places with just my wife and I, I didn't mind carrying around the DSLR with a couple lenses. I was always ready for a shot. Now that I have 3 kids, I hardly take the DSLR out of the house when it is the family. I purchased the EOS M specifically for this purpose.

I have the EOS M, 22/2 and now the M18-55, but I usually take the 1D X and 1-2 lenses, even with three kids (they're 6, 4, and 15 months). For me, it was mainly about finding a way to carry the dSLR that leaves my hands and chest free to carry kid(s). I alternately use a Blackrapid strap and a Spider Holster (with Arca clamp on a Lowepro belt).

[Hjones]

I have all three Lowepro Toploader Pro bags (65/70/75), they're great. I use them for body+lens, or more. I have Lens Cases to strap an extra lens to the outside, or a Wuick Flex Pouch 75 for a 600EX-RT flash. With the Toploader 75, I can put a fast prime (35L:85L/135L) in the bottom with a 24-70/2.8 II on the camera. Very versatile!!

Absolutely! I fit my Thinktank SD Pixel Pocket Rocket with 9 SD cards in the top pocket alongside business cards and an IR trigger, a intervalometer and battery charger or 580EX II in the front pocket, a black rapid RS-7 in the unsecured side pocket, a 17-55mm F/2.8 IS in a lens case on the sliplock attachment, and then my main gripped body with a 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II on camera. It's incredible how much you can fit in these bags, and they're easy to quickly slide out of the way and forget about while out on a hike or shoot.

[Lumens]

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III is a good option, I looked at it very close before picking up a G16. The G1X may also be a good choice. I use my DSLR all the time as that is what I enjoy most, but these pocket cameras although small, do pack a lot of punch. I carry the G16 for my family gatherings and for times when I want to be more discreet than look like a newsman with all the gear.

My G16 has taken some of my best photos. The new mirror-less cameras can also be a good choice although I would not plan to carry them in my pocket. They do take up a bit more room than the average pocket, but would be easier to carry around. The Fuji Xt1 has been reviewed as very close Image Quality to the best DSLR's. Do the research and make your best decision, there are some FANTASTIC options out there.

[Magijr]

How do you like shooting with the 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II on the 60D? Reason I ask, I am thinking of getting the 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II or the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD as my next purchase.

[Hjones]

How do you like shooting with the 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II on the 60D? Reason I ask, I am thinking of getting the 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II or the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD as my next purchase.

Oh golly, I could go on for hours. The image quality absolutely blew my mind-- I had used other versions of the 70-200mm, but nothing I'd ever tried can compare to the IS II. With the IS, if you're shooting anything that isn't moving too fast, you literally don't even have to worry about what shutter speed you're using. I set my aperture and ISO, and just go through an entire event shoot simply switching my shutter speed for exposure. It's crazy-- I've had a few shots at 1/15th at 200mm that are 100% sharp. No clue how that's even possible.

My main shooting is sports photography though, and I can definitely tell you that few lenses compare to the AF speed of this beast. Shooting indoors in a poorly lit gym makes me forget I'm using a 60D with only 9 AF points-- it's that good. The F/2.8 is a minimum for me for that reason, so I couldn't compromise on getting the F/4 option. I was also considering the 200mm F/2, but since I also do event photography, it was natural to buy the zoom. I don't regret that either-- the zoom range is great, even on a crop body. I wish it was a bit more wide, but it's not an issue when I'm shooting with a 17-55mm on a second body.

All that said, I keep my 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II on my 60D 70% of the time-- it's my primary lens. I hardly want to use anything else, even though the 17-55mm is in no way a "bad" lens and I use it for landscapes/environmental portraits/tight spaces. The issue is, hardly anything else compares except primes. And my jobs just can't rely on a single focal length.

P.S: If you do buy one, I recommend you get a battery grip so that you can balance the lens with the camera better. The IS II weighs way more than my 60D, so I always make sure to be supporting the lens itself as well.

[Magijr]

Thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate you and all the other photographers taking the time to offer opinions, advice and share your experiences with me.

Regarding the lenses; have you used the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD? If so, what were your thoughts compared to the 70-200mm F/2.8 IS II?