60D and lens choice advice

[ahab1372]

Hi Helio,
you shouldn't worry too much about the sea air. A lot of people life close to the beach, and they don't all own L lenses only. I grew up next to the sea myself, with a lot of nasty wind and a lot salt in the air. Neither my dad's old film SLR, nor his Rollei 35, nor any POS had problems with the salt. Plants and cars did.

As to you lens choices, there are people with more experience around here, I am sure they will share their thoughts.
What I heard and read is that the 15-85 is a really nice walkaround lens, especially outdoors. It is wider than the kit lens, better IQ, and you won't always have to change to a zoom with the additional 30mm on the long end.
One more thing: I am also thinking about buying a 70-200 or 70-300 in the future. But I was lucky enough to get the 55-250 for only $145 as a golden deal or whatever they call it on Amazon, and it was totally worth it. Even if I buy a better tele in a year or so, that money already gave me so much fun. An entry-level lens takes much better pictures than a superior lens that you don't have.
So if "later" means for you "in a year or two" and not "in 6 month", and you find a good deal on one of the simpler, cheaper lenses, don't be afraid to buy one of them. At least you will have something in the desired range. You might also want to consider previously owned lenses.

Good luck hunting your gear,
Arnt