Don't know what lens(es) to keep!

Keep them all for a while and figure out which you prefer. It could be you find a use for all or just a few.

What do you shoot?

The 17-55 f/2.8 is the only one needed. It's built as an L grade.
For Zoom - 70-200 f2.8L is the only way.
Get rid of the others for the one above.

Kit APC lenses are not worth a dime in resale.
I made the same mistake many moons ago.
Now most all lenses are L.

whiteonline said:

Keep them all for a while and figure out which you prefer. It could be you find a use for all or just a few.

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You say you can't keep them for money reasons but you did mention selling to buy a longer zoom. This sounds like good advice from whiteonline as you seem a bit confused.

If you're not confused, I am. Also, why are you "paranoid" about a lens?

Unload the 17-55 , unless you REALLY need the 2.8 . You'll probably get more for it than you will for the 15-85 , plus you still have 2 primes for low light . Then , save up until you can get a good used or refurb. 70-200 f4 ( either one )
There's nothing wrong with the variable aperture of the 15-85 , just a tad slow at the long end , but the IS 'll save you most of the time.

1. Be sure never to purchase EF-S lenses because of their incompatibility with full frame Canon bodies. EF lenses are cross compatible with both crop bodies as well as full frame bodies.

2. The 17-35 is probably one of the most useful and one of the most valuable lenses you have.

3. Like cars, camera equipment only depreciates, never appreciates. For that reason, in 50 years of photography, I have never sold a body or lens but have gifted a number of them over the years. Make a relative happy with your gift.

What have you shot, and what are you planning on shooting? Feel free to attach pictures.

Just like the rest have advice. Figure out what u are shooting and the lens u would like to keep/have. Sell the other ones and invest in good quality glass. Glass is forever. Bodies aren't. A 6D with a kit lens isn't bad but rather invest in lenses.

I would sell the 15-85mm. You have the majority of that range covered with the 17-55mm which is a far superior lens anyway. Maybe with the money you get from the 15-85mm, you can put that money towards the 70-200mm f/4 non-IS lens.

In your situation i would definitely keep the 17-55 F2.8 this lens is known for its quality and as someone else said L grade without the red line.
Next would be 70-200 F4 IS or if you like longer reach the 75-300 L another top grade lens. Also mentioned was the 70-200 F2.8 but is very heavy,but if your back is strong and you can ever afford it its a loverly lens.

zeiter said:

ok guys,

I kept the 17-55 and will add a 70-200 f/4 in the next year or so. Now, as I bought a used copy, how do I make sure everything is running fine like focusing and stuff.

thank you

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Well of course take pictures.

One thing you could do is line up a shelf full of paperback books and set them so the row is jagged - that is the spines not lining up. Shoot at a variety of settings including wide open for a shallow depth of field. I did this for a lens that looked like it had focusing issues and was able to determine it was back focusing.

zeiter said:

ok guys,

I kept the 17-55 and will add a 70-200 f/4 in the next year or so. Now, as I bought a used copy, how do I make sure everything is running fine like focusing and stuff.

thank you

Click to expand...

GOOD Choice - as the 17-55 f2.8 is the Best High Grade Lens for the 60D.
That lens usually goes for $1200+

You may find that this lens is mounted 90% of the time.
Hopefully the bag used - will allow it to stay mounted.
Dust is such a huge crisis - so keeping it mounted is always the best.



A 70-200 f4 - used go for roughly $600. REview by members.

The 70-200 f2.8 run twice that - but twice the size also.
I've notice that the prices keep going up on the L series.

As for focusing - there are test kits one can get -
Some tips here - http://www.sandrophoto.com/2010/02/22/af-micro-adjustment-tutorial/
Print out test sheet -
From this topic page on focus.


Head to any High end camera shop - they can steer through that.
Plus - they always have the option - to ship lens and camera back to Canon to be certified.

The 50mm f/1.8 - not sure if this is Sigma also - but it is a popular format.
Depending what series.

I need to do the same with my 1DsMkII & larger lenses - sending them in to make sure focus & gyro's are still in spec.

This is the top site on the planet for Canon Members - http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
I've been a member there for years.

This is one of my favorite threads on the site for one of my lenses.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
The members perfected the use of this beast.

The main reason I had to have this lens - shot by one of the members.

Another reason & Member -