Buy 60D with Pro Lenses or 5D with Kit Lens?

[stabmasterasron]

Well, I don't know what you intend to shoot, but seems hard to go wrong with more lenses, especially L lenses.  However, if the kit lens you are talking about with the 5Dmkiii is the 24-105 f/4L - that is a great lens too.  If it were me, I would probably go with the 60D and more glass.  Then when you get more cash, sell the 60D and upgrade to FF.  I love FF, but it would be hard to pass up the combo of the 60D and something like a 70-200 f/2.8 is II.  Man, that would be spectacular.  Would be even better if you could forgo one of your primes and stretch for the 7D.  Its hard to go wrong with higher frame rate and better AF, especially if you are photographing anything that moves.
I do find it strange that you are making a choice between the 60D (or upper Rebel) and a 5Dmkiii.  Are you upgrading from a dslr?  I would assume most 5Dmkiii upgraders would be coming from another dlsr body.  Or maybe your question was just hypothetical.

[Marsu42]

I love FF, but it would be hard to pass up the combo of the 60D and something like a 70-200 f/2.8 is II.  Man, that would be spectacular.

Once thing to remember: Imho the physical weight 60d+70-200is2 is rather unbalanced - so I'd advise to put it on in a shop first. I got the 70-300L because it's shorter and 500g less heavy which really makes a difference on a 60d.

[UrbanImages]

I would agree with a couple of others that perhaps buying an older FF such as a 5DII and collecting glass would work. I have a 5DII, 60D and a 40D. The body I least like is the 60D, in fact that when I get a 5DIII later this year it will be the one I part with. You can never go wrong with glass, as others have stated it is an investment you can always get a return on. Pair up your needs with the correct lenses. It took me a bit, but I found the right balance and barring a couple "extra" lenses, I have all I need. The 60D I have found, is just a glorified Rebel IMHO.

[TexPhoto]

Buy a new or used 5d II and a 24-105. Then shoot for a good 6 months before your next purchase.

[7enderbender]

Hey everyone, I was wondering what would be better, to buy the 5D Mark III with the kit lens (limited budget), or 60D (or T3i/T4i) with some pro lenses such as 24-70, 70-200, and/or primes. I personally think the 5D is a better option although I won't have the best lens kit as I will only have the 24-105. What would you guys do?

I don't get that comparison. First, figure out what kind of lenses and for what purpose you need. Then if you need full frame or crop. If you're budget is limited then the $4500 MarkIII with the (pretty decent) 24-105 may not be the first choice. It a $1000 lens but you are obviously already thinking beyond that. And things add up quickly (batteries, cards, more lenses, bags, more lenses, flash, more lenses, another flash...).
If you're not sure if you want, for example, full frame and fast primes or if a T4i with an f/4 lens will do then you have to do more homework - otherwise you may regret spending 4K on something soon.

My take: I'd consider a used 5D or a new or used 5DII, a standard zoom, a fast prime and a good speedlight. That should fit into the 5DIII plus "kit" lens budget. With this you'd have lots and lots of options.

[skozachuk]

I'd recommend you to buy 60d and good L lenses,
as for me optics mean much more, you will be completely satisfied with your 60d and great lenses.
Than you will earn some money with it, and after that go to FF.

As for me,
I had just bought 135 L for my 50d, and it's awesome in all factors, IQ is great, and my crop now feels really different, so I think it will be enough for you to have 60d + L's.

In conclusion: as for me optics means more than body at first.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

It is Actually better to have balance between the level of body and lens. 

Is it really that common that a Canon lens needs afma with a Canon body? I'm wondering because I'm thinking about getting a 35/1.4L for my 60d, and I figured if I bought it new I could return it once or twice to get one where the focus is accurate w/o afma...

My 7D needs AFMA on all 12 of my lenses.  Due to the depth of field, its not as noticable.  That includes my 35mm 1.4L even after I had Canon adjust it.  Every body is slightly different and has a tolerance.  If you want the sharpest possible focus, and have f/1.4 lenses, they are almost certain to benefit by AFMA.  With a crop body and f/4 lenses, its likely not a big issue.