SL1 and 10-18mm seems better option than mirrorless

[Jaysheldon]

Count me in as an SL1 supporter. I bought an SL1/18-55mm in 2014, and when I went to London that summer for vacation paired it with a 24mm f2.8 (non-IS)I had for indoor shots. I have a 60D with the 17-85 EF-S, but wanted a really light kit. And it was just what I wanted -- at the end of the day I didn't have the 'Gawd I'm tired of toting this thing around my neck.' I wear bifocals and I wish the viewfinder was bigger, but it is a viewfinder. Don't understand people who take pix extending their arms.

Jay in Toronto

 

[KeithBreazeal]

I bought an SL-1 strictly for a pole cam but came to realize that it has much more potential. I think Canon handed us a little Gold Nugget with this one. I use my old 10-22mm most of the time and it's still pretty darn good.
Click on the photo for the larger file and other photos.(Flickr)

Pole cam Mil stat Seabee Warbirds Reno 2014 Sun 3598 © Keith Breazeal by Keith Breazeal, on Flickr

 

[DRR]

I've gotten heavily into hiking in the past two years. I'm finding that my full-frame 6D is more camera than I want to carry, while my Sony RX100 is too limited particularly at the wide angle. So I'm considering a Canon SL1 with the 10-18mm STM as the go-to lens.

The most appealing thing is that I can get a complete kit with 10-18, 18-55 (which I will try and sell) and 55-250, all for about $800 CAD total. That's the price of the Sony 11-18mm or Olympus 9-18mm alone, and my priority is the ultra-wide zoom range, which I'll typically shoot at 5.6 or above anyhow. And then, the SL1 is compatible with my 6D and other gear, and the family can use it more easily as well, especially with the hybrid AF.

The only downsides to the SL1 for me are it's thicker size-wise (smallest concern), it has only a decent sized viewfinder, however I still find I almost always prefer and optical finder, and finally no flip up LCD for low angle shots. But I think I can live with these compromises.

So my kit would be SL1, 10-18, 55-250 and 24 or 40 pancake. Or for really light, the 10-18 and the 50stm. I have an iPhone 6+ for grab and go shots.

Any comments for or against my logic here?

Your logic is sound, and for what you describe it sounds like the ideal solution based on what you're willing to give up versus the competition (bulk, primarily)

The only caveat I see - you will be able to use all your EF lenses on the SL1 but the lenses in your SL1 "kit" will not be FF compatible. So you won't be able to use the 10-18, 55-250, or 24mm (STM I assume) on your 6D.

 

[KeithBreazeal]

If you are packing a lot of weight, it makes a great second camera. As I get older, it makes a big difference.
At events, it comes in handy for people shots.

SL-1 in 300mm © Keith Breazeal by Keith Breazeal, on Flickr

 

[RustyTheGeek]

I have been too busy lately to indulge in detailed CR posts. But I will repeat my personal surprise and satisfaction with the SL1. I purchased mine as an impulse buy on sale in the spring of 2014 for the purpose of hiking with it at Philmont that summer. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I came to enjoy using it in comparison with my other bodies... 30D, 40D, 60D, 70D, 5D, 6D, 5D3, etc. I originally planned to just take the 30D or something. I'm really glad I got the SL1 instead. It's a lot smaller, lighter and the IQ is good. Very good for a small kit!!

When not hiking, I use it as a 'grab & go' body for just about everything in lieu of a P&S unless it's a dinner party or something where I need try pocketability.