DSLR Recommendations

hotreds · 12-14-2011, 08:05 PM

You can start with a Rebel, but I'd go with a 30 or 40 or 50D. For wildlife you'll need a 100-400 lens, which with the 1.4x the Ds give you will give you a 130-520 range. The 18-55(25-77) will be a good closer in lens. The older D models can be had fairly cheaply on the bay- the 100-400 will run you close to a grand. Fredmirandadotcom is a good place to check out cameras and lenses.

larryinlc · 12-14-2011, 09:09 PM

All great companies, but I chose Pentax several years ago for my first dslr. I'm now on my third generation. Everything else being pretty equal, the Pentax as the nice ability of being able to use every Pentax mount lens made for the past 30 plus years. Heck, I use some old manual focus lenses from the 70's and they work perfectly. They can be had cheap too.

Larry

RGD. · 12-14-2011, 09:27 PM

Nikon - Canon - Canon - Nikon - either or. Whatever feels better in your hand. Personally I like Canon in the DSLR but always go with Nikon in the point and shoot.

Most people never use half of what their cameras will fully do so if you like the Canon T2 or 3, either one will serve you for years. You will of course learn that the glass is of high importance.

Buy online if you want to - but do so from a trusted dealer - i.e. BH Photo, etc. There are a lot of gray cameras out there that you won't get a warranty with or they will try to sell you extra stuff that should have been in the kit to start with (assuming you buy a kit). You may want to buy the body and then the glass - saving you from the kit glass that you may grow out of pretty quick.

Craigslist is used for more than axe murders - I have bought and sold equipment. Good thing about it is that you try the equipment before you buy. I picked up an $1800.00 lens for just under $900.00

Don't buy a lens without getting at least a good skylight for protection.

Get a good book. Scott Kelby is one of my favorite authors - informative, cuts through the bull crap and has a sense of humor.

There are a lot of really good photographers on CA so don't be afraid to ask about stuff later - learn from the mistakes of others.

Also since you are interested in shooting wildlife at distance with those long lens - start looking now at good tripods, poles, etc. And learn what your mirror lock up does.

Good luck with it all!

Ron

12-14-2011, 08:05 PM	#1
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,674 Trading: (63)	Re: DSLR Recommendations You can start with a Rebel, but I'd go with a 30 or 40 or 50D. For wildlife you'll need a 100-400 lens, which with the 1.4x the Ds give you will give you a 130-520 range. The 18-55(25-77) will be a good closer in lens. The older D models can be had fairly cheaply on the bay- the 100-400 will run you close to a grand. Fredmirandadotcom is a good place to check out cameras and lenses. __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

12-14-2011, 09:09 PM	#2
larryinlc Angry Packer Fan Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Larry Location: Starvalley Posts: 325 Trading: (15)	Re: DSLR Recommendations All great companies, but I chose Pentax several years ago for my first dslr. I'm now on my third generation. Everything else being pretty equal, the Pentax as the nice ability of being able to use every Pentax mount lens made for the past 30 plus years. Heck, I use some old manual focus lenses from the 70's and they work perfectly. They can be had cheap too. Larry

12-14-2011, 09:27 PM	#3
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: DSLR Recommendations Nikon - Canon - Canon - Nikon - either or. Whatever feels better in your hand. Personally I like Canon in the DSLR but always go with Nikon in the point and shoot. Most people never use half of what their cameras will fully do so if you like the Canon T2 or 3, either one will serve you for years. You will of course learn that the glass is of high importance. Buy online if you want to - but do so from a trusted dealer - i.e. BH Photo, etc. There are a lot of gray cameras out there that you won't get a warranty with or they will try to sell you extra stuff that should have been in the kit to start with (assuming you buy a kit). You may want to buy the body and then the glass - saving you from the kit glass that you may grow out of pretty quick. Craigslist is used for more than axe murders - I have bought and sold equipment. Good thing about it is that you try the equipment before you buy. I picked up an $1800.00 lens for just under $900.00 Don't buy a lens without getting at least a good skylight for protection. Get a good book. Scott Kelby is one of my favorite authors - informative, cuts through the bull crap and has a sense of humor. There are a lot of really good photographers on CA so don't be afraid to ask about stuff later - learn from the mistakes of others. Also since you are interested in shooting wildlife at distance with those long lens - start looking now at good tripods, poles, etc. And learn what your mirror lock up does. Good luck with it all! Ron