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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Help me pick an SLR! *please* :-)
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Showing posts 1 - 25 of 64, descending (reverse)
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10/27/2005 05:39:04 PM · #1
I had forgotten in my last post that I still had my Tamron 28-300 laying around. I have since upgraded all my glass but this lens severed me well for quite some time. Someone mentioned used leses and it reminded me. See:
Tamorn 28-300 For Sale

If you go with the Nikon D50 and the basic kit lens (Nikon 18-55) you could then add soemthing like this for a few hundred or less later. It will take you until you are ready for some serious distance like the 200-500 or wide-wide like the 12-24. Anyway , just more options.

BTW - jsut to be non-Nikon-centric D(digital only) lenes like this are available from Tamron and Sigma for Canon also.
10/27/2005 04:25:33 PM · #2
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

eBay.
Sell the wife, the kids, the TV.
Then you don't have to wait 2-3 years ;)

OOOOOHHHH, my lens just got closer. I checked my powerball ticket fform yesterday - I won $100!!!! Yeah baby!


Hahahahaha! I could try selling the husband, but then who would help me gather props for the challenges?? Plus, he makes all the money ;-) Though I DO feel like I sold three of my children....had to sell some of my old musical instruments to get the money to even CONSIDER an SLR...but I'm very close now!

Now I spend my days looking around the apartment to see what else I can sell on eBay ;-)
10/27/2005 04:24:23 PM · #3
If you buy the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro for your DSLR, you get a zoom lens and also a very capable Macro 1:2 lens.

Go with the camera that suits and fits you best, regardless of Nikon, Canon or Olympus bias. Try them out, read what they can do that you want, then decide. Don't be swayed by DPCers, listen to what they say then make up your own mind to what suits you best.

Good Luck and enjoy your DSLR when you get it.

Steve

Message edited by author 2005-10-27 16:25:02.
10/27/2005 04:18:07 PM · #4
heheh -- too late for me, too much money in glass now. :)

Originally posted by alfresco:

Originally posted by ttreit:

For that reason I recommend the Nikon or Canon. I'm a former Nikon person converted to Canon so you can guess which I'd recommend. Really either are good choices.


You can still be saved from the dark side, there is still time :)

j/k - I don't want to start a religous debate, both are excellent.

10/27/2005 01:56:21 PM · #5
Originally posted by Nikolai1024:

Originally posted by jpeters:

I've heard bad news about the Nikkor 70-300 f/4-5.6 G


It's my least used lens. However I do not regret buying it. Best zoom per $.

Nick


Edit: I actually have ED version.
10/27/2005 01:52:42 PM · #6
Originally posted by jpeters:

I've heard bad news about the Nikkor 70-300 f/4-5.6 G


It's my least used lens. However I do not regret buying it. Best zoom per $.

Nick
10/27/2005 01:51:24 PM · #7
eBay.
Sell the wife, the kids, the TV.
Then you don't have to wait 2-3 years ;)

OOOOOHHHH, my lens just got closer. I checked my powerball ticket fform yesterday - I won $100!!!! Yeah baby!


Message edited by author 2005-10-27 13:53:18.
10/27/2005 12:47:46 PM · #8
More thoughts for your consideration....

Regarding your list of lenses; 28mm is not wide enough on a digital camera. Something in the 20mm or wider (lower as in 12-18) range is required to get what many regard as acceptable landscape or group photos. Therefore, regardless what body you decide upon, please consider a lens that reads at least 20mm (or lower) on the bottom side. For animals or birds, 200-300mm lenses are the very minimum and require you being quite close to get any kind of a "fill frame". Therefore, something in the 400-500mm range on the long side is required to get what many reagrd as acceptable bird or animal photos.

This means that your lenses (in order to shoot both landscapes and animals in nature, require focal lengths between 20mm and 500mm. Many first time buyers settle for a moderate wide angle and a moderate tele-zoom. Meaning something in the 28-300 range, typically with 2 lenses, a 28-85 and a 70-300. This covers alot of ground, is not too expensive and gives them glass to shoot with. Unfortunately, if you really like the hobby, you will quickly want better glass.

Therefore, research the lenses that may fit your needs: Canon, Nikkor, Sigma, Minolta, Tamron, etc. Hold various bodies IN YOUR HANDS for comfort and ergonomic feel. Then design a plan to meet your requirements. If Nikon were your choice, then you could start with a 50mm f/1.8 and start taking pictures. Good pictures. Really good pictures. Then add a wide angle zoom like the kit lens or an 18-35. Then add a tele-zoom like Sigma's 50-500 Ex or Nikkors 70-400 and you could shoot anything you wanted. Add a tripod, speedlight, couple of CF cards and your off to the races. This may take 2-3 years, but in the meantime you are taking great photos. There are always birthdays, anniversaries, valentines day, sweetest day, and christmas to add little items to your system. This also gives those that love you, a list of things you're longing for, which makes shopping much much easier.

Good luck with your research. It is a great passion to pursue.
10/27/2005 12:26:21 PM · #9
Originally posted by Olyuzi:

Ladyhawk22 has already stated that she has no plans for going professional, and does not have a lot of money, so going Canon because of the possiblity of FF sensor cameras in the future should not be a consideration. Even if the prices of future FF bodies drops drastically the lenses are going to cost a fortune to get high quality images (one has to use the best glass available) and you would also lose focal length reach at the long end. Most photographers do not need extreme wide angle, 28mm is enough, but to lose at the tele end could really put a crimp on one's photography.


Being on a budget is a good reason to consider canon! They have a great
selection of mid range lenses! Just because you get a canon doesn't mean you HAVE to get L glass! Although, you may long for it!
10/27/2005 12:24:58 PM · #10
Originally posted by BaldurT:

Like this one prehaps.

//www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/301047


Ahh, apparently I shall have to register for that site.....it doesn't let me see the link.
10/27/2005 12:21:22 PM · #11
Like this one prehaps.

//www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/301047
10/27/2005 12:17:25 PM · #12
If you want to save money and get good equipment I'd look at buying used equipment. I've had great success getting near-new lenses and great condition camera bodies from the buy and sell forum at fredmiranda.com. With the new Canon 5D just relesed there is going to be a few 10D and 20D floating around for money in that range. Just a thought.
10/27/2005 12:14:56 PM · #13
Elizabeth - For what it is worth if you decide on the Nikon D50 I would not get the lenses you listed. I would either stick with the Nikon kit:

Nikon D50, 6.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm DX Zoom Nikkor Lens and 55-200 DX Zoom B&H

or go with the one lens kit, the 18-55, and save for a better long zoom down the road.
10/27/2005 12:14:18 PM · #14
Ladyhawk22 has already stated that she has no plans for going professional, and does not have a lot of money, so going Canon because of the possiblity of FF sensor cameras in the future should not be a consideration. Even if the prices of future FF bodies drops drastically the lenses are going to cost a fortune to get high quality images (one has to use the best glass available) and you would also lose focal length reach at the long end. Most photographers do not need extreme wide angle, 28mm is enough, but to lose at the tele end could really put a crimp on one's photography.
10/27/2005 12:12:31 PM · #15
Ok :-) Wow! You all have given me a lot more to think about....and to think, my husband's been laughing at the amount of research I've already done.....ah, if only he knew.

Later today (to gather my thoughts) I may post a revised list with blank spaces for the lenses you all said were not worth it. So if anyone has any suggestions that fits the bill for those not-good lenses, let me know. That way I can get accurate price comparisons.

And thanks for the suggestion of Minolta! I don't know what I was thinking, leaving them out.
10/27/2005 11:56:34 AM · #16
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

Originally posted by doctornick:

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I would definitely second the Minolta 5D. I'm staggered it wasn't amongst your initial list.


Sorry but I would not go with Minolta these days...They completely pulled out of Canada, so if you need service you'll need to go through third parties....

I'd stick with Nikon or Canon, play with the different bodies and see which one you like best. But keep in mind that if you want to upgrade to a full frame 35 mm sensor one day, Canon is the only player so far.


Yeah, I'd think twice if I was in Canada.
A full sensor camera will be out very shortly (Mid 2006?), made possible by Minolta's merge with Sony.


This is kinda my point, minolta has advantages! no doubt! but, things like canada issue and glass options makes me question longevity.

that said, I'm jealous that you have IS in your camera and not in lenses.
I wish canon would do the same but, can't have your cake and eat it too!
10/27/2005 11:36:31 AM · #17
Hmm, after posting this I am seriously thinking of the 5D as a travel camera rather than buying a new P&S (I was looking at the Lumix line).

FWIW: at Buydig.com, the Maxxum 5d is $747 with a 18-70mm lens. I don't know how good that is, but of course, unlike other kit lenses, it has IS implicitly!

//www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=MIMAX5D1870

or $660 without the lens. Then add the Sigma for $368 = $1028 for a nice carry around SLR with IS and no need to be changing lenses! (But of course, the option!)

A bit more than I wanted to spend for yet another digital camera (I've bought three in the past year), but it's something I am going to keep in mind!


10/27/2005 10:02:04 AM · #18
Hey everyone, how about a used body?

Some great deals can be had on a Nikon D100 or Canon D60.

Or are the Nikon D50 and Canon Rebel better values as new bodies?

Whatever you do, get a nice lens..maybe just one for now like a nice 28-105 mm. I probably spend 95% of my shooting in this range.
10/27/2005 09:27:47 AM · #19
Originally posted by Artyste:

I've given up trying to be intelligent about recommending cameras on this site. You really do just have to go with what feels right to you after you hold and try each camera.

I do have to say, though, that listening to people that *only* recommend either Nikon or Canon will be closing your eyes to some fantastic camera systems.


Glen, I'm with you on both points. Go to the store, play with the cameras. Keep your mind open to alternatives. It's not Canon, Nikon or nothing.
10/27/2005 09:27:41 AM · #20
Originally posted by rasdub:

Originally posted by jpeters:

I've heard bad news about the Nikkor 70-300 f/4-5.6 G


I haven't had any problems with this lens at all. I actually like it for the cheap price that I got it for. I'm sure some others might feel differently, but this has been a great starter zoom lens for me.


Here is what I was told by ursula:

The one lens you should definitely stay away from is the G version of the 70-300 (zoom telephoto 70-300 f4-5.6 G). It's cheap (in all meanings of cheap). I got it with my D70 originally because they told me it was a good "starter" telephoto, but it just doesn't work well. Get a better lens if you can afford it.
10/27/2005 09:24:12 AM · #21
I'll throw in my $0.02 by repeating the advice I followed when I chose the E-500 2 lens kit. I did my spec comparison, and then I held the XT, D50 and the E-500 in my hand. Played with the controls and then made my choice.

It's needs to feel good in your hands.
10/27/2005 09:19:35 AM · #22
Originally posted by doctornick:

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I would definitely second the Minolta 5D. I'm staggered it wasn't amongst your initial list.


Sorry but I would not go with Minolta these days...They completely pulled out of Canada, so if you need service you'll need to go through third parties....

I'd stick with Nikon or Canon, play with the different bodies and see which one you like best. But keep in mind that if you want to upgrade to a full frame 35 mm sensor one day, Canon is the only player so far.


Yeah, I'd think twice if I was in Canada.
A full sensor camera will be out very shortly (Mid 2006?), made possible by Minolta's merge with Sony.
10/27/2005 09:18:06 AM · #23
Originally posted by feetstink:

personally, i got the minolta 5D. I like it a lot, but it's the only dSLR i've ever owned, so I really have nothing to compare it with. The only issue i have with it is that I can't find a fast prime. i have the 50mm f1.7, but 50mm is really a little too long for shooting indoors (for me). a wider prime, faster than f/2.8 and less than $500 is the only thing i really wish i had that i don't.
I don't plan to make a career of this, and the way i figure, as long as i can get the 3 lenses I want, the rest of the lens system doesn't really matter to me.
in summary, 50mm is a little too long to replace the kit lens (good for portraits though, i think), and the KM 5D is a good camera.


What about Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG or
24mm F1.8 EX DG or
28mm F1.8 EX DG?
10/27/2005 09:11:40 AM · #24
I am on my 3rd digital camera, an Olympus E-300. Something always seems to come out "better" or cheaper after I spend my money. The E-500 excites me now, though my wife will make me use my E-300 a year or 2 before I can buy another camera:)... I owned a Minolta A-1 with image stabilization, was not overly impressed with it, especially in low light (sunrise photos, not night time or anything drastic) and emails to Minolta tech-support concerning out of focus and grainy results were answered with check your camera settings. So I went back to Olympus and am overjoyed with my new camera. (The Olympus 3 megapixel C-3030 was my first camera). I considered all dSLR's below $1000, and last August, the 2 lens kit from Olympus was the best bang for my buck. The Olympus felt heavier and sturdier, but unless you can actually take some photos under the conditions you normally shoot, you will never know for sure which one you like better. I will support Olympus because I like the concept of designing a camera AND lens system from the ground up to be digital. I like the open specifications available for other companies to make compatible lenses and fourthirds cameras too... Wouldn't it be nice to buy a camera body from one company, and a lens from another, and a flash from someone else. To see a web site of dedicated fourthirds camera photographers and see some samples of the E-1 & E-300 visit us here //www.myfourthirds.com/

You will hopefully enjoy whatever choice you make, they are all good and have their own advantages/disadvantages.... but remember, there are more than 2 choices...

Message edited by author 2005-10-27 09:23:41.
10/27/2005 09:09:42 AM · #25
personally, i got the minolta 5D. I like it a lot, but it's the only dSLR i've ever owned, so I really have nothing to compare it with. The only issue i have with it is that I can't find a fast prime. i have the 50mm f1.7, but 50mm is really a little too long for shooting indoors (for me). a wider prime, faster than f/2.8 and less than $500 is the only thing i really wish i had that i don't.
I don't plan to make a career of this, and the way i figure, as long as i can get the 3 lenses I want, the rest of the lens system doesn't really matter to me.
in summary, 50mm is a little too long to replace the kit lens (good for portraits though, i think), and the KM 5D is a good camera.
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