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05/24/2010 12:51:01 AM · #1 |
Long story short... when I first started this photography thing... I inheritated all my equipment from my aunt who was a pro and had tons of it so I pretty much was set up.... some idiot stole it out of the back of my car... and I havent been able to replace it.... Ive been using my lil 10 mp fuji which is fine for fun playful shots, but I am finishing up my education degree and then plan on going a little further with this photography thing which involves more schooling... so I am looking to get a decent camera that I can by lenses for when I can afford them... but since ive never bought a camera that you can upgrade the lense on (the fujifilm s1000fd doesnt im pretty sure) I do not know what to look for.. what the termanology is... etc... so I need someone to help me out..... Im asking now so that I can start now before I get into photography classes cause I wont be able to swing it all then so I want to work on it bit by bit.
Thanks
Carrie
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05/24/2010 01:11:08 AM · #2 |
First: Just ignore the Canon vs Nikon debates. They are both good makes. If you already know what sort of shots you like to take, that will help you decide on lenses. Otherwise, I'd suggest just using the 18-55mm kit lens for a while until you get an idea of what you like to photograph. That will determine the specialty lenses you go for. I found I like strong perspectives, so a wideangle lens was high on my own list.
You might find these free field guides from photoanswers.uk will help you to understand all the fine details and lingo. |
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05/24/2010 01:13:39 AM · #3 |
Ditto what steve said... this could easily turn into a Canon vs. Nikon vs. Olympus vs Pentax......... debate.
It sounds like your looking for a dSLR (digital single lens reflex). There are many manufacturers of both the bodies, and the lenses. My best advice would be to go into a higher end camera store, and hold the cameras in your hand. The brand that feels most comfortable in your hands will likely be your best bet. |
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05/24/2010 01:20:07 AM · #4 |
If you're going to be in school for photography, using either Canon or Nikon will be a huge plus, because most of the gear you will have access to will be from one of those manufacturers or, in the case of the lenses, built to fit one of those bodies. That's just the reality of it.
R.
Message edited by author 2010-05-24 01:20:18.
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05/24/2010 05:01:54 AM · #5 |
Ok so lets say I pick a canon how will I know what types of lenses are compatible.... so if I am searching on lets say E-Bay and I find one thats a good deal how do I know it will fit??
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05/24/2010 05:14:49 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
Ok so lets say I pick a canon how will I know what types of lenses are compatible.... so if I am searching on lets say E-Bay and I find one thats a good deal how do I know it will fit?? |
It will specifically say it fits a canon, you will need an EOS-EF fit. I assume you are looking at the cropped sensor models (350/400/450/500/550/20/30/40/50/7) as opposed to full frame (5d/1d) so the EF-S lenses will fit too. canon, sigma, tamron, tokina are the most common canon fit lenses. Stay away from the FD canon lenses as they are for older cameras (though you can get adaptors it's probably not really worth the effort) |
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05/24/2010 09:39:00 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by bobonacus:
Originally posted by JustCaree:
Ok so lets say I pick a canon how will I know what types of lenses are compatible.... so if I am searching on lets say E-Bay and I find one thats a good deal how do I know it will fit?? |
It will specifically say it fits a canon, you will need an EOS-EF fit. I assume you are looking at the cropped sensor models (350/400/450/500/550/20/30/40/50/7) as opposed to full frame (5d/1d) so the EF-S lenses will fit too. canon, sigma, tamron, tokina are the most common canon fit lenses. Stay away from the FD canon lenses as they are for older cameras (though you can get adaptors it's probably not really worth the effort) |
IMO, you should not be buying on Ebay, though. It's become an absolute crapshoot, and any "deal" you get on Canon or Nikon lenses that seems too good to pass up, probably should be passed up.
You can go to any brick & mortar camera store that's a licensed Canon or Nikon dealer and pick up a glossy brochure that will list every lens in their lineup, with complete technical details on each. That's a good starting place to familiarize yourself with what's available.
R.
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05/24/2010 09:56:53 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
IMO, you should not be buying on Ebay, though. It's become an absolute crapshoot, and any "deal" you get on Canon or Nikon lenses that seems too good to pass up, probably should be passed up. |
Agreed. I have often looked on Ebay, but find that the items are often overpriced and I can frequently find as good or better through Amazon or from Adorama. Amazon does offer goods from third party sellers, but I feel Amazon backs things up and it is less risky. I just bought a refurb Canon 55-250 from Adorama and I am very happy with it. Except from coming in a refurb box and being a few $ less, it appears brand new. |
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05/24/2010 10:17:39 AM · #9 |
I do agree that you need to be careful when using ebay and always compare prices with normal retailers but there are also good stuff on there too. If you buy second hand then it is probably only worth it if you can inspect and test the lens before purchase. As said, anything that looks too good to be true always is!
Personally though I have saved hundreds and hundred of pounds buying on ebay, but then being in the UK our prices are hiked massively to start with! I've also sold lenses on ebay too and been more than happy for the person to inspect the lens before they pay me.
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05/24/2010 11:22:22 AM · #10 |
DXO mark .com, can show you side by side comparisons of camera sensors. Plus it gives all the stats for each camera body. This is useful, as you can compare up to 3 cameras at once. So if you have a few in mind for purchase, this may help in the deciding factor.
I would keep it simple though to start though. Try the kit lens out and get used to it. Then you will start to see, what you miss in lenses. More reach or wide angle, maybe macro close ups. Lenses really depend on your style of shooting. Remember, you can always rent, before you buy. Purchase wise, I won't buy anything unless I can be there in person. So I keep my purchases local. It may cost more, but the peace of mind and service is worth it for me. I also support Canadian businesses, so another plus. |
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05/24/2010 11:40:30 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Magnumphotography:
DXO mark .com, can show you side by side comparisons of camera sensors. Plus it gives all the stats for each camera body. This is useful, as you can compare up to 3 cameras at once. So if you have a few in mind for purchase, this may help in the deciding factor. |
Add this lens comparison to the DXO Mark body comparison, and you can start to get a good feel for some equipment. :)
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05/24/2010 01:37:48 PM · #12 |
I use a Fuji S3 Pro, which, like the Nikon bodies, can use Nikon Ai lenses retro to about 1971, as well as all the current Nikon lenses. It has made collecting lenses a lot easier for me by having the option to pick up older prime and zooms which are manual focus, but still great optical performers. I also like the well machined feel of the older ones that were designed to be manually focused. One other plus is that all the older manual lenses were designed for 35mm film, and can be used on full frame sensor digitals.
What you will be needing depends on your own preferences and style, as well as what kind of mobility you will want with it. If you are going to be on the move with camera in hand a lot, then a lighter model may be the best way to go.
eBay can be ok if you know what it is that you are looking at, and check the seller's reputation/feedback, as well as asking a friend or two who has had dealing with the seller if possible. One of the current fav lenses in my bag was found on eBay for $ 14.99. It's a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 f3.5 with macro made about 1978. The photos are better than with some of my Nikon lenses.
I used Canon FD lenses when I was a Canon film shooter, and liked the quality of build, but that's all plastic now.
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05/25/2010 04:48:19 PM · #13 |
I actually have never used Ebay... I just said that because its so popular... Im a super duper fan of Amazon... but this is all so confusing for me... perhaps ill just wait till I get in school and then let the teachers walk me thru it step by step lol. Im so afraid to spend money and waste it... every penny in this household is precious... as I am sure it is for most of you...
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05/25/2010 04:54:35 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
I actually have never used Ebay... I just said that because its so popular... Im a super duper fan of Amazon... but this is all so confusing for me... perhaps ill just wait till I get in school and then let the teachers walk me thru it step by step lol. Im so afraid to spend money and waste it... every penny in this household is precious... as I am sure it is for most of you... |
I use eBay regularly and by being careful you can get some good deals. Never been fleeced or had a bum deal, just check out feedback before buying. I also sell unwanted gear and again, everything works out okay. Just be careful, avoid HK deals as they cost you customs duty etc. If it sounds a great deal, there is probably a catch. Just deal carefully:) |
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05/25/2010 05:05:50 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
I actually have never used Ebay... I just said that because its so popular... Im a super duper fan of Amazon... but this is all so confusing for me... perhaps ill just wait till I get in school and then let the teachers walk me thru it step by step lol. Im so afraid to spend money and waste it... every penny in this household is precious... as I am sure it is for most of you... |
Probably a good approach... you will also get fantastic advice from folks here; it's one of the outstanding things about our little community. You might have to tolerate a little Canon-Nikon debate in the process though ;-)
My two cents - You can do really well if you can find a lightly used body that is a generation behind the most current. And if you are in school for photography, you might want to consider a few inexpensive prime (single focal length) lenses to supplement a kit lens. The total investment can be kept relatively small while the creative opportunities can be quite large. |
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05/25/2010 06:56:33 PM · #16 |
| so long as you do enough research into your lenses you wont be dissapointed, then so long as a seller on amazon or ebay can confirm that the lens is optically clear, so no scratches, marks, fungus, excessive dust and no oil on aperature blades, and in good cosmetic condition (usually confirmed by looking at picture anyway) then you should recieve a good lens, if they were lying well paypal and ebay gives loads to protection to buyers especially if youve asked all the relevant questions |
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05/25/2010 08:26:53 PM · #17 |
my 2c worth is whatever system you choose buy the best glass possible.I have a sony Dslr and use the Carl zeiss optics, pricy but worth every dollar. Canon have their "L" series and Nikon have a pro range as well. You may change the camera body but good glass you keep
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05/25/2010 09:44:49 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
IMO, you should not be buying on Ebay, though. It's become an absolute crapshoot, and any "deal" you get on Canon or Nikon lenses that seems too good to pass up, probably should be passed up. |
Agreed. I have often looked on Ebay, but find that the items are often overpriced and I can frequently find as good or better through Amazon or from Adorama. Amazon does offer goods from third party sellers, but I feel Amazon backs things up and it is less risky. I just bought a refurb Canon 55-250 from Adorama and I am very happy with it. Except from coming in a refurb box and being a few $ less, it appears brand new. |
Look long enough and deep enough, and you'll find good deals:
50mm f/1.8 Series E - $25
80-200mm f/4.5 AI (beat up body, good function) - $25
80-200mm f/4.5 (amazingly clean body) - $35
50mm f/1.8D (marked as "AF doesn't work," AF actually worked) - $50
50-135mm f/3.5 AI-S - $130
75-150mm f/3.5 Series E - $70
^Most of these are probably worth double what I paid for them (I actually ended up selling the $35 80-200mm for about $100). |
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05/26/2010 02:14:42 AM · #19 |
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