Camera and lense advice please

[chunkychambers]

I've been inspired by the exceptional photography on our site and so I'm going to have a go!!
I am an absolute beginer and, until I came upon this site, was not too interested.

My budget is £1500 to £2000 and I would welcome advice on a digital camera and lens to suit my two passions of birding and deer stalking.

When advising could you please bear in mind the following points:-

1) Capable of good detailed shots from distance.
2) Capable of good detailed shots in early morning or evening light.
3) Auto focus, unless you don't recommend.
4) Hand held, unless you don't recommend.
5) Comprehensive user guide or back-up service.
6) Do you rate zoom lenses?

Thanks in advance and please remember I am an ABSOLUTE beginer!!

Paul (aka Chunky)

[Boddie]

30D - not sure where the cheapest deal is

100-400 IS lens - Kerso, in Scotland. This will allow for handhelds at 400

You should have enough left over for your bags etc, or maybe even a nice macro lens

[chunkychambers]

Thanks Boddie, what do you mean "Kerso in Scotland" ?

[Boddie]

Kerso is a dealer many of us have had lenses off and his prices are very keen and he is well rated by all of us

With so many users of both the 30D and 100-400 IS on this site you are guaranteed good advice from loads of people and maybe even the chance to trial some other members lenses

[Boddie]

See this thread for those who rate Kerso - Ian Kerr- email kerso1123@msn.com

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...light=scotland

Drop him a line and he will quote you

I have had the 100-400, the 1.4X II, and a Speedlight 580 off him now. All the best prices and top service

[chunkychambers]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Kerso is a dealer many of us have had lenses off and his prices are very keen and he is well rated by all of us

With so many users of both the 30D and 100-400 IS on this site you are guaranteed good advice from loads of people and maybe even the chance to trial some other members lenses

Thanks again, do you know his site address?

WHOOPS!!

[Boddie]

You can also get the £105 rebate from Canon for the 100-400 with the vouchers you get when you buy your 30D. So the lens would be 105 quid cheaper than Kerso quotes you

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by chunkychambers

Thanks again, do you know his site address?

WHOOPS!!

He justs trades an ebay account.

eBay UK Shop - FLASH CAMERA: CANON SLR LENSES, DIGITAL CAMERAS

Have a look at his prices and then ask him for a quote to go direct as he can then cut out ebay and paypal charges

[chunkychambers]

Originally Posted by Boddie

He justs trades an ebay account.

eBay UK Shop - FLASH CAMERA: CANON SLR LENSES, DIGITAL CAMERAS

Have a look at his prices and then ask him for a quote to go direct as he can then cut out ebay and paypal charges

I'll definately give him a call.
Couple of things before I do, you said I could also afford a macro within my budget, which one do you recommend?
And, is it a camera and lense that is easily hand held or should I consider a support?
Could I mention your name?

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by chunkychambers

I'll definately give him a call.
Couple of things before I do, you said I could also afford a macro within my budget, which one do you recommend?
And, is it a camera and lense that is easily hand held or should I consider a support?
Could I mention your name?

For macro either the Sigma 105 mm or the Sigma 150 mm. They are both highly rated on this site.

The lens (100-400) is image stabilised so you can handhold with ease, even at 400 mil. You could always get a monopod, which I use for telephoto and macro.

Mention WAB - loads of people have bought from him but sure he should remember Andrew from Sutton Coldfield