Startup DSLR kit for wildlife photography

[bloodbottler]

I wonder if anyone could help.

I've been a birdwatcher for 30-odd years and I used to carry round an old 35mm SLR with a 500mm f8 mirror lens. The kit was pretty poor and I was worse, with predictable results, but I really enjoyed using them. The camera expired some years ago and I would like to upgrade to a digital system.

I have done lots of internet research, and I've set a target of having a usable system by next spring and a budget of around £1500-1600 and I think I've come to the following conclusions:

1)Most folks seem to recommend Canon, the prices seem competitive and there seems to be a massive range, I'd be happy to go with that
2) I want a lens of similar focallength to the old mirror lens. As It will mainly be used for birds at max focal length, and I'd like the sharpest images possible I'm currently favouring the Canon 400mm f5.6
3) This seems to be advertised at £1100-1200, but there are one or two places advertising at £850-900. If something seems too good to be true it generally is, am I likely to get a reliable product with warranty at this price?
4) camera body, I'm looking at EOS 500d or 50d, people tell me the build quality is better on the 50d, and I am planning outdoor use (obviously) is the 500 up to that? I don't think I'm much bothered about video or sound recording. Others still rave about 450, (and 40, and 30) help!
5) I would like (perhaps later) to look at use for smaller and closer subjects, plants and insects in particular, and I'd like to understand the options, are any of the kit lenses worth having (eg 18-55, 55-200)

I'd be really grateful for any replies, particularly from anyone who has bought or rejected the listed equipment or alternatives, and anyone who has been through the same process.

thanks in anticipation, best wishes

Mark

[glsammy]

Hi, first welcome to WAB.
I think you'll find many of us have done exactly as you say.
I certainly have, starting many years ago with Canon 35mm cameras.
If your main interests is birds your choice of lens is about as good as it gets for the money.
The price you mention is quite obtainable, from the right sources. Canon L series lenses come with international warranties so buying from aboard isn't so much a barrier as it can be with other makes. They only make one lens for all markets so a 400mm F5.6 L is a 400mm F5.6 L, wherever it came from.
As for the camera, again with birds in mind the 50D or 40D will out perform the 400 or 500. Not so far as image quality but on shooting performance with a faster continuous shooting rate, plus a better ISO range making your chance of getting in flight shots better. My personal opinion is that you'd be just as well off with a 40D as a 50D. The differences are not large.

[marvin]

hi

the only thing i would add is that if you have just the 400mm you may miss a short zoom just for a general walk around lens. the kit lenses with IS you mention should be fine for that, as should the canon 18-200mm as long as you are not expecting superb iq. but if you want a lens for plants and insects go the little bit extra for a macro. third party lenses - tamron, tokina and sigma are all very highly regarded and cheaper than canon eqivalent. second hand tamron 90mm, sigma 105mm, tokina 100mm @ £200-250, sigma 150mm @ £350ish, tamron 180mm @ £300ish for example.

god luck
tim

[MeadsMan]

I think the lens is what makes most difference to image quality,I agree with Gslammy,we both use the 400mm 5.6,and I am really really pleased with it`s performance.I don`t really rate the 50D very much,I waited a bit longer to upgrade my camera body,and went for the 7D,again so far I am very pleased with it,and have barely stretched it`s capabilities,but it is a lot of money.I do feel investing in a decent lens is a good idea,camera bodies are continuously upgraded,decent lenses are not.

[squishy]

You can get good condition used 40D's for under £400 now, which is incredible value.

Unless you have your heart set on a particular canon lens, I'd also look into some other brands as well though. The button layout/mould of the grip might suit you better from another brand, so it's worth going to a shop and trying out a few. Personally I love the feel of my 40D, but you might prefer something else. You'll kick yourself if you buy a canon now without trying something else, then try something else and find you prefer it.

That said, canon does have a better lens selection in the £1000-2000 wildlife lens region.

[bloodbottler]

Thank you very much for your rapid, and very helpful responses, you've given me confidence to search for good deal in earnest.

Cracking website too, but then any forum is only as good as the participants!

best wishes

Mark

[DudH]

I am a Nikon user and would recommend the D300S. You could then buy the Sigma 300mm f2.8 lens that I'm selling for £600.

Best wishes,
Dudley
www.Dudleys-Photos.co.uk :: Fotopic.Net