First DSLR, purchased!

Johnny81 · #1 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 08:54 PM

Just bought my first DSLR a Canon EOS 40D with a 17-85mm lens. Although second hand, the camera was being sold for an absolute bargain! I believe it is a few years old now but feel I have made a really good decision and reading some positive reactions on previous threads on this model, I am again, feeling happy with this purchase. Any further comments on this model are welcome and if anyone has any tips or do's and don't on this, I would be grateful. Not a thrilling post on a new camera but any views would be helpful. I am looking to do some general nature photography and dabble in some macro work.

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 17-07-2011, 07:58 PM

An excellent model which is still preferred by some people over a few of the newer alternatives.

Now prepare to spend some serious money on lenses!

nutmeg · #3 (**permalink**) 18-07-2011, 04:29 PM

I really like the 40D and it's great for macro. I've now been using it for 3 years or so and it's serving me well. I bought a 7D a few months back and still tend to pick up the 40D first.

Not sure there's anything specific for do/don'ts other than to get out in the field and try different settings! Any questions that arise will, I'm sure, be answered with suggestions to try if you post here

PMG · #4 (**permalink**) 18-07-2011, 07:10 PM

A 40D is absolutely fantastic for everything except birds in flight

If you do manage really good flight shots with it there will be a few of us on here asking you how you did it!! For everything else it is spot on - reliable the settings become a peice cake - you will get to know before you even press what settings will work its that simple - still one of the best Canon cameras made in my opinion

Enjoy and let us see the results!

Johnny81 · #5 (**permalink**) 18-07-2011, 07:38 PM

The more I read about this camera the better it seems to become. I am still waiting for it to arrive, so I am rather excited, although still naturally apprehensive about dipping my toe into the world of proper photography.

It is coming with a 17-85mm lens, I guess this is OK for general stuff? I am clueless on the power and limitations of this particular lens for wildlife photography. In time I shall buy more and more lenses but I need to start with what I am getting and work my way up. PMG, is it a bit slow for bird photography or is it in the focusing?

PMG · #6 (**permalink**) 18-07-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny81

The more I read about this camera the better it seems to become. I am still waiting for it to arrive, so I am rather excited, although still naturally apprehensive about dipping my toe into the world of proper photography.

It is coming with a 17-85mm lens, I guess this is OK for general stuff? I am clueless on the power and limitations of this particular lens for wildlife photography. In time I shall buy more and more lenses but I need to start with what I am getting and work my way up. PMG, is it a bit slow for bird photography or is it in the focusing?

Its fine for all bird photography except birds in flight - its the focussing it just won;t lock on or keep up with the action - tho I have to say I never tried a Canon 300 f2.8 on it - I half guess the number of in focus images may have upped a little with this particular lens which is excellent for flight. For creeping around and catching birds doing anything but flying it is still excellent! And a doddle to use!

Johnny81 · #7 (**permalink**) 26-07-2011, 03:50 PM

A couple of pics taken in the garden with the 40D and the 17-85mm lens that came with it. Mostly using the Auto modes - I am sure I can get more out of it but itching to get a macro lens!

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 26-07-2011, 07:33 PM

If you want to get serious with insects, John, I would recommend a 150 mm macro lens.

But these aren't cheap. A smaller, and cheaper, lens around 100 mm is fine for flowers, etc but the extra length really does make a big difference for insects.

I use a 180 mm macro lens and often with a 1.4x converter to increase the magnification.

Alternatively, if you get a mid price zoom with macro function, like the Canon 70-300 IS for instance, you can add an extension tube (around £100 for a good one) and get reasonable macro photos.

Another essential for macro photography is a stable tripod. I won't mention flash yet in case it puts you off.

Just remember the warning Macro photography is addictive and can seriously damage your wealth.

Johnny81 · #9 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 07:32 AM

Cheers Geoff, I see some Nikon 150mm lens are going for just over £500 second hand, might be worth a try. I can always save until next spring, this way I get a new season of bugs, plus some built up proper photography experience and some money still left in the bank

DorsetDunk · #10 (**permalink**) 27-07-2011, 11:42 AM

nice one Johnny you have just brought the best camera in 00D range I use mine mostly for macro ,I have a canon efs 60m macro as i prefer the shorter working distance with insects and of course its lighter than the longer macros for hand-held shots and the quality of the image seems better in comparison with the 100m I have also added a full set of kenko extension tubes as mainly take bugs and hoppers around the 4mm mark and below
the live view is an excellent feature great for fungi and plants in low light conditions,ideal for framing landscapes too
make sure you install the software that came with the camera as digital photo professional is really excellent easy to knock out the blue hue caused by auto white balance in your shots

you can check my 40d images on flickr same screen name as here

happy snapping
and enjoy!