"New" camera (for me)

galanthophile · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 06:50 AM

I'm taking the plunge and getting a new camera and lens - well a second hand Canon EOS 500D and EF 75-300 f4-5.6 lens.. What do you think? Hopefully a good choice. I love my Olympus but it only has a 119 zoom and just doesn't reach those birds that are 20-30 feet away!

PMG · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 08:39 AM

Good for you - have fun!

galanthophile · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 11:21 AM

Thanks, I'm sure I will!

roseway · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 03:46 PM

It's a good camera and you'll be able to do a lot with the 73-300mm lens. Enjoy it!

operanut1972 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 07:03 PM

The EOS 500D is a great little camera. Good luck getting to grips with it. It will provide you with many hours of fun, and with the 300mm end on the zoom those birds should loam closer in the view finder.

ATB

Geoff F · #6 (**permalink**) 02-10-2011, 08:41 PM

Personally, I would say don't touch the 75-300 lens. Spend a little extra (save up if necessary) and get the newer 70-300 IS lens. It will be worth the extra.

Or better still, get the newest 70-300 IS L lens which is a real bargain at around £1200.

But if it is an all in secondhand deal and the price is sufficiently cheap I suppose you can always upgrade at a later date.

However, based on my bird photography experience, I would expect you to be upgrading to something around 400 or 500 mm before long.

galanthophile · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2011, 05:59 AM

Thanks for the feedback. The lens does have IS. I have to start somewhere and yes I will no doubt upgrade eventually like most people do! Can't wait to try it out.

Muddywalters · #8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2011, 01:30 PM

Hi Galanthophile, I use a 500D and I am well pleased with it. I used to use a 55-250mm lens on it and while I got some good results (if I got close enough), I really wanted more reach. I now use a 300f/4L + 1.4III converter and I'm as happy as Larry. That's not to say I wouldn't upgrade if I won the lottery!
I'm sure you're going to enjoy yourself.
Mark

galanthophile · #9 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011, 03:50 PM

Thanks, I'll be out this weekend trying it out. Oh for a lottery win and money was no object..!

bripriuk · #10 (**permalink**) 08-10-2011, 09:59 AM

Good luck with your camera, I think it's a great starting kit for bird photos. I would recommend the following settings as a starting point: Av mode, between f5.6 and 8( f8 if its sunny), ISO 400 (up to 1600 if the sun goes in), centre focus point only, AIservo focus mode.

Brian