1st DSLR for insects.

[Jason Claxton]

Hi,having found that my cheap Panasonic compact is no good for small insect Id, I have decided to go for my first DSLR.I really only have a budget around the price of Canon 450D ,plus lense.Could somebody please give me any suggestions on which kit would be best.Jason

[squishy]

i think both the sigma 105 and 150 are supposed to be good, and the tamron 90.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by squishy

i think both the sigma 105 and 150 are supposed to be good, and the tamron 90.

Can definitely reccommend the Sigma 150mm. It's a cracking lens as far as image quality is concerned and it's a solid well built lens. A tripod may be required though to get the best from this lens.

Remember that whatever your choice it's the lens more than the camera that decides the picture quality. You should get excellent results with an entry level DSLR as long as it's coupled with a decent lens

[Jason Claxton]

Many thanks both,so do you think I could opt for the cheaper Nikon D60,and invest the difference into a good lense then.Jason

[Geoff F]

If it is insects that you are after, I would recommend 150 mm. 105 mm is fine for flowers etc but can be a bit small for those nervous insects. I went for the Sigma 180 and in retrospect, I'm glad of the extra reach; but it is a heavy and more expensive piece of kit.

With Canon launching a couple of new cameras recently (50D & 7D) you might get a good deal on a 40D which is a rugged firm favourite amongst wildlife photographers, myself included.

Also, unless it is already in your armoury, a good tripod would be a wise investment.

[ChrisR]

I moved from SLR to digital compact years ago and have found the live-view on the back screen to be invaluable when photographing insects. There are just so many situations where you want to hold the camera away from your body (to reach up or over flowers etc) and where a human looming over an insect with the camera pressed to his face would probably scare the insect away.

I'm not sure what the quality of the Sony Alpha range is but I'd look at it very seriously.

[Jason Claxton]

Cheers Geoff,yes I have a few friends who use the 40D,currently it out of my budget,but I await eagerly those good deals you have mentioned.Jason

[Jason Claxton]

Yes Chris I will miss the live view.My camera seemed to be fine with Orchids and the like,but was very lacking with fine detail on small insects,which I need,this may be more of a trait of my current camera than digital compacts in general,I suppose.Thanks Jason

[tristanba]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

If it is insects that you are after, I would recommend 150 mm. 105 mm is fine for flowers etc but can be a bit small for those nervous insects. I went for the Sigma 180 and in retrospect, I'm glad of the extra reach; but it is a heavy and more expensive piece of kit.

I'd actually recommend a shorter, lighter and more easily handholdable lens for general insect work - unless you specifically want to photograph difficult subjects like dragonflies which usually do not allow a close approach.

I find the Tamron 90mm is perfect for this - very light and allows you to add a flash bracket or ringflash and still have a very nice portable set up.

I have a 40D and 20D and would recommend both. You could pick up a used 20D for a couple of hundred.

Cheers
Tristan

[Jason Claxton]

Thanks Tristran ,the Tamron 90mm,sounds ideal for what I am looking for