DSLR Problems!

JackBD95 · #1 (**permalink**) 26-08-2010, 03:31 PM

Hi, can someone help and suggest what sort of camera plus lens i should get for photographing birds. I would like a lens of better quality than the body so can be changed if i get a better camera or if you think a body of better quality would be better I would be very happy. I would like a lens with a largeish zoom without being super expensive. I am a budding photographer but have been stuck with a rubbish digital camera so am looking for an upgrade.
my budget for the body and lens is around 1000.
thanks

turkeyneck · #2 (**permalink**) 26-08-2010, 05:22 PM

Sounds like a secondhand (good spec) DSLR and possibly a Sigma 50-500mm or the cheaper 150-500mm for the lens? You're quite correct in the first instance, quality lens first before body. I think a 300mm lens would be cheaper but quite frustrating you'll need that extra reach.

turkeyneck · #3 (**permalink**) 26-08-2010, 05:25 PM

You've got quite a good budget there, so I'm sure other people (more educated than myself) will come up with alternatives.

JackBD95 · #4 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 10:44 AM

do you have any recommendations on brand names for the body, i see alot of people are using the 7d!

JackBD95 · #5 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 11:08 AM

um the sigma is about 900 that leaves 100 for a camera!
is a second hand eos 550 or 500 or whatever appropriate.?

JackBD95 · #6 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 11:27 AM

are there any decent zoom lenses for 500 600ish

JackBD95 · #7 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 11:54 AM

i found a new eos 500 and sigma 50 500 for 1200 ish so little over!

nightshade · #8 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBD95

Hi, can someone help and suggest what sort of camera plus lens i should get for photographing birds. I would like a lens of better quality than the body so can be changed if i get a better camera or if you think a body of better quality would be better I would be very happy. I would like a lens with a largeish zoom without being super expensive. I am a budding photographer but have been stuck with a rubbish digital camera so am looking for an upgrade.
my budget for the body and lens is around 1000.
thanks

Choose a premium brand Nikon/Canon, buy good glass trade up the bodies.

glsammy · #9 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 02:13 PM

If you really want a zoom, the Sigma ones are about as good as you can get for a reasonable amount. I still use my Sigma 50-500mm, it's a very versatile lens capable of producing excellent results. If you get engrossed in pixel peeping, it's not as good as a prime lens. However I still regard some of the shots I took with my 20D and the Sigma lens to be amongst my best. As for a camera body, so long as it matches the lens you decide on, ANY of the modern cameras are capable of producing excellent shots.

larachmor · #10 (**permalink**) 27-08-2010, 04:49 PM

Finding good quality second-hand gear would seem a sensible option: As previously mentioned, I would stick with Canon or Nikon, with an option for Sigma lenses if the budget becomes tight. BUT buying second hand can, sometimes, be risky - particularly with private sellers. Preferable to find a trusted and reliable outlet: One of the best is up here in Inverness-shire. They have a tremendous range of high-quality used gear, and the bonus is that the gear is exactly as described when it comes to its condition. If you go for their two “mint” categories (Mint + and Mint -) you simply can’t go wrong. (Just missed out on a lens I was after recently

)

https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm