Camera Suggestions

jerwin · Mar 1, 2012

I am new to the photography area and need some help from the guys that take a lot of pictures. I am looking for a good reasonable camera that I can use to take pics of my corals and fish. I am giving up takeing pics with my android and iphone. (android always took better pics then Iphone).

What are some features I need to look for when buying one.?
What do I need to Camera, Lens and ....
What is a reasonable amount I should spend on a setup?

Any recommendations on a good entry level setup and what was the cost?

Thanks for the help

slugwall · Mar 1, 2012

I just bought the Wife a t2i canon and I love it. Check out some of my pics on the forum... I am not good and I am learning by shooting... but I have shot and directed an independant full length movie that is trying to get bought. so I figure it might be the same... which it's not, lol. but for cheap first model... canon t2i

swannyson7 · Mar 1, 2012

IMO, you're best off looking into a used entry level dSLR if it's in your budget. IME, there aren't major differences in image quality amongst dSLR bodies until you start increasing the budget immensely. However, different camera bodies will impact things such as the ability to take video and how quickly you can take sequential shots. I'd look into something like a Canon Xs/Xt or a Nikon d3000 with the stock lens. You can always spend the money on quality lenses later on if you'd like to take macro shots or if it becomes another obsessive hobby.

jerwin · Mar 1, 2012

So after spending some time reviewing other posts. I think I am going to order. Got to love tax time.

Canon Rebel T3i 18 MP body
Tamron Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS

Which of these 2 lens should I get.
Telephoto EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens $569.00
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens $926.00

There is a big price difference.

slugwall · Mar 1, 2012

Nice Camera!!! anyone of the Macro lens are going to be great but if your going all out I would go with the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens but make sure you search for reviews on both the lenses

jerwin · Mar 1, 2012

Well I have read some people talking that they use the 100mm lens just normal pics. so what I might do is buy the camera and the more expensive 100mm lens and come back later and buy the Tamron lens. Every one talk about buying the 100mm lens but does not say which model.

slugwall · Mar 1, 2012

Can't help you there... I use the 18-55mm for my macro shots until I can afford an actual macro lens.

Spaceman Spliff · Mar 1, 2012

You want the cheaper one. The more expensive one has image stabilization but usually when shooting macro you will be using a tripod.

KYLECT · Mar 1, 2012

Keep in mind that the 100mm macro lens does not zoom, you really should get a simple 18-55mm lens for eveyday shots. I have heard the macro is good for outdoor photos though where you have room to move to get the shot you want.

jerwin · Mar 1, 2012

Well if I can get the cheaper 100mm macro then I will get the Tamron lens for every day shooting. I have read reviews that the lens that comes with the camera is not very good.

cparka23 · Mar 1, 2012

The L lens is supposed to be a hair sharper towards the edges, but you'll barely see those improvements on the T3i, which utilizes what's called a 'crop' sensor. Besides, the non-L version is already a super sharp lens.

Image stabilization isn't a big bonus in macro photography, either. You're going to use a tripod or some support for true macro photos. For handheld, non-macro photos, maybe it helps a little. Really, IS isn't so useful at this focal length and speed. When this lens came out in an L version, a lot of photogs were asking, "Why?"

The L version is more for commercial photographers using full-frame cameras. Even then, it's hard to justify the cost over the great non-L version.

Ch3tt · Mar 21, 2012

I'm a big fan of the Canon 7D. Its a pricey camera but worth every penny. I would invest in a 100MM Macro lense and a nice tripod. it is so much easier to take pictures of a tank with a tripod, i even have a remote so i don't even have to touch the camera.

returnofsid · Mar 21, 2012

Ch3tt said:
I'm a big fan of the Canon 7D. Its a pricey camera but worth every penny. I would invest in a 100MM Macro lense and a nice tripod. it is so much easier to take pictures of a tank with a tripod, i even have a remote so i don't even have to touch the camera.

I couldn't agree more!

Canon and Nikon are both very good cameras. Go to a good camera shop and handle both of them. You'll use it a lot more if it's comfortable in your hands. That is the most important aspect, in deciding which brand to go with. Once you've decided on a brand, then you can research different lenses that are available, for that brand. I would suggest that you don't JUST get the Macro lens. While the 'kit' lenses aren't the best quality, you do want a lens that shoots over a wider range than a Prime lens. A Prime lens is a single focal length, not able to zoom in or out. Canon offers a couple different 'kit' lenses, depending on the body you purchase. For the Rebel series, they usually offer the 18-55mm. Once you step up into a higher end Canon, they usually offer the 18-135. If you go with Canons highest end cameras, the kit lens is usually the 24-105L.

When I purchased my Canon 7D, I decided to forgo the kit and opted to spend a bit more money and get the Canon 18-200, since I wanted a bit more range than the 18-135 offered.

Once you've purchased your camera/lens kit, learn how to use it, take A LOT of photos...then look into buying a Macro lens.

jerwin · Mar 21, 2012

I ended up getting just a Canon 60D body and got the Tamron 18-270mm lense and the canon 18-55mm lense. Tripod and a remote camera button. I can get better pics then my ipone, but will save up for the marco lense next year.