Suggestions for camera

[slk55r]

Hello everyone,

I would appreciate some suggestions on cameras and lens to take pictures of my tank. I'm not a photo guy so we don't have a single camera in the house except for a really old one my wife used for family vacations.

I have gotten so many requests for pictures of my tank and coral and finally need to just buy a great camera to do so.

I really wouldn't want to spend more than 2k total for all of the camera gear so please give me suggestions within that price range.

Best Regards,

Jesse

 

[skinz78]

I'm in the same boat so I'll follow along and see what is suggested!

 

[clowns101]

If $2,000 is your limit, get a Canon 7d and a nice macro lens, the stock lens is actully pretty good and I think people who diss stock are idiots. They are really not that bad, they get the job done.

The 7d Body is around $1,500 and a used macro lens is around $400, so your under budget.

Even at that, you can still get a 60d or a 40d and get a macro lens and be in the price range of around $1,000-$1,300

 

[dmorazan]

If $2,000 is your limit, get a Canon 7d and a nice macro lens, the stock lens is actully pretty good and I think people who diss stock are idiots. They are really not that bad, they get the job done.

The 7d Body is around $1,500 and a used macro lens is around $400, so your under budget.

Even at that, you can still get a 60d or a 40d and get a macro lens and be in the price range of around $1,000-$1,300

+1 on the 7d i wish i have the money for a better camera i have the 30d and still Happy with it but if i was you i will get the 7d very nice camera

 

[jlt23]

Also keep in mind you probably want a tripod as well if you are taking macro photos. 7D is a great camera. If you get into photography watch out, your wallet will get a lot lighter. You also might want to look into the Canon loyalty program. If you have an old canon camera (working or not) you can send it in and get a refurbished camera at a discount on top of the refurbished price. That's how I got my 5dMKII. It looked brand new and it's worked perfectly.

 

[returnofsid]

A DSLR would be my suggestion, as long as you're willing to undergo quite a learning curve. Among DSLRs, I'd suggest Canon or Nikon. Personally, I shoot Canon. I started with a used Canon Rebel Xt along with it's kit 18-55mm lens. Soon, I added a Canon 50mm 1.8 (Nifty Fifty) and then the Canon 100mm Macro. A little over a year ago, I upgraded to the Canon 7D with 18-200mm IS lens. I've never looked back! Most of my tank photography is done, using the Canon 100mm Macro.

I would highly suggest you go to a good camera shop and handle both Nikon and Canon cameras. Look at everything from their higher end consumer models, up to their "prosumers." While there, handle their cameras. See which one feels best in your hands. See which one has buttons that seem most "ergonomic" to you. Then decide, based on those things. A good Nikon or Canon lens will both take exceptional photographs, in the hands of someone who knows how to use them.

There's no reason you need to spend all of your 2K budget. You can get a very good DSLR camera, with a kit lens and then a good macro lens, for well under 2K, if you go with a used Camera/kit lens combo.

 

[m and m]

I would say something like this if you want a nice set up

Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera Kit with Canon EF-S 4460B004 B&H Photo
Thats a 60D with stock lens thats not bad. I say get it with the stock lens for FT shots and just shots on trips and so.

canon 100mm macro This is a solid lens
Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus Lens 4657A006 B&H Photo

And a tripod
Manfrotto 294 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod W/3-Way MK294A3-D3RC2

The reason I say dont get the 7D is because I think a tripod will help you alot with macro shots. It makes a world of difference when your first starting out. I mean if this is STRICTLY for your tank and you dont need a screw around lens your could do just the 7d body macro lens and tripod but that will put you slightly over.

 

[m and m]

+1 on the 7d i wish i have the money for a better camera i have the 30d and still Happy with it but if i was you i will get the 7d very nice camera

If $2,000 is your limit, get a Canon 7d and a nice macro lens, the stock lens is actully pretty good and I think people who diss stock are idiots. They are really not that bad, they get the job done.

The 7d Body is around $1,500 and a used macro lens is around $400, so your under budget.

Even at that, you can still get a 60d or a 40d and get a macro lens and be in the price range of around $1,000-$1,300

A 7D is 1600 and a 100mm Non IS lens is almost 600 unless you are going used.

 

[clowns101]

Not sure if i can post this, but here is a place Ive ordered from with a 7d.I was actully above my price.

Canon EOS 7D 18MP SLR Digital Camera Body Only 3814B004 | eBay

$1,395 so around $1,400

And macro lens is around $600, my bad on that.

 

[m and m]

Sorry about that didnt think about that. If thats the case I would find a seller who has the 7D and macro on ebay and ask for a bundle price for the both of them. so you can get the tripod aswell.