n00b here looking for some advice :)

[Leftcoast_Mike]

Well this is my first post and although I tried to search this I have to be honest when I tell you that I didn't have much luck. I really don't know what I'm searching for and the results don't make alot of sense to me just yet.

I was hoping I could post up and maybe get some helpful tips/advice from the P.O.T.N community. This site came very highly recommended and I'm looking forward to learning what I can.

I've been wanting to get an DSLR for some time and my main interest as far as subject matter goes would be air shows and aircraft in general.

I got my very first taste of an DSLR (Canon XS with a basic 75-300mm USM III (no IS) 1:4-5:6) this past weekend at the Abbotsford air show and I'm hooked. These were my best two 'in flight shots'.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/Pharoh/Air%20Show/2009/IMG_2159.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/Pharoh/Air%20Show/2009/IMG_1933.jpg

I'm certainly not as quick at setting up as I'd like and I had trouble getting the camera to focus quickly. The overcast was making it difficult on this rookie as well :)

I really could use some advice on what kind of gear I should be looking at. I've been considering the D40 and an L series lens and some kind of kit lens but I really don't feel qualified to make this decision. The feedback would really help.

My budget is around $1500-2000 (USD) for the body and lenses.


Thanks everyone, I hope I left enough information and thanks again for any suggestions you might have! :lol:

[PhotosGuy]

I'm certainly not as quick at setting up as I'd like and I had trouble getting the camera to focus quickly. I can see that. The 75-300mm USM III isn't known for super fast focusing, but I'd expect better results from it than that. I suggest that you first check focusing, with a tripod, on something that doesn't move. If that looks good, then read this:
Panning Question (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=589433)

Once those look good, then read this:
Airshow guys - prop freeze? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229542)

And, good luck!

[Cole_Schmitt]

To answer the question on your budget; I would say with $2000 I would pick-up a 40D + 300mm f/4.0L IS which will run you right up near the $2000 range, but shouldn't exceed it.

[Leftcoast_Mike]

I can see that. The 75-300mm USM III isn't known for super fast focusing, but I'd expect better results from it than that. I suggest that you first check focusing, with a tripod, on something that doesn move. If that looks good, then read this:
Panning Question (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=589433)

Once those look good, then read this:
Airshow guys - prop freeze? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229542)

And, good luck!

excellent, thank you. Like I said, that was my first time ever using an SLR period so I knew I'd be lucky to get anything. My static shots were much better but I'm more concerned with capturing the fast moving targets.

To answer the question on your budget; I would say with $2000 I would pick-up a 40D + 300mm f/4.0L IS which will run you right up near the $2000 range, but shouldn't exceed it.

the same lens I was reading up on last night. My friend offered to let me try his 2000mm out at the airport before buying the 300.\

I've read nothing but great reviews on the 40D with exception of a friend who uses Nikon and seemed offended for some reason lol.

[Kincaid Photo]

excellent, thank you. Like I said, that was my first time ever using an SLR period so I knew I'd be lucky to get anything. My static shots were much better but I'm more concerned with capturing the fast moving targets.



the same lens I was reading up on last night. My friend offered to let me try his 2000mm out at the airport before buying the 300.\

I've read nothing but great reviews on the 40D with exception of a friend who uses Nikon and seemed offended for some reason lol.

The 40D 300f4 combo works great for airshows. Same setup I have used, as well as a couple other photogs that I have met at local shows. The 300 gives you good reach, and quick focus, as well as the flexibility of IS for the low light situations. A gently used 40D and 300 should put you in at about 1500-1750, leaving enough room for another lens or accessory.