(Used) Entry level DSLR / Zoom lens recommendation

Hey everyone

I need some help with picking out a used gear for a friend.

Here are the basic requirements.

She has a budget of $300 to $350 for a crop body and a zoom lens.

She wants to photograph her kids playing sports mostly for day light games.

So, where should she start?

Used bodies tend to stack up on the low end. What I mean is they reach a certain point where they all end up costing the same. Its hard to find one less than $200. For her I would suggest a 20D. For sports with kids a 55-250 would be great. I think you can find a 20D in the $200-250 range, and the 55-250 for a shade under $200. Still pushing your budget, but I dont think the budget is realistic.

^ Thank you

I figured the budget would be not enough or very tight at the least and not being aware of the used market and the capabilites of previous crop bodies, I had no clue where to start....

I'm guessing Canon or Nikon, it would be the same case?

I havent followed the nikon prices closely, but my perusing of craigslist suggests that dslr's tend to stack up around $200. She might be able to find a used 75-300 for cheaper than the 55-250 but its a pretty bad lens, but better than nothing I guess. Also do a search for used XTI's, you might find something.

I have bought a couple of 20d bodies of eBay. I paid 175-185. As for lenses I would keep an eye on the marketplace section of this forum for the used lenses. I have bought lenses of eBay but must admit it is a little scary some ebayers do not know how to correctly package a lens.

Hmm... well, a EF-S 55-250 IS costs around $160-$170 used... so that leaves you with $180... maybe a Rebel XT...

$350 isn't much of a budget...

A great value for that budget would be this point and shoot:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_LX5_Digital_C​amera.html

Genmai wrote in post #13442697
A great value for that budget would be this point and shoot:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_LX5_Digital_C​amera.html

Nice camera, but not going to get the job done shooting kids sports.

I'd definitely recommend the 55-250. You can find them used for $150 on here. Try to get her to go $450 total and grab a 30D for $300. That will do a pretty nice job (as long as we are talking outdoor sports in sunlight). If not the 20D is good too, and $200 may be possible.

What does a used 75-300 run? That with an XT or 20D might get in uder the budget.

20D with a kit level lens may work:
http://www.keh.com …&sprice=0&epric​e=0&r=SE&e

20d and 55-250 gets my vote, (or a 70-210 3.5-4.5 instead, great lens and cheaper but no IS).

JeffreyG wrote in post #13443165
What does a used 75-300 run? That with an XT or 20D might get in uder the budget.

$80 from me. https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1117752


You can do it for $350. Amazon lists used 20Ds starting at $225 and used XTi's starting at $250