First D-SLR buyer

Ready to invest a my first SLR camera. My long dream to start shooting can now become true. I've gone through quite a few Canon cameras in the last 10 years, so I'm familiar with the interface, although non were SLR's. I'm looking to shoot portraits, low light outdoor scenes (local bar's, restaurants, concerts,) my dogs, my baby, fireworks! all the good stuff. Not to much video. I'm looking to get the 7D (body only) and add a decent all around lens separate, or possibly two. (this is just to start- will add more glass later.(not sure which lens though)

Any help with picking the right glass would be great. And any suggestions on camera choice would be good also.

Thanks

Figure out how much you want to spend, pick what you really want to shoot the most and build your kit around that, pick the best lenses you can afford, and build from there. Do your homework now before you buy.

I'd rather have a rebel and a couple good lenses to work with than a better body and cheap glass personally. Search the lens archive to help narrow down your options.

Well I'd start with a good portrait lens. Something good in low light. I like having the background "blown out" if that helps. Had a $400-500 budget for that. Any suggestions?

Get a 60d, then with the savings over the 7d, get lenses. You can get the 85mm for $400, get a cheap 50 for $100 because it is great to learn with and super cheap and I would get a walk around zoom as well.

DanFrank wrote in post #14612844
Ready to invest a my first SLR camera. My long dream to start shooting can now become true. I've gone through quite a few Canon cameras in the last 10 years, so I'm familiar with the interface, although non were SLR's. I'm looking to shoot portraits, low light outdoor scenes (local bar's, restaurants, concerts,) my dogs, my baby, fireworks! all the good stuff. Not to much video. I'm looking to get the 7D (body only) and add a decent all around lens separate, or possibly two. (this is just to start- will add more glass later.(not sure which lens though)

Any help with picking the right glass would be great. And any suggestions on camera choice would be good also.

Thanks

Depending on how much you emphasize (or not) the areas I've bolded, you might consider getting a good used 5D classic.

Advantages - Low light performance is very good, DOF control for even more creamier backgrounds, solid camera even after all these years, cheaper than a 7D.

Disadvantages - Slow FPS, no movie mode, autofocus on non-central points not that great, rear LCD only good for checking histogram, not a lot of bells and whistles, can't find new, is going to require EF (not EF-S) lenses.

Before the flame start - This is not to say the 7D isn't capable of covering all the areas you have listed above, because it is, but the 5D is going to arguably perform better at some of them. It's up to you to decide what's more important to you, can you live with no DSLR video, etc.

Also, consider the 60D to save some cash if you don't need 7D's extra features, as image quality will be around the same.

For a crop lens, the 17-55 IS gets generally good reviews and would cover almost everything you have listed. It would probably be too short for portrats (IMO, but the 85 1.8 works great on crop as a portrait lens), but lots of other people are just fine with the shorter portrait ranges.

Finally - congratulations for moving up to the SLR world

550D/T2i and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. Simple, to the point, and just awesome.

thanks for the input. I like the 7D really, becasue of the full metal body. I like the dual processor also. Im buying used for $1100. So with that, I dont have a budget in mind for glass per-sey, but willing to spend a few hundred more, than just the kit lens to get started. Something for holidays and parties, going to the park, some night time shots.

Dan, if "I've gone through quite a few Canon cameras in the last 10 years" means any P&S, even film cameras, then investigate the Canon Loyalty Program. The 60D body can be had for $639 for example as opposed to the typical $899 in store.

Search the forum for details...you do have to live in the States.

yeah, the 7D is great. After owning a 550D, I would not buy another as the ergonomics suck (great images though). Stick with what you want. If you buy a lower model you will only kick yourself and lose money when you inevitably upgrade.

As for glass, the 17-55mm is a good walk around lens. You could also get the 50mm f/1.8 as it's an amazing portrait lens for only $100.

DanFrank wrote in post #14613845
thanks for the input. I like the 7D really, becasue of the full metal body. I like the dual processor also. Im buying used for $1100. So with that, I dont have a budget in mind for glass per-sey, but willing to spend a few hundred more, than just the kit lens to get started. Something for holidays and parties, going to the park, some night time shots.

I see nothing in your requirements that would really need a 7D. I'd also say get the 60D and use the extra change to get lenses. The dual processors only help really with servo AF and burst rate, neither of which is particularly important for what you will be shooting.

That said, if you're sure you want the 7D, its up to you.

As for lenses, get yourself a tamron 17-50 non-VC or a sigma 17-50 OS, and an 85 1.8, a 430EXII, and a good tripod for fireworks. This will be enough for a good while.

Guy wants a 7d...........geez.....​...

7d + 24-105 L

DanFrank wrote in post #14612844
I'm looking to shoot portraits, low light outdoor scenes (local bar's, restaurants, concerts,) my dogs, my baby, fireworks! all the good stuff. Not to much video. I'm looking to get the 7D (body only) and add a decent all around lens separate, or possibly two.

The 7D is probably overkill for the types of images you've suggested you're interested in. Unless you have your heart set on a 7D, consider the 60D which will allow you to invest more in lenses.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens makes a good head and shoulders portrait lens, and at f1.4 performs very well in low light situations. Many will suggest the much cheaper f1.8 version, but the f1.4 is better built and worth the extra investment. Other primes to consider are the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM and Canon EF 24mm f/2.8.

If you prefer zoom lenses, the 17-55 f2.8 or the 15-85 f3.5-5.6 are both very good lenses. Unfortunately you have to make a choice between range and speed when choosing either of these lenses, the choice ultimately coming back to your own personal needs.

OP get the 7D. It's the wrong move, but you will keep second-guessing yourself till you get it.

MakisM1 wrote in post #14614001
OP get the 7D. It's the wrong move, but you will keep second-guessing yourself till you get it.

funny cuz it's true.


Really, the 85 is probably more important for what he wants to shoot than the body.

Get the 7D you want and a 17-55 and a 70-200 and you should be all set for a little while.