Beginner Set-Up

What do you recommend for a "Beginner"... I would like more of an "intermediate" camera.
I'm looking for a DSLR, I would also like a good suggestion for a lens. I'm mainly interested in outdoor/nature photography.
Thank you!
BC

How much do you want to spend? And how about used equipment?

What's your budget?

under $1000.00


more around $300.00 -$800.00


Used is ok.

Thank you!

My suggestion would be a refurbished Rebel T3 ($360) or T5 ($440) and either the EF-S 10-18 ($300 new $240 refurbished which is currently out of stock) or the EF-S 55-250 STM ($300 new $240 refurbished), depending on whether you'd rather have wide angle or telephoto. The T3/T5 also come with the EF-S 18-55.

Thank you

For other posters, I would like to include a lenses in that price range as well, so I'm spending a total of under $1000.00

D7100 refurb 699 then pick up a lens. The d7100 is a great camera for only 700. Very capable!!

YOu can find a 18-55mm very cheap usually on craiglist to pair with it and might have enough to get the 50mm 1.8G as well.

Good luck

From your Shutterfly feed it appears you shoot more wildlife than scenic photos. If this is true I think you'll want as long a lens as you can reasonably afford.

My recommendation is to think about what focal lengths will help you capture the types of images you like, then choose a lens first and a body second. If it's wildlife you might consider a used Tamron 150-600, but that will pretty much suck up your budget. The Sigma 150-500 is also very good and sells around $500-600 used, which would leave $400-500 for the rest of your kit.

Then you might consider a used T3i with the 18-55 IS II kit lens for around $350 or a used T2i with 18-55 IS for around $250. IMHO, there's not a lot of difference between the two bodies, and going with the T2i potentially leaves you with enough left over for another lens. Assuming you get a good deal on a T2i and Sigma 150-500, you might be able to afford an 18-135 STM or a Sigma 18-250 OS after selling the 18-55 for a moderate price.

I started out with the T2i and Sigma 18-250 and it served me well for almost a year. I still use that combo as a second camera when shooting events for my Jeep club. I've also used that combo for some backyard birding, but even at relatively close range, 250mm isn't long enough. That's why I suggest the Sigma 150-500 if you enjoy wildlife; it's the best that will fit in your budget and still leave some cash for a body.

As I suggested in your other thread, an advanced point and shoot is more than sufficient for learning. You budget confirms that this might be the best for you right now.

The Canon SX series has many super zoom options that also give full control over the camera. There is even one model that will shoot RAW. Again, the need for lenses might be your limiting factor. If you want dslr just get the kit lens and the 50-250 with whatever body you can afford. Even my old XSi is still quite capable and available for around 200 USD

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …owershot_sx60_h​s#Features

Check out the zoom on that sucker. You're not going to be anywhere near there with a dslr.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17419838
http://www.usa.canon.c​om …owershot_sx60_h​s#Features

Check out the zoom on that sucker. You're not going to be anywhere near there with a dslr.

That (Edited) 65X zoom is impressive! I'd be tempted to buy one just for that feature.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17419838
As I suggested in your other thread, an advanced point and shoot is more than sufficient for learning. You budget confirms that this might be the best for you right now.

The Canon SX series has many super zoom options that also give full control over the camera. There is even one model that will shoot RAW. Again, the need for lenses might be your limiting factor. If you want dslr just get the kit lens and the 50-250 with whatever body you can afford. Even my old XSi is still quite capable and available for around 200 USD

http://www.usa.canon.c​om …owershot_sx60_h​s#Features

Check out the zoom on that sucker. You're not going to be anywhere near there with a dslr.

21-1365mm equivalent? Wtf? That's insane.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #17419959
That 35X zoom is impressive! I'd be tempted to buy one just for that feature.

65x zoom, not 35x!

I bought an SX for my mom maybe 6 or 7 years ago and was very impressed. Still am. I also talked a buddy into a SX50 that is the predecessor to the SX60. He has mentioned more than once how happy he is with the camera. He took a shot of the moon that brew my mind. That line is the most bang for your buck available, IMO.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #17419959
That 35X zoom is impressive! I'd be tempted to buy one just for that feature.

I did. It is, especially since it starts at 21 mm equivalent focal length.

There are often bundles with the T5i that include the regular kit lens (18-55mm) and a telephoto kit lens (55-250mm). This setup should get you started. Take this setup with you on a few shoots, and whichever you use more, you can upgrade to a high quality "L" lens.