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Post by Becke on Feb 17, 2014 11:24:16 GMT -8
I bet that there are quite a few differing opinions, but I'm interested to hear them!
I am saving up for a camera. I'd like to know what you would recommend. I can't have a huge lens, there's just no way I could afford that, but I'd like better than the 250mm that I'm using now for reach. What camera/lens/teleconverter combo do you like best that would get me to about 400mm or more, but not cost more than my car? LOL
I may be able to get my hands on a Canon 60D after I have to give this current camera back... is that a good one for birding?
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Post by Vagrant on Feb 17, 2014 11:53:16 GMT -8
Becke, I use a 7D body with a Canon 300 mm prime lens and a 1.4X converter. I absolutely love it and would highly recommend this set up. Tom
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Post by Becke on Feb 17, 2014 13:16:33 GMT -8
Thanks Tom! The shots you've posted here are pretty much exactly what I'd hope to be able to capture. I love the little birds (so need some reach just because they are small) and I live on the edge of Sumas Prairie, so would love to be able to shoot the various raptors there as well.
Does anybody else have a favourite gear combo?
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Post by jgunther on Feb 17, 2014 16:19:41 GMT -8
If you want to go the nikon way, i have a D2X and a 80-400 vr ( first addition) lens that I have used for birding and wildlife with great success. Not the fastest lens but very sharp. If your interested both could be had for 1600.00
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Post by Chris on Feb 17, 2014 16:22:50 GMT -8
I have a Canon T3I and a 250mm lens with image stabilization. I really like the set up. It isn't too heavy to carry around. Having image stabilization (Canon) or Vibration Reduction (Nikon) is very important.
Another option is a point and shoot. They make point and shoots with long lenses.
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Post by Becke on Feb 17, 2014 17:23:16 GMT -8
If you want to go the nikon way, i have a D2X and a 80-400 vr ( first addition) lens that I have used for birding and wildlife with great success. Not the fastest lens but very sharp. If your interested both could be had for 1600.00 It will be a while before I can buy, but thanks!
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Post by johnjoan on Feb 17, 2014 17:29:00 GMT -8
Have you considered a bridging camera such as the Panasonic FZ200? It has a range of 24 to 650mm with a 2.8 aperature (constant),, optical stabalization, hot shoe, viewfinder(1312). Its doesn't have the big processors of a SLR, but you don't have go carry around a bunch on lenses. There are quite a few brands out thier. Just another option when your looking.
John
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Post by Becke on Feb 17, 2014 17:42:53 GMT -8
I have a Canon T3I and a 250mm lens with image stabilization. I really like the set up. It isn't too heavy to carry around. Having image stabilization (Canon) or Vibration Reduction (Nikon) is very important. Another option is a point and shoot. They make point and shoots with long lenses. Right now I'm working with a Canon Rebel XSI with a 55-250mm with IS and it's not got the reach that I want. I'm getting some decent stuff... but it is a bit frustrating. I'd like to go up from that.
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Post by Becke on Feb 17, 2014 17:44:07 GMT -8
Have you considered a bridging camera such as the Panasonic FZ200? It has a range of 24 to 650mm with a 2.8 aperature (constant),, optical stabalization, hot shoe, viewfinder(1312). Its doesn't have the big processors of a SLR, but you don't have go carry around a bunch on lenses. There are quite a few brands out thier. Just another option when your looking. John Cool, I'll check that out.
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Post by Chris on Feb 17, 2014 20:32:23 GMT -8
I have a Canon T3I and a 250mm lens with image stabilization. I really like the set up. It isn't too heavy to carry around. Having image stabilization (Canon) or Vibration Reduction (Nikon) is very important. Another option is a point and shoot. They make point and shoots with long lenses. Right now I'm working with a Canon Rebel XSI with a 55-250mm with IS and it's not got the reach that I want. I'm getting some decent stuff... but it is a bit frustrating. I'd like to go up from that. Sorry Becke, I forgot you mentioned in your first post that you were using a 250mm. The Canon 60d would be a great camera body. The lens might be tough though. I really only know Canon lenses but I believe there is quite a big price jump from the 250mm to the 300mm or 400mm with image stabilization. When I bought my camera I don't think there was a 300 option. I know the 100-400mm was about 2000. so I went for the 250mm which was only around $300.
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Post by Becke on Feb 17, 2014 20:34:31 GMT -8
Wow... yes, price breaks will be the killer! I'm seeing what I would like... and then getting realistic after that. Hahaha.
Does anybody else here use a prime lens? Do you miss the zoom, or is it just totally worth it?
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Post by dpeppar on Feb 17, 2014 23:09:55 GMT -8
Of course it is important to look at what you want to do with these picture. I always want a pic that I can blow up to a 11x14.
I went through a few zooms and now use a 300f4 with a 16mp DSLR. I consider this the minimum setup.I will be upgrading to a 24mp soon.
The make of the camera is not that important. Spend 60% on lens as it will not be effected by technology upgrade like the camera will. Also used lens hold there value while cameras have a 2-3 year life span.
DaveP
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Post by oldfulica on Feb 18, 2014 11:06:46 GMT -8
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Post by Becke on Feb 18, 2014 13:18:04 GMT -8
Of course it is important to look at what you want to do with these picture. I always want a pic that I can blow up to a 11x14. I went through a few zooms and now use a 300f4 with a 16mp DSLR. I consider this the minimum setup.I will be upgrading to a 24mp soon. The make of the camera is not that important. Spend 60% on lens as it will not be effected by technology upgrade like the camera will. Also used lens hold there value while cameras have a 2-3 year life span. DaveP Very true Dave! It's not like I'll be making money from it, so I have to justify it to myself. Yes, I want pro quality in my shots... but to what end? LOL However... personal satisfaction goes a long way for me. I shoot more than birds and it is an artistic outlet for me... so perhaps no justification is needed. More soul searching ahead! Over the course of a year plus, I shot seasonal fairy photos of my daughter with whatever cameras I could get my hands on at the time. The summer fairy shots were with my little point and shoot with fake depth of field as I couldn't get anything else. The fall shots were shot with a half busted Olympus that completely died six shots into the winter ones four months later, so I had to do that one with my little point and shoot too. I just REALLY want some professional gear to see what could happen! It's going to take me the rest of the year to save up, but I think it will be worth it. It's so much fun!
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Post by Becke on Feb 18, 2014 13:22:44 GMT -8
Thanks Len! That does seem to be a popular combo here and for other photographers who do birds/wildlife. I'll check out that new one too! Thanks again!
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