Camera advise

[go_deep]

Looking to buy my first above average camera, looking for recommendations.
Would like to try and do photography as a side job possibly, so I'm looking for a camera that would do close range, to a moderate distance to start. Couple feet to maybe half mile? Can't afford a lot at first, and wouldn't be opposed to buying a used camera.

 

[Bonecollector]

I remember 25C getting a new camera. Maybe he'll chime in.

 

[packmule]

Lenses are the main investment over camera bodies, so keep that in mind when purchasing. If plans are to shoot wildlife, a bargain lens for what you're getting is the Tamron 150-600mm.

 

[go_deep]

Ideally I'd like to use it for wildlife and outdoor scenic photos, but will be doing senior pictures and family photos to help make some cash along the way to pay for equipment and up grades.

 

[packmule]

You probably need to look into one of the package deal cameras that comes with body and multiple lenses. (most will come with short range lens of some sort and a 70-300mm for wildlife. To reach way out there for quality pics on wildlife requires a lot of coin.

 

[bigmoose]

If you're looking at Canon there's a package deal on a T6i with 18-55mm lens and a 75-300mm lens on Amazon for $950. The T6i is the newest version of the EOS Rebel line and has a lot of bells and whistles. I have a T2i and I love it. A cheaper version would be the T5 with a 18-55 lens at $400. For a good long range lens, I'd look at the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 C lens at $900. For those half mile shots, you might want to get into digiscoping with a spotting scope.

There are so many options and brands. Try to pick a brand that you want to stay with because,as packmule said "lenses are the main investment". The quality of the photo will be determined by the lens.

Here's a good place to check out cameras and lenses: http://www.imaging-resource.com/

Moose

 

[go_deep]

If you're looking at Canon there's a package deal on a T6i with 18-55mm lens and a 75-300mm lens on Amazon for $950. The T6i is the newest version of the EOS Rebel line and has a lot of bells and whistles. I have a T2i and I love it. A cheaper version would be the T5 with a 18-55 lens at $400. For a good long range lens, I'd look at the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 C lens at $900. For those half mile shots, you might want to get into digiscoping with a spotting scope.

There are so many options and brands. Try to pick a brand that you want to stay with because,as packmule said "lenses are the main investment". The quality of the photo will be determined by the lens.

Here's a good place to check out cameras and lenses: http://www.imaging-resource.com/

Moose

bigmoose, Do you have a 75-300mm on your T2i? How does it do with long range photo's?

I guess I should clarify, I'm looking to take more scenic shots from long range, not necessarily zoom in from that distance to take a close up. Example a picture of the Tetons in wide shot, just want clarity in a photo at that kind of distance.

Thanks for the responses so far!

 

[rcfireninja]

This was shot with a canon rebel t5i with a 75-300 mm lenses. The distance was roughly 400 yards. I have looked for the larger lenses, but not wanting to spend $500-1000 I am going to try the vortex digiscope adapter with my vortex viper 20-60x85 spotting scope. I will let you know if that works or if I will need a larger lense.

 

[AKaviator]

I'm using a Canon 70d with a 100-400 lens. You might look at the used section at B&H photo in New York. I have always had good luck with them. I will say that my setup gets heavy after awhile, but seems to take good photos when I do my part.

 

[bigmoose]

bigmoose, Do you have a 75-300mm on your T2i? How does it do with long range photo's?

I guess I should clarify, I'm looking to take more scenic shots from long range, not necessarily zoom in from that distance to take a close up. Example a picture of the Tetons in wide shot, just want clarity in a photo at that kind of distance.

Thanks for the responses so far!

I have a Tamron 70-300mm that would be very similar. Here are a few photos. The antelope was about 75-80 yards away and you I was able to get a pretty good crop photo without losing much detail. The lion was about 35-40 feet. Both of these shots were at 300mm using my T2i. As you see, the closer, the better. The 75-300mm lens may not be the one for landscape. The kit lens that comes with the camera would work better and a wide angle lens may even be best depending on what you're after. A tripod is also a big help using the bigger lens.

 

[NHK9]

To be honest the phone skope with a smart phone and spotter turn out some pretty good pic and vid!

 

[Dos Perros]

The OP should consider watching this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQuWFcI8apc

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a really great .35mm setup I have used for years. I have multiple lens up to 500mm. As long as I can get film and have a place that will develop and load on a disc (WalMart), I am going to continue to use it. When I am hunting and weight is a concern, my digital will still be with me.

 

[DBull]

If you looking at doing senior pictures as well as taking wildlife photos I would look at the canon 70d this is one of the top entry level canon cameras and has a high ISO rating that will come in handy for low light condition and you wont get a lot of digital noise. It also has one of the best auto focusing systems. It comes with a toggle screen that is pretty legit you can get some cool angles that you normally wouldn't be able to get. The camera runs around 1,000. If you don't want to spend that much you should take a look at the t6i.