First post ... asking for any and all suggestions

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/01/2007 11:07:23 AM · #1

This is my first post on this site, and I would like to start by saying thanks to everyone who posts on here. I've seen some awesome shots, and there is so much really good work here.
I am very much an amateur .. well soon to be amateur photographer. I have owned a small Powershot for a few years, and I really need to upgrade. I am looking to spend up to or around $2,000 on a new camera, lenses, and all accesories, and I need some help with suggestions.

First off, I will be doing some exciting travelling in the next 6 months (Zimbabwe for 5 weeks and all over Europe for 6 weeks after that). I plan on taking all sorts of pictures (landscapes, macros, portraits, architecture, etc.) so I will need a variety of lenses. I plan on keeping this camera for awhile, and I am pretty positive I want to go with a Canon. Any ideas? I may be able to go a little above $2000, but I am not positive right now. Any and all suggestions are very much appreciated. Thank you so much for your help.

T

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/01/2007 11:27:37 AM · #2

Well 2,000 can start you out if you shop carefully but i hate to break it to you. 2,000 dollars itself could buy you one good quality lens... and thats about it.

The Olympus E-500 sells for 799 WITH 2 Lenses and a 1GB memory card. It comes with a standard kit and a telephoto lens.

Outside of that the main advice is your semi stuck with the lens system your camera has. So chose your brand not only by the camera but the lenses.

You can get a body for 500 bucks and spend the other 1500 on 2 maybe 3 lenses.

Just remember that 250 dollar 80-200 isn't a very good lens just a very good price.
On another note a 10 dollar Holga Camera produces wonderful artistic photos so in retrospect a cheap (150-250 dollar) lense might get you where you need to be for now.

Message edited by author 2007-04-01 15:52:54.

04/01/2007 01:07:04 PM · #3

Pentax K10D + 16-45 f/4.0 + DA 70 f/2.4 Limited + DA 50-200 + 2GB card = about 1900 at B&H. Damn fine kit, if you ask me...

taterbug

Nikon D300

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/01/2007 01:10:49 PM · #4

For that budget, you could get a 30D and a lens or 2. It seems to be a pretty decent camera. Be sure to check it out, DPReview is a great source to research.

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/01/2007 01:49:32 PM · #5

Here's my suggestion if you want to go with Canon:

-Canon 350D (Rebel XT), you can go with the 400D (XTi) if you want to pitch in the extra $200 but I'd personally stick with the 350D to save some cash. - ($510)

- Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L - ($580)

- Sigma EX 10-20mm - ($500)

- Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 - ($370)

Total: $1960

Note that you will need to get CF cards, a bag, a decent tripod (if you don't already have one), and various other accesories so you might want to skimp down on some of those lenses if you have to.

Edit to add: Another note, the Sigma 10-20mm is a DC lens which means it will not work on full frame cameras (ie Canon 5D, and 1Ds, 1Dsmk2). It will work on the 20D/30D as well as the rebel line. So if you don't ever plan on moving up to the full frame cameras, you should be fine with the DC lens.

Message edited by author 2007-04-01 17:56:50.

04/01/2007 05:21:33 PM · #6

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it. I've done some quick research over the past few weeks, and found some prices. I was leaning towards a 30D (which I believe go for ~$1,000). I then researched lenses and found The Luminous Landscape to be a seemingly reliable resource. I figured I could get 3 lenses for ~$1300-1400. Maybe a EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM(~$500), a EF 50mm f/1.4 USM (~$300-350), and either a EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS or 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS (both ~$550). These were prices I average prices I found online. But this comes to about $2400, and I haven't even gotten into memory, cleaning, tripod, bags, batteries, etc.

Does anyone have any opinions regarding camera packages that include tripods, chargers, batteries, bags, etc. Is it worth spending the extra few hundred on the package, or should I buy body alone, and put the money saved towards better gear? Thanks a lot for the help.

T

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

04/01/2007 05:46:27 PM · #7

You're going to want something wider than 50mm for landscapes, wider than 20mm on the widest end. I may not be able to speak for Canon gear, but I can assure you that 50mm isn't wide enough for landscape shooting...

Try checking out Fred Mirana's site for lens info. Seems to be pretty comprehensive to me.

A word of caution, however: if you'll be traveling to Africa, you may want to hold off on purchasing any big, white, Canon L glass. I would think that would make you a prime target for thieves. One of the reasons I mentioned Pentax (and the 70 Ltd) is the size. The three pancake lenses (21, 40, and 70mm) are all superb, fast, and extremely tiny lenses; perfect travel companions for someone going to a sketchy place)

Anyway, regardless of what system you go with, $2000 will get you an excellent kit. Just be careful you aren't waving that fancy glass around in the wrong places!

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

04/01/2007 06:06:44 PM · #8

For good animal pics, you may find that you are needing a 200 to 300mm of some sort.
I have been fortunate to get a lot of good equipment on eBay without too much expense or fuss. Many of the eBay items can be purchased with warranty too. You need to know what you are looking for though, and what it retails for before you bid on anything. I use some of the older manual Nikon lenses with my S3's and get great results. I know that they make adapters that will allow you to use older manual focus Canon FD lenses on the digitals, as I purchased one for a friend of mine who has 2 Canons, a 20D and a 5D. I bought it with a 60mm Canon FD macro, all for about $65, and he gets fine images using it, but the auto functions are not available with it.

xianart

Canon EOS-7D

04/01/2007 06:14:58 PM · #9

option said what i was thinking. zim is going through some very 'itneresting', sad and downright scary times at the moment. frankly, for travelling i'd go for a top of the line point and shoot, unless you know you're not going to dodgy areas. p&s can be slipped into a pocket, and are a bit less obvious. my travelling wear (ok, i'm a girl) is a long heavy canvas twill skirt that has big pockets and strong belt loops. i replace the camera strap with a longer, stronger one, then loop it through the belt loop.

the leica d lux 3 looks nice...

04/01/2007 06:36:37 PM · #10

Thank you all for the help. I did check out Fred Mirana's site ... I really like it. It is one of those sites that is a definite add to the Favs list. I know Zimbabwe is out there right now. I am going to do volunteer work at a non-government runnned hospital. My travelling partner went a year ago, and he says it isn't as bad as it sounds. I agree though ... it would be a real blow losing anything while Im there. But my main goal is to buy something that I can keep for many years to come. I want a camera that can last me quite a while ... and I want lenses that I will be able to use for many years to come (and with newer, better cameras should I choose to upgrade later on). I do plan on carrying everything with me at all times.
*Sidenote: I recently spoke with a college councilor who flew to Vietnam this February. He said that it is no longer possible to lock luggage when traveling due to terrorism and whatnot. He flew from SFO to Hong Kong, and then to Saigon. Upon arrival, he found many missing memory cards, chargers, etc. So just to warn anyone considering traveling ... carry on.

How wide of a lense should I consider for landscape and architecture shots in Africa and Europe as well? Wider than 20mm? A prime lense, or a zoom? Thanks again. I really value all of the advice and help.

T

donenright

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

04/01/2007 06:43:24 PM · #11

If I could only travel with one lens it would be the Nikon 18-200mm. It's sharp, focuses fast and the VR is useful. And I'm amazed at how often I use both extremes- the 18 for scenics, the 200 for wildlife and unobtrusive people shots.

jdannels

Nikon D300s

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

04/01/2007 06:59:53 PM · #12

Here is a nice set I looked up
Nikon d80 with 18-135 kit lens $1145
Sigma 10-20 $500
Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG macro $199
50 mm 1.8D $100 or so
first two at b&h.
third at adorama
50 mm is pretty standard you can find it lots of places.
Total Cost $1945.
IMO you could decide if you want to shoot long zoomed wild life or super wide angle shots and drop a lens. the Sigma 10-20 is probably my favorite lens, but I took plenty of good landscapes at 18 mm with my old kit lens. Then you have 500 dollars for accessories, like extra battery, tripod, and bag, and a memory card.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

04/01/2007 07:13:30 PM · #13

There are lots of good threads about traveling with equipment on DPC.
Many places that I have been, have been blown all out of porportion about how "bad" the places actually are by the media, as the media focuses on the most dramatic things that they can find. Most people that I have met in small village environments still have the family and community ethic and morals that make humans noble. There are a few who spoil it though, so don't afraid, but don't be careless either.
You will be wanting to shoot thousands of images if you have time, so be thinking about a way to store them until you return home.
Insurance may also be a good idea if you actually think that the equipment may get ripped off.

04/01/2007 07:18:08 PM · #14

I totally hear you about how the media portrays things ... many things that we hear about everyday are cast in a shadow. They mention the bad things, but we never seem to hear about all the good that goes on. Anyways, that for the post. I didn't really think about insurance, but that is a good idea. Thanks again.

T

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/01/2007 08:29:48 PM · #15

Insurance, and lots of black tape to cover up the logos/marking on your equipment...

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/01/2007 08:32:42 PM · #16

Originally posted by option:

Insurance, and lots of black tape to cover up the logos/marking on your equipment...

WHy cover them up? I guess you like them?

Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS USM

04/01/2007 08:36:59 PM · #17

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

WHy cover them up? I guess you like them?

Because its a non-permanent way of disguising your equipment when traveling in sketchy places. Lowers your risk with minimal effort.

TJinGuy

Nikon Coolpix 2100

04/01/2007 08:55:33 PM · #18

Originally posted by netminder0:

I plan on keeping this camera for awhile, and I am pretty positive I want to go with a Canon.

First off a note to the people who can't seem to read. He specifically stated he would like to go with Canon. Why would you waste your time and his by suggesting another line of cameras.

Originally posted by SamDoe1:

I would second this list but make one change. The Tokina 12-24 lens instead of the Sigma. Also make sure you get the wireless remote.

Message edited by author 2007-04-02 00:57:27.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

04/01/2007 09:10:43 PM · #19

Originally posted by TJinGuy:

Originally posted by netminder0:
I plan on keeping this camera for awhile, and I am pretty positive I want to go with a Canon.

First off a note to the people who can't seem to read. He specifically stated he would like to go with Canon. Why would you waste your time and his by suggesting another line of cameras.

He's looking for a travel kit, and it doesn't get more compact that Pentax + pancakes.

Besides, he said "pretty positive," not "100% positive." Jeez. I'd gone, what, 2 weeks? without a raging Pentax fanboy post, I felt the need to jump in here and spread the good word ;-)

Monique64

Canon EOS-30D

04/01/2007 09:35:19 PM · #20

Which dollars are you talking about, American??

Monique64

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

04/01/2007 09:38:32 PM · #21

I have just purchased the Canon 30D and a new lens, EFS 17-85mm. Love it. I have a macro filter which works well. The zoom isn't fantastic, my Fuji S9500 had better zoom with it's fixed lens. But I can vouch for the camera

Message edited by author 2007-04-02 01:38:51.

taterbug

Nikon D300

04/01/2007 09:57:42 PM · #22

Insurance is a definite great idea. Probably relatively cheap also. If you have home owners, or renters insurance already, you can probably get an add on for peanuts.

And when you get all your new gear, and a nice shiny new bag for it...find some dirty, worn out, totally ragged scruffy looking duffel or backpack, and put the new bag in it :-)

kevantlin