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Post by fezzarooooo on Aug 30, 2006 12:33:00 GMT
Right I'm gonna go for the Canon EOS 350D and was just wondering what I'd need to get me started.
It's been years since I bought an SLR and then they were straight out manual jobbies.
Sooooo what would you recommend I get to start me off?
*waits for some kindly photy 'coughveggiecough' person to amble along and give wise advice* ;D
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Post by veggiesosage on Aug 30, 2006 19:23:05 GMT
You're gonna hate me for this but it really does depend on what type of photos you want to take.
I presume you're getting a kit lens included? If not and you're getting the body only then first buy is a medium zoom, prob something like 18-70 or 18-55 for a Canon.
Most people will then go for a medium telephoto zoom, something like 70-250 to get those longer shots. You can get away with an awful lot of photos with just this basic kit.
For lenses, as well as Canon look at the 3rd party ones like Sigma or Tamron. Often a lot cheaper for equivalent quality.
Some people will then move onto a macro, or a wide angle or an extra long zoom for wildlife and stuff. These start getting pretty pricy though.
Other bits and bobs, a good case is a must, plenty of memory cards, a spare battery is always a good idea and you might want to go for a flash gun at some point, get one that you can set up off camera.
Worth buying the magazines on a regular basis cos they give you plenty of ideas of other things and how to use them.
Once you get bored of all that lot, you'll be able to work out for yourself what you need next ;D
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Post by fezzarooooo on Aug 30, 2006 19:41:43 GMT
Hate you veggie darling never! ;D Thank you for taking the time to help me sweetie I'd be doing a variety of photographs from zoom to macro, from landscape to artsy studio shots so would like a good basic kit for now. I was thinking along the lines of this to get me started... 350D body with standard 18-55mm Lens (you only save a tenner without the lens) Adding on the Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 LD Macro (99.99 if bought with the camera) Innovative Zoom Lens With True 1:2 Macro Capability The Minimum Object Distance of this lens is 1.5m over the entire zoom range in normal setting. However, by switching to maro mode, distances as little as 0.95m from the subject are possible within the focal range of 180-300mm for maximum 1:2 macro photography, ideal for shooting tiny subjects such as flowers and insects. The optical system incorporates a Low Dispersion glass element in order to effectively reduce secondary or residual chromatic aberration often associated with telephoto lenses. This results in superb image quality, even at the maximum open aperture. * Focal Length: 70-300mm * Angle of view: 34-8 degrees * Optical Construction: 13 elements in 9 groups * Minimum Object Distance: 1.5m/0.95m in Macro mode in f="180"-300mm range * Maximum magnification ratio: 1:2 ar f300mm, 0.95m * Diaphragm: 9 blades * Lens Hood: Bayonet Lenshood Think this would be a good lens as decent zoom and covers the macro as well. Ooohhh de ja vu ahem.. sorry I Jessops are offering the Sandisk 2GB Ultra II Compactflash Card for £83.99 but I've found it for £54.99 at fotosense. Do you think I'd get a good speed with that flashcard? The only thing I don't like about digi is the slowness between shots if you're not using rapid shot. I'd like to be able to lift and shoot instead of missing those 'interesting' shots that happen a couple of seconds after you've clicked the shutter Do you think that looks ok? Do you have any recomendations for flashcard or know of any I should keep clear of? They're the bit I really don't know anything about. I'm assuming I'd need a 2GB one if I want plenty of storage for 8mp.
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Post by veggiesosage on Aug 30, 2006 19:53:22 GMT
I reckon that lot will keep you going for a bit and is pretty much in keeping with my initial suggestions ;D *is smug*
Sandisk are a well known name for memory cards so you'll be alreight with them. There are such things as some memory cards being faster than others but I wouldn't worry about it unless you plan on doing a lot of burst shooting. Check out amazon or e buyer for prices though, and its worth getting a spare.
Don't forget that case, and get one for that gig lens too.
Oh and DSLRs are pretty much as fast as film versions these days, its generally only compacts where you get a bit of shutter lag so again don't worry about that too much.
You might want to ask the shop about cleaning the sensor as well, you can get kits but shops will also do it for you for a fee.
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Post by fezzarooooo on Aug 30, 2006 20:05:07 GMT
Thanks so much veggie, it's always good to get an opinion from someone who isn't tryin to sell me the camera
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Post by fezzarooooo on Sept 11, 2006 20:50:01 GMT
I'll add to this post as it may be useful for someone else. I got the Canon EOS from Jessops with a Tamron macro zoom which was half price when bought with the camera but I'm sending it back tomorrow as I can't get the macro to work and I think I'd be better going with the Sigma macro zoom which has two SLD glass elements in the front lens group and one in the rear lens group whereas the Tamron seems to only have one. I may even consider a macro/zoom/wide angled lens in one if I find any which can produce good results. A Sandisk extreme 3 card from Amazon, I'd highly recommend this card as it's extrememly fast and the 1GB has loads of memory, I've ordered a second one as back up. I also bought this monopod which is a lot less hassle than a tripod when on the move. This particular one is very light and seems sturdy enough alothough I haven't used it with the camera yet. I got this toploader slr bag for £20 in a local camera shop, curry's were doing a similar bag for £29.99 so again it definatel pays to shop about with camera acessories. I already have a small camera bag which will do to carry accessories in and the toploaders are quicker to get the camera out for that impromptu shot. I shall give an update on the bundle when I get back from me jollies
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Post by veggiesosage on Sept 11, 2006 20:58:22 GMT
What do you mean by saying you can't get the macro to work on the Tamron?
I'd beware of trying to get a lens that does too much in one go. The 'macro' function of both these lenses is really only an add on (and at 1:2 mag isn't actually true macro although won't be far off). The jack of all trades theory generally applies, its a lot to expect a lens to have such a wide zoom range, work well at both extremes of the zoom and to work well at macro as well.
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Post by fezzarooooo on Sept 13, 2006 10:06:46 GMT
The lil button to switch from zoom to macro was jammed, I've gto me refund anyhow so need to look about for another one. Yeah I am wary about a all seeing all doing lens veggie, I can't imagine they would give the best quality. I'm thinking the macro on the EOS is good enough for the stuff I'd want to use it for so might look for a zoom that has a wide angle on it. With me havin the lurgy I wouldn't be able to carry too many seperate lenses about with me. I'll have me manbag with me at the lakes but don't want to have to take him everywhere
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Post by veggiesosage on Sept 13, 2006 10:52:21 GMT
In the short term at least Fezza I'd suggest using your kit lens for your wide angle. Its 18mm at the bottom end which is the equivalent of about 29mm in 35mm camera terms which is enough for some perfectly adequate for landscapes. Where your kit lens is lacking, just like all kit lens standard zooms, is in telephoto. If you look at any 2 lens bundle its always the kit lens along with a telephoto zoom of around 300mm equivalent at the top end. You'll need something like this if you want to catch any wildlife shots and and I'd certainly get something like that before a specialist wide angle lens. That Sigma looks a good buy, there's a review of it here. On the Canon it'll have an equivalent of 480mm max fl which is pretty much enough for anyone!
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Post by fezzarooooo on Sept 13, 2006 12:13:34 GMT
Oohh thanks veggie, that's good to know about the kit lens. I'm actually quite pleased with the kit lens and this makes it even better.
Looking at the photos on that review link the one of the dragonfly is tempting me towards the sigma even more... I was thinking of getting one without the macro but now I'm not sure. I need to make a decision if I want to get it in time to take it away on Sunday!
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Post by fezzarooooo on Sept 14, 2006 18:06:13 GMT
Heeeeeeeeeee I got the sigma, seems like a good lens so far... although I'm being a total girl and just judging by the look and feel of it and the fact that it comes with it's own padded lens holder.... I'll test the clarity out at the lakes this week... the macro seems sweeeeeeeet ;D
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Post by veggiesosage on Sept 14, 2006 20:06:56 GMT
One day my shopping list is going to include the 50-500mm Sigma lens, affectionately known as the Bigma. Its got an equivalent 100-1000mm focal length range on my Olympus. 1000mm!!!! I'll be able to see your house with that Fezza. Price is pretty shocking though, although for what it is its very good value. Still waiting for my really quite expensive wide angle lens
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Post by fezzarooooo on Sept 15, 2006 9:09:58 GMT
Oooohhh I'm glad I got me hair done then! lolol @ bigma ;D You realise if you do ever get it veggie we're going to have to both go to a meet & I'll steal your compare gear
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