New Camera questions for the "Pro's"

[IBspoiled]

Wife here,

I'm looking to purchase a new camera.  I found the old post on camera's from way back in 2007, but I thought that might be a little outdated info now.  I have used the Canon point and shoots always, so I'm looking to stay with Canon because I know most of the functions.   What I would really like is a camera with a nice lens to reach out a few hundred yards and capture great photo's.  Here are a couple that I am considering.  http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E1CNDRT2IK1855

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E2CNDRT2IK1855

Any input would be much appreciated.  Can anyone tell me the difference in the lenses that come with these two?  I really have no experience with lenses and don't know what all the specifications really mean.  One comes with a 75-300mm lens and the other with a 55-250mm lens, which would work best for reaching out and capturing great photo's of say elk, deer, and such? 

Here are a couple shots I took with my Canon Power Shot SX200, I like it's performance for up close pictures, but the one photo is out probably around 600-700 yards and I know I could really capture a great picture with a nice lens. 

Thanks for any input.   

[Huntbear]

I am no pro.. but that body with the kit lenses will certainly be a good starting point.  You will quickly learn that camera lenses are a lot like firearms... a very expensive habit... 

You may be able to save some cash by buying a used body like a Canon 40d.  I bought one used and I love it..  Spend the rest of a good telephoto lens.. 

I know Huntphool, bone and grandpawrichard can chime in and be of more help than I can...

Welcome to the insanity!   

[JohnVH]

if you have digital zoom, disable it, optical zoom is the only good zoom.

Im a canon fan also, started with a Rebel, then a 20D, now a 30D, but want a 5D MKIII.  Glass is what makes the photo's though, a good camera with a crappy lens will take crappy pics.

30D, 70-200L IS F2.8
Few years ago in  montana

[grandpawrichard]

I'm not a Pro either, but I am a Canon user and very happy with their products. The difference between the two lenses is that the 250 mm lens is an Image Stabilized lens where the 350 is not. Plus the 350 is 100 mm longer so you can reach out a little further.

When my wife wanted to start taking photos of Eagles and other critters I opted to get her an Image Stabilized lens because she isn't as steady handed as I am, plus being a beginner I figured I needed to give here the advantage of the Image stabilization to help her get better photos. She is now doing quite well with her camera and lens combination.

The bigger you go in a telephoto, the more reach you have, But; you need to be Rock Solid with either your hands, or a Tripod, or a Mono-pod. The reason for this is the slightest movements as you trip the shutter are magnified through the lens, so you have the possibility of out of focus shots.

I use several tricks to aid in my photo shooting when I am not using a Tripod or Mono-pod. One trick is to use the Marksmanship training I learned many years ago. Take in a deep breath, let half out to steady the shot and then smoothly press down on the shutter release and fire off the shot between heartbeats.
Another trick I will use is to steady myself by leaning against trees, buildings, rocks or anything else that is handy. I will also prop the lens against objects to help steady the shot!





One thing I have found through the years is that no matter how large your telephoto lens is, there is always times that you wish it was even bigger! I would Love to have a 600 mm lens or an 800 mm lens.

Like Huntbear said, the lenses on a camera are extremely Important, so if you are willing to buy a decent used camera you will save quite a bit money which you can then spend on the Best lenses you can afford. John bought my old Canon 40D when I upgraded to my Canon 7D. I am so glad to see the remarkable difference it made in his photos and that he was then able to save the money he did to buy Darned good lenses to even make his photos so much better! Plus I know the camera went to a good home that will use it, take care of it and enjoy it for a long time to come.

Canon has a Loyalty program that you can use to purchase Refurbished cameras and lenses at a greatly reduced prices. You can call them at: Customer Loyalty Program's direct number is 866-443-8002. To find out prices. It's always best to know exactly what camera body and lens you are looking for.

Either of the camera kits you are looking at will be capable of taking fantastic shots, so Good Luck to you and let us know what you have chosen!

Dick

[JohnVH]

Yes, definately get IS.

Richard, do you sharpen pics in PS? That Eagle shot isnt very sharp, unless the ISO was really high. That brings up another point, get and learn photoshop (PS)

Some panning practice

[grandpawrichard]

Sorry about that John! I posted the wrong photo! I was doing two things at once and got the wrong image tags in the wrong places! I was also writing an email to a friend explaining about the pitfalls of using a 2X Extender with a 400 mm lens.

Dick

[JohnVH]

thats better, haha.

Ive rented a couple TC's, but never liked them, rather have real good glass.

[grandpawrichard]

TC's are alright IF you Have a Rock Solid Tripod and Great Lighting! But they do degrade a photo too. I mainly use mine for shots of the moon.

Dick

[IBspoiled]

Thanks for all the info so far.  Now for a few more questions.  How do you guys carry these camera's when you are hiking a long distance?  Obviously you don't just throw them in a backpack.  Now I just have to convince hubby that I need one of these more than he needs another trail camera or two!   

[JohnVH]

A: you get a specialized camera back pack

B: carry it

[shanevg]

I'd agree with everyone above.  Get the 250mm lens as it has IS.  I have that exact 70-300mm lens with no IS and it is fine, but not rest.  If I were you though I'd look for a used Canon 30D or 40D body and then purchase a lens on the side.  A 50mm F1.8 is $110 brand new and you can get a used 70-300mm with IS for $300 used.  That lens combo is great for outdoors.  I use my "bino bra" for my camera and then slip the zoom lens through a strap on my back that holds it close to my body.  If the weather is foul or I am going through really brushy stuff I do put it in my pack.  But I'm usually carrying 3 or 4 cameras with me all the time.  I have my video camera, my iPhone and my DSLR.  That way you can user our iPhone for a quick picture snap and your video camera for video and your DSLR when you have something you really want to photograph. 

Good luck!

[IBspoiled]

I really don't feel qualified at all to buy anything used.  I would hate to get taken by someone, and I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if it is a good deal or not.  That's why I was looking at the kits that have the camera and at least one lens to start with.  This would be the only camera I carry, unless I continue to carry my point and shoot for close up shots.  I'm not usually packing a backpack as we can usually fit everything we need in one, but I guess if I get a nice camera I'll have to start packing my own backpack just for my camera!   

[JohnVH]

If you dont want to buy used, find a refubished one, Ive done that before with great luck.

[jyerxa]

I like that camo job you got there Dick. Where did you get that done at. That is cool! 

OH yeah. That eagle pic is awesome

[grandpawrichard]

jyerxa,
I bought the jacket about 4 years ago. It has been washed do many times that it is loosing it's coloring in the green shades, but it sure is nice and warm and it is wearing like iron!

Dick

[jyerxa]

Your lens. I would be fearful of screwing it up. That is a nice lens!

[quadrafire]

IB
I was in your shoes last summer. I bought the rebel kit and it was too small for my hands. I took it back for the 7D kit and the body was awsome. The lenses not so much. I purchased a used 70-200 f4 about 1/2 the price of JohnVH 2.8. Still gets great pics in good light. My used lens was about $1K.

IF I was to do it over again. I would probably try to find a good used body and spend my money on a good lens or 2.  You hear all the time it is all about the glass. I didn't think that was serious until I started shooting. It is all about the glass.
Another option would be to buy the kit, get experience with the camera then sell them and upgrade eventually?

[grandpawrichard]

Your lens. I would be fearful of screwing it up. That is a nice lens!

DOH! What a dunderhead I am! My wife made the Camo lens coats for me!

Dick

[grandpawrichard]

IB
I was in your shoes last summer. I bought the rebel kit and it was too small for my hands. I took it back for the 7D kit and the body was awsome. The lenses not so much. I purchased a used 70-200 f4 about 1/2 the price of JohnVH 2.8. Still gets great pics in good light. My used lens was about $1K.

IF I was to do it over again. I would probably try to find a good used body and spend my money on a good lens or 2.  You hear all the time it is all about the glass. I didn't think that was serious until I started shooting. It is all about the glass.
Another option would be to buy the kit, get experience with the camera then sell them and upgrade eventually?

  Great Advise quad! 

Dick

[jyerxa]

Your lens. I would be fearful of screwing it up. That is a nice lens!

DOH! What a dunderhead I am! My wife made the Camo lens coats for me!

Dick

Wow!!! that is pretty snazzy. You got quite a little lady Dick. 

[grundy53]

Has anyone had any experience with a Nikon D3100? Would it be a decent starting point? Or would I be wasting my money?

[grundy53]

Costco has the Rebel T3i packages on sale for $879.00

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11760020&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-searchpageHorizontalTop-_-SolrSearchToProduct&cm_vc=searchpageHorizontalTop|SolrSearchToProduct

That's what I originally went to look at but then I saw they had the Nikon D3100 on sale for $650
 http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11622027&search=D3100&topnav=&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode%20matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=D3100&Ntt=D3100&No=0&Nty=1&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial

and since I'm just getting started and know nothing about cameras I figured I would ask the more experianced folks. Sorry for thread jacking but I figured it was along the same lines...

[Wazukie]

Has anyone had any experience with a Nikon D3100? Would it be a decent starting point? Or would I be wasting my money?

The D3100 does its job but if you are looking to buy a new Nikon consumer grade DSLR I would go with the D5100 as it has a much better sensor in it(same as the D7000) and it's High ISO capability is awesome.

[sirfunkeybut]

I might add that there's a "hack" for most canons that's called chdk or something like that. It's a file you upload on your card and insert it in the camera, it won't void warranty because once a card is put in after that one that doesn't have the software on it, it will go back to stock. I did it on my 350d and it will tell me total shutter count, give me 3200 Iso in 1/3 increments, and a time lapse option  there's other options but those are the main things I use