DSLR for Outdoor Photography

[MLHSN]

Any suggestions for a beginner level DSLR camera?  It's something I would like to take backpacking for scouting/fishing trips.

I was looking at this Pentax because of it's durability while hiking. 

http://www.costco.com/Pentax-K-50-Weatherproof-DSLR-Camera-2-WR-Lens-Bundle.product.100071823.html

What kind of extra weight am I looking at for basic DSLR camera gear?

Also, have any of you tried using a telephoto lense instead of a spotting scope?

[boneaddict]

Yes yes and yes.   Extra fragile weight which is a pain in the arse but part of the game.  The more expensive it is, the heavier it gets.   Reviews and opinions of which camera is best......well typical of most opinions, everyone has one and....

You basically cant go wrong with the two flagships in the industry, Nik and Can.   Anything else would be budget oriented and a risk.  IMO

[MLHSN]

How do you carry your gear?  I notice a lot of hikers wear a chest pack.  I tried that for a year for odds and ends stuff but found the bouncing against my chest got annoying.  I'm trying to think how to carry everything when you have a GPS, Binos, camera bag all on the chest.

I was looking at the Pentax model because it's in my price range and weather proof.  Do you know of a comparable Nikon or Canon?  I'd kind of like it to be somewhat durable.

[TheHunt]

I ended up building a shadow/foam container that I put my camera in my pack.  I do NOT take the camera when I am hunting.  I only use it for hikes and looking for wild life.  It is a closed foam material that you can cut away material so your camera will not get destroyed if you fall or the pack gets beat up.

I also purchased a waterproof sleeve which I need on the wet side to protect the camera and lens.  It is always something to buy...   

[boneaddict]

A sea to summit bag for the lens and camera to fit in, then in my big pack with sweatshirts or something to buffer.  Other lens, gear in other pockets.   Then when I am in, it goes over my shoulder.  I never carry the thing around my neck.  My binos are there.  I shoot everything on a monopod.  To me its the only reasonable way to carry it. 

[boneaddict]

There is no way it goes with me on my hunting trips.  For me that's a little tiny point and shoot.  I probably wouldn't even carry that if not trying to document my kill and trip for on here.   

[MLHSN]

Ya, I'm not about to take any extra weight on a backcountry hunt.  It's mostly for my mid-summer backpacking/scouting trips.  I keep seeing awesome photos over on nwhikers.net and thinking I've been there, my pictures look like crap!  I need to learn how to take better landscape photos.  So I thought I might state with a DSLR.

I also need to start taking videos while the kids are young and I thought it could double as a camcorder since they all take video these days.

[boneaddict]

They take good video, but are not nearly as handy as a camcorder.   The focusing is kind of a bear.   

[huntnphool]

How do you carry your gear?  I notice a lot of hikers wear a chest pack.  I tried that for a year for odds and ends stuff but found the bouncing against my chest got annoying.  I'm trying to think how to carry everything when you have a GPS, Binos, camera bag all on the chest.

I was looking at the Pentax model because it's in my price range and weather proof.  Do you know of a comparable Nikon or Canon?  I'd kind of like it to be somewhat durable.

 Don't buy new and stick with either Canon or Nikon

[MLHSN]

Any suggested used models of Nikon or Canon then?  I was originally looking at the megapixel's and thought I could get a different brand with more megapixels cheaper but Nikon and Canon sounds like the consensus. 

[huntnphool]

Any suggested used models of Nikon or Canon then?  I was originally looking at the megapixel's and thought I could get a different brand with more megapixels cheaper but Nikon and Canon sounds like the consensus.

 Dont get caught up in the "megapixel" hype, it's actually more important to have a larger/quality sensor.

 I don't use Nikon so would not know a good starter model, a good Canon to start with would be a 40D, you can pick up bodies for $250-$300.

[Bean Counter]

I've heard nothing but good about Pentax and would consider it for its reputation for durability and weather proofing if you're considering serious outdoor work. Hit up some of the forums on Photography on the Net or DPreview with questions.

You might consider waiting until Black Friday and what not. I bought my 6D last fall around that time and the camera still costs more if you buy it today even though digital cams tend to have 3-5 year product life cycles anymore.

Put your neck strap in the fireplace and don't think twice. I use a wrist strap when carrying my camera. If you're going to be humping mountains with trekking poles  you should probably consider backpacking it and maybe using a sling.

[Bean Counter]

Any suggested used models of Nikon or Canon then?  I was originally looking at the megapixel's and thought I could get a different brand with more megapixels cheaper but Nikon and Canon sounds like the consensus.

My 6D is a 20MP camera and gives me 25-26MB raw files. Good way to fill up a hard drive in a hurry. I wish it were just a 12 megapixel. Anything beyond 8-10MP is for show and marketing unless you're shooting aerial surveillance and need to stand 12 inches from a large print.

I love my cameras performance because of the full frame sensor. Full frame sensor means larger photo sites which means more light collection and less noise in images. Sometimes I shoot at ISO 12,800-16,000 and the results are amazingly good.

[Payne]

The more money you put into it the happier you will be in my opinion. I have a 40d I bought used and have loved it. I'm now wanting to upgrade to the 6d.

Between a camera purchase and lenses. I would spend more of or your money on a great lens.

[MLHSN]

Some good advice here for me to follow up on.  Looks like I don't need to focus on megapixels so much.

I haven't really done any research on the sensors.  I'll have to take a closer look on those.

Any expanded advice on the displays?  Someone mentioned not wanting an LCD screen versus a "full" screen.  What was meant by this?

[Holg3107]

I just upgraded my Rebel XTi to a 50D with a new lens. I was able to pick up the body and lens (28-135mm) for $350. I would start with something along those lines and build out a solid lens collection after. Pope did a great lens write up regarding canon lenses: As said stick to one of the big 2 (canon or nikon) once you pick one you are kind of committed but really can't go wrong with either.

http://www.huntfishnw.com/index.php?topic=908.0

[KFhunter]

 

Thanks for that link, I bookmarked it 

[MLHSN]

What do you guys think of "mirrorless" cameras like the Canon EOS M?

[timberghost72]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

[huntnphool]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

[biggfish]

I would look for something used and save money for glass.  I shoot a Nikon d40x its 10mp CMOS sensor.  It shoots beautifully and weight very little. Nikon has a great line of compact DSLR cameras. Check craigslist if you can find an older one like mine maybe 200 for the body. Then invest the rest into a lens with a very low aperture: 1.4-2.8 are great avoid variable f-stop ratings. Biggest draw back to a DSLR system is a good telephoto or zoom is gonna cost a couple grand.

[timberghost72]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

I only have 2 lenses right now. 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200L f4 IS.  For the most part I use the 70-200 but thinking back it's probably 50/50 on which one I use. It seems like I have the most problems with action shots of people. Cars, bikes, and various other action type shots are pretty good but people I just can't seem to get right. I don't shoot too much of these so more practice is definitly needed.

[huntnphool]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

I only have 2 lenses right now. 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200L f4 IS.  For the most part I use the 70-200 but thinking back it's probably 50/50 on which one I use. It seems like I have the most problems with action shots of people. Cars, bikes, and various other action type shots are pretty good but people I just can't seem to get right. I don't shoot too much of these so more practice is definitly needed.

Are you shooting manual or auto modes?

Not trying to derail the thread, I'm sure the OP is taking notes on all the info.

[Bean Counter]

What do you guys think of "mirrorless" cameras like the Canon EOS M?

Mirrorless cameras are nice and compact, but can't match a DSLR for speed and versatility. I also happen to like how a DSLR feels in my hand. When a camera is too small it's tough to navigate the controls quickly.

[timberghost72]

Bean Counter mentioned some great sites to visit on the web, POTN and DPreview. Some other ones I like also are fredmiranda.com and bobatkins.com. These should give you lots of info in your decision along with all the great advise from the guys here. I shoot 99.9% of the time using the view finder and not the LCD screen but one thing to consider depending on what you like to photograph or future interests is an articulating LCD screen. I have a 60D which is a decent body but when I was shopping around I saw that it had an articulating screen and thought to myself I'd never use it. But since photographing more I found a few times to where I could not get into a postion to use the viewfinder or straight on the LCD view and that articulating LCD screen came in real handy. Just something to think about. It also protects the screen when turned in and hanging around your neck. I like my 60D alot and it takes great photos but one aspect I'm finding is action shots are not very good and I can't seem to get very good shots. It could just be the user (me) but I feel the autofocus speed is lacking a little. The only time I shoot action really is just of my daughter playing or in dance and gymnastics. Good luck with the ton of info to research. 

What lens are you using for those action shots?

I only have 2 lenses right now. 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200L f4 IS.  For the most part I use the 70-200 but thinking back it's probably 50/50 on which one I use. It seems like I have the most problems with action shots of people. Cars, bikes, and various other action type shots are pretty good but people I just can't seem to get right. I don't shoot too much of these so more practice is definitly needed.

Are you shooting manual or auto modes?

Not trying to derail the thread, I'm sure the OP is taking notes on all the info.

I shoot 80% Av, 20% full manual and with sports Tv or Av and I adjust for shutter speed. I shoot 100 ISO almost exclusively (sometimes 200) and us tripod unless there is lots of light to hand hold. but for sports at least 800 ISO. I never use auto unless I want a test shot.

[Don Fischer]

Amazing Pentax has been around as long as they have. I believe that a person that can take good photo's with a Nikon D4 or a Canon 1DX can also take good photo's with a Pentax. There certainly are Canon's and Nikon's around that are used and inexpensive, used and re-furbished. I'd have to have a used camera in my hand before considering buying it and even then I doubt I would. I'm not a camera mechanic, it would pretty much look like a camera to me. I've bought several re-furbished lens and I have no trouble with them. They are cameras and lens that went back for one reason of another, were gone through by the manufacturer and sent out as re-furbished. I know B&H and Adorama sell them in their used dept. I have Nikon because my first camera, film, was a Nikon, I got used to it and I had a number of lens from film left over when I went digital. I fool with my Nikon and then with a nephew's Canon and with the Canon I have no idea hot to work it. Stands to reason, I've never used one before. You learn to use what you have.

I don't care for the lens that it come's with, the Pentax. The 55-200 just a bit short for me. I'd rather an after market 70-300 in place of the 55-200.

[Don Fischer]

I just noticed on the Cosco ad you posted. Upper right corner is a Canon EOS Rebel T5 that has what I would call better lens and with the $150 rebate, same price as the Pentax. Starting out, the lens that come with them would tilt me to the Canon.

[Netminder01]

tag

[Wazukie]

For Nikon I would look at the D7000, it's a great camera and does very well in high ISO.  The nice thing about the D7000 is that it has a built in focus motor and can be used with any F/mount lens.  That means that you can use some of the older glass and save a little money in that department.  Nikon and Canon are pretty much a toss up.  I chose Nikon for the sole reason that I can use any f/mount lens with it.

[MLHSN]

THanks for the tip Wazukie,  everyone has been talking quite a bit about the glass that one can get with each brand.  There appears to be a plethora of lenses available. 

What are some of the reasonably priced, decent quality brands I should look at for lenses of different mounts?  Someone mentioned Sigma and Tamron being ok brands.  Any other suggestions?

[Wazukie]

I have two sigma lenses, (70-200 f/2.8 and 150-500) that work well for what I shoot.  The 55-70 kit lens that comes with most Nikons is actually a pretty good lens.  I use it for landscape stuff. 

Always remember when shooting wildlife, that the key is being able to get close to the wildlife.  A 500mm 0r even a 1000mm lens would be nice, but you still need to get as close as possible.  I was amazed at how far away a bull elk looks through a 500mm lens when that bull is 300 yards away.

have fun.

[Bean Counter]

I would skip Tamron all together. Stick with your brand lenses. There are high end off brands like Zeiss, but Tammy and sometimes Sigma are cheap imitators. Some sigma lenses are purported to be great however--namely the 85mm
F/1.4.

If you're a decent hunter who has been doing it for a while , you've likely learned the adage that you get what you pay for with your optics. Should lenses be any different? I have a couple of $1,000 canon lenses and yes in one sense that's a lot of money, but honestly when you compare high end binoculars to mid range camera lenses you can see the bargain you get with lenses.

If $1,000 for a telephoto lens with weather sealing and image stabilization makes you want to heave, just consider what expensive glass is really like. Here's a Leica for $10,000 that is fixed focal length and doesn't have Image stabilization--and doesn't even auto focus! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586190-REG/Leica_11_602_50mm_f_0_95_Noctilux_M_Aspherical.html

[huntnphool]

Agree, stick with glass that is the same brand as the camera you choose.

[Wazukie]

Agree, stick with glass that is the same brand as the camera you choose.

That's the glory of going Nikon, the ability of using the older, yet quality f/mount fixed focal length lens.  $1,000 is pretty cheap for a lens.  Find what is right for you, not what is right for someone else.  It's like choosing a guitar, what works for someone else, probably won't work for you. Just like a pair of good jeans, Joe's pants probably ain't goin to fit ya. Decide what brand and body you want, rent some lenses for a weekend, go shoot and see if it works for you.  If you like the lens you rented, go buy it.

[Alchase]

This website is a great tool to compare all the different lenses side by side.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=787&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=0&LensComp=833&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

[Bean Counter]

One other good guideline for zoom lenses is to consider lenses with less than 3x a zoom range. Example the 70-200mm. If you multiply 70 times 3, your top focal length of 200mm comes in under that. Same with the 24-70mm. Lenses with a  more restricted zoom range tend to belt out sharper images as opposed to the super zooms such as the 18-200mm, which also lacks a constant minimum aperture across its zoom range (i.e. "f/3.5-5.6")

[Don Fischer]

I've heard nothing but good about Pentax and would consider it for its reputation for durability and weather proofing if you're considering serious outdoor work. Hit up some of the forums on Photography on the Net or DPreview with questions.

You might consider waiting until Black Friday and what not. I bought my 6D last fall around that time and the camera still costs more if you buy it today even though digital cams tend to have 3-5 year product life cycles anymore.

Put your neck strap in the fireplace and don't think twice. I use a wrist strap when carrying my camera. If you're going to be humping mountains with trekking poles  you should probably consider backpacking it and maybe using a sling.

At trials I carry a camera around a lot. The strap that come's with them works, can't say one other thing about it. Recently I saw a Nikon shoulder harness for binoculars. I got one and tries it. Super but I could do without the bouncing with the elastic. Going to get another one of these days and put new straps on with nylon strapping. Oh yes, I also put split rings on the camera where the strap attaches. asy on and easy off. Camera hangs in front just above my belt line.

[MLHSN]

A lot of good information here.  Thanks guys.

[MLHSN]

Any opinions on "mirrorless" cameras?