DSLR for Outdoor Photography

[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?