Beginner Choosing Dslr Camera *2 Options*

Runner168 · Fri Jun 26, 2015 9:40 am

Hello all! I am a beginner at aviation photography. I have used a Sony HX300, I was pleased with it, but then returned it, to buy a more advanced camera. I've worked with O'Hare International Airport, KORD, and Istanbul International Airport, LTBA. I am looking into camera package deals, and in a moment you will read through the real purpose of this topic.

I'm looking into package deals of Canon.
At least 300 mm telephoto lens, even though the package deals supply a wide angle AND another telephoto lens for max 300 mm.
I can't go over $2000, and if possible, let's keep it under $1500.

Here are my options :

Canon Eos 7D Mark II with 70-300 telephoto zoom lens - all for $1900

*http://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-eos-7d-mark-ii-dslr-camera-body-only-extra-70-300mm-telephoto-zoom-lens/9999249600050004.p?id=pcmprd248100050004&skuId=9999249600050004

Other option :

Canon Eos Rebel SL1 with 15-55mm (STM optional) and 75-300 mm lens - all for $550

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-eo...id=1219644195942&skuId=5004025

If these two options are not good or wouldn't be a smart choice at all, then I have a backup option, which is the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000.

2.8-4.0 aperture
25-400 mm Leica lens
$800 - for the camera only

http://www.cnet.com/products/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000/

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpa...7071&st=Panasonic+Lumix+DMC-FZ1000

I know I need at least 300 - 400 mm lens, but I couldn't find any 400 mm lens for package deals. Now I also don't need 2 lens, but if it comes with the package, I'll be fine with it. I can actually use the 2nd lens (if it comes with it) for wide angle shots, as they are mostly 18-55 mm. I am looking forward to professional photographers' answers here on airliners.net. I know they may not be top-notch DSLR cameras, but I'm a student, and money IS AN object. Thanks everyone, Have A Great Day or Night

!

seahawk · Fri Jun 26, 2015 12:45 pm

Does it have to be Canon?

If not, then I would suggest this bundle:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D7100-24...26&sr=1-6&refinements=p_49%3ANikon

Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18-140mm and 55-300mm VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens

Imho a good choice for 1500$

Runner168 · Fri Jun 26, 2015 2:46 pm

No sir, it does not have to be a Canon. Thank you for your answer, greatly appreciated and highly helped!

vikkyvik · Fri Jun 26, 2015 6:17 pm

Just out of curiosity, why does it have to be a package deal?

Anyway, my advice: save on the camera body, splurge on the lens.

If you need 300mm, don't get the EF 70-300 IS USM. Quality is not good above 250mm or so.

My suggestion: get a relatively cheap camera body with kit wide-angle lens. Say, the Rebel T3i (600D) + 18-55 lens. That'll set you back about $600, maybe, and the 18-55 is not a bad lens. Then use the remainder to get an EF 70-300L or 100-400L Mark 1. If you can buy the lenses used, that'll be even better. I basically don't buy any camera equipment new anymore.

Long story short, your lens will make a whole lot more difference than your camera body. Even the cheapest Canon DSLR is capable of great photos when paired with a great lens.

clickhappy · Fri Jun 26, 2015 7:45 pm

Quoting Runner168 (Thread starter):
I know I need at least 300 - 400 mm lens

No you don't. Beginners always want to buy the biggest lens first, don't do it. Buy a decent 'walk around' lens, something like a 24-120 f/4, and a nice prime, like a 35mm or 50mm. Learn how to use your gear. You aren't going to post up at O'Hare and start banging great shots at 300+ mikes. Save a few bucks and buy a decent photography book, or better yet, take a class. I know some High Schools are now offering photography classes, maybe yours does.

Runner168 · Fri Jun 26, 2015 8:19 pm

Thanks all! I need a package deal because it usually includes cheap price camera and lens. For instance let's say a camera is $1400, and lens are $1000. The package deal would most likely be $2000, even cheaper if older camera. Also, I have had experience with a Canon 70D, Canon Powershot 160IS, SonyHX300. I am to be honest planning on buying a Panasonic Lumix FZ1000, which can replace a good entry-level DSLR. I don't want to go into DSLR photography maybe just yet, unless the camera and lens are decent and simple, plus to upgrade DSLR lens or body it is pretty pricey. Now I know people will say DSLR is the way to go if you want good photos. But please research the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000. That's all I'm going to say, hopefully you guys understood the compliment backing up the FZ1000.

seahawk · Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:41 am

The problem is that the Panasonic has a fixed lens. And in the end lenses matter and they are the part of a system you keep for a very long time. I am using lenses today that were bought in the 19090ies. Some are 20+ years old now.

That is the big advantage of a DSLR.

For a beginner, I would probably go with:

Nikon D5200 24.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens + the Nikon AF-S 70-300VR

If I see it correctly it should be around 1100$. You have a good camera with a decent short lens to learn using it and the tele lens is of a good enough quality to keep using it for years and years. Even if you should decide to up-grade to an FX sensor camera, the lens would still work just fine.

Runner168 · Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:39 pm

Hey seahawk, I was actually thinking of buying the Nikon D5300 with the kit lens 18-55 and the other lens, I honestly don't know. I heard mixed reviews about the 70-300 VR Nikkor lens, most of them saying it is very cheap and the autofocus is crap. Do you still think I should buy the 70-300, or should I try Nikkor's max 200 mm, if the 70-300 mm lenses are bad. Tell me if I should buy the 70-300 mm, or if I should choose another lens to combo with the Nikon D5300, please. Thanks a bunch, looking forward for an answer in this thread

vikkyvik · Sat Jun 27, 2015 9:22 pm

Quoting clickhappy (Reply 4):
Learn how to use your gear.

Absolutely. However....

Quoting clickhappy (Reply 4):
No you don't. Beginners always want to buy the biggest lens first, don't do it. Buy a decent 'walk around' lens, something like a 24-120 f/4, and a nice prime, like a 35mm or 50mm.

I wouldn't have been able to take the shots I wanted to take with a 120mm lens. My first telephoto went out to 250mm, which I quickly realized wasn't long enough.

It's a matter of what you want to do , photography-wise. I was getting into photography mostly because I wanted to take shots of airplanes, and 120mm doesn't get you much from Imperial Hill.

Quoting Runner168 (Reply 5):
Thanks all! I need a package deal because it usually includes cheap price camera and lens. For instance let's say a camera is $1400, and lens are $1000.

There is absolutely no reason to buy a $1400 camera. That's about $800 wasted money that you could put toward a better lens.

ckw · Sat Jun 27, 2015 11:19 pm

Quoting Runner168 (Reply 5):
Thanks all! I need a package deal because it usually includes cheap price camera and lens.

But keep in mind that camera companies are not out to do you any favours. The fact that they still make money on these packages should give you an idea what the package lenses are really worth.

At the end of the day, it really depends on what you want to get out of this - if you are serious about photography, then the DSLR is a good option, but don't expect any shortcuts to quality. You get what you pay for.

If you simple want to get frame filling aircraft pics, then the Lumix is not a bad choice.

Cheers,

Colin

seahawk · Sun Jun 28, 2015 1:39 pm

Quoting Runner168 (Reply 7):
Hey seahawk, I was actually thinking of buying the Nikon D5300 with the kit lens 18-55 and the other lens, I honestly don't know. I heard mixed reviews about the 70-300 VR Nikkor lens, most of them saying it is very cheap and the autofocus is crap. Do you still think I should buy the 70-300, or should I try Nikkor's max 200 mm, if the 70-300 mm lenses are bad. Tell me if I should buy the 70-300 mm, or if I should choose another lens to combo with the Nikon D5300, please. Thanks a bunch, looking forward for an answer in this thread

The AF-S 70-300VR is a good lens imho. My wife is using it for years as here spotting lens and compared to my 80-200 2.8D and AF-S 80-400VR it is doing very fine. Stepped down to F7.1 you will be hard pressed to find any difference between those 3.

The mods may forgive me linking to another site, but here are here pics taken with the 70-00VR:

http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?userid=25049

snddim01 · Sun Jun 28, 2015 2:43 pm

Quoting Runner168 (Reply 7):
I heard mixed reviews about the 70-300 VR Nikkor lens, most of them saying it is very cheap and the autofocus is crap. Do you still think I should buy the 70-300, or should I try Nikkor's max 200 mm, if the 70-300 mm lenses are bad.

The 70-300 VR is NOT a bad lens. Every image I have in the database has been taken with one; look at the pictures at Edinburgh airport for a selection.

Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 8):
There is absolutely no reason to buy a $1400 camera. That's about $800 wasted money that you could put toward a better lens.

While this is generally true, can I put in a caveat that it depends on what use you're putting the camera to?

My camera (Nikon D4) cost more than twelve times what my 70-300 lens did. (£5000 vs £400). I don't need most of its' features for aviation photography, but they're vital when shooting other things.

vikkyvik · Sun Jun 28, 2015 4:40 pm

Quoting snddim01 (Reply 11):
While this is generally true, can I put in a caveat that it depends on what use you're putting the camera to?

Absolutely. And I really should have said "for a beginner photographer, especially focused on aviation photography".

Though these days, even newer cheaper cameras probably have more features than my 5D2. But I love full-frame.....

yerbol · Sun Jun 28, 2015 5:55 pm

Cameras come and go, good lenses stay forever.
My adivse:
Any beginner Canon DSLR with a 18-55mm kt lens + Canon 100-400mm L IS USM [push-pull model]
Perhaps you will find hard to use 100-400mm lens when you start to use it due its size and weight but after some time you will love it.
Good luck with your choice!

len90 · Mon Jun 29, 2015 7:32 pm

I have to fully agree with everyone on here in what they have posted. You really want to get some really nice glass as it will last you forever. The bodies will come and go every 2-3 years, but the lenses will be around for a long time. Right now the quality on entry level bodies is really good. Also it is best to learn the basics, master the entry level stuff, and then move up.

Beginner Choosing Dslr Camera 2 Options

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