In reply to Paul A:
TJ makes a good point about checking out Nikon, definitely worth picking one up to handle as well. The main benefit of sticking to Canon or Nikon (over the others like Sony, Pentax etc) is the availability of 3rd party (eg Tamron/Sigma lenses)& second hand kit, so for anyone on a budget, that's a definite plus
It's probably worth warning you that you may find very quickly that 250/300mm isn't enough length for a lot of birding and you'll want to look at 400mm+, so beware telling the Financial Controller that it's a one off purchase :-)
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Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
In reply to Whistling Joe:
Hi Shane, I've just seen a deal on the 100D HERE - not sure how it compares to other prices but thought I'd notify you just in case. i agree with WJ that you will need a longer zoom for most wildlife/bird photography and I now wish I'd have gone for a 400mm lens instead of the 70-300 although I mustn't grumble lol I've got my eye on a prime lens with extender but my financial controller has the account under lock and key and double password coded lol
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Regards, Hazel
In reply to HAZY:
Looks a good price - it's the non-STM lens, but the speed of autofocus isn't as essential with a general purpose lens (people and scenery don't move as fast as birds!) I would definitely recommend STM or USM focussing for a telephoto though
Great to see you are thinking of joining Team DSLR, Shane! If you are still deliberating, you're welcome to have a go with my D300 and a couple of different lenses next time we go birding. And re secondhand, for what it's worth all my gear apart from my teleconverter was bought used (that's 2 camera bodies and four lenses) and I've been v happy with it all.
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
In reply to aiki:
Thanks all I decided to go for the Canon 700d with a second lens in the package the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens. I know its a bit of an old lens and the reviews have been very varied but I got the whole lot for £422. I wiil definately be up for trying some of your lenses M it will give me some ideas of wht to look out for second hand. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive not holding out much luck with it being a bank holiday weekend.
Regards Shane
My Photos in Flickr.
In reply to Shane:
You'll have a great time with it I'm sure, the 700's a nice camera. Aiki's Nikon lenses won't be much use on the front of it though, they'll fall off :-) You'll have to have a trip up to Minsmere instead & you can try some of my Canon ones
The wife and I are thinking of a trip up there one weekend with an overnight stay somewhere if it happens I will let you know Joe.
Well done on taking the plunge, Shane. Looks like you got a good deal and I'm sure you will enjoy it.
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Regards,Tony
My Flickr Photostream
In reply to TeeJay:
Thanks Tony I am open for lessons when out and about.
If you're after info or have questions, don't hesitate to ask on here either - and (shameless plug) don't forget these two threads
Getting off Auto
Getting off Auto 2 - Exposure