Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Jase · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject: Photography on Budget?!

Is it possible / worthwhile getting into digital SLR'ing on a budget?

I dunno if i can justify £700-800 or even £1000 on a camera.

Can you get the bodies with good stock lenses or do you need to upgrade straight away?

What's the best make?

I'm after your knowledge guys Wink

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A lil bit of Madagascar

Stuart · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:43 pm Post subject:

There are quite a few reasonably priced offerings from nikon and canon.Both are very good cameras and yes some of the "cheaper" lenses can produce fantastic results. Have a look here http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/photo/digicameras/Nikon.html
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Jase · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 3:57 pm Post subject:

I actually had a look on there earlier. I quite fancy the Nikon d80 although it isnt exactly cheap it seems like it is pretty much the same as the d200 but for less quid.

Are the lense on offer with that any good or would it be better to buy the body and a specific lense?
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A lil bit of Madagascar

Stuart · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject:

The d80 does share some features of the d200 but if it were the same no one would buy one over the d80 Wink

As for lenses it all depends what you will be shooting most the time..if its close ups of reptiles etc then a good macro will be needed,if its going to be used more for general photography then a medium range zoom will be needed for example the 18-70mm nikon.If it was mainly for wildlife then go for something like the 70-300mm vr..a great lens with a nice range.
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Jase · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:59 pm Post subject:

I'll probably want a macro lens and a big zoom so i can probably kiss my money goodbye.
So, Nikon d80. What are some good value macro and long range lenses? Preferably around £150 each. I'm not too worried about upgrading in the future if needs be, I just wanna get started.

This may sound really dumb but can you use old SLR lenses with DSLRs? I've got a great SLR!
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A lil bit of Madagascar

Stuart · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 5:04 pm Post subject:

Some lenses are backwards compatible. For macro I really rate the tamron 90mm..superb lens. For a nice telephoto the 70-300mm nikon with vr is hard to beat for the price. Just a bit of advice,try and get what you really want first time round...it can get real costly when you start buying lenses as stop gaps..its worth saving the extra and going for what you want first off..I appreciate that sometimes this isn't possible but if you can do it it will save you lots in the long run.
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Jase · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 5:14 pm Post subject:

Is warehouse express the cheapest? The 70-300mm Nikon is £330, but Tamron's 70-300mm is £120. Why such a difference?
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A lil bit of Madagascar

Stuart · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 5:18 pm Post subject:

Warehouse express aren't always the cheapest but pretty close! and they have a good reputation as a trusted dealer. With lenses you pretty much get what you pay for..although there is the odd exception.Generally the more you spend the better image quality you can expect to achieve.The nikon is a superior lens to the tamron and it also has vibration reduction built in.
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Stuart · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 5:24 pm Post subject:

http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/ worth a look!
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Jase · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject:

I might just get one lense at a time then cos this is looking like the £1000 i feared!
It isn't a case of lack of funds it's more the justification as I don't even have my own car let alone a house!

I think I'll ask the missus for an early birthday present! Or I might just say sod it and treat myself! Twisted Evil

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A lil bit of Madagascar