First DSLR and lenses choice help needed

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reefman

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I'm keen on making a step up from my compact camera to a DSLR and have been trying to narrow down my choices of system and camera. I did think of a compact system but felt I'd get more for my money with a dslr and probably better spec too, size isn't really that much of an issue.

My shortlist was either the Nikon 5100 or the new 3200 or from Canon 60, 600 or now the new 650.

I'm erring towards the 650 and whilst video isn't a priority I think the new hybrid focusing and increased burst rate will be an advantage and the touchscreen is a bonus.

Other than general use I want to get into some wildlife and macro photography and also have reef aquarium that offers many opportunities for some interesting shots. I've a budget of around £1200 and unless someone suggests otherwise I think its going to be the 650 over the 600 as its the latest model. I guess my only concern is how the quick focusing will be on the 650 using non stm lenses if the system is designed with them in mind for video as opposed to the quicker to focus usms

I'm struggling with lens choices and was thinking of the following as options but not sure really

Canon 55-250 kit -£169 or tamron 18-270mm pzd at £340 (though seeing mixed reviews on IQ for this)

Canon 100mm 2.8 macro £377 or Sigma 105mm 2.8 at £340 - or would a 60mm be limiting EFS 2.8 for £274

New 40mm 2.8 stm pancake £189 or 50mm 1.8 £85 (which I understand offers excellent value)

Canon 18-55 kit instead of either of above

Any other thoughts or observations welcomed

cheers guys
 
i used a 60D with a canon macro 50mm 2.5 on a reef tank recently - had a great time - but did not get very good shots - need to practice a lot more

I also had the 18-270 for a week and it had a fault on the focus, and slow VC -which i could see the image move after a few seconds and then noise for 10secs, which is normal
so changed for a 18-200 canon lens - but reading here and other forums + the shop - i would be better of with splitting that glass, but that cost was running towards £1K
 
if AF with video is a concern then Sony is probably still the one to beat - look at an A57 or A65.

But as evr get down a shop & try handling a few to see what seems most natural to you - there isn't a bad current production DSLR but they do vary in terms of handling, build & features & I would argue that for most people handling is the most important.
 
cheers my concern isn't the video af as the video isn't something I'd really be using that much at least, but how the hybrid af system works speed wise for stills (wildlife/ action) I believe its faster than the standard on both the 60d and 600d but was concerned that the optimum can only be achieved with the new stm steppers motor lenses which are smoother but slower providing better video results.

I've seen a few reviews for the Sony's and they come out very well but not sure about the brand to be honest IQ is supposed to be very good but the build not great and I guess I'll be buying into a system not just the camera
 
Sony's build quality is as good as any at a comparable price point.
& unless you have very specific & relatively unusual requirements the system is big enough (& still growing) for probably 99% of people. There are more lenses for Sony that will be image-stabilised than for Canon+Nikon put together ...
 
Hiya. I know about the Nikon D5100. It's a cracking camera capable if excellent results.

For around £1,200 you could get
D5100 with 18-55vr kit lens
70-300 vr zoom lens
35mm 1.8g or 50mm 1.8g

This would give a versatile kit with excellent optical quality.
 
Yeah that seemed to be the main competitor to the 600d but the 650 now offers more - I think there may be a 5200 coming later in the year the 3200 (entry level) is now out
 
i've done some more research on the lenses and have come up with these so would welcome your views

tamron 17-50 f2.8 or sigma 17-50 2.8 or nikon kit

canon 80-250 or tamron 70-300 f4/5.6

tokina atx pro d 100 macro

and either the canon 40mm pancake STM or the 50mm 2.4 USM
 
reefman said:
i've done some more research on the lenses and have come up with these so would welcome your views

tamron 17-50 f2.8 or sigma 17-50 2.8 or nikon kit

canon 80-250 or tamron 70-300 f4/5.6

tokina atx pro d 100 macro

and either the canon 40mm pancake STM or the 50mm 2.4 USM
Click to expand...

I assume you mean the 55-250 canon?
That's what I would go for but then I don't like tamrons. I have seen too many reports of inaccurate autofocus to consider one myself.

The STM and USM lenses are completely different. USM is rapid autofocus while STM is slow but silent autofocus designed for video recording.
 
and yet more comparisons later - its definitely the 650d

and as for lenses

Tamron 17-50 (non VC) 2.8 (exc IQ) or the Canon 15-85 £250/£478

less flexibility on the Tamron

and

Tamron 70-300 zoom (heavy??) or Canon 70-300 IS USM £320/£330

would the missing 50-70 range be a real issue if I went with Tamron 17-50 and is there a better option by sticking to 200/250 range rather than go to 300

a little over budget so will add the tokina 2.8 100mm Macro at £310 later

cheers
 
Not to step on anyone's toes but the 55-250 Canon MKII is a cracking lens for the money. :)
 
Yes Ive seen that and half cost of tamron though less focal length

Wonder if the tamrons IQ is suffiently better to justify extra cost

Did read on one review of poor build on canon 50-250 loose elements
 
More reading and research as well as getting my hands on both 60d and 7d and I've now decided to go with the 7d just hope its not too complex for my standards

going with the canon 15-85 and tamron 70-300

any thoughts and can anyone suggest a good book please
 
Well I've gone and done it and the 7d with 15-85 is ordered with the Tamron 70-300 plus a 16gb Sandisk 60mb card

I now need a bag and possibly a replacement for the neck strap - are there any other things I need from the off

Thanks to everyone for your comments all much appreciated and I'm happy I've made the correct decision
 
hey strangely enough just ordered both as well as uv/polariser filters.

The camera turned up today and can't wait to start shooting at the weekend after I have a play at home :)

I've seen an incase bag which looks good but not sure on size
 
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