Hi Angela
Welcome back to photography.
I own and use several brands from heavy DSLR to light pocketable compacts. Given your physical limitations, camera and lens weight will be an important consideration. For that reason, you should consider a MFT ( micro four thirds) which are very light and compact. I have the Panasonic Lumix G85 which is very easy to use. It has a vast array of available lenses. Image stabilization in camera and in native lenses is excellent. The camera’s fully articulated rear screen will be very helpful to accommodate difficult angle shots. Image quality is excellent. The G85 has now been upgraded to the G95 but I don’t believe it’s a major improvement. The G85 is well within your budget, the G95 just under $1000 if you want to splurge. Have fun!
BJW

I have decided on the Canon SL2 for my "beginner" camera. It comes with the EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 is STM Lens, 0.43x Super Wide Angle Aux Lens, and 2.2x Telephoto Aux Lens....all of which I know nothing about.

As previously mentioned in my Intro post, I am interested in Macro photography. I have been watching YouTube and see little "hacks" to get Macro shots, without having to purchase a dedicated Macro lens right now.

I've seen videos with extension tubes and a reversal ring, allowing me to flip the kit lens for closer shots. Now, I understand the quality may not be the same as with a dedicated macro lens, and I will work on getting one of those....but for now....which do you all think I would be able to get the most decent shots with, extension tubes, a reversal ring, or...???

I know I need a 58mm diameter, but other than that, are there specific tubes for the SL2, or are all ETs compatible with all cameras??

Thanks.
Angela

Glad you're back to a wonderful hobby. Considering your comment about wrists and shoulders, I think weight of camera outfit is a distinct necessity. You can get a slightly lighter camera but by the time you venture into an array of lenses you will be adding even more weight and an eternal increasing cost as you need/want more lenses. I am surprised that more UHH members have not encouraged you to look at an all-in-one camera such as the Canon GX7 Mark II, GX9 Mark II or the Panasonic Lumix ZS series such as ZS70, all of which are measured in ounces not pounds. You might even consider a digital bridge camera with zoom. These cameras all now include the same dial controls to allow for shutter, aperture, manual etc settings. Unfortunately some feel only a DSLR will do and that is not the case. A weighty DSLR might soon discourage you from the activity or at least limit the amount of time you spend doing it. Please don't assume you must have a DSLR with mounting lenses and mounting costs until you have looked at and handled the wonderful selections of advanced digital cameras with a built in lens which also zooms. We wish you success in your return to photography and believe you will be amazed at your digital opportunities.

Hello everyone! My name is Angela. I am from Eastern North Carolina, and just joined UH today. 

I am a "reborn novice", LOL. By that I mean, I took photography classes in college and at the time did very well, but that was 30 years ago and with a manual Pentax K1000. Needless to say, I have forgotten everything I learned in college, and cameras are quite a bit more advanced than what I learned with. 

I want to venture back into photography, and would primarily be taking "everyday" photos of my family. However, I am also extremely interested in macro photography of our beautiful oceans, wildlife, and bugs/insects. 

My max budget is between $600-700.
I would like a camera that is easy to use for a beginner, but also one that I can eventually grow with. Looking at bundles on Amazon, and see some with the 4 pc macro close up kit with +1, +2, +4, and +10 magnification and am wondering if they would work for what I'm wanting to do. Also, in reading from UH, have seen several posts stating that the bundle lenses are no good, and suggest using a STM lens instead of what's included in the bundle. I have NO CLUE what a STM lens is, or what the differences between those and the bundle ones are. Basically, I am LOST, and need input on what camera would meet my needs. 

One last thing....I am a paraplegic and have very weak wrists and shoulders, so a camera that isn't super heavy would also be ideal. 

Any suggestions within my budget range would be MUCH appreciated. 

Thanks!! 😊