Stanfordfan Loc: SF Bay Area

Hello,

I have been following and enjoying the forum for about a month as I have been researching my first DSLR to purchase. I have really appreciated the quality of the information and the willingness of the experts to help and guide less experienced folks like me!! I am looking forward to learning a lot!

I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years and have been doing more hiking and visits to the ocean recently. I see lots of wildlife and beautiful flora, and I have decided it is time to get a “real” camera. I am tired of taking pictures with my iPhone that make herons look like hummingbirds and deer look like ground squirrels!!

After doing my research, I leaning to the Canon EOS 80D with the Canon EF-S 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens as a walk-around lens and Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens as a telephoto lens. I realize that this is a big jump from the iPhone (!!) , but I would rather shoot high since this will likely be the only camera I will purchase for many years.

I would like to get your thoughts and input on the following:

1) Any thoughts on the appropriateness of the proposed package? Are there alternative cameras or alternative/additional lenses that I should consider?

2) The combination is available in various bundles on Amazon from an authorized dealer for $1899-$1960 – depending on the accessory package included. I think it is probably better to build the package. The body with the 18-135 lens is available refurbished on the Canon website for $1150, grey market new for about $1200, street price new on canonpricewatch.com for $1250 from an authorized dealer, and $1399 retail. I see no reason to get the grey market version with the price so close to the others. Is the $100 difference for the refurbished version versus the new version worth it? I would like your thoughts on this since I do not have any experience on refurbished versus new in this area.

3) There are various accessory packages available on Amazon and eBay. What are the accessories that I should make sure are included – what filters, 32GB or 64GB memory card, external flash, tripod, spare battery pack, cleaning kit, remote shutter release, backpack, lens hoods, etc.? Are there specific brands I should look for or – alternatively - avoid?

4) I think it is important to purchase one of the 80D guidebooks that are available. Any thoughts on “Canon EOS 80D Guide to Digital SLR Photography” by David Busch versus “Canon EOS 80D For Dummies” by Julie Adair King/Robert Correll versus “Canon 80D Experience” by Douglas Klostermann versus “Canon EOS 80D – The Expanded Guide” by David Taylor?

5) What haven’t I thought about or considered? Any specific retailers that I should consider? Should I consider grey market?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Jim

Stanfordfan Loc: SF Bay Area

Sorry - I forgot to mention that the 70-300 lens is about $475-$500 from authorized dealers and only slightly less from grey market.

Thanks,

Jim

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Aloha Jim and welcome to UHH. Since I shoot with Nikon, I will not attempt to advise you on your Canon equipment. Looking at what you intend to purchase I believe you have a great system in the making. The only thing I would suggest is some kind of flash attachment. There are many available that are compatible for your system. Once you get your equipment, go out and take as many photos as you can. The main thing is that you have fun and enjoy your new hobby.

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Welcome to the HOG Jim.
Enjoy

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Great camera and great kit. You will not thrist for new gear for quite awhile as you learn all the features of the 80D.

On accessories:
All that you mentioned as you can afford them.
(I have them all and use them all)
Prioroty to shoulder strap and spare battery

Circular polarizing filter is a good add also. Google to understand why. Only filter that creates a result you cannot replicate in post processing.

Be careful with packages on Amazon. Some are so cheap quality they are not worth having.

Adding the shoulder strap and ditching the camera strap that comes with the camera. (BlackRapid etc). Your neck will thank you.

Again....as you can afford them....spend most of your time with what you have and add accessories as you decide you need them. You will be much more informed about what you need when you have the need :-)

K.Cole

You might take a look over on B & H Photo before pulling the trigger. We purchased our first DSLR (Rebel Xsi) there back in 2008 as a package deal with a few extras we added. We have continued to buy most everything photo related from them since then. When the Rebel cratered last December, I did a lot of price comparisons and landed back at B & H to purchase our 80D. They always have competitive pricing and fast free delivery.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?Ntt=canon%20eos%2080d&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=hist-ps&typedValue=canon%20eos%2080d

Impressionist

Nice system to start with, add in Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure and you are set.

leftj Loc: Texas

I purchased the 80D refurbished direct from Canon last November and I love it. My previous camera was a 1st generation 7D. I also have the David Busch book and highly recommend it. I don't have either of the lenses you mentioned so I'll defer to others to advise you on that subject.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Try the refurbished combo. If something goes wrong, amazon will take it back within 30 days NQA,

PhotonHog Loc: Annapolis

I have always liked Canon. But do not rule out any brand. They are all good - lots of overlap. At this time you just MIGHT want to consider Full Frame. Yes the cost is more but the results will be worth it. I am VERY close to making the move. It looks like you are doing your homework. GOOD BOY!!! Like they say, Measure twice, Cut once. Good Luck!!!

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Refurbished from canon comes with 1 yr warranty

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

The 18-135 is my most used lens. Very versatile. Takes fine quality pics.

Mr.Ft Loc: Central New Jersey

Welcome to the Hog, I have the 80D and am very happy with it. I also recommend the Dave Bush book "Canon EOS 80D". The book compliments the book very well. Enjoy your new Camera!!

Tom

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

You are making fine decisions! I have only experience with “Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D For Dummies” by Julie Adair King; certainly you'd be wise in purchasing one of these books. I am satisfied with Julie's work -- I just think that "For Dummies" is not flattering!

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have the 80D and love it. You will be happy with it. It is an APS-C type, which is fine. FFs are heavy and have far fewer (but heavy) lenses available. Yes there are other packages that would work, but different brands are usually offering similar items at similar cost. It is a matter of what feels most comfortable. Be advised that the camera comes with a comprehensive owner's manual so getting a guidebook is advised only if you have trouble understanding the manual.