Beginning photography
Oct 1, 2018 16:40:46 #
I would greatly appreciate some guidance in purchasing equipment, and using the equipment. I am going to be a new grandparent. I also love birds and other wildlife, and would like to take some fantastic shots.
Oct 1, 2018 16:45:44 #
Oct 1, 2018 16:47:32 #
pcooledge wrote:
I would greatly appreciate some guidance in purchasing equipment, and using the equipment. I am going to be a new grandparent. I also love birds and other wildlife, and would like to take some fantastic shots.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-554751-1.html
There are lots of us selling very good quality used equipment like this and I'm sure any one of us would be glad to help you get going.
Ken
Oct 1, 2018 17:01:36 #
pcooledge wrote:
Welcome to the forum. Look forward to your questions.I would greatly appreciate some guidance in purchasing equipment, and using the equipment. I am going to be a new grandparent. I also love birds and other wildlife, and would like to take some fantastic shots.
Oct 1, 2018 17:39:26 #
Thank you.
I am looking at a Nikon D3400 to start on this adventure. What do you think?
Should I buy the lenses separately or with the camera? There seem to be some pretty good bundles on the market.
Would you buy new or refurbished, or used?
I am looking at a Nikon D3400 to start on this adventure. What do you think?
Should I buy the lenses separately or with the camera? There seem to be some pretty good bundles on the market.
Would you buy new or refurbished, or used?
Oct 1, 2018 19:11:51 #
I was gifted a D3400 for Christmas 2017. You can click on my link below to see what kind of results can be had. Whatever equipment you decide on, I would recommend used or refurbished. There seems to be many who take up the hobby to get "fantastic" shots, but soon realize that it has more to do with learning how to use the equipment than the equipment itself. Once they realize that a DSLR is not a point and shoot, they quickly lose interest and you can pick up great deals. If you stay with the reputable dealers (adorama, KEH, Roberts Camera, Cameta) you can find used equipment a much better $$$.
As for buying seperate.... If you don't know what type of photography you will be most interested in, the kit lenses are a great way to start and find out in an inexpensive way. Then you can purchase higher quality lenses that meet your growing needs. If you have no experience in photography, be open to learning, don't get frustrated, and celebrate your victories!!! It is a ton of fun, but does take some focus to learn. Best to you, and if I can be of any help, please feel free to PM me.
As for buying seperate.... If you don't know what type of photography you will be most interested in, the kit lenses are a great way to start and find out in an inexpensive way. Then you can purchase higher quality lenses that meet your growing needs. If you have no experience in photography, be open to learning, don't get frustrated, and celebrate your victories!!! It is a ton of fun, but does take some focus to learn. Best to you, and if I can be of any help, please feel free to PM me.
Oct 1, 2018 20:31:50 #
pcooledge wrote:
Thank you.
I am looking at a Nikon D3400 to start on this adventure. What do you think?
Should I buy the lenses separately or with the camera? There seem to be some pretty good bundles on the market.
Would you buy new or refurbished, or used?
I am looking at a Nikon D3400 to start on this adventure. What do you think?
Should I buy the lenses separately or with the camera? There seem to be some pretty good bundles on the market.
Would you buy new or refurbished, or used?
Sam’s Club has a Nikon D3400 bundlewith 2 kit lenses at a very reasonable price. Check it out.
Oct 1, 2018 22:40:07 #
I sold cameras for 20 years, but I can't help you without knowing a bit more. If you have no experience, start with a simple, easy to learn camera without having to buy a lot of lenses or other stuff. This can be a second or backup camera later if you want to move up. Most Americans use cameras as sort of diary, and a snapshot camera is fine for that--some are very fine quality. I would buy the best bargain (new) I can find, in the price range or category I want. I buy used, but I am an experienced user/buyer. You do not need what the pros use unless you are trying to go pro--and even then, maybe not. If you do have experience, go by your experience, or look for advice in a good camera store (if they still have those). There are so many fine cameras at bargain prices, I would not know where to start, especially without knowing what you are interested in.
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pcooledge wrote:
I would greatly appreciate some guidance in purchasing equipment, and using the equipment. I am going to be a new grandparent. I also love birds and other wildlife, and would like to take some fantastic shots.
Oct 1, 2018 22:44:05 #
Okay, here’s my advice, FWIW...
Start with a budget. Initial acquisition cost plus how much per year you think you can afford for lenses and other new gear.
Decide whether you’re willing to take the risk of buying used bodies and lenses to enable more bang for the buck. Refurbished offers minimal risk, but also less savings than used.
Now take a look at your long term plans and budget in context to decide whether full frame is in Your short term (say 3-4 years) future. If not, go for high quality crop cameras and lenses. Your money will stretch much further and there’s a ready market for used gear if you change your mind.
If you think FF is something you want to move to in the near future, you may decide to get along with less stuff in the short term. Expect to pay about twice the price per item for full frame.
Now that you’ve got a budget and format, read reviews and do comparisons. Many review sites out there. For specific comparisons, check out dslr reviews dot com. When you see a specific feature or capability you don’t understand, ask here and you’ll get many useful opinions.
Under no circumstances should you ever ask the question that is the third rail of the Ugly Hedgehog - “Which is better, Nikon or Canon (or any other brand)?”
The answers are apt to be as opinionated and informative as asking “Who’s better, Trump or Sanders?” Or “Which religion is the true one?”
One thing to remember- it’s pretty easy in this hobby to back up and start over, especially before you’ve committed a lot of money to one system.
Take a lot of pictures, relaxxxx, and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Andy
Start with a budget. Initial acquisition cost plus how much per year you think you can afford for lenses and other new gear.
Decide whether you’re willing to take the risk of buying used bodies and lenses to enable more bang for the buck. Refurbished offers minimal risk, but also less savings than used.
Now take a look at your long term plans and budget in context to decide whether full frame is in Your short term (say 3-4 years) future. If not, go for high quality crop cameras and lenses. Your money will stretch much further and there’s a ready market for used gear if you change your mind.
If you think FF is something you want to move to in the near future, you may decide to get along with less stuff in the short term. Expect to pay about twice the price per item for full frame.
Now that you’ve got a budget and format, read reviews and do comparisons. Many review sites out there. For specific comparisons, check out dslr reviews dot com. When you see a specific feature or capability you don’t understand, ask here and you’ll get many useful opinions.
Under no circumstances should you ever ask the question that is the third rail of the Ugly Hedgehog - “Which is better, Nikon or Canon (or any other brand)?”
The answers are apt to be as opinionated and informative as asking “Who’s better, Trump or Sanders?” Or “Which religion is the true one?”
One thing to remember- it’s pretty easy in this hobby to back up and start over, especially before you’ve committed a lot of money to one system.
Take a lot of pictures, relaxxxx, and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Andy
Oct 1, 2018 22:53:57 #
PS: I would also second the advice to start with a kit lens ranging from moderate wide angle to moderate telephoto. They aren’t great wide open, but stopped down by a stop or two, they’re much better than the glass snobs would have you believe. Save your money for buying the best glass till you have gained some experience and direction on areas you want to “focus” on within the hobby.
Andy
Andy
Oct 2, 2018 06:08:10 #
Oct 2, 2018 08:18:03 #
Oct 2, 2018 08:34:05 #
Oct 2, 2018 10:10:56 #
Oct 2, 2018 10:26:45 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Welcome aboard. You will read some great advice here (on many levels). AndyH and swartfort have given some great starting info. The D3400 (or any in that Dxxx series and D5xxx) often come with either a 2 lens bundle, or a wide-to-tele zoom, like the 18-140. Either set will be a good starting platform, and the basic kit lens will produce fine photographs. These late model kit lenses will have VR (Vibration Reduction/compensation), and if you have a steady hand, and smooth shutter finger, you will get sharp photos.
Shoot to learn and learn to shoot..... It is OK to start out on "AUTO" and then look at what the camera is doing to make the shot. Read, read, experiment, read some more, experiment, you get my drift. The great thing with digital is that you can take literally hundreds of shots and can see the data and see where you could do better, etc. Bracket, and look at what each variation of the same shot produces. Read some more!
New is nice, refurb is good as new (less $$), and used can be very rewarding, but you have to do your homework. Early on look to the big resellers (MPB, KEH, Roberts - Usedphotopro, B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Hunts, etc.) as even with used they will have a good warranty, the product will match or be better than the description, and returns are no problem/low effort.
Ebay and others like it can be fun and rewarding, but I'd say to stay away from there until you've gained some camera and equipment knowledge, and learn the trick's of that trade.
Enjoy the ride!!
Shoot to learn and learn to shoot..... It is OK to start out on "AUTO" and then look at what the camera is doing to make the shot. Read, read, experiment, read some more, experiment, you get my drift. The great thing with digital is that you can take literally hundreds of shots and can see the data and see where you could do better, etc. Bracket, and look at what each variation of the same shot produces. Read some more!
New is nice, refurb is good as new (less $$), and used can be very rewarding, but you have to do your homework. Early on look to the big resellers (MPB, KEH, Roberts - Usedphotopro, B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Hunts, etc.) as even with used they will have a good warranty, the product will match or be better than the description, and returns are no problem/low effort.
Ebay and others like it can be fun and rewarding, but I'd say to stay away from there until you've gained some camera and equipment knowledge, and learn the trick's of that trade.
Enjoy the ride!!
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