Ed48
Loc: Superior, Wisconsin
Welcome to the "Hog" from Superior, WI
Ed48
Welcome to UHH Dean, glad you joined us.
I would suggest you go to your local camera store and hold a few models that you are interested in. How do they feel in your hands, do you like the layout for the controls, does it fit your budget. You might even rent some models that interest you. Don't be afraid of used or refurbished gear, will save you some $$$. Try Adorama, B&H, KEH, MPB, Nikon or Canon for used gear.
Hope I have given you some food for thought.
Don
Don, great ideas! I think that’s exactly what I will do.
Sakwes
Loc: Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Dean Walters wrote:
I’m recently retired and considering taking up photography as a hobby. I spend a lot of time hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. I’m very interested in capturing mammals and birds in their natural habitats. What would be a good beginner camera and lens ( high magnification) that doesn’t drain my bank account.
First off I wouldn't advise you spend a small fortune on camera equipment until your put in some time actually photographing wildlife.
Therefore I would advise starting with a less expensive camera. DSLRs are much more the a camera, you'll need lenses as well, just to get started.
A point and shoot comes equipped with it's own lens and many models can rival an entry level DSLR in most areas such as photo quality and magnification. At half the price, or less of a DSLR with telephoto lens.
Plus, what I like and what works best for me may not be your choice and may not fit your requirements.
It's best if you do the research yourself.
Dean Walters wrote:
I’m recently retired and considering taking up photography as a hobby. I spend a lot of time hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. I’m very interested in capturing mammals and birds in their natural habitats. What would be a good beginner camera and lens ( high magnification) that doesn’t drain my bank account.
My walk around lens is a Tamron 18-400 which does fine for both modest wide angle and distant animals. I bought it used and am very happy with it on my D7200, (also bought used). You can get this kit for less than $1k on the used market.
Welcome to the forum.
D
Welcome to the forum and Merry Christmas.
jack
Welcome to the world of photography. Luckily for you there is much information available on the internet covering all facets of the hobby. As others may have already suggested, look into renting and trying out the various equipment combinations. I still have and love my Nikon D3100. Sure, it's dated but it still does what I want it to do. Remember, it's your hobby and your money so don't let anyone talk you into more than what you want. One (of many, many) good sites to look at is KENROCKWELL.COM. The most important item to remember is to HAVE FUN. If you aren't having fun you are not doing it right.
Welcome, I would suggest the Sony RX10iv or one of the Nikon or Panasonic bridge cameras that have a long zoom. The do quite well. they weigh a lot less than a full frame with a 150-600mm zoom. they are smaller too. I have both a full frame high end camera with a 200-600mm zoom as well as the Sony RX10iv. If you are not printing large images a high zoom bridge will fill your needs at about the same cost of a Full Frame long zoom lens.
RX10iv
neco
Loc: Western Colorado Mountains
Welcome to the UHH. I think you will like it here.
For a person just starting out into the hobby, I would recommend a bridge camera. It is a all in one. Which means camera and lens is built together. They have a megabits of around 20 to 25mp. Lenses at full extension go up to 600mm along with doubler which would make a 600mm into a 1200mm lens without purchasing extra lenses. Shop around for a good bridge camera and it would set you back around $1800.00 at tops. Flash comes with the camera. If you do purchase a bridge camera be sure to purchase extra batteries for the camra.
jpgto
Loc: North East Tennessee
Welcome aboard. Good luck with your choice.
Dean Walters wrote:
I’m recently retired and considering taking up photography as a hobby. I spend a lot of time hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. I’m very interested in capturing mammals and birds in their natural habitats. What would be a good beginner camera and lens ( high magnification) that doesn’t drain my bank account.
Welcome to the forum and a most rewarding hobby.
My suggestion would be a Nikon P900. I have some high end Nikons, but the P900 is the most flexible by far, for both still and video..
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