Hi my name is rich. looking to buy either a Canon 70D or Nikon 7100. this will be my first DSLR camera. taking trip to Italy this summer and want to take the next step with regard to photography. I know that both cameras are very good, but my real dilemma is choosing lenses. both cameras are available as kits.
The Nikon comes with both a 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens and a 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens (Amazon)
The Canon comes with two lenses as well 18-55mm STM lens and a 55-250mm lens (Costco)
Not sure if I should start out buying the body and one good all around lens versus a kit?
What does STM mean and what does it do versus a non STM lens. Obvious I have a lot to learn.
Don't want to start out cheap and work my way up. Have done that with the point and shoot cameras.
Thanks Rich
Out of those 2...I'd choose the 7100...personally though, I'd go with a lightweight option and enjoy my time in Italy.
Canon.
Yes, better to buy a camera body and add a quality lens. Not only Canon, but also Sigma offers a line of lenses worth considering.
For travel, though, consider buying one lens. I can recommend the Canon 15-85mm f/3.4-5.6 IS Lens. You can learn DSLR photography with it and the 70D.
If you get the Nikon don't buy the kit lenses. Get the Body only, then buy the Nikon 18-300mm to use on it. It'll cover all your needs in just one lens.
daninr8
Loc: Western Slope of Colorado
What ever you buy, try it out in a camera store first. Get your hands on the cameras, and then you can buy what feels right for you. Even if you was to get a lower end dslr camera, it's always the lens setup that you have that gets the real good photos. I have the Canon T3i with a Sigma 18-250 lens, and am very happy with this setup. I would suggest that you buy a body, and spend the rest on a good superzoom lens. Most of all have fun with what you buy, and post lots of pics. Welcome to the HOG.
luvmypets
Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC
Hello and welcome!! Whatever you choice....enjoy!
Bigdee
Loc: Southern California
Welcome to the Ugly Hedgehog
sb
Loc: Florida's East Coast
I just purchased a 70D. It has a lot of features, including video, that I need. The STM lenses are specially designed to work with the video in the 70D and other EOS cameras (will silently autofocus while video is running). Although they are "kit" lenses, the reports that I read indicate that they are of good quality. Be aware that the COSTCO kit does not have the larger of the STM lenses, but a "regular" lens. If you want to get those lenses, the best deal is to buy the kit with the smaller lens and get the $150 off the larger 55-250 STM lens (at Amazon). The 70D is one of the new lighter breed of cameras. I have mixed feelings about that - I am very used to a very heavy camera - but I think I will enjoy not lugging around half a ton of equipment. In fact, the 55-250 STM is so light, I am going to have to try it with a 2x extender instead of my Canon 100-400 which is a beautiful lens, but weights about 87 pounds! :)
Hi Rich - this is more about shooting in Italy than lenses - but on my trips I did very heavy museum and artwork photography. In churches (the vatican) lighting is pretty low - faster lenses would've been better. If you're not going to do substantial inside shooting, by all means go with a 18-250 Sigma or 18-200 / 28-300 Nikon. I really like the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 for inside detail work and other low light situations, but it's pricey.
JoeB
Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY
Hello Rich and welcome to UHH.
I agree with bob44044, my wife has a d3100 with the 18 x 300 lens. It never comes off her camera.
Buy the body and forget the kit lenses . As yo advance you will upgrade anyway so start with thee best glass you can afford . Do not overlook refurbs and check with local camera club or store for more options.
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