Your Opinion Please
Apr 24, 2014 17:43:31 #
GaryS1964
Loc: Northern California
If you have a membership I suggest Costco or Sam's Club. Both offer kits with two lenses that cover the range from wide to telephoto and a couple of accessories including a bag to put it all in. Right now both have the Canon 70D kit on sale for $1399, $100 over your budget but a good crop camera that's compares favorably to the Nikon D7100 kit which is $1699 at Sam's Club. Both stores have less expensive kits and if you are not tied to Canon or Nikon then Olympus makes some nice mirrorless cameras which are smaller and lighter. Sony also makes some nice mirrorless cameras. Lot's of choices so best to go to a camera store and take a look at all of them.
As has been point out already you should consider a refurb. I can't speak for Nikon but Canon refurbs when purchased direct from Canon and maybe other vendors as well have the same one year warranty as new Canon cameras and lenses. I have purchased refurb Canon lenses and they looked and performed as new.
http://www.canonpricewatch.com/canon-refurb-stock-tracker/
http://www.nikonpricewatch.com/refurbished/
As has been point out already you should consider a refurb. I can't speak for Nikon but Canon refurbs when purchased direct from Canon and maybe other vendors as well have the same one year warranty as new Canon cameras and lenses. I have purchased refurb Canon lenses and they looked and performed as new.
http://www.canonpricewatch.com/canon-refurb-stock-tracker/
http://www.nikonpricewatch.com/refurbished/
Apr 24, 2014 17:56:03 #
BuckeyeBilly wrote:
I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refur... (show quote)
The Canon T3i & T5i are great cameras for the money. I own, and still shoot, the T2i & it's almost identical to the T3i so I know it's a great camera.
The T5i kit with an 18-135 IS STM lens is currently $949. You could add the 85mm f/1.8 for another $400. You would have a great, fast prime lens and a very adequate zoom.
There are so many good kits on sale and so many wonderful and affordable (they can't all be L) that there is probably 4 or 5 combos I'd be happy with.
The Canon kits (T3i & T5i) are currently coming with a free shoulder bag and class 10 memory card. They are also adding additional discounts if you bundle in some software with them.
Check out the link below and don't be fooled by the term "dental". This kit may be used by anyone, especially someone looking to do some macro work. This lens would also work great for portraits.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1019897-REG/canon_eos_rebel_t3i_dslr.html " rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1019897-REG/canon_eos_rebel_t3i_dslr.html
Apr 24, 2014 18:32:02 #
Moles wrote:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the D7100 have all the same beginner settings as the D5000 series, as well as more advanced functions? Plus it has a far better kit lens and is within budget, or just outside.
Personally I much preferred my D5100 over my D7000. I think the reasons carry over to the 5200/5300 vs. 7100.
They have essentially the same sensor and processing software, so you can take the same quality photos. The D5xxx is Much lighter and I much preferred doing settings with the nicely laid out and readable Info screen. The D7000 had me fumbling for buttons and having to put on reading glasses to se the tiny green LCD. I think the D 7100 the same I these regards.
But most importantly I learned to love the articulated screen on the D 5xxx.
Apr 24, 2014 20:22:06 #
May want to try a pentax K3 with a 50mm 1.8. Its about $1300 from b&h..it's one hell of a camera...and you can buy used pentax lenses for a song..this site is nikon crazy... do a tad of research and enjoy
Apr 24, 2014 20:26:24 #
JC56 wrote:
May want to try a pentax K3 with a 50mm 1.8. Its about $1300 from b&h..it's one hell of a camera...and you can buy used pentax lenses for a song..this site is nikon crazy... do a tad of research and enjoy
Actually I think it's more Canikon crazy...
ah well...to each his own...they give great advice when they aren't pushing Canikon...
Apr 24, 2014 20:36:17 #
cntry wrote:
Sony SLT-A65V 24.3 MP Digital SLR Body Only($500)
Tamron Sp Af 17-50mm F/2.8 Xr Di Ii Ld Aspherical If Model A16 ($340),
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD All-In-One Zoom Lens ($400)
or
Sony 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 DT Zoom Lens ($300)
All prices from Amazon.com
Tamron Sp Af 17-50mm F/2.8 Xr Di Ii Ld Aspherical If Model A16 ($340),
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD All-In-One Zoom Lens ($400)
or
Sony 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 DT Zoom Lens ($300)
All prices from Amazon.com
cmtry is on the money! literally! with his recommendation of the:
SonyA65 and the two Tamron lenses:
SpAF 17-50mm f/2.8
Af 18-270mm f/ 3.5-6.3
Both lenses are superior dollar balues, the 18-270 is, in my many years's experience, the absolute finest dollar value in a lens I've found!
Sony provides extremely effective Image Stabilization within the camera body, so there is no need to pay extra for that feature in every lens you buy, as one must with lenses for Nikon and Canon.
And, should you later desire to expand your stable of lenses, the exceptionally high quality Minolta AF lenses that are totally compatible with the Sony Alpha mount are readily available.
Dave
Apr 24, 2014 20:58:17 #
amehta wrote:
This is an excellent suggestion. " see what focal lengths you use most"
Apr 26, 2014 02:27:27 #
MtnMan wrote:
Go to Costco, or Costco.com, and get the Nikon D5200 kit. I think it under $1000. I recommend getting the one with the 18-55 and 55-300 lens. The 55-200 lens isn't nearly as good as the 55-300.
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I second that emotion. You will be EXTREMELY happy with this setup.
Apr 26, 2014 03:12:11 #
If yo weren't stuck on new(I don't know why)I would suggest the Canon 60D,50mm1.8 and Sigma 18-250.
Pappy
Pappy
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