Help me pick the camera for me
Jun 6, 2017 06:01:37 #
Deanie1113 wrote:
Hi! My first post here. I have just returned my ... (show quote)
Welcome to our forum!
You have tough requirements. It sounds like you want a compact with a "superzoom." Aside from the camera specs, you'll have to develop the necessary skills to make it do what you want.
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom---travel-zoom-cameras-2016-19720
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-consumer-long-zoom-compacts
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-compact-enthusiast-zoom-cameras
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-pocket-zoom-digital-cameras-2015-19720
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0692551582/2015-roundup-advanced-zoom-compacts/01
Jun 6, 2017 06:23:11 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Deanie1113 wrote:
Hi! My first post here. I have just returned my ... (show quote)
Sony A6500 for $1,298, then either the 55-210 for $348 or the 18-200 at $748. A better lens just over your budget would be the 70-300 at $1098 or the 24-270 at $898. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Jun 6, 2017 06:38:10 #
The D500 with the 200-500 lens, from what I know, should be a great combination to shoot birds but I do not believe you will be happy with the weight.
You seem to need a mirrorless camera which is smaller, lighter and the majority of them have a good assortment of lenses but I am no completely sure their AF will do the right job. I know some of them have improved AF but till now their AF has not been very good for wildlife photography.
You seem to need a mirrorless camera which is smaller, lighter and the majority of them have a good assortment of lenses but I am no completely sure their AF will do the right job. I know some of them have improved AF but till now their AF has not been very good for wildlife photography.
Jun 6, 2017 07:10:39 #
alggomas
Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
Welcome to the club.
You have had many good suggestions.
I believe you will not get all specs you require. You will have to suffer something. I think the 200-500mm lens would be worth trying with your camera. Just rent the lens.
As far as weight is concerned are you going trekking? What kind of birds are you after? I would use your overnight case with wheels or buy one with bigger wheels,take a tripod and a large bean bag ( for the camera and lens).
I think it would be difficult for anyone to tick all your boxes.
For me? IQ over weight.
You have had many good suggestions.
I believe you will not get all specs you require. You will have to suffer something. I think the 200-500mm lens would be worth trying with your camera. Just rent the lens.
As far as weight is concerned are you going trekking? What kind of birds are you after? I would use your overnight case with wheels or buy one with bigger wheels,take a tripod and a large bean bag ( for the camera and lens).
I think it would be difficult for anyone to tick all your boxes.
For me? IQ over weight.
Jun 6, 2017 07:32:03 #
Jun 6, 2017 07:40:56 #
She might have received a bad copy. But the Sony I bought fits my needs and is small and light. The Sony a6500 (24mp) and coupled with a medium telephoto would be just over the budget, but would be only 3 lbs.
Jun 6, 2017 07:43:29 #
Deanie1113 wrote:
For real! It's image quality was terrible -- very, very noisy. Much worse than my Canon SX 60, though I controls, buttons, and autofocus was great.
This sounds like auto ISO was on which would result in noise when in low light. Alternatively, you may have inadvertently fixed the ISO at a high level. I really doubt it was the quality of the camera which is known to be excellent.
Jun 6, 2017 07:57:32 #
Jun 6, 2017 08:00:29 #
Have you thought of using a mirror lens ? As they give great results on distance shots and are also light weight.
Jun 6, 2017 08:08:55 #
I would say the Canon SX40, SX50, and SX60 set on the proper settings works great. I have not had any problems taking pictures of birds and other species. photosbybones.com
Jun 6, 2017 08:18:17 #
Wingpilot wrote:
It sounds like you just returned the camera that fits your requirements.
Agree... perhaps problem is more in technique or inadvertent settings?
Jun 6, 2017 08:24:26 #
Tom G
Loc: Atlanta, GA
Deanie1113 wrote:
Hi! My first post here. I have just returned my ... (show quote)
How about a different lens? B&H has this lens for $1,799.00. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Nikon F. Well within your "Budget".
Jun 6, 2017 08:25:14 #
Jun 6, 2017 08:50:53 #
I say get a Canon T3I! Save over a more expensive model and take the extra cash and go on a trip to RMNP or Smoky Mountains (in October.) Fly Southwest (if needed) where TWO bags fly FREE! Maybe get a Sigma 18-250 and you'll be set for life! Canon site sells a lot of great refurbs!
Jun 6, 2017 09:02:41 #
Nikon makes a light weight lens - 300 mm f4 - weighs in at 26 ounces and costs 2000.00. Could add an extender for more reach. Could use your present Nikon camera. I don't think there would be any problem with image quality.
At least you would be able to carry it :)
I use a Panasonic GX8 with the Panasonic Leica 100-400 mm lens. It is a slow lens so I shoot it wide open almost always. Image quality is good, weight is manageable, focus is fairly fast. Does it compare to a 600 mm prime lens. No, but...
Panasonic also is releasing or just released an upgraded version of their 100-300 mm lens that is about 20 ounces- good reviews- I haven't tried it.
I also use a Pentax K-3 ll with 300 mm lens for sitting birds- image is excellent and focus fine as long as the bird is not flying.
The other possibility- a 70-300 mm to go on your Nikon. Some of the lenses in that focal length have very good IQ and are light enough to hike with.
Good luck on your quest.
At least you would be able to carry it :)
I use a Panasonic GX8 with the Panasonic Leica 100-400 mm lens. It is a slow lens so I shoot it wide open almost always. Image quality is good, weight is manageable, focus is fairly fast. Does it compare to a 600 mm prime lens. No, but...
Panasonic also is releasing or just released an upgraded version of their 100-300 mm lens that is about 20 ounces- good reviews- I haven't tried it.
I also use a Pentax K-3 ll with 300 mm lens for sitting birds- image is excellent and focus fine as long as the bird is not flying.
The other possibility- a 70-300 mm to go on your Nikon. Some of the lenses in that focal length have very good IQ and are light enough to hike with.
Good luck on your quest.
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