beginner setup help

[pwat92]

wow thanks a ton TCampbell, that was really helpful, i pretty much it narrowed down to a canon t3i/t2i (from what ive read virtually the same camera minus articulating screen), or the nikon d5100, so its a battle of nikon vs canon, i have been to the store and handled both cameras both felt good in my hands, i liked the button layout on the canon better but i like the screen layout with the aperture diagram better from the nikon. so for me it pretty much comes down to lenses, not so much the amount available but the cost, from what i can see the nikkor lenses seem to be a little more pricey, is this because they are better? and if as was stated above the nikons have a better amount on the used market, this is a big advantage, but if i have to buy only AF-S lenses this could be a disadvantage (could because i dont know if there are a ton on the used market, and because i assume they are more expensive). does anyone have anything that helped them to decide between canon and nikon, because i know i am not the first newbie to be faced with this decision.

It's not fair to generalize that the Nikon lenses are more expensive than the Canon lenses... you can find examples that go both ways. Although perhaps the particular lens you compared might have worked out that way.

The cameras which are priced at about the same price point will be about equal in terms of features and quality... that's on purpose. The two companies are very competitive in that regard.

The good news is, they're all very good so it's not like there's a "wrong" choice.

no no i get what your saying it was and over generalization, but in my research i have just found that alot of the nikon lenses are more expensive for example 50mm f1.8, but ive also heard that the nikon 50mm is vastly superior to the canon in build quality and sharpness. but yes i think you are probably right that this applies to the lenses that i have been looking at for my needs

 

[jwbryson1]

A great lens to consider that will double as a macro lens and portrait lens (concerts) is the Tokina 100mm 2.8. Inexpensive, great quality and built like a tank.

 

[TCampbell]

arrgh part of me really hates how many choices there are lol, im slightly leaning towards to d7000 because i really dont want to be back on the market for a body in 2 years i would really like this one to last me i like the high fps just because i can shoot sports if ever i decide im into that, but what i really like is the fact that there are two dials which is something that isnt really advertised but i see it as being i big plus, and also i like the fact that it has a weather proof body, looks like its time to go back to best buy and handle these babies again, one more QQ with the d7000 would i still have to buy af-s lenses? or is it internal?

A D7000 has an in-body focus motor. It can autofocus either with AF or AF-S lenses.

Keep in mind that whenever you read that a camera body is weather-sealed, weather-resistant, etc. that this (a) only applies to the body and not the lenses (but there are also weather-sealed lenses) and (b) the seals are designed to keep out dust or water as long as the water is not under pressure -- i.e. don't submerge the camera... that would be very bad.

 

[pwat92]

A great lens to consider that will double as a macro lens and portrait lens (concerts) is the Tokina 100mm 2.8. Inexpensive, great quality and built like a tank.

wow that sounds great, but what exactly is inexpensive? i cant find it on any of my local stores sites

also what about the 18-105mm kit that comes with the d7000? ive read a bunch of reviews and they're all over the map some people say its an awesome lens some people say its garbage and that the 18-55mm is better, what do you guys think is this a good lens to learn on and then upgrade in a while (my funds are gonna take a hit with the d7000) or should i be looking elsewhere for something to start with like the tokina mentioned above?

 

[jwbryson1]

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D Macro ATXAFM100PRON B&H

 

[pwat92]

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D Macro ATXAFM100PRON B&H

yes i know but i live in canada prices are different and often more expensive as our dollar is a little weaker

 

[lesliemorris85]

Like everyone here, I’d also recommend the high-end entry level cameras. Doesn’t matter which brand. Being entry level cameras, they are simple and capable enough to meet your current skill level and needs. Being high-end entry level cameras, they could still deliver and last you a long time even if you have mastered the basics and moved on to tougher genres/shooting conditions. As for your glass, the 70-300mm is fine, compliment it with a mid-range like tamron’s 17-50mm and one prime like the 50mm 1.8 (I’m just going by your budget here, but if you can shell out more go for the 70-200 2.8).

I spent 2 years on the Nikon D3000 before upgrading to D90. Then another 3 years from D90 to D7000. At the moment I doubt if I will be upgrading to D7100 or mid-level cameras soon. The D7000 is more than enough for my current skill level and skills.