D80 vs 30D

Ptyler22 · Jun 10, 2008

If I did that does anybody here have any canon lenses they are selling?

Ptyler22 · Jun 10, 2008

or this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335762-USA/Sigma_684101_55_200mm_f_4_5_6_DC_Lens.html

Ptyler22 · Jun 10, 2008

Are any of these any good?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/416564-REG/Tamron_AF015C700_55_200mm_f_4_5_6_Di_II_LD.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373747-REG/Sigma_777101_18_200mm_f_3_5_6_3_DC_Lens.html

icassell · Jun 10, 2008

Spend the money on the lens -- then get a used camera body that you can upgrade when you get more $$. I love my 30D. As long as you have a good lens in a compatible mount, you can then use your old camera body as a backup or second body. You can probably get a good used 20D for a reasonable price. The sigma 50-150 f2.8 that I have is is a great lens, but not long enough for what you want to do. I've used it for some indoor sports, but it doesn't quite have the reach. My much-more-expensive 100-300 f4 has the reach, but not the speed for indoor sports. ... get the 70-200. If you're only into outdoor sports, you have more options for less $$ because you don't necessarily need the f2.8

By the way, if you're new to photography and don't need to jump right into courtside work, the 18-55mm kit lens will get you started and let you learn your camera. My guess is that the 30D body without the lens wouldn't cost you much less.

Ptyler22 · Jun 10, 2008

icassell said:
Spend the money on the lens -- then get a used camera body that you can upgrade when you get more $$. I love my 30D. As long as you have a good lens in a compatible mount, you can then use your old camera body as a backup or second body. You can probably get a good used 20D for a reasonable price. The sigma 50-150 f2.8 that I have is is a great lens, but not long enough for what you want to do. I've used it for some indoor sports, but it doesn't quite have the reach. My much-more-expensive 100-300 f4 has the reach, but not the speed for indoor sports. ... get the 70-200. If you're only into outdoor sports, you have more options for less $$ because you don't necessarily need the f2.8

By the way, if you're new to photography and don't need to jump right into courtside work, the 18-55mm kit lens will get you started and let you learn your camera. My guess is that the 30D body without the lens wouldn't cost you much less.

Ya so I am getting a job over the summer which would mean more $$ and I have enough right now for the refurbished 30d with 18-55mm so you think that is ok for now? I also have a birthday (june 22) and I could ask for a lens then.

Mav · Jun 10, 2008

On a max budget of $800 I'd get a used 20D, 30D, or whatever Rebel you can find ($300-400) and then look for a Canon 70-200 f/4L for about $400-500 used. You'll be able to get great sports photos with a setup like this. Buy a used 18-55 kit lens off of somebody for $60-80 for wider stuff. This is a great starter setup for sports. I'd also strongly recommend going with Canon since their lens lineup in the telephoto and super-telephoto end gives you more choices for less money. After that if you want a faster lens, save up another $500 or so and then sell your 70-200 f/4L for the same price you got it for and upgrade to a 70-200 f/2.8L.

Mav · Jun 10, 2008

I've seen Rebel XTi kits with the 18-55 and 50-250mm IS lenses or less than $800 I think at Costco too. That'd be a good setup as well, but the 50-250mm lens is slower at the long end than the 70-200 f/4, which will bog you down for sports. You're probably better off just starting with the 70-200 f/4.

Senor Hound · Jun 11, 2008

Ptyler22 said:
Do you think I would imporve faster with one of those cameras or with a 30d or 40d that I wouldn't outgrow very soon.

I don't think you'll improve faster, no. But you'll want to buy a new camera sooner. We all want new equipment. Even the person with a 1Ds Mk-III wants the new one to come out. The only reason I'm saying to spend less now is because:

a) it will let you buy the equipment now, so you'll start earlier, and

b) you don't want to sink a ton of money into something when you still aren't sure what you want out of it.

I'm by no means an expert. I'm probably the worst photographer of anyone who has posted in this thread. But I do know what its like to not have money (I make less than 15k a year working full time), and I do think these people need to remember what equipment they had when they began. Unless they started off good, their composition was probably the limiting factor, rather than their equipment (I know it is for me).

Anyway, I don't want to tell you what to do, because you really need to make this decision for yourself (or you'll be unhappy with what you get). But I did want to clarify that equipment does not make the photographer, that's all.

Ptyler22 · Jun 11, 2008

Ya, thanks right now I am thinking either a rebel xti, or the 30d. I can order the 30d, and then get a lens and a case for my birthday

Ptyler22 · Jun 11, 2008

and on amazon right now they have 4gb cf cards 133x write speed for 19.99, so I could get like 2 of those.

Village Idiot · Jun 11, 2008

Senor Hound said:
I don't think you'll improve faster, no. But you'll want to buy a new camera sooner. We all want new equipment. Even the person with a 1Ds Mk-III wants the new one to come out. The only reason I'm saying to spend less now is because:

a) it will let you buy the equipment now, so you'll start earlier, and

b) you don't want to sink a ton of money into something when you still aren't sure what you want out of it.

I'm by no means an expert. I'm probably the worst photographer of anyone who has posted in this thread. But I do know what its like to not have money (I make less than 15k a year working full time), and I do think these people need to remember what equipment they had when they began. Unless they started off good, their composition was probably the limiting factor, rather than their equipment (I know it is for me).

Anyway, I don't want to tell you what to do, because you really need to make this decision for yourself (or you'll be unhappy with what you get). But I did want to clarify that equipment does not make the photographer, that's all.

Did you buy a DSLR yet?

Ptyler22 · Jun 11, 2008

Village Idiot said:
Did you buy a DSLR yet?

Nope not yet. but I am thinking the 30d sounds good because I can just ask for a lens for my birthday, then I don't have to worry about not having enough for it.

Ptyler22 · Jun 11, 2008

As soon as my mom will take the 5 seconds to fill out her credit card number... Then it will be on its way.

Senor Hound · Jun 11, 2008

Village Idiot said:
Did you buy a DSLR yet?

Don't quite have the money yet, but I'm getting close. I can smell the image sensor! I'm just glad I have a camera now, cause if not, the wait would be much harder! I couldn't imagine having to wait for my only camera. If something happened to mine now, I'd probably have to rob a liquor store or something

Right now I'm thinking 350D, but if I can somehow stay strong I may end up going with the 20D. I don't think I can go wrong either way!

Ptyler22 · Jun 12, 2008

Senor Hound said:
Don't quite have the money yet, but I'm getting close. I can smell the image sensor! I'm just glad I have a camera now, cause if not, the wait would be much harder! I couldn't imagine having to wait for my only camera. If something happened to mine now, I'd probably have to rob a liquor store or something

Right now I'm thinking 350D, but if I can somehow stay strong I may end up going with the 20D. I don't think I can go wrong either way!

Or with the 30d from adorama its cheaper than the 20d (Only $649 with the lens!!) Thats why I am getting the 30d.