My first DSLR

[IanMoone]

Hey guys! As is obvious from the title I am looking to buy my first Digital SLR. I have great experience with my fathers Canon d5000 and I love it and I am finally going to get my own. My budget for the camera is 700 or less. I am a college student so money is somewhat of an issue, however I prefer quality that I can upgrade down the road. I want something with the power to last a long time even if that means a little more up front.

I do mostly wildlife photography. I love birding, and frequent my local zoo quite often. My girlfriend who will also be using the camera very much enjoys scenic photography. I would prefer a camera that can auto-focus fast and still have a high quality picture. Also since I am a birder pictures per second matters.

As best I can tell it seems to be between the Nikon d3100 and the Nikon d5000, with the d5000 probably being the winner. However, I am getting lots of conflicting answers from the local photographers that I know. Any help would be fantastic. Thanks all!

 

[Snakeguy101]

I think you should bite the bullet and try to find a D80 or 90. It will pretty much even out once you get a few lenses. The d3100 and 5000 need AF-S lenses which are generally way more expensive. I think it would be worth it to you. I am in the same boat (in college and working at a zoo) and after some extensive research, that is my choice. I am getting the d80 next month if all goes according to plan.

 

[IanMoone]

Mind explaining in more detail why you chose that? How much would a good upgraded lens cost? At least 200mm.

 

[mrpink]

How much would a good upgraded lens cost? At least 200mm.

Define "good".






p!nK

 

[IanMoone]

Good for birding. Able to take quality pictures at long distance. Honestly I don't know much about lenses.

 

[tirediron]

I'll assume you meant the Nikon D5000 - If that's the case, the Nikkor 200mm f2 certainly qualifies a good lens.

 

[Snakeguy101]

here are two similar telephoto lenses but one of them is AF-S which is required for the d3100 and d5000. Just look at the price difference:

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens
2161G Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (Vibration Reduction) Zoom Nikkor Lens - Gray Market

Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Telephoto Zoom-Nikkor Lens with HB-26 Hood
1928G Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Telephoto Zoom-Nikkor Lens with HB-26 Hood - Black Finish - Gray Market

 

[IanMoone]

Wow. That is quite a difference. And those lenses are comparable quality? Like they aren't just the same zoom but are also same quality build? Is the price of the lenses the only reason that you chose the d80?

 

[sobolik]

Good for birding. Able to take quality pictures at long distance. Honestly I don't know much about lenses.

Anything over 200mm and things start to get finicky and problematic. It is much better to get a better camera such as the D5000 or D90 and then crop out a close up than to try and struggle with the issues of a long lens. The price and versatility of the 200mm lens is better than the price and limitations of a 300mm (longer than 200) lens I had a 70-300 lens and sold it in favor of just using the 18-200 lens.

Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90 -- Engadget

 

[IanMoone]

Then how do wildlife photographers and paparazzi get such great quality images from such a long distance?

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Good for birding. Able to take quality pictures at long distance. Honestly I don't know much about lenses.

Anything over 200mm and things start to get finicky and problematic. It is much better to get a better camera such as the D5000 or D90 and then crop out a close up than to try and struggle with the issues of a long lens. The price and versatility of the 200mm lens is better than the price and limitations of a 300mm (longer than 200) lens I had a 70-300 lens and sold it in favor of just using the 18-200 lens.

Nikon D5000 impressions, head-to-head with D90 -- Engadget

I think the Canon 70-300 USM IS is a very good lens for birding. They also make 300mm prime L lens as well as a 70-300L. I am sure Nikon has something comparible. I don't think there is anything wrong with a 300mm lens, if you have IS/VC/OS ( or know how to shoot to avoid camera shake ) and adequate light. Pretty much every telephoto lens suffers from softening and issues at its longest reach just as I bet the 18-200 does at 200mm. So you would take a shot at 200mm, crop, and magnify all of the lenses faults at 200mm? I would rather shoot at 300mm, sharpen and call it a day. I am not a Nikon guy, but considering he is on a $700 budget, there probably isn't a whole lot he can afford especially if he wants to buy a longer lens as well. If you can stretch your budget a little or save more, I would either get a Nikon D5000 with kit lens and find a used 70-300 ED VC or I would get a used Canon T1i kit lens and a used Canon 70-300 IS USM lens.

 

[IanMoone]

Why aren't you a Nikon guy, and what would you recommend me expanding my budget too?

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

$1000 if you bought some stuff used. I'm not a Nikon guy cause I shoot Canon. Whichever brand you go with you tend to stay with because of the lenses.

 

[IanMoone]

Im up for detailed recommendations if you don't mind. I am quite new to this. All I know is my dads Nikon d5000, and I know that pretty well.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

I gave you detailed recommendations above - Nikon D5000 with kit and 70-300 lens or Canon T1i with kit lens and 70-300 IS USM lens. You will have to scour craigslist and ebay to try and get some deals on used stuff.... If you are comfortable with the D5000, then get one.