New to Landscape photography

[jonnya]

I am a recreational photographer who has just recently got the bug for a better camera. I typically photograph gardens, individual tree specimens, up close shots of flowers, panoramic landscapes and am looking to upgrade from a run of the mill hand held point and shoot, to something a professional would be proud to have in his/her collection. Does anyone have anyone have their favorite go to camera body/lens? I am looking for something that may be used or refurbished, but still can pack a good punch. Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

Without a price range, it's gong to be hard to give you a realistic recommendation.

to something a professional would be proud to have in his/her collection

Canon 5D mark III ($3460) with 16-35mm F2.8 L ($1700) and maybe a Canon 100mm F2.8 L Macro ($1000).

Of course, you'll want a good quality tripod and head to hold the camera steady ($1000+) (otherwise, you'll never get the best quality from those expensive lenses).

 

[AaronLLockhart]

You're going to need a camera with a large dynamic range. My suggestion would be the D5100. However, I'm a Nikon guy. There may be many out there by Canon that offer similar.

 

[Big Mike]

The dynamic range isn't going to be much different from one DSLR camera to another (although some are certainly better than others). But either way, as far as I know, you get more dynamic range from a full frame camera, than from a 'crop sensor' camera. So a D700 or D800 over something like the D5100.

 

[AaronLLockhart]

The dynamic range isn't going to be much different from one DSLR camera to another (although some are certainly better than others). But either way, as far as I know, you get more dynamic range from a full frame camera, than from a 'crop sensor' camera. So a D700 or D800 over something like the D5100.

Totally understand what you're saying...

But

1. He said he's an enthusiast photographer. Full frame is certainly not in the cards

2. There is a HUGE difference in the Dynamic range comparing the D5100 to something like A D3000 or D40.

 

[Patrice]

1. He said he's an enthusiast photographer. Full frame is certainly not in the cards

I stopped taking commissions when I sold my D200's and bought a D700. I only shoot for fun now so that makes me an amateur/enthusiast. There is nothing in the op's first post that precludes a full frame camera. Enthusiasts can get the good stuff too.

 

[rokvi]

I am a recreational photographer I am looking for something that may be used or refurbished,

5D or 5D II between $650- $1700.

 

[sovietdoc]

A 5D II would definitely do, 5d III has same IQ and that AF system wont be much of a help for landscapes.