Newbie needs buying advice for outdoor and lower light photography

[LBCarl]

Derrel, I actually preferred the feel of the Pentax a little bit over the 5200. Seems to fit slightly better in my hands. From your like I can see that Pentax lenses would cover my needs just fine and I wouldn't likely ever have to worry about not finding a lens to fit my needs down the road as i learn more and progress. There's one concern that I keep running into about Pentax lenses in quite a few reviews I've read...and that's noise. Physical noise of some of the lenses, but not all, when using them. Can you shed any light on that? Is it something you've run into?

 

[LBCarl]

I just wanted to thank all of you for responding to me. If this is anything like every other forum I've ever used, I'm sure you all get a bunch of newbie questions similar to mine all the time, and I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to help me out. This is extremely helpful!

 

[LBCarl]

Thanks Joe! I had no idea I could rent lenses, that sounds like a great idea. I'll definitely pick up a polarizer and other items you mention. I've done a little additional reading on the 50mm and will go with that, plus a body with no lens kit. The 50mm seems like a versatile lens and for me the best choice to start. I knew the tripod I mentioned couldn't possibly have any use. I like what you said about the best camera. When I first started looking to buy one, I was immediately drawn to the 3300 or 5300 and they just don't make sense for me, as opposed to the 5200 for so much less. I'm pretty excited about this, now I just have to make the final decision and buy the thing. I'm not overwhelmed any more, thanks to the responses here!

Hi Joe. Thank you for all the input. That's a ton to consider, but I appreciate it as I'm trying to gather as much info that I can understand before deciding. I am narrowed down to the 5200 or K-50 for sure at this point with the 50mm you and goodguy recommend. It seems ideal for what I plan to do. From what I've read here and elsewhere, the price difference on the 5300 is not worth it and my money would be better spent elsewhere. The zoom is something I definitely want sooner rather than later. We have a decent amount of bird life near or over the shore I'd like to photograph...Gulls and other birds I can't ID that fly over and dive into the ocean to hunt and Plovers, which we're not allowed near because they're endangered and heavily protected. I can wait on the zoom, but I might have to splurge in early fall on that.

The class I'm taking requests familiarity with your camera's functions and features before starting and did mention in the brochure use of manual focus, as well as manual settings. It said it wasn't going to cover scene modes for example and the aim is to really learn. It sounded great to me because I like to know why and how things work, not just how to do them. Is there any issue with reliability of having AF in the lens vs in the body? Any advantages to one over the other?

It's funny that you mentioned the tripod, because I saw something on eBay from 6th Ave electronics selling as a complete kit with the 5200 and it had a tripod listed as an $28 value included and it just made me chuckle because at that so called value, I can't imagine it would be very useful. Thanks again!

Thanks for the compliments. You're doing your homework and that's smart.

A few comments.

1. Resist the urge to always consider the latest and most recent technology as the BEST camera. The best camera is the one you have with you and the one that fits your needs. D5200 seems to fit the bill. As an aside, it's screen (which tilts) is great for macro and product photography (two things you didn't mention but might play with if you get that body).

2. I'm biased b/c I shoot with my 50mm a lot but I think that's a smart decision for you. The reason being....it isn't a lens you're going to buy and then a year from now, replace with something better. If you get a 50mm f1.8, that lens could last you as long as you shoot DSLRs that aren't Canons (different mounting issues). Even if you end up getting a different zoom down the road (which is what I think you'll do b/c of your shooting on the water, nature and landscapes), that 50mm will stay in your kit bag. Meanwhile, I have a bunch of kit lens that came with various bodies that just gather dust. For your specific needs (shooting with indoor light and no flash, or shooting in poor light or the dark), a kit lens is probably unusable.

3. A poor tripod is worse than no tripod at all. If you don't have a tripod and need to take a long exposure, you get the camera on a brick...or brace yourself against a door...or bungee it to a tree or post. But with a tripod (even a POS) you think "I've got a steady platform." Nope. Budget for a Manfrotto or something of similar quality. They'll start at $160 and get a lot higher. And think about what you want it for (shooting in studio, fitting in carry-on luggage, shooting on uneven ground or sand, hiking 5 miles and then shooting, supporting a bazooka--umm, I mean a 400mm zoom) b/c the need determines the type of tripod you get.

In the meantime, definitely budget for a circular polarizer and cleaning equipment. You'll probably also want to get a spare battery and extra SD cards plus some storage (so if a HD or computer fails you don't lose everything).

As far as the zoom...1. Look into lens rental. It's especially useful to rent two lens of the same focal length (an f2.8 200mm zoom and an f4.5 200mm zoom) then go shoot some "compare and contrast" shots, especially of moving objects or in low light. That way you can make an informed decision. 2. Join photography groups near you. Or talk to people in your class and continue relationships after it ends. You may find someone willing to let you take 50-100 snaps with one of their lens. And that ability to "try it out" will inform your purchase decisions.