Recommendations for camera and lens: $1,000 to $1,2000 range

[runner2541]

I'm looking to purchase a new DSLR camera and lens for close-up (not macro) photography, the two together costing between $1,000 and $1,200.

One I've come up with so far:
Canon EOS Rebel T1i
Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom

Also any filter suggestions.

Also any suggestions of where to buy. It probably goes without saying that I'm much better off going somewhere in person. I live in Philly where I know of no good shops. I'm thinking of heading to NYC. I hear Andorama is good. Any comments or suggestion there will also be very much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[KmH]

B&H Photo Video there in NYC is also very good.

Talk to the sales people at B&H about Circular Polarizing (CPL) filters, Graduated Neutral Density (GND), and Neutral Density (ND) filters.

A good CPL will cost about $100.

 

[KenC]

Call Calumet Photo on Columbus Ave. in South Philly. They usually come very close to matching the B&H prices, and often match them, and they're local.

 

[KmH]

I forgot about Calumet. Good call KenC.

Calumet is an authorised Nikon refurbished camera outlet too. Look hard at the Nikon D90.

 

[runner2541]

I did view Calumet awhile back. Not sure why I brushed them off. Liking more now. Thanks!

 

[runner2541]

Is there a recommended spending ratio between camera and lens? For instance is spending 50% on the lens too much? I'm thinking the lens is at least close to half responsible for capturing the image.

 

[KmH]

No, no spending ratio.

Most of my lenses cost more than $700. My most expensive lens was bought used for $8000. Nikon 600mm f/4.0G ED VR II AF-S SWM Super Telephoto Lens for Nikon FX and DX Format Digital SLR

Most camera makers have 3 levels of lens: consumer, advanced, pro.

Consumer lenses zoom lenses have variable max apertures, with the widest aperture usually being f/3.5.
Advanced lenses zoom may also be variable aperture, but the max aperture tends to be f/2.8, and if a constant aperture zoom f/4.
Pro level lenses are constant aperture and have max apertures of at least f/2.8 and sometimes even faster, like about f/1.

Here is a $10,500 Leica 50 mm f/0.95 lens: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586190-REG/Leica_11_602_50mm_f_0_95_Noctilux_M_Aspherical.html

 

[runner2541]

Thanks Keith! That's very helpful.

 

[DRoberts]

Nothing wrong with buying used...get more for your buck. (more lenses or maybe a good flash) If you then advance to the point of making a career out of it, then upgrade to new pro equipment as you can afford to do so.