Is this a good beginner setup for macro shots?
- Thread starter snewcrash
- Start date
returnofsid
New member
With any quality Nikon, Cannon (my choice) or even Sony DSLR, combined with a quality Macro lens, you are well on your way to creating good Macro photographs. However, "beginner" may hold some back. I wouldn't consider any DSLR a "beginner setup." All of these cameras come with quite a "learning curve," over a point and shoot.
Learn all the settings, what each does, what the terms all mean, and how they effect the photograph.
This is a great forum, to learn all of these things at!!
Learn all the settings, what each does, what the terms all mean, and how they effect the photograph.
This is a great forum, to learn all of these things at!!
IPT
Active member
I think it is a great setup for a beginner! (though I am also a Canon guy 
). You'll have the lens forever and that is where the quality comes from. I wish I ahd ponied up for better glass when I started out. A DSLR body for $200 or less is awesome. No big deal if it has a little noise. It'll likely be less than most decent P&S's anyway. Plus there are some excellent noise reduction softwares available. Happy shooting! - oh, and if you are going to be doing macro find yourself a tripod. Even if it is a $20 one from salvation army. Put the camera on it and use the longest timer setting it has so any movement you impart to it will stop by the time the shutter releases. You'll get much sharper pics than hand holding. The best part about digital is it is much cheeper to experiement and experimentation with the instant results will speed your learning curve way up.
). You'll have the lens forever and that is where the quality comes from. I wish I ahd ponied up for better glass when I started out. A DSLR body for $200 or less is awesome. No big deal if it has a little noise. It'll likely be less than most decent P&S's anyway. Plus there are some excellent noise reduction softwares available. Happy shooting! - oh, and if you are going to be doing macro find yourself a tripod. Even if it is a $20 one from salvation army. Put the camera on it and use the longest timer setting it has so any movement you impart to it will stop by the time the shutter releases. You'll get much sharper pics than hand holding. The best part about digital is it is much cheeper to experiement and experimentation with the instant results will speed your learning curve way up.
snewcrash
New member
Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I made my OP in haste mostly to get someone to support my decision to spend money on a camera... =) Anyway, after a couple more days of research, I ended up doing Canon's loyalty program and purchased a refurbished Rebel XS kit for $320. All my P&S's had always been Canon's so I figured with this deal I couldn't go wrong; at least I'd know what the buttons did.
I'm going to hold off on the macro lens for right now and just play with the kit lens until I teach myself the camera. Even though still a couple months off, I've been looking at the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens which everyone seems to recommend.
I'm going to hold off on the macro lens for right now and just play with the kit lens until I teach myself the camera. Even though still a couple months off, I've been looking at the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens which everyone seems to recommend.
brent ward
New member
For a cheap option,the canon 50 macro is amazing. You can usually pick
It up used for under $200.
It up used for under $200.
IPT
Active member
Welcome to the ranks of Canon owners
. Sounds like you made a good choice. Play with what you have and learn the basics (especially the use of a Tripod if you want tack sharp images). Personally I would go for the 100mm vs the 50mm. I find even with my 100mm I yearn for more reach sometimes. I think I would find the 50mm to short, but this is jut for my and my style.
