Retailer Recommendation Please

Solitaryensis

Solitaryensis

New member
Hey guys,
I am sure this has been posted before (I didnt see a current posting though), but i am looking to purchase a mid-level SLR and would like to know what sites you reccomend going to. I am looking to spend in the 5-800 range. I am looking at the Canon D models, as I have heard great things about them. I will be using this for tank shots, but primarily for weekend photogrpahy. I am by no means an expert and do not aspire to be. Just want a reliable camera that can take better shots than a point and shot.

TIA for your suggestion.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12443018#post12443018 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jwedehase
Just giving a second for B&H. I've never had anything but perfection from them.
Click to expand...

+1
 
B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H B&H
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Accept for one local camera shop, I wouldn't even consider dealing with anyone else.

The slick new Xsi just came out in your price range. You will of course need lenses to go with it, which some alone are out of your price range. If you need to buy a used camera to buy better lenses, DO IT. My recommendations:

Canon 10-22
Canon 17-55
Canon 70-200 f/4
Canon 50 f/1.8 OR f/1.4
Canon 100 Macro (for your tank)

If you can't afford the 100 Macro, get the camera without any cheap-o lenses. Then get the 100 Macro. I suggest your 2nd lens as the 50 f/1.8 just because its so cheap. The one out of that list you will probably use the most in your "weekend photography" is the 17-55.
 
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i purchase my XTI at circuit city.com. I was on sale for 100 less than in store, I also did a search on the net for a coupon code and got %10 off, then got another %9 off for a triple a discount. Went to the store to pick up for instant gratification. Being a reefer I'm not very patient...:D
 
Wow, what was the final paid cost? That sounds amazing! :D Now you need some lenses, I assumed you got the stock 18-55? If you did...is it the new Image Stabilized 18-55?
 
Can you share the information on where you got the coupons?

I am also looking to pick up an XTi and could use the savings for a better macro lens.
 
:D B&H has been mentioned, but other some good places to look at if you like to shop around are Newegg (depending on what you're looking for, don't have as much selection as other places - but often have it cheaper and/or with free 3 day shipping), Adorama, Canoga Camera, and Beach Camera.
 
I had HORRIBLE experience with Adorama. Honestly, the worst I'd ever dealt with. It was all the standard stuff, vague information, rude phone help and the notorious bait & switch sneakiness.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12445868#post12445868 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
My recommendations:

Canon 10-22
Canon 17-55
Canon 70-200 f/4
Canon 50 f/1.8 OR f/1.4
Canon 100 Macro (for your tank)
Click to expand...

Hey TitusvileSurfer,
I know you aren't here to give lessons on cameras etc...but can you tell me what these lenses you've listed are used for, differences, etc...like the first two, 10mm-22mm? vs 17mm-55mm?
Those seem very close in what they can do, are they? Or do I just know nothing? Obviously 55mm goes in closer than 22mm...but do you really need both? Give me examples...thanks!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12485033#post12485033 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChrisMc73
Hey TitusvileSurfer,
I know you aren't here to give lessons on cameras etc...but can you tell me what these lenses you've listed are used for, differences, etc...like the first two, 10mm-22mm? vs 17mm-55mm?
Those seem very close in what they can do, are they? Or do I just know nothing? Obviously 55mm goes in closer than 22mm...but do you really need both? Give me examples...thanks!
Click to expand...

Before you decide on a list of lenses, you should decide what you want to shoot. Landscape, macro, birds, sports, etc....

They all have very different needs. The Canon 17-55 EF-S IS is a good "walking around lens" on any of the XT* bodies. I'd buy the body without the kit lens and get the 17-55 to start. Where you go from there depends on what you want to shoot.

For aquarium macro and closeup work the 100 2.8 is really a great lens. Whether you need wider than the 17-55 is really up to you. The Canon 70-200 f/4 is really a bargain lens. It's razor sharp, fairly compact and much cheaper than the f/2.8 version. That'd be a nice medium telephoto.

The 50 get recommended because it's very fast and pretty inexpensive. Whether you want it, again, depends on your shooting style. I rarely go below f/8 when I'm shooting so the fact that it's 1.4 is moot for me. I'd rather have a quality zoom than carry a bunch of primes.

There's no perfect answer for everyone because styles vary.

Cheers
 
I just wanted examples like you just gave of those lenses...I'm probably going Nikon, so what lense is a good "walking around" lense for the D40-D80 body?

Then from there, probably "party pic" type shots, and reef shots, nothing sports yet, and maybe I might do landscapes...
 
Both of those bodies are very close, in terms of crop ratio, to the Canon XT*

Something along those focal lengths would do fine. Get the kit lens, use it to get to know the camera and then decide what you're missing.
 
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