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New member needs help

lurechunker
Enthusiast

I am new to the forum and asking for help. Our granddaughter plays basketball and I would like to photograph her. I kayak and would like to photograph birds. Is the EOS 760D the camera for me? Other? What lens or lenses? How can I protect my equipment form damage from saltwater? Thank you.

2 ACCEPTED SOLUTIONS


@lurechunker wrote:
My 80D with 18-55 from Canon store will arrive tomorrow. I think I made a mistake by not getting the 28-135. Should I leave the 18-55 in the box and send it back? I'd like to start with an "all-round" lens and one long enough for back yard birds.

Do you mean 18-135, instead of 28-135?  The 18-135 lenses are pretty good.  BUT, they will likely cast a shadow when you try to use the flash.  I know that older 18-135mm lenses cast a major shadow on a T5, so I would expect a shadow on an 80D.  The 18-55mm lens has a 35mm equivalent of 29-88mm, which is pretty close to 24-70mm that is very popular for use with full frame camera bodies.

 

The  STM version of the 18-55mm is a really good lens.  I would hang on to it.  I can guarantee you that whatever plans you have for using the camera, you will find new scenarios to use it.  I would keep the 18-55mm, and pass on buying a 18-135, so that you can budget more money towards your birding lens.  If you can afford to do all of the above, then by all means, buy all of the lenses you want.

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"The right mouse button is your friend."

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@lurechunker wrote:

What about buying a used or refurbished lens from B&H?


I am not sure if I have seen any Canon refurbished gear at B&H, not in the last few years for sure.  If you want to buy Canon refurbished gear, then I would only recommend the Canon refurbished store.  They will give you a one year warranty, not just a  "guarantee" of some kind.  

 

I think B&H has a fairly good and objective rating system for their used gear.  I think much of it is a bit pricey, though.  Many times they will offer used gear that is rated "good" that has an asking price that is more than what is being offered in the Canon Refurbished Store.  

 

Check what the B&H guarantee and return policy might be for used gear.  I've bought a used tripod head and a "hi-hat" tripod from B&H, and I think I had a 15 day return window, and a 30 day guarantee.

 

Good judgement needs to exercised when buying used gear.  You must consider the source.  You must consider the return policy, for which B&H has a good reputation.  You must consider the cost/benefit of expensive gear without a warranty.  You must consider can the used gear be repaired, if needed in the near future.  

 

With used camera gear, there is always a risk of mold and mildew contamination.  Canon's refurbished gear has that new gear smell to it, so I think the contamination risk is small to non-existent with Canon.

 

[EDIT]. If what you want is out of stock at the Canon Refurbished Store, be patient.  Most of the items will be back in stock in a month, or two, or three.  The "L" series lenses can sell out very quickly.  

--------------------------------------------------------
"The right mouse button is your friend."

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314 REPLIES 314

"I ordered the 80D and the EF-S 18 - 200 mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS."

 

Save your money.  If a zoom lens is what you really want go for either the Sigma 150-600mm C or the Tamron 150-600mm.  Even if you have to buy a used lens, do it.

 

Top choice is still the ef 400mm f5.6L, prime lens.  There may be a refurb, check it out.

 

 

EB
EOS 1DX and 1D Mk IV and less lenses then before!

I canceled the order. The kit can include the EF-S 18 -135 IS or the 18-55. Which? I can order a long lens later.


@lurechunker wrote:
I canceled the order. The kit can include the EF-S 18 -135 IS or the 18-55. Which? I can order a long lens later.

 Both lenses will give you great photos.  I say go for the 18-55mm because it will work better with the built-in flash.  The larger lens is likely to cast a flash shadow when extended.  I know it does with a T5, which is slightly smaller than an 80D.  Besides, the 18-55mm camera kit is significantly less expensive.  You can order one of the 55-250mm lenses to get started on a backyard feeder.

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"The right mouse button is your friend."

Agree with Waddizzle. 18-55 and 55-250 makes a nice two lens kit as a starter. Make sure both are STM versions.

John Hoffman
Conway, NH

1D X Mark III, Many lenses, Pixma PRO-100, Pixma TR8620a, LR Classic


@ebiggs1 wrote:

"I ordered the 80D and the EF-S 18 - 200 mm f/3.5 - 5.6 IS."

 

Save your money.  If a zoom lens is what you really want go for either the Sigma 150-600mm C or the Tamron 150-600mm.  Even if you have to buy a used lens, do it.

 

Top choice is still the ef 400mm f5.6L, prime lens.  There may be a refurb, check it out.

 

 


That's good lens advice, although costly.  You really need at least 300mm to 400mm to photograph smaller birds, even at the distances you're talking about.  

 

Because of the 24MP resolution in the 80D, I think that you can get away with one of the 55-250 lenses, just to get started.  They are not a huge investment.  You will want other accessories, too, like a carrying bag and a quality tripod.  

 

Mounting the camera on a tripod, and aiming it at the feeder will make your job easier.  You can take photos without a lot of motion on your part, which can frighten away small birds.  The 80D has a fairly decent frame rate for continuous shooting, too.

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"The right mouse button is your friend."

I reordered the 80D with 18-55. I got a very helpful sales rep. I have received notifications of private messages but have not been able to get the messages. Need help.

John

Click the red envelope to get private messages.Capture.JPG

John Hoffman
Conway, NH

1D X Mark III, Many lenses, Pixma PRO-100, Pixma TR8620a, LR Classic


jrhoffman75 wrote:

Click the red envelope to get private messages.Capture.JPG


With my browser the envelope is gray, not red, when you have an unread message. In any case, that icon is far too inconspicuous. It seems clear that those who set up the forum want to downplay the existence of private messages.

 

You can, however, choose to be emailed when you receive a private message. (But they won't actually show it to you unless you log into the forum.)

Bob
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA

On my browser (IE 11) it's red when empty and turns gray when I have a message.

John Hoffman
Conway, NH

1D X Mark III, Many lenses, Pixma PRO-100, Pixma TR8620a, LR Classic


@jrhoffman75 wrote:

On my browser (IE 11) it's red when empty and turns gray when I have a message.


Yeah, I'm also using IE 11, and that's what I see too. It sounds backwards, but I suppose it doesn't really matter. The real problem is that the icon is absurdly small, which I guess is why the OP didn't see how to find his message.

Bob
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA
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