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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


@ebiggs1 wrote:

"I am old and dumb. Abe and I did our homework together ..."

 

Show off !   Me and George W. had to use a bird feather and parchment which we had to make.  Anyway might I suggest you look into Lightroom by Adobe.  It is similar to the free DPP4 but is well worth the cost. If you are seriously delving into this new hobby you will want a more robust post editor.  Great photos are made in post, not in the camera.


He's right..

 

But, I would suggest cutting your teeth on DPP first, until you can get acclimated with post processing.  Lightroom is far more complicated than DPP.  When you feel more comfortable with the techniques, and if decide to buy LR, you can always go back process your old files.  

 

You may also want to look into image editing software, too.  Photoshop Elements is available, if you don't want a subscription. There are also freeware applications, too, like GIMP.  PaintDotNet is more sophisticated than MS Pain, but nowhere near as complex as GIMP.

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"The right mouse button is your friend."

Just got eight shots of a male cardinal. May need a longer lens. I'll write to Santa. LOL

One word, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon.  Well maybe it is more than just one word.

 

Reality.  Birds are small. You need extreme focal length or you can get closer.  One or both.  There is an old photographer's saying, "The more focal length, the better."

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


@lurechunker wrote:
Just got eight shots of a male cardinal. May need a longer lens. I'll write to Santa. LOL

He may not mind posing for you closely enough for your current lens. Cardinals aren't as fazed by humans as some birds are. My daughter once had a cardinal couple build a nest in a bush right outside her kitchen window (in a fairly densely settled suburb of Philadelphia).

Bob
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA

Maybe a 1.4 X lll extender?


@lurechunker wrote:

Maybe a 1.4 X lll extender?


Extenders, even good ones like the 1.4X III, can be tricky. They work better with some lenses than with others, so you have to read the specs carefully. And because an extender costs you aperture value, it can affect your lens's ability to autofocus. My advice would be to not get into extenders while you're still asking newbie questions.

Bob
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA

"Maybe a 1.4 X lll extender?"

 

Maybe NOT.  Smiley Sad

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

I'm getting good shots of doves, woodpeckers, painted buntings, cardinals and blue jays with my Canon 100-400. I'd like to reach out for egrets, hawks, etc. at longer ranges. What about the Tamron 150-600 G2? Is there a similar prime lens in the same price range? I appreciate your help.

"What about the Tamron 150-600 G2? Is there a similar prime lens in the same price range?"

 

If you are asking if there a 600mm prime, the answer is, no.  The big Tamron zoom is a great lens.  The Gen 2 is even better than the first model.  There is another zoom that is pretty much the same lens from Sigma. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens.  Also a great lens.  Plus, if you have to have the top of the mark the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens.  It is just a tad better then either of the first mentioned zooms.  It is heavy and it is expensive.  It is hard to hand hold.  I love it.  I use it all the time.  I have the others so I can personally recommend any one of them from personal and extensive use.

 

If you are looking for a top notch bargain, take a look at the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens.  It has been discontinued so it is a used only proposition.  If you find a good one, it will be very good.  I have had three of them.  The first two were not good but the third one is great.  It is light and easy to use.  Easily hand holdable.  Best of all they are cheap to buy.

 

Did you say you had version 2 of the ef 100-400mil?  If so it is probably right below the big Siggy S in IQ but maybe slightly better than all the others.  If you have version 1 of the 100-400, all of these zooms will have better IQ.  But when you come right down to it, you will need a post editor to reveal the slight differences.  You being the determining factor, more or less.

 

 

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

The hood (ET-83D) for my 100-400 L ll lens has a slide open window. What is the purpose of the window? Should I leave it open? Thanks to all who have helped.
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