Lens or Camera first? Lens suggestions?

[Ewellman]

I am looking to jump into the DSLR market.  I am upgrading from a SX10 IS point and shoot which I use fairly exclusively in manual settings.  I am looking to get into many different types of photography including: landscape, time lapse, star trail, action sports (both indoor and outdoor), and a general goto camera.

I do not work as a professional by any means, nor do I get out every weekend to shoot pictures.  However, in the coming years, I will be doing a lot of traveling (camping, touring other cities, backpacking, etc) so it will get used a lot more heavily.  I am looking to try and keep the whole purchase under 2k.

I have read many posts across the internet on the subject saying one side or the other.  I also have read rumors of new cameras coming out in early 2013.  I have family members that already have canon lenses that I could borrow, I just dont know which ones they exactly have.  Eventually I would be looking to make my own collection though.

Cameras that I have been considering are the 7d,60d, or the t4i.

I like the shooting speed of the 7d and can afford the cost, but will have to settle with the kit lens that comes with it for a while.

I like the 60D because I have heard a lot of good reviews on the image quality and the pictures I have seen of sky photography.  (I know this has a lot to do with the lens as well).

Then the t4i because of it realatively inexpensiveness and I could buy an extra lens or 2.

I would like to keep my sx10 but can trade it in for the loyalty program maybe?

[Ewellman]

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@JELPhotography wrote:

As I think more about starting out with photography, I want to reiterate to not caught up in all this gear and the nicer lenses too early.  When you first get your DSLR, you'll have plenty to get used to already, and starting out with a simpler lens like the basic kit lens will actually give you a much better appreciation and thoughtfulness about what you need with your next lens.

that's good advice

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So would the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS be a good one to start with?  I know its a kit lens, but Im not looking for a status symbol of the L lenses.  Those will come with time.

[JELPhotography]

that's a good somewhat-mid-range lens

the 55-200 (kit lens) has some decent range - i think they also have a 70-300 (??)

if you want just mid-range though, that would be good - i think i have that lens..

i don't know if you do alot on ebay, but check for these lenses on ebay - first thing i did when i bought the t2i kit was put the 55-200 up for sale on ebay (i already knew i wanted another lens - for use in astrophotography - still have that lens)

also, you'll be happy w/ the 7D --- i am 🙂

the 7Dmk2 will "probably" be coming out first half of next year - when it does, the price on the 7Dmk1 will come down -- keep an eye open on craigslist and ebay..

[Ewellman]

Which lens do you use for the astrophotography?

[JELPhotography]

i purchased a russian 300mm prime - the Zenyt Tair-3S

from St Petersburg, Russia ---- cost me just inside of $200 including about $75 shipping!lol

i just did what a friend of mine who is also in astronomy did

its a great lens - at a great price!

cold-war era 🙂