New member needs help

[lurechunker]

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.

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

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@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.

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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.

[Waddizzle]

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@lurechunker wrote:
Refurbished by Cannon seems to be the best option. I like the idea of a good product at a reduced cost. In looking at the Canon ad for the T6 bundle, I did not see "EF" associated with the 18-55mm and 75-300mm lenses. Should I be concerned? Is there a contact number to call for verification? Should I buy a protective filter? Any filter? What tripod do you recommend? What memory card? Anything else? Thanks.

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The Canon Onlne Store has links that appear, which connect you to a sales expert.

I, for one, believe in using protective filters.  They are not a "must have" accessory, though.  

As far as tripods go, I have yet to see a quality tripod being offered at the Big Blue Box store.  You co not want a plastic tripod, because they tend to shake and break too easily.  A quality tripod is made of metal, or carbon fiber.  A quality tripod has a detachable, interchangeable head.  Look for a tripod that has a maximum load capacity of at least 4-5 times the combined weight of your camera and heaviest lens.  Tripods are most stable with their center columns fully retracted, not extended.

[lurechunker]

Please give specifics on an acceptable tripod...make, model and a place to buy. Must be compatible with T6s.

[Waddizzle]

I like Benro tripods, which is another brand name for Induro and MeFoto.  I like Benro brands because all of them come with cases, and the tripod heads are better quality than most other brands.  

I own a Benro monopod, and a medium duty video tripod.  I own an Induro travel tripod, which is similar to the above MeFoto model, and a very HEAVY duty video tripod.  All of the tripods are as solid as oak trees, and I bought all of them when they were on sale at B&H.  I literally waited for the clearance sales.  

I like video tripods because they lack center columns, which tend to destabilize a tripod when you raise them.  Look for a tripod  kit with a ball head.  A ball head with a friction adjustment is more desireable than one without a friction adjustment.

[RobertTheFat]

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@lurechunker wrote:
Please give specifics on an acceptable tripod...make, model and a place to buy. Must be compatible with T6s.

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A tripod should be light, stable, and inexpensive. You can have any two of those criteria, but not all three. So you have to decide what's important to you. There are inexpensive tripods that are very good, but they're also very heavy. There are light, cheap tripods; but unless you use them only indoors with a perfectly balanced camera/lens combination, they're worthless. There are light, stable tripods, but they cost a fortune. Tripods are the quintessential illustration of the old adage that "you get what you pay for (if you're very careful)".

[lurechunker]

I have been on a kayak forum that was pretty good sometimes. This forum is OUTSTANDING. I will buy Canon stuff. John

[lurechunker]

Do most of you agree that a Canon refurbished T6s is the correct camera for me? We are seeing painted buntings at our bird feeder and I want to get started.

John
Indian River Lagoon, FL

[John_SD]

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@lurechunker wrote:
Do most of you agree that a Canon refurbished T6s is the correct camera for me? We are seeing painted buntings at our bird feeder and I want to get started.

John
Indian River Lagoon, FL

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I can't speak for others, John, but if it were me, I'd have had that T6s in my hands by now. I wouldn't hesitate to make that purchase. Enjoy it!

[ebiggs1]

John
Indian River Lagoon, FL

Truth of the matter is any Canon camera will do nicely for you.  They are all very good.  It is going to be the lens that you decide on that is the go or no-go.  The Rebel line like the T6, T6i or T6s will not stand up as well to harsh conditions like the xxD or xD line.  Take care of it and you will be fine.

The lens of choice for back yard birds is the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens.  Price and performance considered.  A good tripod is needed for best results but this lens is totally hand holdable.

[Waddizzle]

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@lurechunker wrote:
Do most of you agree that a Canon refurbished T6s is the correct camera for me? We are seeing painted buntings at our bird feeder and I want to get started.

John
Indian River Lagoon, FL

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The Refurbished 80D with the 18-55mm STM lens is on sale [33% off, I believe] for just this weekend.  Get it while it is hot.  

[lurechunker]

I have decided on the 80D. Now I need to choose lenses (3?) and find the best deal.

John