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.

[ebiggs1]

"The heaviest lens planned is the 400mm L...."

This is a light weight lens.  It is totally handholdable.  It doesn't require a massive tripod. Neither does an 80D.  Don't waste your money!

[ebiggs1]

"Don't waste your money!"

Whoops!  A little clarification.

 Meaning, get what you really need and want.  The first time.   That tripod may be fine I never used one so I can't say.

[lurechunker]

With due respect, for 50 bucks if the tripod does not work out ....I'll use it as a kayak anchor.

[Waddizzle]

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@lurechunker wrote:
With due respect, for 50 bucks if the tripod does not work out ....I'll use it as a kayak anchor.

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Including the bag, or not, that is probably a good deal.  Including a head and mounting plate?  That's even better.  

Is it difficult to handhold the 80D with a 400mm lens, or the 150-600mm lenses?  With a little practice, it is not that difficult.  Do you want to handhold it, while staring at a bird feeder?  Probably not.  Use a tripod for the feeder, like Ernie does.

[lurechunker]

I am waiting for verification that my camera is on the way. My friend will bring the tripod over for a trial after I get the camera. We have blue jays, doves and wood peckers. The buntings are missing and may be headed north. I saw a group of white ibis this morning near here. There are always wading birds nearby.

[lurechunker]

What about a longer lens for birds that will not cause a divorce.....Sigma 50-500 or Canon 100-400?

[Waddizzle]

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@lurechunker wrote:
What about a longer lens for birds that will not cause a divorce.....Sigma 50-500 or Canon 100-400?

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Given that choice, I would definitely pick the Canon 100-400.  Try to avoid zoom lenses where the ratio of the longest focal length to the shortest focal length exceeds 4:1.

[ebiggs1]

"Sigma 50-500 or Canon 100-400?"

Sigma 50-500------------no

EF 100-400---------------yes

Just a thought.  There was a Sigma 150-500, now discontinued, which has become a good buy on the used market.  It isn't as sharp as the newest zooms but it isn't as costly either.  It is better than any of the entry level kit lenses so it's no slouch either.  Pretty decent lens if you find a good one.

[lurechunker]

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.

[jrhoffman75]

If you want all-around and bird then I say 18-135STM and 400 f/5.6L