SLR Camera Hints

[A13x]

As I said above, not something I've had problems with, all zoom lenses have moving parts, most of which extend and retract, and you could argue that sand could get inside those and reduce the smoothness.

Probably one of the best tests mine has been through was shooting at Avalon in 2007 with my 28-300 and 100-400, during dust storms. Crowds were buffeted in clouds of dust for most of the day, and I was there for 2/3 days of the show.

No problems with reduced smoothness or damage. I take them to the beach too, sand hills near Newcastle, Desert near Broken Hill, all sorts of places.

I'm happy to shoot in the rain with my 28-300 on my 1D II N, as both the camera and lens are weather sealed, the 100-400 is not, however I've used it in the rain also, on my 5D II (also not weather sealed) just used a plastic bag and rubber bands to protect it.
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<3

[Shadow Wave]

So much to think about
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[theory]

Spoke to a mate about my SLR wants and he reckons I should just get a body with a fixed length lens (say 50mm) so I can learn how to use that one properly and then go from there. He says with two variable lenses I'll just get confused and be all over the place and never really master any particular length, or something. What y'all reckon?
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[Mick Saige]

Pfft - Nah man

Think of it this way. You can always get a DSLR with the ability to swap lenses... and just attach a 50mm to it.

Only then - when you feel like stepping it up a notch - you don't have to buy a whole new camera.

Don't worry about being a master of 'length' just yet - enjoy being able to play around - and then when you start to get the hang, slow down, and actually try get the hang of one sort of lens.

P.s. I just figured out my p*rn name.

[Fetidchimp]

Max Depth?

I didn't mind starting with a fixed lens, because it was far far cheaper and it let me decide a> if i actually enjoy it and b> if i suck at it, before rolling out the cash down the track
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[Spanca]

[theory]

[Zhou]

Depends really on how you plan to branch out. If you want to go prime -> super lens then more power to you.

Wouldn't it be cheaper to get an 18-55/55-200 kit or a variant of it as seen in some catalogs where you get the 55-250/300 THEN get the prime with it?

That way you've got three lenses and be covered for every situation. At least thats what I did.

18-105/55-200/35mm for my d90. Now looking at sigma 10-20. That's probably going to be it for me. From there I'll probably branch out to another sb600 with light stand and softboxes.

I could be like my friends and shell out crazy amounts of money for lenses that are just rated as hands down super sharp lenses like 24-70 nikon, but I could never bring myself to that level of spending on my camera.
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[theory]

^ Yeah, I could do it your way too, if I knew what all that meant!
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[Mick Saige]

ooooooooooooh - Yeah I'm with you - I'm still a bit botchy on DSLR lingo - on account of being better trained in video cameras... and whole heartedly avoiding tech talk constantly.

I’m that guy who pisses off the professionals no end when I reply…

“Yeah – it was quick and gaping”

…when asked about the aperture/shutter speed/etc etc setting I used to pull something off.

Edit: That’s if I can even remember.

[Shadow Wave]

What do people think of grey imports or importing from china? I'M seeing Aussie sites such as eglobal that get there goods from overseas.

Looks like I could get a 100-400 for under $1500.


Also, I'm starting to consider the 28-300mm lens as well, its more expensive but I would be able to cover some of that by selling my 18-200mm efs lens I currently have as I wouldn't need it anymore. Alex do you have any opinions about that lens
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[Zhou]

Grey imports are pretty awesome. I bought my sb600 from a grey import place and couldn't be happier. Sure I pretty much forfeit my warranty even though the seller said theres a way to claim warranty but you'll still need to jump through hoops.

Some of the more expensive lenses may actually be covered with a global warranty so you should be able to get canon/nikon/etc to help you look after it anyway.

Also it pays to do some research into who you choose to buy from. I'd rather pay a little extra to buy from someone who I know is a trustworthy online business than save $30-40 for one that I'm not 100% sure about.
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[grim-one]

Shadow which stores are you looking at for it to be that cheap?
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[Shadow Wave]

^ I just did a shopbot search + ebay search and found a heap..

but heres one for example:
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/canon-ef-100-400mm-f-4.5-5.6l-is-usm-lenses.html
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[A13x]

I use Camerasdirect.com.au a fair bit. Always very quick (next day) and well priced, though not as cheap as some import options. Everything is packed really well, and they're Aussie and have good support and online tips etc.
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<3

[grim-one]

I've been thinking about buying from www.topbuy.com.au - ever had dealings with them?
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[M@TT_K]

I'm a little late to the party, but I'm here now!

Bought a Canon EOS 1000D Twin Lens Kit from Dick Smith for $748 (I got a bag, a memory card and two years extended warranty for an extra $50 (and my staff discount helped the price a little too)).

So now I've got the two basic lenses (18-55mm and 75-300mm), where should I go from here? I'm thinking about getting a nice 50mm Prime lens, but I'm still trying to work it all out.

Thanks everyone in here, too, for suggesting the 1000D. It was cheap and it's a bloody good camera.
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[theory]

^ Wow, nice one. Any chance you could hook up a copy of the receipt for me?

Edit:

[Shadow Wave]

[Zhou]

[Shadow Wave]

[Shadow Wave]

Well today I ordered my new 70-300L lens at my local camera store...

can't wait for it to arrive!
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[dloiscute]

Ok so I have had my 550d for a fair few months now for the sole intention of shooting video.

Coming from using professional kits for the last few years, I must say that shooting on DSLR is a lot of mucking around (installing magic lantern etc) and has ended up being quite expensive.

So far I have had to buy (in addition to the regular- tripod, bag etc) an external microphone and mount, steadicam and am soon to purchase a new prime. While the results are often impressive, I should have just saved up for a Panasonic HPX171.... or continue dreaming about a Redcam.

What setup do you guys use to shoot video with?
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☑Tekken

[Zhou]

Have you got any videos to share?
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[grim-one]