Hola!

Alright, so I'm new to this section and I'm looking for some input

I've decided I'm going to get a Canon T2i. I've been looking around at prices, but figured I'd see if I could get any recommendations here.

I'm looking for a reliable source, and ofc, cheaper the better.

I'm also in the process of choosing lenses, but I'm working with a limited budget.
edit: will be deciding which lenses (or a lens) to go with the camera upon purchase.

We'll start from there.

cheers.

edit2-

Mainly looking to get into Nature photography.
...open to other things down the line.

I guess the topic continues with which lens to get.

Telephoto or macro?

I'd like both but remember I'm working with a budget.

I'm just looking for any opinions/experiences/suggestions/etc

This post was edited by Brainwashed on Oct 16 2011 02:33am

I shoot the far majority of my landscapes on a 50mm and 85mm lens (I have full frame)

I rarely go for the wide angle

For a crop, I'd go a 35mm 2.0 and a 50mm 1.4

This post was edited by lithfkn on Oct 16 2011 03:43am

by nature you mean wildlife?
if so you dont have much choice but to spend a fair amount on a decent tele lens
the 70-200 f4 might work, but could leave you a bit short (depending on the wildlife you shooting) - it is very usefully in other photography
the 300 f4 would be good for wildlife and its cheaper, but then limits you - not much else you can shoot with a 300mm (especially on a cropped body)

its really about what kind of wildlife you want to shoot.

bee's: macro
herds: normal lens
Larger gain and birds: tele

Thanks for the replies.

Also bare with me guys, I'm pretty new to photography.

Have pretty much just used point-and-click types, but I want to get into it more seriously.

I guess I'll need to do my homework for a bit, as I'd like to get a macro and telephoto lens.

I probably won't be able to get both lenses at the same time though :/

(or I might just buy the body and use the stock lens for awhile, save up money for lenses down the road?)

___________________


I'm not limiting myself strictly to nature/wildlife photography, but I have a passion for it and always will.

I'm not looking for the most high-tech/pricey/newest models available, but some "nice" stuff that will allow me to take great quality photos.

...ofc I can always buy more/different lenses in the future, I just need some good "beginners" equipment.

I guess it's looking like this on my list:

Camera: Canon 2Ti
Lens: Telephoto
Lens: Macro
.
.
.
.
Tripod
Camera bag
Memory card(s)
Extra (or duel) battery?
etc...

I'm pretty much posting just to see more experienced peoples opinions/inputs/advice.

and popular/reputable/wallet-friendly websites to check out so I can get some ideas of where to purchase from

This post was edited by Brainwashed on Oct 17 2011 02:40am

well Adorama and B&H are the best to buy from in the US

Camera - i dont know much about the entry lvl canons, for entry lvl i prefer nikon

Lenses - off brand are obviously alot cheaper, and some are very good
would suggest looking at the sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 as a general / walk-about lens
beware when buying 3rd party macro lenses, so many say they are macro when it is not true


Tripod - dont get the cheapest, but you can good one for a decent price (get 1 with a quick release mounting plate)
also get a monopod - they cheap, and easy to use when u are moving about shooting wildlife etc

Memory card(s) - get good brand and the fastest cards you can afford

Extra (or duel) battery? - not necessary at this point, batteries last long

sites for camera and lens reviews:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Comparison-Tools.aspx
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php
http://www.cameralabs.com/
http://slrlensreview.com/
http://lens-reviews.com/

This post was edited by jayandnix on Oct 17 2011 03:20am

I vote macro, you can take lots of easy flower/insect shots with it and some "stylish" close up animal shots that will look arty and make you feel bro as a beginner.

Then after plenty of that you can get your telephoto beast for shooting birds of prey and thelike.

imo macro is overdone and gets boring

yea but hes just beginning, its the best way for him to start imo. +he will learn alot really quickly experimenting

This post was edited by bloodmeal on Oct 17 2011 06:29am

Thanks guys for your replies.

I'll be doing some research on the websites/suggestions that were given.

Appreciate it!