Lens advice for n00b

JohnnyG

JohnnyG

JohnnyG

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Over land and sea.
I currently use an RX100 MK1 which I love and fancy getting a DSLR too so is there something around the £400 mark which is the must have one?
I don't need WiFi or GPS but would like a couple of lenses if possible & I'd prefer new for warranty etc also I assume it will be a good upgrade on the RX100?
Cheers :)
 
Dies the 400 include lenses? If so what kind of lenses, becau sw you could easily burn 400 on a single lens getting something merely acceptable.

Whether a DSLR makes a difference depends on what you shoot. If you took sie by side photo of a city or landscape and viewing them on a computer or printed an 8x10 you wouldn't see a difference 9 times out of 10. The DSLR pulls ahead when conditions get harsher: shooting in low light. Shooting high speed action/sports, tracking flying birds, printing to much larger sizes rtc. And then there is the ability to change lenses, if you need more reach or so ething wider then you don't have much choice on a fixed lens compact.
 
Probably better off going used for that budget.
Stores like MPB Photographic and Harrisons Cameras offer good warranties with all their products and you can save a whole bunch of cash if you absolutely positively don't need the latest version of something.

What are your requirements? Is it a DSLR that you are after specifically or are you just wanting the option of interchangeable lenses?
 
A good DSLR camera (which won't be cheap) with an average performing lens probably won't give you as good results as a £250ish compact for the average shot. As has been said what a DSLR might give you is better tracking for fast moving objects and more reach if you get the appropriate lens, plus the chance to use filters and so on.
Lenses are a crucial part of this equation, and good glass is not cheap.
I think your only hope to get upgraded results with a DSLR for £400 is to buy second hand. Although you might source a good deal on a new old model, good lenses tend to hold a high value.
Personally I go with Micro Four Thirds.
 
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I'd like the £400 to include lenses if possible although what type I couldn't really say, I still don't know much about them :p
I'd use it for wildlife on the whole, sometimes fast moving and at distance.
It doesn't have to be a DSLR but I'm not sure what other options there are really, I just assumed that would be best:)
 
You might want to take amother think about your budget. For wildlife the cheapest lens I recommend is the Tamron 70-300mm VC, about £270. But you will be much better served by something a little longer, which is going to set you back nearer £700-1000.
 
If I had around 400 to spend on a wildlife setup, id go for the following.

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equi...n-digital-slr-cameras/nikon-d7000/sku-614225/

https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equi...300mm-f-4-5-6-di-vc-usd-nikon-fit/sku-612812/

People will say it's not long enough, but it's a pretty good start for the money. I've taken plenty of good tight wildlife shots at under 300mm! (its going to be 450mm equivalent on the D7000).

The service from MPB is always fantastic, and you will get a warranty that is actually trustworthy.
 
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Well the decision was taken out of my hands somewhat (which is handy) as I was given a Nikon D5300 with Nikkor 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 VRII lens for my birthday.
I have to say it's great fun and seems more than capable for the type of shots I'll use it for.
I would like a greater zoom lens though for action shots, specifically birds in flight and cricket, so what would complement this camera best in the region of £250-£300 and why?
I only ask why as I've seen a Tamron 70-300mm for £85 or so but I don't know the difference between that and a similar branded/specced one for £250 :o

Cheers :)
 
You do get what you pay for?

The Tamron is slow to focus, the front end turns when focusing so you cant use a filter, the build quality is poor.

Not all lenses produce the same image, the amount and quality of the glass used can effect sharpness, contrast, colour rendition etc.

The Nikon is fast to focus, has VR and its VRII so has normal or active modes (good for when on a moving boat I think) never seen a bad video review about it.

I picked a mint one up from london camera exchange for £280 cash.
 
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