Help me choose a DSLR and Macro Lense

Which camera?

  • Nikon D40

    Votes: 3 30.0%
  • Canon 30D

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Canon XTi

    Votes: 6 60.0%
  • Nikon D40x

    Votes: 1 10.0%

  • Total voters
    10
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#1
I am in the market to hopefully buy a DSLR this week. I am envious of some of the pics I have seen over the last year or so. My budget is less than $1000 for the camera and macro lense. What would you suggest?
 

johnwin84

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#2
a cannon would be you best choice...since there marco lens are cheaper than the Nikon's..

btw i have a nikon d200..it is like a d80 but it has a steal body..it feel solid...
 

Shaz1971

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#6
I agree with John, I too have a Nikon.. a D50 and the lens are very expensive for it. Xti would be a better choice.
 
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#10
Ok it looks like the overall consensus is the Canon XTi and Canon 100mm lense. Time to check who has the best prices. Thank you everyone for the advise. All appreciated.
 

tripinpn01

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#15
i have the nikon d40 and i love it. i picked it up instead of the xt because i heard the only MAJOR NOTICABLE difference between the two is just how it feels in your hands. if you havent already i suggest you go and get a feel for each. i personally thought that the nikon was more convenient in terms of feel and button placement
 
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#17
I use the Sigma 105mm EX DG macro and love it, it is a great lens. I think you saw my thread about my first try with it http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2101
It can also be purchased for Canon or Nikon (or other brand bodies). Basically your camera body isn't going to be the difference maker, it's all about the glass you get. On a budget you'll do great with the XTI body and Sigma macro lens.

Here's my usual word of warning: dropping the cash on a DSLR and macro lens will not result in good pictures. Hopefully you are already familiar with SLR photography, if not there's quite a learning curve to shooting quality pics. Macro photography is even more difficult and tank shots are IME the most difficult. I highly recommend going this route, but you must be willing to be patient and committed to learning.....it's the photographer's skill that takes good pics not the equipment. :)
 
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#18
i have the nikon d40 and i love it. i picked it up instead of the xt because i heard the only MAJOR NOTICABLE difference between the two is just how it feels in your hands. if you havent already i suggest you go and get a feel for each. i personally thought that the nikon was more convenient in terms of feel and button placement
Trippin,
I did get a hands on feel on both the Nikon and Canon XTi. I liked them both. The Canon seems a little bit better to me.

Brock, did you get the camera yet?
I have not purchased anything yet Greg. Still making a decision and getting prices on each. :) Did you have any ideas or suggestions? Call me if ya want.

I use the Sigma 105mm EX DG macro and love it, it is a great lens. I think you saw my thread about my first try with it http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2101
It can also be purchased for Canon or Nikon (or other brand bodies). Basically your camera body isn't going to be the difference maker, it's all about the glass you get. On a budget you'll do great with the XTI body and Sigma macro lens.

Here's my usual word of warning: dropping the cash on a DSLR and macro lens will not result in good pictures. Hopefully you are already familiar with SLR photography, if not there's quite a learning curve to shooting quality pics. Macro photography is even more difficult and tank shots are IME the most difficult. I highly recommend going this route, but you must be willing to be patient and committed to learning.....it's the photographer's skill that takes good pics not the equipment. :)
Barometer,
You are absolutely correct!! There will be a higher learning curve but I think I am patient enough to learn. I have a few tutorials to review for sure.
I really am looking closely at the Sigma Lense. An employee at Ritz told me that it does not compare to the Canon since it does not have the USM (sp?) I took that with a grain of salt since they are on commission anyways. :)

Thanks everyone for the great input. .. Advice is priceless!!!
 
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#19
You are absolutely correct!! There will be a higher learning curve but I think I am patient enough to learn. I have a few tutorials to review for sure.
I really am looking closely at the Sigma Lense. An employee at Ritz told me that it does not compare to the Canon since it does not have the USM (sp?) I took that with a grain of salt since they are on commission anyways. :)
I'd be suspect of advice from store employees (just like at the LFS :rolleyes:), not that they don't know what they're talking about, but they usually generalize and don't have your best interests in mind. On the Sigma vs. Canon argument for more all purpose lenses I would tend to agree with them if you don't like a slower, noisier focus. But for Macro especially, this will not even come into play. Most likely you'll be taking your time shooting on a tripod in manual mode, you may not even find yourself using autofocus. FWIW I own 3 different Sigma lenses as well as Canon lenses and I find Sigma EX DGs to be quite comparable, I like them. Whatever you decide to go with, hit me up when you get shooting, I'd be happy to PM you some tips :top:
 
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#20
I thought the exact same thing. The noise factor should not come up. I think I will go with the Sigma lense either forthe Canon or the Nikon.
Thank you Barometer!!!!:rock:

I will be buggin you for some advice. :)
 

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