| Photography Forum: Philosophy Of Photography Forum: |
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Q. Newbie
Asked by David VandeBerg
(K=20) on 1/28/2006
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Ok, I think I want to step up to a "real" camera. But I can't afford much. I want to take photos of my Awana Pioneers as they play B-ball mostly. Those who are encouragers will say I will progress to more/different topics correct????
I have a "telephoto" camera, I think 30-90mm? don't remember right off hand. I took some photos with it the other day, but haven't developed yet. I have never tried it on sports so is this going to be sufficient? or should I move up? I tried a digital, probably lower end, and was vastly disappointed with the lag time. I am thinking I don't take enough photos to justify a digital anyway. Obviously I don't know much about cameras, but I have started the "Google" process. Help??? Thanks, God Bless repliers Super Good!!! DaveVB
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Jeroen Wenting
(K=25317) - Comment Date 1/29/2006
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For sports you're going to need something with some performance, that's almost always an SLR with a decent telephoto zoom lens.
That's going to get expensive.
You can get by with a compact but you won't get really good photos unless it's a highend compact which can cost the same as an SLR with some lenses.
As to film versus digital, film is certainly cheaper to buy into but I fear it's a dead end. Ever more camera and film manufacturers are throwing in the towel and moving completely over to digital products, and some are even getting out of the photography market completely.
Not knowing what you're looking at spending makes it difficult to recommend something specific, but you should look at something like the Nikon D50 with an additional 70-300 IF-ED Nikkor as a good starting kit.
That's probably the minimum you're looking at to get decent results and it can grow as your interests and demands increase over time.
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Phillip Cohen
(K=10561) - Comment Date 1/29/2006
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David, when I shoot baseball I typically use a 300mm lens and either a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter depending upon where I am located and how far away the subject is. This image was taken with a 300mm. I was at the first base foul line. You want to try and get in as tight as you can to fill the frame and capture the emotion of the shot. You also want to be able to zoom out a little to catch the action at the plate as they slide in so that recommendation by Jeroen of the 70-300 zoom is a good one. Look at getting a 1.4 teleconverter as well for the times when you can't stand closer to the action.
Phil
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Home Run
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José Azevedo
(K=9845) - Comment Date 2/3/2006
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My two dolars are:
buy used equipment, save you money and, should you decide that's what you want then try something "better" which is ALWAYS relative.
I had a Canon T90 which is an excellent full features manual focus camera. Even today I use manual equipment - I like to have something to do while photographing ;-) Canon FD system is a real bargain today for it's not compatible with EOS system, which is no problem if it's quality you're looking for. I had a 55/1.2 SSC (fantaaastic), a 35-70/3.5-4.5 (nice and cheap) and a 70-210/4 which was also excellent even when compared to my Nikon system. Many of my images here were made with my T90. I ended up selling my Canon system as I wasn't using it too much.
Today I use Nikon. Why? Well, the F2 cameras were an infant passion I had to cure...
Even if you prefer autofocus I recommend you buy used first - there are excellent deals around. eBay is a good starting point, but the best deals are usually on small stores around town. The equipment suggestions made here are very good for your needs.
Good luck!
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Jeroen Wenting
(K=25317) - Comment Date 2/3/2006
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Used can work, but inexperienced buyers can easily get suckered into buying poor quality gear.
I'd also never buy used gear I haven't had a chance to check out in person, the risks are just too great.
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Angela Dingman
(K=85) - Comment Date 2/3/2006
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I have gotten some good stuff off of ebay. Laugh if you want but until you know exactly what works for you, its a start.
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José Azevedo
(K=9845) - Comment Date 2/4/2006
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What I've bought used and have no complains:
Nikon F2A, Nikon F2AS, Nikon F3, Rolleiflex 3.5F
Nikkors 20/2.8D, 24/2.8, 50/1.4, 85/1.4D, 180/2.8ED, 300/4.5 EDIF
Nikon SB16 (for the F3) and other accessories, cases, etc.
Except for the F3, which is electronic, I always had the mechanic cameras cleaned, lubrified and calibrated before using. But that's a personal procedure, not a necessary one. I do so because I use mostly slides, which have less exposure latitude and require a better calibration than negative film.
Always talk to the seller and arrange a commitment for return/refund should you find the equipment is not exactly as he told you. I perfectly agree it's better to inspect it before buying but sometimes the better deal is miles and miles from you. So, exercise the art of communications and be happy.
Of course you have to know what you want/need. But there's nothing I can say against buying used and I've bought things from USA and Europe. Maybe I'm lucky or know what to ask. But for certain I've saved a lot.
Regards from Brazil,
José Azevedo
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Kambiz K
(K=37420) - Comment Date 2/19/2006
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Dear one, always buy a second hand camera and lenses which would help you in saving money as well as taking
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