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Photography Question 

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Camera and Lens Buying Advice


I'm not a professional and not looking to become one, but I studied photography in college. Now that I have time to get back into it, I want to buy a DSLR. I'm a Canon loyalist and after having used a friend's 7D, I'm looking at either the 7D or 7D Mark II.

Currently, I'm focused on still photography, not video. I primarily shoot nature and architecture, though I'd like to expand into other areas.

I'm looking for advice on which camera and lens(es) to get. The 7D is obviously much cheaper (about half the price), which would allow me to buy additional lenses. Unless someone makes a really convincing argument, I'm going to get the Hoya close-up lens set instead of shelling out a lot of money for a good macro lens.

If I go with the 7D, then I'd like some advice on what lenses I should look at. I'm open to buying non-Canon lenses, but good image stabilization is an absolute must.

If I go with the Mark II, my question would be whether to get the kit lens (Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 STM) or something else.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!


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June 26, 2015

 
- Harriet Feagin

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  I like to have a full frame and a small sensor camera. For architecture, I like the full frame and of course, for landscapes it is a must. For wildlife and sports the small sensor camera is what you need.

The 6d is a full frame camera and I have heard great things about it. Check out Christopher Budney's gallery. The 7d mark II is most likely the best small sensor camera.

Lenses... I would stick to something that can be used on both bodies. The 24-105 is a good lens. It is more expensive but it can be used on both bodies. After this, I would go with the 70-200 2.8. This would be a good wildlife lens as well as sports. It also can be used on both bodies. These lenses are not cheap but the camera is not as important as the lenses. Good glass trumps megapixels. Happy shuttersnapping.


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June 28, 2015

 
- Harriet Feagin

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  Oh, and one more thing... If you buy an extender the focal length of the 70-200 goes to almost 300 mm. That is plenty of zoom for wildlife.


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June 28, 2015

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  There's a saying when it comes to selling something, give the people what they want. Don't try to educate them.
You can tell when a photo is from a macro and when it's from a close up lens attachment so you can't look at macro photos and say you want to do that, and expect it, without getting a macro lens.


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July 15, 2015

 
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