Beginner packages?

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ivandobski

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Bit of advice please guys...

I've decided to take the plunge and buy a DSLR however I also intend to do a training course so funds will be a little tight.

I will mainly be shooting outdoor sports such as mtbing and also like taking moody architectural shots of ruins etc. In addition I also enjoy some macro type stuff and as such I'll need a different lens.

What lenses would best cover my intended types of photography and what would be the cheapest way of going about getting them - new beginner stuff or older better kit bought 2nd hand? I've been looking at the Sony a230 or a200 as my new options...
 
I'd always go for older semi-pro / pro gear at bargain prices as long as it is not abused, well maintained and fully functional. A great example is 1D mk2 or 40D owned by an amateur.

But, before you go out spending hard earned cash, buy yourself a few comprehensive books about photography and read carefully. Something like 'the complete guide about light and lighting' would be a good start. Don't ignore slightly older books in the library either. This should give a clearer idea about equipment and its use.
 
What is your budget? There are some great deals on Sony and Olympus DSLRs right now.
 
It's been said before by more experienced people than me. But...

...lenses are what makes the biggest diffence. So choose your lenses and then get a body to match.

For portrait, macro, buildings and anything that don't move much most modern DSLR bodies will do the trick , but if you want to shoot sports then look for a good shooting rate (above 5 FPS).
The Sony A230 is a great camera for the price (I've got one), but it's max FPS is 2.5 which is poor for catching fast moving action.
 
Like others have mentioned, if you are wanting to take action sports, you will want to avoid budget entry level bodies, as they have a low FPS. A lightly used second hand Canon 40D can be had for around £400.

You haven't given any indication of budget except 'tight', which could mean anything........

Lens wise, for sports you will ideally want something fast with a wide aperture and a zoom range, e.g. 70-200 L f/2.8 but these aren't cheap. If you don't have the funds, maybe a cheap fast prime lens would be more suitable. For general walkabout and architectural, something similar to the 17-55mm zoom range is a good focal range to have on a crop body.
 
Hi guys, thanks for the responses so far.

Budget would probably be upto £400 - so yeah, it's tight!

Might go and have a look at 2nd hand kit in the Lincoln LCE tomorrow...
 
That's a camera I'd been looking at previously however it only does 2.5fps and the poster above suggested that might be a bit slow for sports shots?

Just having a read around the forum and it appears that DSLRs can take lenses off "old skool" SLRs - is this generally true or is it only the case for particular models/brands? I've got access to several lenses as my partner has an SLR plus various lenses sat doing nothing...

If it is true I think things may have just got a lot cheaper:)
 
Let us know the make/model of your partners SLR and we'll be able to tell you which DSLR body will serve as replacement and take the old lenses.
 
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