Mark

Good comments.  As most of  you know I am a dedicated Canon user and have 
been for years.

As for Macro, a simple and cheap solution is to put a 25 or 50 mm extension 
tube on the front of your lens, and it is a very useful macro lens.  A lot 
cheaper then the 180 macro I prefer to use, but light weight and does a fine 
job.  You have limited range capability but well within macro ranges.  You 
can focus at infinity for example.  With quick release bodies, this is not 
much of a problem.

My carry around equipment is a 30D and 100-400 IS L lens.  I use a 580 
flash, but the 30D has an adequate flash for short fill in work.

Camera bodies are cheap compared to the lenses you will likely collect.  The 
lens will last but the body will become obsolete or need replacement.  My 30 
D maybe has shot 70,000 images, and I am waiting for the next Canon 
generation to come out, maybe in six months.  I have 20 D backup which maybe 
shot 70,000 images as well.  It still works but the 30 D is much faster, and 
I do use many of the bells and whistles.

Also, most professionals have switched to Canon from Nikon for a number of 
reasons.  I think the autofocus is faster and the equipment is probably as 
sharp.  Hopefully some Nikon users will contribute to this string.

Anyone out there want to buy some well maintained film cameras, contact me 
off line.  All in excellent working condition and some autofocus lenses.  A 
good way to start learning photography and film is still sharper then most 
digital cameras, but not a convenient.

Good luck Sue.

George

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Hoffman, Mark" <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 7:38 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Digital SLR recommendation?


Sue - Whatever you get, it will be technologically behind in 1-3 years.
That's why I'd spend more on the lenses (which can last almost forever),
and just deal with replacing the camera (like you would a computer).  I
have both a Canon 10D and 30D.  My general approach is to skip every
other generation.  Canon makes great cameras and lenses and I would
recommend them highly.  There is a Canon digital rebel (xti I think)
that basically has the same sensor as the 30D and retails for under
$1000.  A fewer bells and whistles, but probably not even stuff you
need.  The "pro" cameras are much more expensive and I've not felt the
need to buy them yet.



If you are starting out in bird photograph the 100-400 IS L zoom is
great. It's about $1400.  Macro work will take a second lens.  I use to
have all Nikon equipment, but sold it when I went digital 3 or so years
ago because of the 100-400.



There are a lot of great web resources, my favorites are digital
photography review and naturescapes.



Good luck. Digital photography is great!



Mark Hoffman

www.pbase.com/wcbirding





-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Sue Hamilton
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 7:16 AM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Digital SLR recommendation?



I have been trying to research Digital SLR's in order to get one
suitable for nature photography (I like to be able to do macro
photography as well as birds).  The choices seem to be a CAnon EOS and a
Nikon D40X or 70.  From what I read, it is harder to get lenses for the
Nikon (which is hard to believe.  I suffer from brand loyalty to Nikon.
I have a Nikon F with a low serial number used by my father in the
1960's.)



  I don't want to get the cheapest model, and then want to upgrade in a
year or two; it seems more economical to spend a little more and stay
with it.  However, I am not a professional, obviously, and don't want to
spend more than neccessary.  All that being said, can I ask for a
recommendation?



  (The books in the library can't keep up with technology.  By the time
they are published, they are out of date.)



  sue hamilton

  port republic













---------------------------------

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.

Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.