tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post9162829601690391383..comments2024-02-12T03:21:03.402-08:00Comments on Ron Martinsen's Photography Blog: DSLR Photography on a Budget (a.k.a., Lessons Learned) – Updated February 10, 2009ronmartblog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-78955814817159940192010-09-07T00:22:46.955-07:002010-09-07T00:22:46.955-07:00Thank you Ron,
I was bit crazy about geting a 1Ds...Thank you Ron,<br /><br />I was bit crazy about geting a 1Ds because its Pro. and also about 45 AF points.I read later someone say 19 AF is good enough. I still not convened by canon about 7D because its pixel size which is good on 5D and 1D has.. I dont care about recording vedio on my SLR so that also doesn't matter. I will go for 5D because 5D mark II is not within budget anyway.Abhineshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05283913205621265493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-77752769006943271612010-09-06T19:51:51.991-07:002010-09-06T19:51:51.991-07:00Abhinesh,
Given those choices I'd go for the ...Abhinesh,<br /><br />Given those choices I'd go for the 5D. Even though the 1Ds is tempting because it is a pro body, the 5D was a long-term success for Canon for many reasons with the top reason being killer image quality and great (for its day) high ISO performance. <br /><br />Use the $200 you'll save and put it towards a good lens, or other accessories I recommend in the article. It's okay to go used, but never go cheap!ronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-63698786121717186782010-09-06T18:47:12.366-07:002010-09-06T18:47:12.366-07:00Thanks Ron,
I am shameful to ask similar question...Thanks Ron,<br /><br />I am shameful to ask similar question. But getting genuine advices always appreciated.<br />I have the choice in Australia that to buy i am looking Canon 5D @ A$1000 or Canon 1Ds @ A$1200. I am confused with which will be best.. bot are used same shutter count and looks good . I currently own a 20D and all lenses are EF so looking to step on to a Full frame.Abhineshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05283913205621265493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-7008485399288658422010-05-27T12:19:10.623-07:002010-05-27T12:19:10.623-07:00Just found this blog, but I wish I had found it ea...Just found this blog, but I wish I had found it earlier, since I already bought 2 SLR bodies due to little knowledge on the subject at the time of my first purchase. <br />Great arcticle, If I had read this earlier I wouldn't be changing bodies 8 months after the first purchase (XSi-7D).Mateus Passerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10959575346890240523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-25333587429312596512010-03-10T11:45:04.189-08:002010-03-10T11:45:04.189-08:00The link to recommended tripod (that redirects to ...The link to recommended tripod (that redirects to B&H photo) is not working. Could you please udate with the name/model number.Amarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-52798670513263597972010-02-27T18:08:34.480-08:002010-02-27T18:08:34.480-08:00RE: About other brands
I'm not a huge fan of ...RE: About other brands<br /><br />I'm not a huge fan of Sigma due to significant inconsistencies between build batches and quality control. While it is true that all lenses will have some variation, I think Canon and Nikon do a decent job of limiting the variation within acceptable parameters (with a few notable - less expensive - exceptions).<br /><br />There's also a much better resale with Nikon and Canon lenses. In fact, I've never taken more than a $50 loss on the sale of a used Canon lens - even after owning them for multiple years. Ask Sigma owners if they've experienced this same phenomenon. <br /><br />In the end, we all have different opinions. This is my opinion, and I published your comment to acknowledge others will as well. <br /><br />That said, I still think my advice about how to make unbiased educated decisions is valid.ronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-36967366766749112932010-02-26T05:55:44.898-08:002010-02-26T05:55:44.898-08:00What about lenses from other brands?
The new Sigm...What about lenses from other brands?<br /><br />The new Sigma 17-70mm with IS, starting at f/2,8, is probably quite nice. And there will probably not be a great demand for upgrading it before moving to a FF camera. <br /><br />For the telephoto I would consider something very cheap or something really good with IS, nothing in between. The 18-200 kit lenses might do well, not that I'm sure a beginner needs 200mm on a DSLR. Might be too much to handle. It's good to lear to use your feet too.<br /><br />For the IS f/2,8 zooms the shallow depth of field is an advantage. For the IS f/4 the price is nicer but a bigger advantage is almost the weight. For an amateur the f/2,8 lenses are quite heavy... For Canon the way to go is Canon (the 70-200mm lenses are really good), Nikon might have some more options?<br />A 100-400mm gives a lot more reach than 70-200mm and might be my choice if I today bought a telephoto lens. <br /><br />A cheap 50mm would probably also come quite high on my list.<br /><br />An external flash is something you can well live without until you get one. Then it is priceless. ;-)<br /><br />I got quite late into wide angles. Now I would probably choose a wide angle lens in favor of a telephoto lens. Canon 10-22mm or Tokina 11-16mm (the later for non-Canon bodies). A wide angle lens really gets you into the action!<br /><br />Another good tip is to take baby steps. It will take a lot of time for the average newcomer to master just a DSLR. A plain kit lens is probably more than enough for several months. Splitting the investment in parts and spreading it over months is easier and better, as a newcomer probably does not know which roads might be interesting in the future.<br /><br />Another good thing to remember is that it is not the equipment that make the photographer. A good photographer can take good images with cheap equipment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-32014230022582892792010-02-14T16:27:09.782-08:002010-02-14T16:27:09.782-08:00Well, this is a good article that provides a very ...Well, this is a good article that provides a very helpful overview for the person who knows that he'll get deeply into photography ... but if you don't know, here are just a few observations as a new DSLR user (July 09) (Nikon):<br /><br />1) I bought a D90 with the kit 18-105. It was between that and the D40, but wanted to give myself some room for growth (and I'm very glad I did). If I had to do it over again, I would have not purchased the 18-105. I think when you're starting out you feel that you need/must have some zooms. But I would have purchased the approx. $135 50mm 1.8. I've come to really enjoy prime lenses because they make me/help me think more about getting the correct angle and position (of course, you can do this with a zoom).<br /><br />2) Future lens purchases aside, the most important immediate purchases IMO are: post processing software (NX2 for Nikon is very good, but many find it too slow as compared with some of the Adobe products); proper storage (e.g. I store my equipment in Pelican cases and use desicants to reduce potential damage from humidity, etc); a good camera strap; and a tripod. But I agree that you don't need to immediately get a tripod, but I've come to really, really like it. Vibration reduction is very nice, but when you stick a camera on a quality tripod and ball head you'll appreciate the result. So, prepare for this extra expense that will will almost cost as much as the D90 (body only).<br /><br />3) I would recommend that the serious beginner make it a priority to educate him/herself and be willing to pay for it. Now, the trick with courses is that you often don't know whether the instructor will work for you until you put your money down. But there are web sites -- some free, some not -- where people who have a lot of experience talk about equipment and technique that will rapidly help you advance. I won't mention the names of any sites b/c I'm not shilling for them; but I will say that this information will greatly help a beginner or even advanced amateur or pro think about what equipment best matches his/her style/styles of shooting. Of course, like much of the Internet, there are many people who just repeat what they've heard and what they've heard is incorrect :-)<br /><br /><br />4) In the initial months, I would recommend, if possible to shoot some "real" events. I took photos at a family gathering (hotel ballroom) and got an immediate appreciation and understanding of how poor most lighting is (for photography purposes) (which led me to understand why a D700 would have worked even better since I wasn't using a flash), my cameras ISO cabilities, a feel for what focal lengths would have worked best ... it was very helpful in helping me understand my equipment and what future purchases would help in what ways. I'm not a pro and don't intend to take photos for a living; but I want to have "pro quality" photos; so anytime I can get some of this type of practice I take advantage of it.<br /><br />Anyway, these are just a few observations that I'm sure anyone who's been shooting for a few months will realize.Carl Blaisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09606867382883121071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-38661148985497238112010-02-11T18:18:28.622-08:002010-02-11T18:18:28.622-08:00Good post, nice blog. I like this post. I am follo...Good post, nice blog. I like this post. I am follow your blog.<br /><br />balubestdeals@gmail.combalufeb12http://www.deals365.usnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-86297441738049920772010-02-10T15:07:54.263-08:002010-02-10T15:07:54.263-08:00Great article!
And I'm glad to see you mentio...Great article!<br /><br />And I'm glad to see you mentioned State Farm for insurance. Let me tell you, I'm with you on that %110!<br /><br />I don't own stabilized lenses because they're not as durable. But after dropping my 80-200 f2.8 a couple of times it needed a little service and repair. I called my agent, told them the repair cost. A couple of days later the check was in the mail!<br /><br />Worked the same when my wife dropped her 75-300 over the railing and into the swamp.RandJ-Photohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06357922730049739142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-25150667465977764982009-11-21T23:23:41.149-08:002009-11-21T23:23:41.149-08:00Hi Ron
Amazing post.
You are not just good in pho...Hi Ron<br /><br />Amazing post.<br />You are not just good in photography but also write amazingly well.<br />Ron, now that there are new gears in the market, can you please update this 'budget' article as well.<br /><br />ThanksAjayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13708992069980550165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-7377699271431800622009-06-17T05:27:36.186-07:002009-06-17T05:27:36.186-07:00One of the best articles on beginner photography a...One of the best articles on beginner photography and starter kits I'll be bookmarking this site for sure!<br /><br />Karen G.<br /><a href="http://www.blushweddingfilms.com" rel="nofollow"> Boston, Massachusetts Photographer </a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-11992447578453537682009-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:002009-02-01T09:42:00.000-08:00Another good post Ron. Oh and thanks for the slig...Another good post Ron. Oh and thanks for the slightly used gear. I will put it go good use until I upgrade.Mike Dealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12482521876791458434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-19850604103465511602009-01-08T10:35:00.000-08:002009-01-08T10:35:00.000-08:00Every post of your comes with lots of experience o...Every post of your comes with lots of experience of yours and is full of knowledge.<BR/>your blog is a must read for every DSLR photographer.<BR/>thanks for sharing :)vaibhavshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08392605044852181778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-45757830753034696672009-01-05T01:16:00.000-08:002009-01-05T01:16:00.000-08:00Great post Ron, and great supporting the "what gea...Great post Ron, and great supporting the "what gear" post. Now I have some web references to point all my friends to, rather than me just telling them pretty much the same thing, which always ends in "well you're just saying that because you've got OK gear to start with" :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com