Anyone in to photography?

[Kev]

A couple of years ago I went to the Silverstone GP and was lucky enough to borrow an Canon Eos 50D (I think) and a long telescopic lens thingy.

It was great. I got really good shots. The cars pretty much filled the frame even from the back row of the stand at Luffield.

I'm going again this year and I've been pondering getting a 'proper' camera for myself as I've only ever had point and click jobs (currently have an Ixus 850).

So I've just been having an idle look at what you can get for your money.

The Eos 550D looks a nice bit of kit and is reasonably priced. I also saw a 70-300mm lens for decent money too. Would that be a good combo or is anything better coming out soon?

Long term I'd quite like to try a bit of photography and maybe get a macro lens too.

[ukgazman]

550D is a pretty good start (Canon man myself). DPreview does in depth reviews of camera and lenses. My only advice is after the body, buy the best glass you can afford.. no point having a £500+ camera using a cheap lens, you'll get cheap pictures. If its for a one off event you could always rent from somewhere like http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; not used them myself but could be worth a punt for the day?

[Chungster]

i use a 70-300 F4.5-5.6 for my motorsport photography on my Nikon D300

a 70-200 F2.8 can do amazing shots but u need to be nearer the action. The 70-300 i've had for last 3 years has been ideal and good VFM for what i want to do. Ideally get a monopod too if you want to do panning shots as that helps big time for me!

PS: Silverstone isn't great for photography anymore unless you're track side. Fences up everywhere now due to H&S. Grrrr.

[discowill]

Yeah, im in to photography, shoot with 5dmk2, 40d & set of canon L series lenses.

As a rough principle always spend more money on your lenses, as you will keep these longer than any body.
The 600d is now available meaning the 550d will soon drop in price.

I recommend joining 'talk photography' & 'photography on the net' forums, these forums will improve your skills and knowledge. They also have second hand for sale boards!

[Kev]

I went to PC World today and they had the 550D out on display to play with.

Very nice bit of kit. Not too heavy and fits well in my hands. The standard 18-55mm kit lens gives a decent amount of zoomage and field of view as a general purpose lens.

In one of the cabinets they also had the 70-300mm lens I was looking at. It's huge! But looks suitably impressive

I'm still looking to hold on until the 600D comes out out at the end of this month to see how the 550D prices drop as a result. The 600D is a bit too pricey for me and doesn't really have any extras (that I can tell) that would make any real difference to me as a rank amateur.

[wigit]

kev there will be deals about with the 18-55 and 55-250, the 55-250 is a compact zoom in terms of size, a 18-135 and 70-300 will be added to the lens haul, the 250 was good enough to pic out some pointing defects on our place in kent

great value camera, as easy or complicated to use as you want, best feature so far is the lighting compensation which works a treat in sodium/tungsten environments when you don't want to used flash

some might not like the plastic body but i thought it was a nice weight

[Chungster]

Kev...

I buy my stuff from http://www.warehouseexpress.com/home/default.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Trix got her gear from there too after my recommendation.

[trix]

Kev...

I buy my stuff from http://www.warehouseexpress.com/home/default.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Trix got her gear from there too after my recommendation.

very useful guys
i'm within easy visiting distance so its DANGEROUS!!! (as shown by my current lens collection)

[Kev]

I know somewhere I can get it a bit cheaper than that

[Chungster]

Morris Photography??? That's not far from you....I've used them once when WE didn't have what i wanted.

Or you can try Amazon/ebay...or if u have contacts Far East! That's where i got my main camera body from...mucho cheaper than UK prices.