Advice for the $2K Camera Budget
It’s impossible to give generalized advice about what kind of camera gear to buy. Everyone’s needs are different. Some people want to make pictures. Others want to buy the best possible thing and are afraid of making a “mistake” and ending up with the wrong thing. If you keep in mind that the primary purpose of a camera is to make photographs and not to serve as an object d’art in and of itself, then you’ll be a lot better off. All that said, I’ve recently been asked what an appropriate system to buy is given a budget of $2000. Since this number has come up a few times, here are some general thoughts.
For a budget of two grand, you can get into some pretty serious gear. Gear that would have had the most jaded of us filled with lust only a few short years ago. More importantly, you can put your hands onto gear that will let you get photographs every bit as good as the best out there, once you master how to use it and develop your own photographic vision. Sure, there are some specialized bits that are out of your budget, but you don’t need to worry about those until you know you need ’em.
There are two big questions, really. The first is whether to go Nikon, Canon, or one of the other brands. The second is how important zooms are to you.
For the brand question, there are pros and cons either way. Really, it’s sort of like the Windows/Mac/Linux debate. Some people are just more in sync with one or the other. I shot Canon for a decade. I now shoot Nikon because my own professional work has taken me into one of those very specialized corners of photography where it became worth the price of switching systems. I love my Nikons, but I can tell you that for the majority of the photography that most people do, all the major brands do well. My advice is to try them all out and see which one feels more “right” to you. If you don’t sync up with your camera, you won’t use it. It’s as simple as that. I have to constrain my own opinions to Nikon and Canon as that’s what I have experience with, but that shouldn’t stop you from buying a Sony if that’s what you really want.
Now, as far the zoom question goes, the primary benefit to zoom lenses is that they are much more flexible to use. It’s quite handy to be able to go out the door with a single lens on and take a variety of shots without changing lenses. It’s also the most affordable way to get a good wide angle shot on your camera. But, that flexibility can be a crutch. As well, most zooms—at least those that don’t cost almost two thousand dollars—are limited in how wide an aperture you can use. This affects your ability to use selective focus. On the other hand, if you have a significant other, the convenience of having a zoom means that the camera may be more approachable for them to use. High spousal approval factor is always a good thing.
So, where does that leave us? Here are a few combinations to consider:
- Nikon D90 body ($950), Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens ($630), Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 DX lens ($199), and Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens ($140). Instead of the 16-85, you might also consider the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G super zoom ($700) which does an amazing job considering it’s wide range.
- Canon 50D body with EF 17-85mm 4-5.6IS lens ($1500 kit), EF 35mm f/2.0 lens ($299), and EF 50mm f/1.8 lens ($120). Canon also ships the 50D in a kit with their 18-200 super zoom for around $1600. Canon’s super zoom is decent as well, tho I think Nikon has an edge on it.
Using either of these setups, you’ll get a decently performing zoom which can go reasonably wide and you get two good prime lenses to explore wider apertures with. The 35mm is the “normal” field of view on a DX/APS-C size sensor. The 50mm is a good portrait lens on DX/APS-C.
Why not the Nikon D5000 or the Canon Rebel T1i? They’re both good cameras, certainly. And, if you want to save a few hundred dollars, they’re certainly a good way to do it. But, in my opinion, the control sets on the D90 and 50D are better suited for taking over manual control of your camera and making it do things your way. When you drop down a level, the controls are more optimized towards the camera to do more of the decision making for you. Me, I like more control. It just feels better to me. However, if you get in the store and decide you like the feel of the D5000 or the T1i more, you should certainly go for it and save a few dollars. You’ll still get great images out of either the Rebel or the D5000.
Why two primes instead of just one lens and a prime? Mostly because I think that working with the normal size 35mm lens is a good way to improve as a photographer. I added the 50mm lens simply because it's a great deal and on a DX/APS-C camera, it turns into a nice portrait lens. If you just want one prime to start, go with the 35mm.
Why did I leave out other alternatives like the Olympus E-P1 or the Panasonic GH-1? Simply because I don’t have enough personal hands on time with them. I am totally smitten by size and form factor of the E-P1, however, and think that it’d be a totally nice camera to get and learn with.
Finally, as I started out this post, it’s really hard to give generic advice. Everyone’s needs are different. If you look at these recommendations and say “but, but!”, then you’re already ahead of the game and are making decisions based on the criteria that is important to you. Congrats! Go with it! That’s the great thing about modern SLR systems, they give us lots of choices.
32 Comments
Great advice.
I've personally used Nikon ever since my father gave me his old F3. I've always liked the feel, the balance and heft in my hand.
In fact, I've used a very similar setup to the Nikon list you presented. The 18-200mm lens, though a tad pricey, was extremely useful at any time from Nascar races to days at the beach. As you mention, with such a great zoom it seriously lacks aperture flexibility. I could hardly ever shoot indoors.
Thanks for suggesting some other lenses, I will surely look into them.
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Nice summary.... could you add three points? Given the purchase of one of those systems what:
1. would be the next lens you personally would want?
2. would be the bag you'd carry them in?
3. would the the all purpose travel tripod you'd get?
I'm starting to realize how dated my gear is. The lust is winning out... these are the questions I'm asking myself!
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Rick, good questions. Here's some quick answers:
1) Me personally? Hrm. That's tough. In a zoom, I'd look at the 70-200 f/4 (Canon only) or 70-200 f/2.8 (Nikon or Canon). They're workhorse lenses and quite lovely. Heavy and expensive tho. For a prime, I'd look at an 85 or 135. In fact, my favorite Canon prime of all time is the EF 135 f/2. It's the lens I miss out of my Canon kit these days. If I were a bit more constrained by budget and couldn't get any of the above, I'd pick up the 100mm macro.
2) I collect bags like some collect shoes. My personal favorites right now are the ones by ThinkTank. I use the ShapeShifter alot these days. For lighter carrying duties, I also use my Rickshaw or Timbuk2 messenger bags. For a roller, I'd get the ThinkTank Airport International. Also, look at Domke bags. They are classics and really do work nicely.
3) For tripods, I'd get a Gitzo. I've had lessor tripods and been sorry for it. On the other hand, people are saying good things about Rollei tripods right now. I'd look at 'em. But I've glommed onto Gitzo in a big way in the last few years and I'm not sure I'd get anything else. Look at the Gitzo Basalt variants if you're on a budget, otherwise the Carbon 6X.
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Rick, on my last trip I found that multiple bags is a good way to go. I have a Tenba messenger photo bag that I use to transport my D90 and lenses while traveling (on airplanes, etc). I have a smaller bag, the Crumpler 4 Million Dollar Home, that I packed in my checked bag to use while out and about wherever I'm visiting.
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An excellent set of pointers. I've accumulated my gear over a couple of decades or more, but still ended up with something vaguely in your ballpark: a Nikon D90 (recently replacing my old D50) with 18-105mm VR lens, a 50mm 1.8, a 55mm 2.8 macro, and third-party 24mm 2.8 and 70-210mm lenses.
I'd probably choose different lenses now (likely something similar to your recommendation) if I were starting fresh, but a couple of my lenses are from my film days (and also still work on my F4 film SLR), while a couple of others were eBay purchases of older gear.
I would make one additional suggestions: a lot of people would like a longer range on their zooms for sporting events and such. The 18-200mm lenses are good for that, but even Nikon's kit lens 18-55 and 55-200 lenses do quite well, especially outdoors, in conjunction with the fast primes you noted.
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The "try it first" aspect is probably one of the most important bits, and one that sometimes gets forgotten in this newfangled era of online buying. When I was deciding between the 30D and the D70, it really came down to which one felt better in my hands.
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Thanks for a helpful post! Do you have any opinions on wider-angle Nikkors (20mm, 24mm and 28mm)? As good a value as I hear that the new 35mm DX is, I would like to have a wider angle than that on my D90. I've been shooting only with a thrifty-fifty since I upgraded by selling my 18-70mm DX and D40x several months ago. I'm ready for a new lens.
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MK, I've been happy with every Nikon wide I've ever tried out. The 20 and 24 seem great, if a bit dated in design. In my own kit, I've went with the 14-24 which is amazing in almost every way and it's hard to believe that it's a zoom. But it _is_ a big heavy expensive lens. If you want to play wide, I think the 20 is the one I'd take a look at.
Also, if you're wanting to check out lenses, a great way to get a good feel is to rent them. Check out BorrowLenses.com or the other lens rental places.
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Ken Rockwell has a good set of lens recommendations for Nikon DX cameras:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-dream-team.htm
as well as for FX/film full frame SLRs:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d700/lenses.htm
Like Duncan, I recommend you check out the cameras and lenses in person first. Sony and Pentax have some good stuff these days (with Pentax especially well priced, with lots of weather sealing too), and the Olympus/Panasonic Four Thirds system is worth examining, even though the sensors are smaller.
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DK, Ken does have some good suggestions there. I like that he starts out with the 18-55 and the 35/1.8. That'd be a good combo too on a budget and would be a great suggestion for a step down from the 16-85 + 35 combo I put in my list.
I debated putting in some thoughts on the four-thirds system. I think there's a lot of promise there. I'm really taken with the Oly E-P1, as you know. I may go in an add a blurb about that. :)
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Valuable advice. I'd probably not recommend anyone to try and buy a complete system from the start though. Regardless of whether one has the funds or not, it's a good idea to piece by piece build your system. Learning as you go what kind of photography you prefer, building the system in that direction.
The new kit lens for the entry level Canon is surprisingly good (and I'm sure Nikon's is as well), and perfectly adequate for anyone to start learning with. Only when one feels limited by the equipment does it make sense to add another lens.
Having that said, this is what I'd do (stealing the extra $100 if need be):
Canon T1i $750
Canon 17-55IS f2.8 $950
Sigma 30mm f1.4 $400
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Nils, indeed. Taking your time and building things up isn't a bad approach at all. After all, we learn over time what kind of photographer we want to be.
If one couldn't steal the extra dough, just the T1i + just the 17-55 f/2.8 would be a potent combination indeed.
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For generalized advice, this is good stuff. My take is that no matter what camera you go with, get at least one cheap, fast prime. You won't regret it.
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Good info on purchasing camera gear. I'm still borrowing a D200, so I lucked out.
I would suggest the D40 if you want to go super cheap or the D90 like you have as far as body goes..
I rarely get to switch lenses since I'm borrowing everything, so I'll use the 18-200MM Nikkor that you've mentioned for a bit then get to change to a 50MM 1.4 for a short while.
Both lenses are awesome. If I had to cut more money from the budget for lenses as a Nikon shooter, I'd say get the 18-200. It has a lot of bang for the buck. So if you want to buy and carry only one lens that will keep you busy for awhile.. get the 18-200MM for sure.
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While I love the Nikkor 18-200mm, and I've shot a lot of cool pictures with it, I've realised that it made me lazy as far as composition goes. It is an _extremely_ convenient lens (and quite sharp for what it is!); so you don't need to move a lot to frame about anything (especially on a DX body where you have that 1.5x extra reach).
Recently, I've forced myself to shoot with primes and shorter zooms, to try to broaden my perspective on things :)
So I while I would recommend the 18-200mm to someone who has a few prime lenses, I believe it will limit more than help a novice photographer.
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Great advice Duncan.
For me, it depends on what I'm planning on shooting for the day. If it's going to be a leisurely photo-walk, nothing beats a bag of primes. If you're under a bit more pressure to be quick to reframe and shoot, a zoom is the best option. When I shoot weddings, the whole bag of gear comes along, but around 60% of the shots are on the 50mm!
So, if I had to have just *one* lens, it would be a fast normal lens, so for these cameras, a 38 or 35 mm, around f/2.0. The 85 f/1.8 is generally a great value too, and is really flattering for people shots. (I have yet to try a 135, but looking forward to it.)
For a relatively roomy shoulder bag, I've recently got the LowePro Nova 170AW. It's the perfect size for a 5D with a normal zoom and two primes, I imagine it would be great for the slightly smaller cameras and kits recommended here.
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I really like your suggestions. I think more new users need to shoot with some fast primes. I've been trying to encourage them. I'm more of an Olympus shooter so I thought I'd put together a list.
The E-30 would probably be the comparable camera to the two you listed, unfortunately Oly doesn't have cheap fast primes, so the Kit at 1439 w/ 14-54 f/2.8-3.5 really only leaves enough for one more lens, probably the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ($440) or 50mm f/2 Macro ($500) and maybe the 40-150 ($144)
The E-620 is really the sweet point of the lineup and I don't find manual to be do difficult with it's control scheme. The image quality compared to the E-30 is about the same or better.
The E-620 w/ 14-42 f/3.5-5.6 + 40-150 f/4-5.6 ($720) + 30mm 1.4 ($440) + 50 macro f/2 ($500) seems like a good start and leaves you about $400 left over for tripod or flash or another lens.
You have a lot of other options though.
With body only at ($550), the 9-18 for ($520), 14-54 f/ 2.8-3.5 for ($550), 25mm f/2.8 ($225) and 70-300 ($340) you have a lot of other options to go wide or long, or a faster mid range zoom.
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I'd add that if anyone's tempted by the Canon 50D, they'd do well to wait a couple of weeks: all signs point to its successor (the 60D, and possibly even the mythical 7D) being announced on the 19th August. New Powershots are due as well, wonder what the G11 will be like…
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I love this article a lot, but I would have suggested the Nikkor 50mm f1.4 instead. Maybe that's because I have it, but I find the increased DOF well worth the price over the f1.8...of course it breaks the budget, so YMMV.
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When I re-entered photography last year I started with a Sigma 30/1.4, Sigma 10-20, and Sigma 50-150/2.8 (on a D300 body). I've had a lot of fun, and have used all of them.
But after a year of use I wish I'd started with the 17-55/2.8 and added more lenses along the way. At the time it seemed expensive, but it has super-high utility and quality.
When I travel, as I am this week, I'm always torn for the "one-lens" solution to walking around. In theory, the 30mm is the one, but in practice hanging out with family and friends, it's not wide enough for "casual" use. The 50-150 is too long, and the 10-20 is too wide.
I'd also consider the Tokina 11-16/2.8, which wasn't available when I bought the Sigma 10-20. I like my selective focus and it's probably worth giving up a bit of range.
Interestingly, today in San Francisco, I'm going to walk around with a Canon HF-S10 video camera with wide-angle adaptor and 8 mpx still capacity. It's small and light, and will be an interesting experiment.
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Thanks for this advice, I've been thinking of getting one of these, but can't decide. You write: "Really, it’s sort of like the Windows/Mac/Linux debate."
So which one is the Mac?
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Daniel, I knew when I used the OS analogy, that question would come up. (grin) I wouldn't say any camera is more Mac-like or PC-like. Maybe a better metaphor would be Nokia vs Motorola in a world without an iPhone.
Hrm. Or maybe, BMW vs. Acura vs. Lexus. If you put it this way, I think the Nikon would be more like a BMW than a Canon would be.
Maybe. :)
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What about:
* entry-level Canon or Nikon
* 50mm 1.8
* 8gb CF card
* Adobe Lightroom
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Interesting possibilities, but I've never been impressed by the Canon 17-85. The much-maligned 18-55 is actually better at the wide and mid-end (through ~40mm). There are also plenty of 3rd party options that offer better results. Granted, you save a nice chunk getting the 17-85+50D kit, but I'd still rather opt for a better lens, or save the cash with the 18-55 and get a telephoto zoom as well.
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Just started photography(Canon XSI) and have been reading for days to decide which lens do I need to buy after my kit lens. I finally trimmed down to two choices: Sigma 17-50mm f2.8, Canon 28-135mm IS USM. Which one do you recommend? And when is the time I need to buy flash like 430EX II. Also a Canon 50mm f1.4 is on its way... a gift from my lovely girlfriend. Thanks to her. ;)
Nice article by the way. I like your suggestions.
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Dexter, I don't have any experience with the Sigma lens, so can't really speak as to which one. Based on my own experience, having a constant fast aperture zoom is quite nice. As far as buying the flash, you'll know when you need it or are ready for it. Don't get it until your know you have to have it.
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There are quirks to each system that may be aggravating to some, while meaningless to others. For example, Canon uses a scroll wheel on the back side of their cameras. For people like me who use the finder with their left eye, the scroll wheel gets smashed up against face while shooting, so you can't quickly change aperture without taking it away from your face. The only way to figure these things out is to use the camera for a while and see.
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James,
If you do talk about 4/3 system, I'd be interested if you've seen anyone with the new Panasonic DMC-GF1. Looks like the same size as the E-P1, and Panasonic is releasing it with a new 20mm 1.7 pancake lens for the Micro 4/3 system.
I like that with the Micro 4/3 system you can use a lens on either brand of camera.
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Daniel, I can't wait to play with a GF-1. I like the idea of a standard system with multiple makers of lenses and bodies. We'll see if it ever expands past just Olympus and Panasonic, but they're definitely doing good things.
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I was about to buy D5000. Then I read your post. Over and over again. One thing bothers me a lot:
"But, in my opinion, the control sets on the D90 and 50D are better suited for taking over manual control of your camera and making it do things your way."
What does it mean? I won't have a full control using D5000 or Revle T1i?
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Robert, it means that there's a line at which there's a distinct difference in control set. Below that line, the cameras are much more suited to "pick a creative mode" shooting and make you dig more a bit harder--sometimes into the menus--to do things manually or semi-manually. Above that line, it's easier. That's all.
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Thank you for the explanation :)
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