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Recommendations for beginner camera for wildlife? (self.photography)

submitted 1 year ago by stochasticity to c/photography

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I want to take wildlife/outdoor photos recreationally. I don't want to get frustrated by photo quality, but I also don't want to spend more than I need to. That being said I'm willing to consider expensive equipment, but only if it benefits my needs. Does anyone have some canned recommendations?

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

Wildlife is going to be pretty lens heavy. You'll want at least 400mm equivalent.

As r/photography likes to say, the equipment is really personal to you. For example, I absolutely hate using Canon cameras, something about their UI just puts me off; I'm a good deal slower when using them. If possible you should try out some cameras to see what sticks. If you're serious I'd suggest renting something that catches your eye and is around your budget to try.

If you're on a budget a DSLR is actually a great pick; you probably can get a higher level body used with some really cheap 80-400/100-400/150-600mm type lenses now. Saw on my local Amazon a Tamron 150-600mm G1 new being cleared for like under US1k.

Edit: Also, stating your budget will really get you more targeted recommendations.

[–] stochasticity 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm sure you are right that I would get better recommendations if I specify how much I'm willing to spend. Honestly though I would like to hear where people think the sweet spot is and I was worried I would miss that input if I set a budget.

Also I haven't fully decided what that budget would be.

[–] Photographer 2 points 1 year ago

There is no sweet spot, either get the best used kit you can find (lots of people buy stuff for a hobby or gift and barely use it), or go and get the nicest new kit you can afford to buy. The lenses for birding increase in value exponentially as you go up the range, a starter lens might be $300, a good amateur lens $1000, a pro lens $2500 and a top of the line National Geographic type lens $7000-20000

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

As the other poster said, there's no real sweet spot, but I'd think the floor would be like US$1k for something that's very competent and versatile.