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code star's picture
code star

What's a good camera + lens for photographing nature?

Hi all,
I am new to to the photography scene and am interested in photographing nature. I have attached a photo I recently took using an iphone and would like to take similar ones using a professional camera. Can any one suggest a good starting camera + lens combination. My budget is currently about $500.

Thanks.

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6 Comments
Francisco B's picture
Francisco B joseph cole

That fuji is a hell of a deal, didn't realize you could get mirrorless for that cheap; 24 megapixels and a lens, very nice.

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Ruth Carll's picture
Ruth Carll

Everyone has their favorite brand so I'll pitch mine: Pentax.

They spend a lot less on the 'name' wars (Canon/Nikon/Sony) so there is less marketing $$ in the product costs IMO. Their introductory level equipment is a solid/rugged product and has features that some other brands don't start until you get into the mid range lines.

Here are two options for you to consider. Both are based on the fact that this will be your first camera and you have a low budget.

Training Set Up:
If this is your first camera and you are not wanting to go 'all in' (which you shouldn't until you know that this is going to be a long-term commitment) you can get their introductory level camera body with a kit wide angle lens plus a good quality telephoto lens for $600 from Amazon. This set up will get you a decent (good quality intro level) camera with a full spectrum of 18-300mm through 2 lens. This camera has good auto settings but you can also do fully manual as you learn how to use the camera.

Here is the package from Amazon:

Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video with DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Weather Resistant Lens (Amazon ASIN# B002OHDBZS) $200

Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Lens (Amazon ASIN# B01GVYHK42) $400

Better Quality/Still Basic/Less Range
This would be a step up but you will lose some range due to the higher expense of the camera body. Otherwise, everything said from Option 1 applies here too.

Pentax K-5 II 16.3 MP DSLR DA 18-135mm WR lens kit (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Amazon ASIN# B0099J8BZE)

PS - Good idea asking for input! If we all start arguing about our suggestions, just know that we are like opinionated siblings!

And finally - Nice perspective on the photo too. Good job with the exposure too.

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Ruth Carll's picture
Ruth Carll Ruth Carll [Edited]

Oh - and full disclosure - I started with the canon rebel that Joe suggested (well, the model many years ago though). Here is one from that camera (hummingbird) and one from the K7 (deer). I tried to find landscapes to show you but I'm not much of a 'big picture' shooter!

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January Williamson's picture
January Williamson

I'm new(ish) too... I have the Canon T7i and love it!

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q az's picture
q az [Edited]

Upgrade to an Iphone X. It takes very sharp photos. It will teach you composition and is much easier to do it with the phone screen than a camera's view finder. The little camera screen will lie to you all the time while the phone is what you see is what you get. The remarkable photos you see posted or in print are made with equipment that costs several thousand dollars and much more. (Yes I have this gear from Phase One, Canon and Sony.) Learn how to view a scene and get composition before spending money on the camera. If you want to get a camera go mirrorless (probably Sony is best.) The rate of change in the technology is fantastic and new gear depreciates fast. Buy used lens that are in top condition since the camera body's value will drop with each new version. You can sell your used lens later for what you paid if you take care of them. This gives you more capability for less outlay. If I had all of the money I have spent on camera gear back I could ... yeah- If you become a professional you can write off your expenses for equipment. Everybody else pays full price and it ends up in the closet.

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