DSLR cameras and lens options

[rtmcc]

I went back and did a search for info on cameras on SP and found some good info but somewhat out dated.  This technology and cameras has changed a bunch in the past few years.

We are looking at updating to a DSLR type camera.  After everyone has recovered from picturing and videoing their sale calves this fall I thought there might be some updated opinions and info.

The models we are considering are the Canon T2i, Nikon D5000 or Nikon D90.  The D90 has been around the longest and came highly recommended at our local camera shop because it has stayed around for so long.  I sure liked the feel of its bigger body in my hand and some of the options.

What does everyone like for a favorite lens when shooting calves in a picture pen?  I was considering a Tamron 28 - 75mm F/2.8.

I am open for any and all input and ideas.  I have read some of JBH and Mark and Dave Sinclares stuff on here and hope to hear their input with all the new equipment available but sure would enjoy input from some of the other amateurs out there like me.

Thanks for your input!

Ron
<cowboy>

 

[drl]

We bought a Canon T2i this spring. We also bought a Canon 18-200mm lens to go with it. So far we like the camera. It should get some really good pictures. Now if you go to spend almost twice as much you can get a better camera but for us who don't picture cattle for a living it should work just fine. I would say a lens with more zoom than 75 would be better but I am not a professional. I would say getting better pictures of our calves definitely helped sell a couple of the calves this year.

 

[chambero]

We have a Nikon D-80 we bought about two years ago and love it

 

[kvhranch]

I prefer the Canons myself.  Not sure what the T2i is going for, but you can get a Canon 40D or 50D for under $1000.  Even the Rebel XTis and such are great cameras.

As for glass, this is where you should spend your money.  The Tamron lenses are okay, but the couple I have don't take nearly as crisp of pictures as the Canon ones.  With digital, the camera isn't as important as it was with film.  But always the lenses have been important.

There are a couple of equine photography boards out there.  I would check them out - you will have better luck finding advice on taking pictures of horses rather than cattle and then you can just translate it.

 

[rtmcc]

Thanks for the input everyone.  It looks like all the cameras will do a great job.  The secret is in the lens.
What has worked best for everyone?
Also what aperture (F/_) and ISO do you find the best for thaose crisp shots on black calves?

Ron
<cowboy>

 

[cowz]

I have a Nikon D40 I love, but this winter I want to invest in a really good quality lens for calf pictures.  Does anyone here have any suggestions?

 

[luv2show21]

bump

 

[kvhranch]

I have a Canon 100-400 L lense.  I'm not super photographer - but this is my absolute favorite lens though it weighs a ton.  For Canon - the L lenses are their pro lenses and are a cream colored instead of black.  And this is a major zoom lens so unless I'm in close quarters I can take really nice photos from across an arena of field.

 

[Bawndoh]

Thanks for the input everyone.  It looks like all the cameras will do a great job.  The secret is in the lens.
What has worked best for everyone?
Also what aperture (F/_) and ISO do you find the best for thaose crisp shots on black calves?

Ron
<cowboy>

Keep your f-stop low (under 4, about 3.2 seems to be a good spot with a 2.8 lens.  Keep your ISO as low as possible (200), and you should be good.  If its getting a little late (dark) just bump up that ISO if you have to.  That should let more light in.  Your images might be a TINY bit grainier the higher you bump up that ISO, but if you are in a pickle, it works!  Once you get up to 800+ ISO you will see quite a bit of grain on the armature cameras...such as the ones you are looking at.  A bit of advice on lenses.  If you think you will always be shooting in closed quarters, a good ole 50mm 1.8 lens is MAGIC!!  It is VERY affordable, and SUPER sharp.  Prime lenses are the highest quality, and always sharper, with better color and everything...but not always a logical choice for everyone.
Hope this helps...and not to blow my horn too much, but I am a pro photog and shoot weddings, families, and do commercial work...so I would say my advice is solid, lol.

 

[shortyisqueen]

I have a Canon 5D Mark II and shoot with a 70-200mm F4.0 Canon L lens. Works great for pasture shots as the zoom is enough that you don't have to get right up on them and can catch them when they are posing naturally instead of looking at you. The equipment is expensive...but I don't plan on buying a new DSLR for a LONG time...and a picture really is worth a thousand words...

 

[rtmcc]

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