Digital SLR Cameras for Horse Photos - Recommendations Please.

[QUOTE=dreamswept;4900662]
I’m thinking I might do that. In the meantime, definitely considering upgrading my glass because what I have is decent enough, but not totally awesome and excellent quality. I’d think that with some better glass, I could probably get a little more out of my Rebel XT for the time being.[/QUOTE]

Plenty of new glass coming out too. Everyone is expanding and updating their lens offerings for the new mid-range and high-end cameras that are coming out for 2011.

[QUOTE=LexInVA;4900668]
Plenty of new glass coming out too. Everyone is expanding and updating their lens offerings for the new mid-range and high-end cameras that are coming out for 2011.[/QUOTE]

Oh, well in that case, it’ll be worth the wait. Can save my money for sure.

I want this.

Yeah right. The sick thing is that if I would take, oh, 3 months off of horses I could afford it!

Anyway - this would be great for just about any condition, and is specifically geared towards sports photographers.

Oh well…someday! :smiley:

[QUOTE=piftisha;4900680]
I want this.

Yeah right. The sick thing is that if I would take, oh, 3 months off of horses I could afford it!

Anyway - this would be great for just about any condition, and is specifically geared towards sports photographers.

Oh well…someday! :D[/QUOTE]

mmm yes that would be nice, 9fps at 12.1 mp. although, imagine the poster size prints you can make witha d3x (24 mp):eek:

Personally, I stick with Nikon lenses, however, I do know many who are very pleased with the performance of both Tamron and Sigma lenses. If you are only using the lenses for action shots, the lack of VR shouldn’t be a problem, as the shutter speed which is fast enough to stop the action of the subject, should also be enough to stop the movement of the photographer. If you are doing low light/slow shutter speed, then VR is worth its weight in gold!!!

Action shots with the Tamron/Sigma vs. Nikon…the third party lenses are good, but not as good as the high end Nikon lenses for focusing speed (which is mostly determined by the lens, not the camera body), and Nikon also has an edge in sharpness as well. An excellent lens which will be a bit better than the third party, IMO ;), but not as expensive as the 70-200 VRII, is the older Nikon 80-200.

Getting a new camera this weekend. Probably the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. Sounds like some people here have it and like it but others prefer Nikon. I know very little about cameras and need something easy to use that will take better pics than my point and shoot(s). Is there another comparable camera that I should look at?

Thought I had my mind made up but am now second guessing.

Canon and Nikon are both excellent camera systems that are able to meet the needs of any photographer. That being said, there are design differences that affect the feel and ease of use for some people (just like saddles!!)…for me, when I pick up a Nikon, the controls are placed so that if feels very natural for me to use, but with Canon, it just feels awkward. And to many Canon people, the Nikons feel awkward!!! Best thing to do, is go to a store and handle both the Canon and Nikon cameras which are in your price range. If one feels “right,” that’s your new camera :).

Congrats on the soon-to-be-purchased camera!!! You will have a blast!!!

[QUOTE=NE_Rider;4900923]
An excellent lens which will be a bit better than the third party, IMO ;), but not as expensive as the 70-200 VRII, is the older Nikon 80-200.[/QUOTE]

If you patiently check the Craigslist of major cities near you, and ebay, etc, you can also sometimes find the old workhorse Nikkor 80-200mm/f2.8 push-pull lens for around $500. No VR, but completely crystal clear razor-sharp images. Takes a bit or getting used to zooming by pulling or pushing, but worth the effort to save so much money and have a professional quality lens.

Back to the OP and others on here who don’t aspire to be pros, but just want good photos for a good value:

Most serious photographers are equipment junkies. This means they are constantly waiting for and buying the latest and greatest new product. This in turn means that they often sell off their older stuff that is still in perfectly good condition.

I’d recommend this for those of you looking for something not too complicated but capable of taking just the sort of pictures most horse people need: Buy an older model from a pro. How do you find them? Visit the photographer forums’ “For Sale” section, watch Craigslist, peruse ebay, etc. And entry level “prosumer” DSLR (like the Nikon D50) can often be found for less than $500 for the body.

I love my pentax. The anti vibration is in the body, not the lenses so lenses are cheaper.

Its not as common as it seems to take more user skill though the new K7 is supposed to be easier.

I tend to take pics of horses and dogs:

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/Grey-Run/pentax%20pics/_IGP0423.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/Grey-Run/pentax%20pics/wheatonpainting-1.jpg

http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv131/GreyRun2/_IGP8455.jpg

http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv131/GreyRun2/_IGP8284.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/Grey-Run/pentax%20pics/ariasm.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/Grey-Run/pentax%20pics/winter2008-2009/Ariasayshai.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/Grey-Run/pentax%20pics/winter2008-2009/dekkafacefullofsnow.jpg

Love my Pentax, too :slight_smile:

I haven’t done many action shots, but I love my Nikon D40. It was easy to learn, easy to use, and it takes awesome pictures.

http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv249/Sacred_Petra/Pondor/?action=view&current=DSC_0002.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3926511&l=1baa61cc9a&id=782815781

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3899130&l=7037147d63&id=782815781

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3899160&l=2684cf90e5&id=782815781

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3919489&l=beb68036fa&id=782815781

Can you tell I love this camera? :winkgrin:

I don’t even have any of the expensive lenses either, and I don’t think I have any of the VR technology. Eventually I’ll move up to a fancier camera, but for a first DSLR, it works great.

NIKON! They are so much more user friendly if you ever get into shooting out of Auto (which is how you get the really great shots!)

Just got the rebel ti this weekend and so far love it, it is not hard to use, plus there is a ton of features of you really want to get in to it. Pulled it out of the box and got some great shots! I got the extra 75-300mm lens, the one it comes with is okay for close up but not far away.

[QUOTE=NE_Rider;4900923]
but not as expensive as the 70-200 VRII[/QUOTE]

This lens?

Holy cow that is an expensive lens. But imagine the shots you could get with it…drool…:winkgrin:

[QUOTE=piftisha;4902644]
This lens?

Holy cow that is an expensive lens. But imagine the shots you could get with it…drool…:winkgrin:[/QUOTE]

I borrowed a copy and, yes, it is quite lovely. Great color, super sharp and fast. Yes, I loves it. :smiley:

[QUOTE=piftisha;4902644]
This lens?

Holy cow that is an expensive lens. But imagine the shots you could get with it…drool…:winkgrin:[/QUOTE]

with f/2.8 there is a reason it cost so much. think of the bokeh!!!

Yes, and…

Holy cow that is an expensive lens. But imagine the shots you could get with it…drool…:winkgrin:
Yes :)!!! It is THE best all-around horse lens there is, IMHO ;). Once you use it, you’ll never want to go back to a lesser lens :yes:.

Quality lenses are investments, which, if they are taken care of, can be sold for a good portion of their original purchase prices.

If you want to try before you buy, LensRentals.com is a good company.

to all the people considering the Canon T1i…I just bought mine today from Amazon for a great deal! Got the kit (no avoiding it), plus an additional lens, and a printer for $736 after all the rebates and coupons that are currently being offered. If you’re interested in the deal, go to www.bensbargains.net for the details. I was going to wait until my bday…but couldn’t pass this up! I don’t need the printer so I figure I’ll just sell it for a couple hundred which makes the cost of the camera even less :slight_smile:

Glad to hear that people like this camera too! I was thinking about holding out for a deal on the T2i…but every where I read said buy a decent body and a good lens (which everyone pretty much reinforced on here) so I think the T1i will fit my needs well.

I was doing some googling around and ran across a few lens rental places. You can sometimes rent bodies too.

Seems like it’d be a reasonable way of trying an expensive lens without shelling out the big bucks for it. Or if you only use a particular lens a few times a year or something.

I’m tempted to rent a nice L lens for my trip to the track next weekend. It’s decent in terms of cost (and is insured.)

[QUOTE=NE_Rider;4902979]

If you want to try before you buy, LensRentals.com is a good company.[/QUOTE]

What a great site!

I don’t do too many big events each year, but it would be totally worth it to just rent one for the week.

This is definitely getting added to my “big purchases” list!

I’m starting to knock them out-
#1 was a CWD saddle (just arrived last week!!)
#2 was custom tall boots (paid for, on their way)

Unfortunately, the next few on the list are for the husband :winkgrin:

#3 is a rebuild of our garage - built in 1930, it is literally siding over 2 x 6s and is about to fall down. He wants (and justifiably so, since his business pays a lot of bills!) a new garage with storage for his electrical contractor’s business inventory.

#4 is a remodel for our tiny 700 sq. ft. house, and #5…well, that is probably a kid. I’m neutral on the issue, but husband wants one, so I’m ok with it. Maybe we can make the lens #3a or something :winkgrin: