Upgrade my lens or whole new camera system??

[bama-mom]

Need some opinions, please

I have a Nikon d50 with the standard 18-55 lens and a 50mm. Don't get much out of auto mode, but am slowly learning. I am trying to decide if I want to get a zoom lens for this camera, but I don't want to break the bank. Wondering if I can get a good one for around $300.

I also found a really good deal on a Canon Rebel t3 that comes with the standard 18-55 and also a 75-300. I really like the looks of this camera! Have had the d50 for almost 5 years so I think I am just trying to talk myself into the new one

Any suggestions for this amateur??????

 

[krb2g]

I'd start by reading Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure (which is much cheaper than a new lens or a new system). I'd probably just upgrade the lens at this point. If I were upgrading cameras entirely, I'd probably stay with a Nikon because more of the gear you already have will be compatible. I know it's really tempting to get the new and the shiny (and I've certainly been guilty of doing just that!), but in the long run, the most pleasure (and the best pictures) I've gotten out of my camera have come from understanding what it can and can't do, and what I need to do in order to get the results I want, rather than throwing money and more equipment into the situation.

 

[photo_chick]

First off... the T3. It's a nice entry level camera. It's just a very, very entry level camera. You will actually loose some of the features that your D50 has and you won't get the gain in overall performance that you would from something like a T3i or a T2i. I'd also run like Forrest Gump from any package that has the Canon 75-300 in it. IMO Canon really needs to stop making that lens.

If your D50 is still getting the job done for you, then I'd go for new glass. If all you really want is more reach, Nikon has a 55-250 that's under $200 and it will give you better performance than the Canon 75-300.

And I totally have to agree with the advice on learning more about what you have. Knowledge is the cheapest investment you can make and will improve your images more than any piece of equipment ever could.

 

[handicap18]

The D50 is a GREAT camera. I wouldn't switch camera makers just to upgrade like that. If you do want new glass then I would go with the 55-250mm. Its pretty good for a telephoto zoom if you feel that you need more reach.

I've gotten some absolutely incredible shots with my D50 and 50mm f/1.8 lens. That was my equipment choice for portraits for a number of years. I also added the SB-600 speed light flash (though the SB-600 has since been replaced by the SB-700).

Best thing for you to do is to take a real hard look at your photography style. What do you like to photograph most? What do you feel you can't currently do? What do you feel you are being limited by?

If your thinking of changing camera bodies, its going to be a lot more than $300. I would instead start looking at some upgraded lenses over what you have. The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is an AWESOME lens. It runs about $450 for the non VC (Vibration Correction). I have this lens it is just plain great. Lightweight, very sharp, excellent image quality, excellent focusing.

The Nikon 18-105mm VR lens is another very good kit lens for about $360. It will extend your current focal length and give a little bit better IQ and also add VR (Vibration Reduction).

You can also look for something used. A few years back I picked up a used Nikon 70-210mm f/4 lens that is a great piece of glass. I got it for about $275 (keh.com has a few of these right around $300). The Nikon D50 was built with a focus motor in the body so any of the old Nikon AF lenses will auto focus with that body. This opens a ton of options for you in the used market.

 

[bama-mom]

Thanks so much for the replies!

I think I will stick with my d50 for a while. After reading your replies and doing a little research, the t3 isn't all that great (just shiny and new to me). Found a couple of good deals on the 55-200 lens. I don't pretend to be a photographer, just like to take good shots of my kids and WDW. Need something with more zoom for kids sports and school activities. Will the 55-200 do the trick?

 

[My2Girls66]

I agree with keeping the D50. I have one. Its a great camera.
If you are looking for more reach, B&H has the Nikon 55-300mmVR for $300

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...aSearch&InitialSearch=yes&Q=&Ntt=Nikon+55/300

The Nikon 35mm 1.8 is another nice lens for around $200 if you want something for lowlight.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606792-USA/Nikon_2183_AF_S_Nikkor_35mm_f_1_8G.html

 

[handicap18]

The 550-200mm will do for basic stuff. Its not a real long reach, but seeing as you don't have anything at all it will most definitely help you.

Just keep in mind that when you do use it for sports that your outdoors and that it is mostly light out. I have the 70-300mm and when I shoot my kids playing baseball in the spring I pretty much have to shut down by about 6pm ish. Even with bumping the IOS up to 1600 (and beyond on my D300) its hard to get shutter speeds above 1/200th when you limited to f/5.6. You'll get a lot of action blur. During the day or if your under the lights its not bad at all. I've shot baseball at Fenway Park with my 70-300 and gotten some great shots even at f/5.6 (which on the 55-200mm and the 70-300mm is the widest it will go at the longest focal length). Basically it has its limitations, but so long as you learn and know those limitations you'll do ok.