Quote Originally Posted by cmac76


My wife and I are looking to get into photography as a serious hobby. I have been doing some research on SLRs, and, for about a $2000 budget I found the Canon EOS 7D packaged with the 28-125mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens for $1899.


Would this be a good place to start? We want to take all kinds of photographs and maybe find a niche along the way.


I recommend that people figure out their lens (and flash) needs, and back into their camera selection after those are chosen. A friend wanted to capture his teenage daughter's theater and volleyball, so he went with the 85/1.8 prime and no flash (neither are 'acceptable' at school events). He ended up with a 40D and the 17-85 lens as a kit, plus the 85/1.8, for under his $1500 budget and he's absolutely thrilled with the results.


If you're looking to shoot 'all kinds of photographs', I'd suggest incorporating a wider lens into your plans, whether it's the EF-S 10-22, 17-40L, EF-S 17-55, EF-S 17-85, EF-S 18-55, or perhaps one of the newly-announced lenses (15-85 or 18-135). I'd also plan on a 50/1.8 lens to gain the creative outlet that it offers. I'd decide on a flash based on your needs, at least the 430EX II if not the 580EX II (which is more powerful, more flexible, and capable of taking an external battery pack which I happen to LOVE). In the end, you may find that a 50D is a better starter camera that will serve you for years.


I know it's a tough concept to grasp now, but plan to keep your first camera until (at least) you buy your third camera. You never know what will happen with either of your first two cameras, as many of us can attest. As a result, don't fret about buying any EF-S lenses; you'll need them for a while.