A Question from the simple?

[Racksnbeards]

I was wondering what kind of camera I should get to take pics of wildlife, I have no knowledge about camera's. I want something I can zoom in with, I want something digital, and something that is reasonible priced, any suggestions or help. If I can get some ideas of brands/models I can check out ebay. I've been seeing a couple nice bucks and would like to get their pics before they shed, but I can't get much closer than 100yds. The old kodak don't perform very well at that distance.

[JimT]

Hmmm...SLR digitals are expensive, without any lenses. I have a pair of CaptureView binocs. Maybe thats what you need. Cabelas
If I was to buy an SLR digital I would buy a Nikon D70 with a Quantaray 135-400mm lense for somwhat long range picture taking. You will need a day thats sunny to get descent pics though. Billkay is the expert here though. Money no object I would buy a Nikon - 200-400 f/4G VR IF-ED lense which is $5500.00 just for the lense.

[bigblueraptor]

i have an old pentax that works good

it has the hook so i can hook it to my cabelas spotting scope for some far away pictures

[billkay]

For the best quality and range of zoom lenses, you'll probably want to look at SLR cameras like JimT says. To save a ouple of $$ initially, ry looking at the used market. There is a lot of quality gear avail at a far cry from the original price. One of my cameras for example was purchased new for close to $7000 a few years ago. Recently I was offered $300 for it in trade for a new body. KEH Camera has a web site that lists used equip and should get you started. I would stick with either Canon or Nikon. Any other questions, just ask. Here's a link to a story I wrote that may be of some help. Camera Selection

[Racksnbeards]

Bilkay, I read your article great information. If I went with a 35mm camera, and was looking to spend around $300.00 what would be some suggestions. I don't mind 35mm, I just like the idea of being able to look at your picture the instant it is taken. I believe I have several options in the 35mm, but I'm looking for one with autofocus, weatherproof, powerful zoom and macro (thanks to your article lol). I can give a little more than the above figure but would like to keep it around that, so what is the best I can buy. If some models can be recommended I can research, but I'm wanting to narrow the search.

[billkay]

You could probably pick up a Nikon F2 or 3 SLR and a lens but you will need to increase the budget, at leasst a bit. These are however manual focus cameras, but don't let that hold you back. They should, but check first, accept auto focus lenses when you come across more $$. The upside is it is top of the line equpiment just a few years behind in the technology dept. If you went with a point and shoot, you'd lose the ability to change lenses but the price decreases a lot. Look at Canon or Olympus for the weater proof versions.

[JimT]

If I were you I would buy this combination. It is not waterproof, but has everything else you need. I have the camera body. It takes nice pics for sure. Nikon N65 and this lense Quantarray Throw in a couple clear filters and you will be up to about $400.00, which is not alot for a pretty good setup. Not trying to tell you what to do, but I have this setup and have suprised alot of people with the pics i have got with it. Have fun.

[Racksnbeards]

Billkay and JimT, I visited the ritzcarmera.com and with all the cameras to choose from I don't know where to begin, but I did come accross a Cannon EOS Rebel Ti SLR Camera with Sigma 2 lens bonus outfit. I have no idea what the abreviations mean, nor do I know much about camera in general. My main use for the camera will be my sons wrestling tournaments which the range varies from 30ft to 150ft, and pictures of wildlife which will range from 10 yds to 100yds. That is a very nice price on the Nikon N65. If you both had $400.00 to spend on a setup and where going to use it for what I intend, which camera out there(any) would you guys buy. I'm going to check ebay so I may be able to get a $500.00 value for $400.00 threw it, so ideas would be appreciated. I appreciate your time and comments and I'm looking forward to hearing more.