[sammyboy]

Originally Posted by condor

Guys, what is the fastest way to identify if a lens has an AF motor or not ? Let's say if I hand you a lens, and you only have a camera with a compatible mount, how will you identify it ? Remember - no access to Google Sammy, where are you now - BLR or Doon ?

Sorry bro didn't get a chance to reply earlier. As the experts have already mentioned I also understand that it says afs for auto.
A novice and going to stay there for a while . Am in blr now, was out for a while.

[parrys]

Guys,

Planning to buy a new camera, I have used both, mirrorless & DSLRs, and comfortable using both. But, I don't understand the technical side of it.

If these are my options, what should I buy?

http://www.flipkart.com/camera/compa...MDUGSSHXQ9FDHM

Also, suggestions are welcome.
PS: Price to be below 50K with the necessary accessories (16 GB SD card, camera bag etc)

[Nicky]

Originally Posted by parrys

Guys,

Planning to buy a new camera, I have used both, mirrorless & DSLRs, and comfortable using both. But, I don't understand the technical side of it.

If these are my options, what should I buy?

http://www.flipkart.com/camera/compa...MDUGSSHXQ9FDHM

Also, suggestions are welcome.
PS: Price to be below 50K with the necessary accessories (16 GB SD card, camera bag etc)

I just bought nikon D3300 with 18-55mm lens.
Sony 5000Y offers good alternate to Canon 60D in your list.
My first choice would be Canon 60D and then Sony 5000Y.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

That lens used to cost around 75k (as compared to 28k for 70-300).

The difference is that you get at least two (if not three) stops of aperture, as the prime is sharp at F4 and usable, the zoom is soft at f5.6 and has to be stopped down to f8 to be reasonable sharp, and even then it is soft. For wild life both the reach and the aperture are important, as you would rarely get a shot in bright day light within 50 meters of the camera. Rest is your take.

[M35]

Ultra wide angle:
I am getting a slightly better deal with "Sigma 10-20 mm f/4.0-5.6 EX HSM" over the Tokina 11-16 mm f2.8 II.
Any suggestions on the Sigma?

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by parrys

Guys,

Planning to buy a new camera, I have used both, mirrorless & DSLRs, and comfortable using both. But, I don't understand the technical side of it.

If these are my options, what should I buy?

http://www.flipkart.com/camera/compa...MDUGSSHXQ9FDHM

Also, suggestions are welcome.
PS: Price to be below 50K with the necessary accessories (16 GB SD card, camera bag etc)

My suggestion is to get a Nikon D3300 with its 18-55mm kit lense. It is going for around Rs.32,500/. Once you have familiarized your self with the camera, then think of additional lense. Do not go for the two lense package initially.
http://www.snapdeal.com/product/niko...with/452492044
http://www.flipkart.com/nikon-d3300-...a-e98b6ba5a465
http://www.amazon.in/Nikon-D3300-Dig...9877455&sr=1-8
(The price varies day to day, and between Snapdeal, Flipkart and Amazon)

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by Aroy

zoom is soft at f5.6 and has to be stopped down to f8 to be reasonable sharp, and even then it is soft.

F4 prime is certainly a faster/sharper lens at 300, and has faster autofocus (Specially with a teleconverter).

I think a Prime would mean another body for wide angle shots (or lens changes in dusty environment).

Regarding 70-300, it is soft around the edges when used with a full-frame body. If someone is using it with a crop sensor, those areas are not captured by sensor. It does lack in terms of aperture.

[condor]

Originally Posted by M35

I am getting a slightly better deal with "Sigma 10-20 mm f/4.0-5.6 EX HSM" over the Tokina 11-16 mm f2.8 II.
Any suggestions on the Sigma?

The Sigma 10-20 also has some good reviews, though corners are reported to be soft at the wider side.

What is the price ?

Originally Posted by Aroy;

My suggestion is to get a Nikon D3300 with its 18-55mm kit lense. .. Do not go for the two lense package initially.

@parrys:
1. Nikon says Flipkart is not an authorised dealer. I think the actual Seller is WS Retail, so should be ok. You could check if WSR is authorised.
2. Nikon India is offering an additional lens at discount, when purchased with the kit lens. Hence you could tie up with some one and split the benefits.
3. Like Aroy said, the 18-55 kit lens should be enough to get you started. You can get a more specific lens later.

[M35]

Originally Posted by condor

The Sigma 10-20 also has some good reviews, though corners are reported to be soft at the wider side.
What is the price ?

Sigma is a bit more wider[ 10-20mm [f 4.0-5.6] and has an AF motor.
Price: INR 27,000 equivalent
Tokina [11-16mm] with no AF motor but it’s at f 2.8 costs more or less same around 30,000 equivalent. The one with AF motor is about 36,000.
I would take the additional 1mm available with the Sigma, if there isn’t any significant difference in IQ over the Tokina.

I already have 18-55mm kit, 55-300mm zoom, a 50mm prime and an extension tube set with AF function for macro.

[condor]

Originally Posted by M35

I would take the additional 1mm available with the Sigma, if there isn’t any significant difference in IQ over the Tokina..

My take, but please double check:

If you camera is a newer Nikon one, then you will need the lens with the AF motor to be able to use AF function.

If you have an older camera like the d70s, then a non-AF motor lens should be fine.


Regarding the 1mm extra:
please check what you do shoot. What is that you want it for. If your subjects & the photo need to be sharper at the corners also at the wider end, then it's the Tokina.

If not, Sigma.

[parrys]

Originally Posted by Nicky

I just bought nikon D3300 with 18-55mm lens.
Sony 5000Y offers good alternate to Canon 60D in your list.
My first choice would be Canon 60D and then Sony 5000Y.

Originally Posted by Aroy

My suggestion is to get a Nikon D3300 with its 18-55mm kit lense.

Originally Posted by condor

Like Aroy said, the 18-55 kit lens should be enough to get you started. You can get a more specific lens later.

Thanks guys,

Any specific reason why the Nikon D3300 is a preferred choice here?
I am super comfortable using the Sony Nex 5 right now, and it does the job well. Not for any specific reason, I was just open to using a DSLR. Have used Rehaan's 60D and didn't find it too hard to get used to the big toy.

Would be great if you could let me know if the Sony A5000 is a good option.
Gets NFC as well, makes it a little easy to upload when on the move.

I have never used a Nikon, and haven't even looked up on the web for it. Will read on the D3300 today.

[subraiyr]

Guys

I am in the market for a new camera after having given up on my older one (read compact). I am looking at DSLR and my choices are as follows

Nikon D3200
Canon 1200D
Sony Alpha 58

Of the three, Sony comes with a AF motor built into the body of the camera and somehow i thought its 15 point focus seemed to provide very good responses. Having not much of knowledge on the tech specs and therefore their functional translatation, can i request you to help me decide amongst the three. All 3 comes with regular 18-55mm lens as well as the 55 - 200mm lens at around the 40k mark.
My budget ends there. Which should i go for ?

[condor]

Originally Posted by parrys

Any specific reason why the Nikon D3300 is a preferred choice here?

I dont think I myself have recommended the D3300 . I did continue on a point mentioned by Aroy

Like you mentioned, read up as many reviews as you can. The D3300 itself is not a bad performer. It's about personal preferences too - about which features & specs you think is important - and hence which camera is better. You have to decide - even if you decide to go with specific recommendations

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by parrys

Any specific reason why the Nikon D3300 is a preferred choice here?

D3300 has excellent image quality up to ISO 1600 and very low cost ( 34k with 18-55mm lens). It also has monocoque chassis, so is steadier as compared to other camera in price range.

Only drawbacks:
1. Just one cross-type autofocus point (Very sluggish autofocus in live view)
2. Lack of touch screen and tilt / swivel LCD
3. No automatic exposure bracketing


Basically, an excellent camera if someone is not using LCD for composition.

[Nicky]

Originally Posted by parrys

Any specific reason why the Nikon D3300 is a preferred choice here?

answer is certainly difficult but i graduated from Sony TX1 super slim point & shoot camera to DSLR.
i read lots of reviews and comparisons on net and then decided for Nikon D3300 based on my likings, size, cost, flexibility etc.