What do Y'all think of this camera?

Thank you! This is something I could run with!
I'm by no means a camera expert so I wouldn't know what would be best and what lenses are compatible with what camera and how much all of this would cost. Tell me, would a nice camera with a 100mm lens still be under my budget of $800?

Thanks!

 

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Tmoney, for $800 you aren't going to get a lot TBH..I priced a couple of quality "body only" cameras w/ a good/great macro lens (50mm not 100mm) and the minimum combined price is $900 -$1000
For what I seen 50mm is roughly $250, 60mm is $350 and 100mm is $520.

If you can wait it out then I would highly recommend it.

If not, then you can't go wrong with either Nikon or Canon. whatever you decide, dont look for camera's after you purchased one..

 

Thank you. I'd rather wait this one out then.

 

I think you're going to be challenged to remain in your $800 budget and think $1000 to $1200 is more realistic.

However, combine a used camera and used lens, and I think you might...Mike

p.s. you can have little fear of buying a used lens to save some money. They are built to last a long time, and even the old ones (i.e. pre AF) are VERY good optically. I've bought more than a few used lenses over the years, including the one I use today. Keep an eye on eBay or your local camera shop. I would be a little leery of buying a used camera.

 

For example:

Nikon D3000 $500 at B&H
Tamron 180mm $639 at B&H (the Sigma 150, a smaller but superior lens, is about $90 more)

Total $1139 + shipping

That would be a KICK BUTT combo.

 

If I had to start over right now, I would buy a Nikon or Canon with whatever lens comes in the package and a copystand. It should work great for images of slabs. Next I would start saving for a macro lens, just for coins. I'm good with a used lens as well as long as I know it's in good shape and working.

 

The Sigma 150 is a great lens and my favorite for coins.

 

Larry, Mike, thank you!

I am going back and forth with this. I don't mind buying used items. (As long as they are from a trusted source, and are in working order)
I think I can manage with the Nikon D3100, get good with the camera, and then save up for the lens.

 

I think that's a great idea. You can get the camera and standard lens, then get closeup filters to dabble with macro very inexpensively until you save for a macro lens. By the time you've figured out the camera, you'll have some time save some money and to find a good deal on a macro as well!

 

At the end of this article is a very nice graph that has links to the most important part of your camera.

http://photography.bhinsights.com/content/macro-lenses.html/?BI=7336&kw=Article_PTMacro

 

You can get a used Pentax K10 for $439 with a 18-55 lens (considered the best kit lens in the business) from B&H and a new Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro for $350. THis would be the kick butt outfit. Why Pentax? Better build quality in it's class and a clearer view finder. Also has built in shake reduction where as the Canakin lenses have the SR in the lens which increases cost to purchase.