I'm back on the trail of buying a DSLR and zoom lens. I've been trying to do my homework on what I need, but there is soooooooooooo much info out there, I find it confusing. Looking for words of wisdom from DSLR pros on here.

Background: For 25 years I shot with a Pentax MESuper and Vivatar Series I 28-90 zoom, 2.8 lens. (Also had a couple other zooms but Vivatar took 95% of pics.). The zoom was amazing; no pincushion or barrell effect & exceedingly sharp images.

I take a lot of pix with the best becoming wall art for our house. That means prints up to at least 20 X 24.

So I'm looking for a camera/lens combination that will:

- produce high quality prints (from a professional print shop) at least 20X 24.
- F stop of 2.8

There are numerous other considerations, of course, but if it has 2.8 and produces large prints, it will cover other factors.

What do you recommend if:

-A. $$$ are not an issue?

-B. Budget of $2400?

Thanks, BYR

 

Sony A350 or A700 (your pick based upon megapixels).

and get a Tamron 28-75 2.8


you'll have no problem getting clear beautiful pictures out of either of those with that lens.

 

A. Nikon D700 or Canon 5D mkII
Don't know what's Nikon's equivalent to Canon's EF 24-70 f/2.8

B. Nikon D300 or Canon 5D mkI
Same lens

 

nikon d300
tokina 11-16
tamron 17-50

/end

 

If you have the monies - D3x + Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S <~~~ that's what i'd do
Lower budget - D90 + All the lenses you can afford <~~~ this is what i'm doing
Lowest budget - D60 + SIGMA 18-200mm HSM Lens <~~~ this is what i have

the latter might not be able to produce 20x24, but it does awesome shots for the web and newspapers =)

 

A.



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B.



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http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=670342

i havent been following that thread, but the picture quality looks good. hope that link helps.

 

If you still have the pentax gear you might want to consider the K20D and the Pentax Da* 50-135mm F2.8. (or pair it with a Tamron or Sigma 70-200mm F2.8)

But honestly, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony (listed in alpha order so no favoritism here) all have great bodies and lenses in the budget you listed. I'd just go to the store (do a bit of research online too) and hold them all and see which feels most comfortable in your hands.

And try to not get to caught up in the mega pixel wars either. 20x24 is possible from a quality 6 mp image, as long as the viewing distance isn't arms length.