Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What is the primary camera you guys use for your herp photography?

Thanks,

Bill
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WJS Herps
Brooksville, Fl
Bill & Jennifer Smoot

There are some really good discussions about camera selection in the photography forum here on kingsnake.. Although, as i recently learned it’s not always all about the camera... I spent $800 on a camera a few months back and I still take crappy photos.. Joe, Damon, and a couple of other regular contributors here are really exceptional photographers..

Good luck!

~ Mike Russo

I use a Nikon D200. For herp shots I'm predominantly using a Nikkor 105mm macro lens and typically do my field lighting with one or two Nikon SB800 strobes. The equipment isn't particularly inexpensive, but the opportunity to capture experiences and memories is priceless.

Thanks for the input Damon. I'm hemming and hawing between a couple of the brand names right now. I've checked out the big review site and it seems I just have to decide what features/drawbacks I can live with or without.

Mike - Thanks, I had checked out the photo forum and was afraid I was get OT posting in here, but to be honest it seems like the same couple of people answer most of the questions and I couldn't really find the specific things I was looking for in the threads. I figured I would target the alterna folks as we seem to have some good photographers in here.

Bill
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WJS Herps
Brooksville, Fl
Bill & Jennifer Smoot

No problem Bill, there are lots of nice digital Cameras out there to choose from. When I was shopping I narrowed it down to the Nikon and Canon and I finally settled on the Canon Rebel Xti. Its a good camera that got very good reviews and I already have a few other Canon camera's that i am happy with. Also, it was a bit smaller and lighter than the Nikon. I really need to go get a macro lens instead of using the macro setting and I need to learn how to use the manual settings and not just a point and shoot options. I have no spare time to do that, so for now it's on the list!

Good Luck!

~ Mike Russo

>>What is the primary camera you guys use for your herp photography?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Bill
>>-----
>>WJS Herps
>>Brooksville, Fl
>>Bill & Jennifer Smoot

My wife uses the Xti and I use the 40D...pictures taken with the same lens are pretty much indistinguishable between the two. Get the DSLR that you can afford and INVEST in good lenses. Once you get really good with the camera, and if you feel the need, you can upgrade to one with more bells and whistles. Macro lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Tamron all produce extremely sharp photos. Once you get one you have to get out and play with it to learn it. May folks get frustrated when they buy an "expensive" camera and expect great shots. A camera is a tool just like any other tool; you have to learn how to use it. I'm still learning mine.
The difference is with this tool, you'll quickly become addicted and notice your wallet becoming lighter and thinner very fast...
I shot this yesterday with the 60mm macro.

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HCU
Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

Thanks for the input everyone, it's really helping. I used to have an SLR (back in the film days), did the whole photo class so I can get around equipment decently. I've looked at ratings/breakdowns on the different stuff available now from the big review site. What really helps is what you guys have been showing/telling - pics and personal experiences from those cameras. So I've narrowed it down a bit. I'm in Germany right now and I'm surprised what deals are available even with such a crappy exchange rate...

Again, thanks for the input!

Bill
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WJS Herps
Brooksville, Fl
Bill & Jennifer Smoot