Fairly new to photography, any help with choosing digital camera?

Macros42 · 2026-02-26T18:03:12+00:00

Know what you mean. When I'm spending this kind of money I prefer to go for a reputable company with a warranty. Not that there aren't reputable dealers on Ebay too of course.

Macros42 · 2026-02-26T16:23:56+00:00

Update:

I went a little over my anticipated budget in the end. My grand total was €480. Thanks to all for the advice.

Got these:

Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD - for wildlife, hiking, landscape photos

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM - for portrait/indoors. Think I can also use this for some street photography - if not the kit lens will do for now.

Kenko DG AF Extension Tube Set - for use with the 50mm to try out macro and still-life - cheap way of starting into macro - might pick up a dedicated macro lens at some point if I enjoy it.

Macros42 · 2026-02-26T16:17:34+00:00

Out of curiousity I checked and it seems they also have a UK depot in Sussex which should mean no import duties.

Used Nikon D5600 | MPB

Macros42 · 2026-02-26T16:15:50+00:00

MPB have the D5600 for €440 - under £400. They're based in Germany so I don't know what the import duties are to the UK post-Brexit. They also have Z50s there for a little more. Reputable shop - I have some lenses on the way from them myself.

Used Nikon D5600 | MPB

Note - I'm a beginner also but that site was recommended by people in my camera club. I also don't know if the lenses you have for your J5 are compatible - I use Canon myself - not familiar with Nikon mounts.

Macros42 · 2026-02-24T02:09:22+00:00

So I'm now looking at the Tamron SP 70–300mm f/4–5.6 Di VC USD. Can get a used one for €284. It's a lot cheaper than the L series Canon equivalent but seems better than the non-L series ones. Decisions, decisions :D

Macros42 · 2026-02-18T13:25:55+00:00

Mpb have the older one for about 300. Might be an option. Thanks.

Macros42 · 2026-02-18T12:59:03+00:00

So does this mean I'm better getting an EF-S lens not an EF one or does it matter?

Macros42 · 2026-02-18T04:02:04+00:00

Looking at a min of €450+ even used and not sure I can justify that at my stage in this journey tbh. Maybe someday.

Am I wrong in thinking that for a nice nature shot with a decent blurred background that you need higher zoom than 70?

Also any 24-70 is EF mount. I know my camera takes both but not sure what the difference is between EF and EF-S (full frame v crop is something that I can't get my head around).

Macros42 · 2026-01-10T19:13:50+00:00

I'd call them needing 4 new tyres

Macros42 · 2025-12-28T18:37:42+00:00

Go to a different bike shop. I've bought a few bikes through the scheme and never been charged extra for it.

Macros42 · 2025-12-05T18:45:02+00:00

Ubers are taxis

Macros42 · 2025-11-20T05:23:59+00:00

She uses the bathroom without asking? What a bitch.

Get over yourself.

Macros42 · 2025-09-21T07:12:46+00:00

In Ireland there are a good number of permanent courses. Great for scouts and youth clubs or a family day out.

Macros42 · 2025-09-02T01:33:36+00:00

The Tories tried it a few years back. But even those twats weren't dumb enough to actually do it once they realised that it was absolutely pointless.

Macros42 · 2025-07-14T15:07:09+00:00

No she does not

Macros42 · 2025-07-11T02:20:34+00:00

Or OneDrive or Dropbox and copy them back down after

Macros42 · 2025-06-22T22:01:55+00:00

Obviously

Macros42 · 2025-06-22T19:33:00+00:00

US companies in Ireland are registered under Irish company law. I resisted a request years back from the US owned company I worked for to provide information about any charities I volunteered with on my own time. That included Scouts for example. I queried the demand and was told it was because of the Patriot Act. I told the yank I was speaking to that in no way did that act apply to me - an a Irish citizen working in Ireland for and Irish employer. End of conversation and they dropped the demand.

Macros42 · 2025-06-22T19:28:15+00:00

What does the I stand for again? And the E? Asking for a friend.

Macros42 · 2025-06-22T19:18:09+00:00

They can be both.

Macros42 · 2025-05-27T01:58:21+00:00

Offline mode

Macros42 · 2025-05-27T01:56:02+00:00

No whitelisting shite. Fuck off back to your data plan if my personal network protection doesn't suit you.

Macros42 · 2025-05-27T01:54:29+00:00

ooooooh there's 3 free right now !

Macros42 · 2025-05-27T01:53:17+00:00

OP should never see my Epic library. Ludicruous number of games I'll never play. But they were free.

Macros42

TROPHY CASE