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tom.benedict
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May 19, 2018
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Since a good number of photographers are buying into mirrorless camera systems, this is actually an outstanding time to buy a used DSLR. What BF_Hammer said is 100% true: A camera that was good 8 years ago can still do solid photography today, and will cost considerably less. Good case in point: I got one of my cameras back when it was new for something like $1200 for the body. My wife got the same body last year from a friend of mine (who was buying into Sony mirrorless cameras and needed the cash) for $250. Both cameras still work great.
Bokeh Market is a free site that'll help you track the going rates for gear, and doesn't ask for a login or anything. Before springing for a bit of gear, it doesn't hurt to run it through Bokeh Market to make sure that what the seller is asking is a reasonable price.
The DxO Lens database https://www.dxomark.com/best-lenses-under-13000-dollars is a really handy tool for comparing lenses before buying them. It can be a little overwhelming to use at first, especially if you're trying to use it to find The Best Lens. But it's truly useful if you're trying to choose between two competing lenses.
What yanjay said about kit lenses is true, but I'll add one caveat: If you're buying a used DSLR, getting one with a kit lens won't typically raise the price that much, and it gives you focal length coverage you wouldn't otherwise have. I'll give you an example from Canon: The 18-55 lens they include in all their kits is of mediocre quality. The cheapest 50mm prime (<$100) will outperform it at 50mm, and is well worth the investment. But hang onto that 18-55! Racked to 24mm, stopped down to f/5.6, and used on a tripod for landscape work, and it's a cheap way to get wider than 50mm. You'll eventually want to replace it, but meanwhile you can put it to work. (I still use my 18-55mm kit lens. Go figure.)
Once you do choose a camera and lens(es), don't let anything stop you. Use it every way you can conceive of and then keep pushing.
May 19, 2018
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