Written on Dec 10th, 2008 by Dave Adams

Posted In: Camera Tips

Top tips for buying DSLR camera lenses on Ebay

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Like many photographers using a DSLR, I have a constant desire to buy better lenses for my camera. I’m often drawn to the back of photography magazines and manufacturer websites to look at the prices of the latest and more expensive professional grade lenses.

Unfortunately, my pockets aren’t that deep, so buying a pro-grade lens for my DSLR direct from a shop isn’t really possible, so my alternative source for these lenses is the second hand market and sites such as eBay. However, it can be a minefield trying to buy a lens second hand, so here are some tips to help you avoid some of the pitfalls.

1. Know the lenses you want to buy.

The first step in buying a lens on eBay (or any other auction website,) is to know what type of lens it is you want to buy. You don’t neccessarily need to know the exact model, but a shortlist of lenses in a particular focal length will help narrow down your search. You may want to look at all manufacturers, or you may want to stick to your camera brand, either way write out a list of lenses that you are potentially interested in.

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Written on Nov 26th, 2008 by Dave Adams

Posted In: Camera Tips

Choosing which DSLR Camera to buy

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Selecting which DSLR camera you should buy can be a tricky business, with confusing specifications and prices making it difficult to compare like with like across different manufacturers.

The aim of this article is to highlight some of the features you should look for in your next DSLR, and some of the hidden costs that might not be apparent from reading the manufacturers sales material.

We’ll start off by assuming that you are used to using a camera in one form or another, whether it’s a simple point-and-shoot or a film DSLR that you wish to upgrade to digital.

Nikon D700, Nikon D90, Nikon D40 DSLR Cameras

• Nikon D700
• Nikon D90
• Nikon D40

Why upgrade to a DSLR camera

There are a number of reasons for wanting to upgrade to a DSLR camera, including the manual control they offer you over your work, the speed they operate (lack of shutter lag), functionality and final image quality. While a DSLR isn’t going to turn you into a photography god overnight, it can help extend your abilities and force you to think carefully about what you are doing in a way a point-and-shoot never will.

However don’t think that the point-and-shoot will become entirely redundant if you buy a DSRL, they still come in useful for those times when a larger DSLR isn’t convenient to bring out with you.

Upgrading from a film DSLR camera

If you are upgrading from a film DSLR (or wish to simply complement your film camera with digital,) one of your first considerations will be to the lenses you already own. Do you require compatibility between your current lens collection and your potential new digital back? If so, you will become tied to a particular manufacturer from the get-go.

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