Cameras

The IS or VR is really only helpful in shooting still objects. Shooting a moving object, nothing will be better than a faster lens. If you have to choose between one of them, and can afford them get the faster lens, as that will have a better performance. Of course if you have the money, get a fast lens plus IS, but that'll run you upwards of $1500

 

With all the talk of zooms and lens quality-

Better to go with a fixed lens than a zoom of any sort. It will give you optimum aperture as well as highest optical quality, barring none.

 

True, but zooms are versatile unlike fixed. Don't get me wrong... fixed are called "primes" for a reason, cause they are at prime conditions (aperture to length). But also run a lot more money, especially if you get a fixed fast lens (Minus that Canon/Nikon 50 f/1.8, I really recommend picking one up for either side. Can't go wrong and it gives you a good night time lens)

Unless you have the money (or are a professional) zooms are quality lenses if you go with a main built (Canon, Nikkor)

You have to move your feet a lot if you're using a prime, and that will take some getting used to.

 

My Opinion.. you can spend all the money you want on some high grade equipment...but it aint worth jack if you dont know how to use it. Buying better and more high-grade equipment isn't going to make you a better photographer. Its about knowing what to look for and bringing out the best in your subject.

 

That lens will be more than good in the daylight. However, I've never been to Barbados, maybe you want a longer focal length?

 

Sweet! my brother has one. i always thought about using my Canon SD1000, not his Flip. But... it doesn't take pictures

 

I shoot a Nikon D_80 with a CHEAP ASS 70_300 Tamron lens ($180 at Ritz with the 5 year replacement warranty.) And I have had a lot of 'sucess' with it. Nothing worse than a 'High End' lens doing a header into the sand....just ask Folzz.
And use a UV filter for surf makes a ton O difference.

My next cam (hopefully christmas) is the Nikon D_90 that shoots HD movie...That's sick considering you can change lens's.

 

Looks very cost effective, but as with most things, there are bound to be some compromises when you find a price that low. One thing to consider is that really quality zoom lenses will hold their focus throughout their zoom range, while those of lesser quality will likely have to be re-focused as you go. Not all bad with modern auto-focus cameras, but the need to re-focus as you zoom might slow down a budget camera. One of the main improvements on the more pricey cameras is the response time in the auto-focus drive.

One thing more- while you shouldn't scrimp on lens quality, be sure to invest in at least a good UV filter, if for no other reason than to protect the investment of your new lens. A filter replacement is way cheaper than a scratch on your lens optics. And If it were me heading to Barbados, I'd invest in a circular Polarizing filter. The clouds down there can provide some pretty dramatic imaging with a polarizer.

 

i rock the Canon Rebel XTi, 75-300 mm zoom. nice tripod, a few lense filters, all under $1000. I love the camera, takes professional quality shots. 10.1 megas i think. anyways...... Canon is my recommendation!

 

That one is so cheap because its older and without IS. A few years ago that lens would have went for more... but its an old model. Doesn't mean theres anything wrong with it, but like MDSurfer said, you might sacrifice quality, compared to newer lenses with better technology.

For the person about the D90, I heard the HD Video isn't even that great. Its a nifty selling feature, but if you move it too fast, it'll give a rubber-banding effect and it'll be slow. But it would be nice still on a tripod. Just spend the money and get the D300, far superior than the D90


Edit: BH has great service. I ordered my 50prime from there, just got the basic shipping and it was here in a week.

 

Haha. I've spent $2100 on mine, and I have the lowest end body...