(Part 2) Best products from r/AskPhotography

I think the A6000 has some limitations, but if you're doing mostly still photography, it's a great way to get into mirrorless if you can get it at a deal. Some of the limitations of the A6000 are with video - it doesn't do 4K video, and even non-4k, it can overheat when you record videos for a long time. Battery life may not be so great compared to the newer Sony cameras, but you can get spare/3rd party batteries for like $10.

There's a nice video in r/a6000 that discusses if it's still relevant in 2019 - https://www.reddit.com/r/a6000/comments/ad1xjn/sony_a6000_is_it_worth_buying_in_2019/

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I would recommend getting it from Amazon - they've had it on sale a couple of times over the past year. I got mine for about $335 (new with 16-50 kit lens) during Black Friday. They also have 20% off amazon warehouse items, I think once or twice a year. I'm not sure I'd still recommend it at it's retail price of $650.

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Right now, Amazon warehouse has a used body only (like new condition) for $353 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00I8BICCG/ref=olp_twister_child?ie=UTF8&mv_color_name=0&mv_configuration=0&mv_style_name=0

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I'd wait for to see if the product goes on sale during prime day sale on July 15/16. Right after that on the 17th, Sony is rumored to announce a new body - https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-this-is-it-folks-sony-will-have-a-big-announcement-on-july-17/

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The kit lens (16-50mm) is decent all-round lens and I'd use it if it's included in the deal, but I wouldn't buy it or recommend it separately. I think this lens goes for less than $100 on r/photomarket.

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The kit zoom lens (55-210mm) is actually a pretty good/usable zoom lens at a good price point. I'd buy this separately if its not included - I got this it on massdrop for about $200 (new).

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You can also use other non-sony/non e-mount lenses with an adapter. For example, you can use a sigma MC-11 adapter ($130-$150 on sale) to mount canon lenses. It's not as great as on a native canon body - the autofocus may hunt, but it allows you to try use/try other options.

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I tried some Sigma E-mount lenses for low-light photography, and at f/1.4, they're fantastic. These lenses are : Sigma 16mm 1.4 ($400) ; Sigma 30mm 1.4 ($300) ; Sigma 56mm 1.4 ($430). Sigma also has f/2.8 primes that are much cheaper as well.

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Also, have a look at /r/photomarket as well, they have some good deals on used lenses, but I find amazon much easier to deal with if there's any issues with the body/lens - you get 30 days to return the product if any issues, even with amazon warehouse.

The 18-55mm lens is good but not great. It's not a bad idea to have that lens around, as it gives you a moderate wide angle at 18mm, but can close in to 55mm for portraits, etc. That lens is also astonishingly light, and makes the D3400 a great walkaround camera. It's one reason I've kept that camera and lens even after getting a D7500.

In my opinion, the 70-300mm lens is really not very good. It lacks VR, which is very very useful for a lens that long, as any handshake is magnified the longer a lens is. And the maximum aperture is small. It could probably work okay on a bright sunny day. I used mine a couple of times and it's sat on the shelf ever since, and is now replaced by the superior 55-300mm (which does have VR).

It depends how important telephoto reach is for you right out of the box. If you're taking photos of airplanes, I assume it will be sunny, so the 70-300mm should work, as it will give you much-needed reach. It will at least fill the gap while you save up for a better telephoto.

On the other hand, on Amazon you can pick up a certified refurbished D3400 with just the 18-55mm kit lens for $400, and then get a used 55-300mm for $180 or less. That adds up to nearly a hundred more than the product you linked, so that's up to your budget, but I can tell you that knowing what I know now, that's the route I would have gone.

Edit: Product links (you can probably find similar at other websites like bhphoto or keh):
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3400-Digital-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B0727RH23G/ref=sr_1_8?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1542788642&sr=1-8&keywords=nikon+d3400

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003ZSHNCC/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

I recently got into motorsport photography. Not quite birds but it also moves fast, requires good focus and you're far away.

I did this on a limited budget. And I'd suggest you do the same, with your 800 pounds that is very possible.

For a Camera I'd suggest one of Nikons older Pro Sports cameras, The Nikon D300 or D300s. They features a excellent autofocus system, better than many of the newer cameras suggested (like the D3300 or such).

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The D300 should run about 200 pounds on Ebay. This is for example a good model with about 44k clicks. The D300S is a bit more. It's not crucial ,it shoots 1 frame per second more (7 opposed to the 6 of the non S model). But the D300 with a battery grip can Shoot 8 fps too so not a big deal. The 300S also does video, 720p, the 300 non S does no video. And lastly the D300s features duel card slots, a CompactFlasah slot and a SD card slot, the D300 only has a CompactFlash slot. All these things aren't really worth the extra cost to me, but they might be to you.

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So we got 200 pounds spend there, lets add about 30 for a good Compact Flash card (Sandisk ones are solid, I'd recommend 32gb or so).

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Now onto lenses. Since you're shooting birds you want range. Unfortunately massive reach also means massive cost. So to start out I'd recommend the new AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR . It's a newer lens with a extremely quiet autofocus motor. It's 70-300mm ( you can multiply this by 1.5 for a crop sensor body like the D300, So you reach will be 105mm - 450mm).

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It's not super far, some telephoto lenses run up to 800mm . But it's only 300 pounds which Is very affordable for a long lens.  It's absolutely crucial you get the VR version of this lens. The VR version has image stabiisation, which is important if you want to shoot long ranges and hand held.

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So with those things we are up to 200+30+300 = 530 pounds. That's a fairly essential kit and I reckon you should be off well with that to start. I'd recommend you also buy a solid tripod. I use the Amazon Basics one, but it's not that great. I'd recommend a higher quality one. Its too short for me and it's not that sturdy, but it was cheap as chips. Regardless I'd suggest to invest once in a good tripod. ) And lastly a bag. I use this K&F Sling bag to carry it all. Spend the remainder of the money on some trips to places with actual birds :)

Mind you, these lenses don't have the widest apertures around so these work well in daylight. If you want to shoot in the evening or at night these really wont do. You'll go into 8000 pound territory there.

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Later on I'd suggest looking at the Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary . Which is a incredible value telephoto lens. For faster prime lenses, there is a 300mm F4 vintage Nikon that is manual focus , but does have a wider aperture and costs about 250-300 pounds used.

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That's probably the best you can do with your limited budget. I know 800 pounds is a lot of money but wildlife photography is probably the most expensive vorm of photography.

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TLDR: Buy a Nikon D300, the AF-P 70-300mm DX lens with VR. Buy a tripod/bag/CF card and later invest in the 150-600mm Sigma Contemporary.

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I have a Rebel T3i. I got my lens kit with it and was soon looking for more lenses, too. For cheap next lenses, two that I would highly recommend are the Nifty Fifty or the EF-S 24mm f/2.8.

The nifty fifty is a great lens and one that many pros even recommend. It's a good focal length to have to portraits and such and will work on even full frame cameras if she gets one in the future. The 24mm lens only works on crop sensor cameras (like the T5 your girlfriend has). But it's still a great cheap addition to her kit. I just used mine recently for a photoshoot with a model and the shots came out great. The focal length is good for portraits on a crop sensor. With the 50mm, I sometimes have to back away further than I'd like to frame the shot right. But the 24mm in the same situation doesn't limit me.

The 50mm also has the advantage of having a f/1.8. This allows some great shallow depth of field in the images she can take (blurry backgrounds) if she so chooses. It makes the subject pop more. Both are lenses I'm very happy to have in my bag. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

For backdrops, you have several choices. The cheapest is a hanging basic cloth background. The downside to these is they wrinkle easy. So then the next step many people go with is Seamless paper. It is my preferred home studio setup, if I am going to be taking a lot of pictures with the same backdrop, I can use one roll of seamless and call it a day. However you have the added part of you are going to be setting it up and tearing it down each time, so my personal recommendation for a backdrop is a pop up backdrop. These are great for headshots or even 3/4 body shots, you can't do full body, but for makeup you don't need full body. The great thing about pop up backdrops is you are able to fold them up and use a single light stand to hold it up. Setup is less than a minute, compared to the several minutes setting up a real backdrop holder.

https://www.amazon.com/Fovitec-StudioPRO-Double-Sided-Collapsible-Background/dp/B00FJ1JX3A is the one I have, and I love it. I use it at corporate events where they want a photo booth type situation, with easy setup and tear down.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WGNSTE as my backdrop stand, plenty sturdy for this useage

and

https://www.amazon.com/Limostudio-Photography-Studio-Reflector-AGG1411/dp/B00M3I6A8S to hold up the backdrop on the stand.

If you don't like the grey there are several other color combos, and even green screen combos from the same vendor of backdrops. So unless you need full body shots, I would really consider this instead of a standard backdrop and backdrop stand system.

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Lightweight-Portable-Monopod-Capacity/dp/B00NSEKEMO/ right now is my tripod of choice. For the price its hard to beat.

As far as lights, for makeup I would want nice soft light, so for me that is octoboxes for your key light. https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Octagonal-Speedlite-Speedlight-Photography/dp/B00PIM3I7W/ is a nice one if you are going to go with strobes/monolights, or if you are going to go with a speedlight setup, https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-centimeters-Octagonal-Speedlight-Photography/dp/B00PIM3I6I/

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Rotatable-Aluminum-Adjustable-Photography/dp/B01CHQ8Z7Y is highly reccomended for the octobox so you can get the perfect angles.

I would suggest a high-quality compact camera like the RX100 line from Sony. The Mark III is $750. If you want to save money you can get the mark I for $450 (the III has a better lens). Don't get the mark II, it's an in-between model not worth the extra money.

Another outstanding camera is the Fuji X-T20 with 18-55mm kit lens for $999. The extra $250 over the RX100 M3 is worth for the excellent colors that come out of a Fuji (everybody is in love with them) and the ability to change lenses if you'll ever need to.

00You can also get the RX100 M1 for $250, RX100 M3 for $400, RX100 M6 for $900 and the X-T20 for $900 from Amazon Warehouse. They're open box items in very good condition, with Amazon's money back guarantee.

Thanks a lot for your detailed response! The Tokina sounds pretty good to me, shooting stars is one thing I definitely hope to do at some point, but it's quite a bit monetary investment for a single lens for a beginner like me, but perhaps as a present...

Also that's good to know, I can manual focus fine but obviously autofocus is seriously useful in most scenarios, so wouldn't want to unwittingly be landed with a lens with no autofocus.

I think I might invest first in a long focal length one (thinking maybe this) and maybe a 35 or 50mm large aperture prime, could get both for the price of the Tokina... But yeah, thanks very much, you've been a tremendous help

>flash: try a godox tt685 ($110)

On a $200 total budget, I'd actually say a $65 TT600 is a better option, which will let you get a decent air-cushioned lightstand, or two flashes for the price of the TT685. :)

I would highly recommend the TT685 over the TT600, though, if you think you want to use the flash for both on and off-camera flash, since TTL is very useful for event run'n'gun.

>trigger... x1t ($45)

But $60 X2T or $70 XPro would be much much nicer. Again, another reason the TT600 might not be a bad place to start.

>lightstand: just get some cheap amazon one ($15)

No, I'd say look for a $40 cheap one that's air-cushioned. Slammed lights down on my fingers too many times with the super-cheapies. :)

>try try an umbrella soft box thing ($26)

Those slit-through the bottom octas don't tilt much at all. You want one that attaches to a speedring. It'll be more expensive ($45). So, actually, starting with a convertible umbrella ($20-25) might be a better first choice.

>speedlight holder thing that holds an umbrella]

Or, instead of an umbrella swivel, get an S-type bracket ($20) which can be used to hold the speedlight closer to the center of an umbrella, as well as attach Bowen S speedringed modifiers bayonet to the face of it.

A compact umbrella swivel, though can be a lot smaller in your lighting bag. The issue is whether the modifier you want to use works with one. The S-Bracket is more general purpose that way.

Perhaps not what you're looking for as this UltraPod II is small, but it is sturdy and strong enough to easily support a DSLR camera with a speedlite mounted, and it fits in my bag very well. Here's a video review, and here you can find the included instructions. I don't dare to share with you the large tripod I have, because I rarely use it and honestly is light but not sturdy, and it has slided from time to time on slippery floors. Protip: I have noticed that using UltraPod it is easier for me to handle the camera when shooting videos, by simply mounting the camera on it but without opening its legs, as if it were a steadycam-thing.

First things that come to my mind:

1. This tripod is so absolutely fantastic, and cheap!
   
2. A fast lens or two. Either a zoom at f/2.8, or my suggestion would be a prime (50mm or 85mm -- or both) at f/1.4 or f/1.8. These primes will yield incredible results, and are reasonably priced.
   
3. A flash. Something that can be used off or on camera. Something you can slave/master would be best.
   
4. A polarizer for your best lens(es). Polarizers make a huge difference when taking landscape photos or photos with a lot of reflections.
   
5. One of these two backpacks could make being mobile so much easier! This one or this one. I have owned the first for a couple years now -- taken it all around the world, don't have a single complaint.
   
   Hope some of these ideas help.

If you wan't to take photos without a flash, especially of action, you're going to want a larger aperture (smaller F number). Defiantly not a pro myself, but the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens for $100. The large aperture will allow you to capture more light allowing you to use a faster shutter speed (and freeze motion, reducing blur). For about the same price as the lens you have selected, you can get a 2.8 zoom, the [Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8] (http://www.amazon.ca/Tamron-28-75mm-Canon-Aspherical-Digital/dp/B0000A1G05/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395673544&sr=8-2&keywords=tamron+28-75mm+f28). That will give you some room to zoom, but will not be able to go as wide as the 18-55 kit lens I assume you use currently. Hope that helps!

The sensor is the same for all of nikons cameras in the D3xxx range, even the d5xxx are the same.

When it comes to the final product your lense is going to be way way way way way more important than the camera body itself.

That being said If I were in your position I would find a used D3300 body or buy it cheap on black Friday. If you can do that, then get yourself a prime lense like the 35mm or 50mm f/1.8. The image quality will be like night and day. I found my 50mm for $100 on Craigslist.

If you really want zoom or primes sound too restrictive then get a Sigma 17-55 f/2.8. It's around $250 new but well worth it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003A6NU3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9Sn7BbX57NZK7

If you want to spend a little more and get INSANE image quality get a Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 for around $600. It's like a zooming prime, the only one of its kind and its phenomenal when it works. Chances are you'll have to spend some time calibrating it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBL09FG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1Qn7BbP45FKSJ

Good luck.

Sony A6000. $698 on Amazon, compact, interchangeable lenses if you want them, full manual control if you want it, great image quality. Perfect travel camera that will serve you well when you get back too.

Maybe throw in a Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for shots of the stars/landscapes/yourself. You can use it like a regular tripod or wrap it around posts, branches, whatever.

Yes, a Sony RX100 mark 1 used. Those with seller "Amazon Warehouse" are backed by Amazon's guarantee, you have a return period and everything. "Very good" and "like new" are usually in almost perfect condition.

I also came across the Neewer and Altura brands which seem to look good, which come with a receiver and transmitter as part of the kit. Any particular reason Yongnuo would be the better option? Or at that price point, they're pretty much the same?

https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Flash-NIKON/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485187367&sr=8-4&keywords=wireless+flash

Thanks for the other umbrella recommendation. Is this more to do with projecting a soft light?

Im going to apologize in advance for links, im on mobile.

I have this yongnuo flash https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGTOX26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cDbdBbQERE1DE

And this trigger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVEXRE2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YEbdBb9TKN17R

They both work extremely well and reliably. I'm not super well versed in off camera flash but you could easily keep the yongnuo on camera and optically trigger the canon or remote trigger the yongnuo to have both flashes off camera as you described with the 2 products I linked. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00IB1BTWI/ref=sr_1_3_olp?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1526368230&sr=1-3&keywords=canon+t5

This is what I currently use. About to upgrade though. It's definitely good enough for your first few years. And then if you start enjoying photography you just buy a nice lens.

I'm in the same boat with the 1100D, but I know that the body, while it does have it's limitations, is still an excellent camera. I've yet to reach it's full potential, but I know that with current kit lens and a 55-250mm lens, I could do better. I've been looking to get this lens.

Firstly, technique and good skills will take you a lot further than simply buying a more expensive camera. So whatever you do, I would suggest that you put in some time and effort to learning the basics of photography.


That link went to the camera 'body only' for $498. I was surprised that when you click the option to include the 16-50mm lens, it was only $499. Make sure that you get a lens with it.

Personally, I'd be more inclined to suggest an actual DSLR camera. Something like THIS or THIS.

Shooting cars is actually one of the more tricky things to shoot, so it will take some learning and plenty of practice, but that will be much more important than the brand of camera that you get.

I would really suggest getting a good tripod, as that will really allow for higher quality shots, especially as the light levels get low.

> here's a hibiscus flower at roughy 1:1.

WHOA!

That's amazing ...

I have a few other examples of the kinds of pictures I have taken:

• Robin's Plantain
  
• some lichen
  
• amethyst deceiver
  
• some kind of waxy cap
  
  notice the last two I didn't use a 10x loupe at all, so there aren't close-up photos as much ...
  
  This "Tamron F004 90mm F/2.8 Macro VC USD Lens" ($350) looks like it may work, right? I was looking at a Canon T3 ($190) or SL1 ($230)
  
  I think you had recommended the Canon 50mm macro lens ($160) to be paired with the SL1 earlier in this thread, right?
  
  Hrm ...
  
  Seems like the cheapest option may be to go with the Canon EOS Rebel T3 + the Canon 50mm macro lens.
  

Thank you for replying. What do you think of the Panasonic DMC-ZS60? I'm trying to keep costs down and have a user friendly (read simple :) as the SO will be taking a lot of pictures as I drive!

The Canon SL2 is on sale right now in Canada might be too in the USA, 600$ great camera I love mine.
https://www.amazon.ca/Canon-Rebel-DSLR-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B071K62DPN

Thanks for the suggestion. Yes this camera will be used for top down shots. I was thinking about these 2:

Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Canon-700D-EF-S-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B00BYPW00I

Lens: https://www.amazon.ca/Canon-EF-S-24mm-2-8-Lens/dp/B00NI3BZ5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550953260&sr=8-1&keywords=24mm+pancake

Will that lens fit on the camera? Don't know too much about this lol :)

My top 3 picks under $600 would be:

Nikon D5600

Olympus OM-D E-M10 M3

Sony a6000

These are all excellent beginner cameras that'll last you through your entire amateur phase at minimum. The Nikon 5600 is currently on sale for $550 brand new (normally retails for $800+) and comes with a decent kit lens. I hope you found this useful!

I have a P&S that I love for trips where I want to keep equipment to a minimum.

Panasonic ZS60

I picked it up from ebay used for around $150. There are some newer models but after reading the different features I liked this one. The non-articulating lens keeps it slim but is available on the newer models if that's important to you.

You could set your self up pretty good with $500. I have a couple suggestions, but the first would be to get yourself a cheap prime lens first. Either a 50mm 1.8 or a 24mm pancake. Both are around $100 and would still leave quite a bit in your budget. So, saying you go ahead and do that:

• You could get a couple of Yongnuo 560 IV
  You could choose to fire then optically with your Canon speed lite or get one of these
  
• Grab a few of these to hold your flashes
  
• And a few of theseto stand them up
  
• In terms of modifiers you have a few options. You could go with cheap umbrellas which are fine. Or you could get some small soft boxes. I say just grab a huge modifier. As big as you can get. It's gonna really depends on how much space you have. check this out
  
  That's a decent, portable, and effective setup with two lenses for right about $500.
  
  Since your using someone else's studio lugging equipment is gonna be a pain. That's why I think speed lights is the way to go. But if you don't mind, look into a monolight kit. For your portraits I really do think you'll like what you get from a fast prime lens.

> recently I won an cheap Samsung P&S worth $80 which won't charge anymore.

What model is the camera? Can you pull the battery out or do you have to plug in the camera to charge? You can usually pick up a cheap china battery on eBay for $10 or less. It's good to have an extra point and shoot for snapshots when you're not lugging around a nicer camera.

>The camera can be a P&S if you find one better than a mirrorless, since there's no DSLR for $300.

Definitely look for used. I'm not sure how big your hands are, but I shoot a Canon 40D, and I got the Camera + memory cards + portrait grip for $300 over a year ago. With the clearancing of the Canon 60D, they're most certainly cheaper now. I see in another comment you were looking at a T3. You can actually buy a new one right now on Amazon for $299.99. Just as a heads up.

I wonder if it might be a better idea to get something like this:

https://www.amazon.ca/Canon-Rebel-Digital-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B00IB1BTWI

Like you said couldn't hurt to have the same model as them since they have a zoom lens we could borrow.

If you want to get into photography than you'll need a mirrorless camera or a DSLR, something like a Coolpix won't cut it. Basically any DSLR or mirrorless will do the job but something more modern like the Canon T5 is a great choice.


I would recommend you skip those Amazon camera bundles because apart from the camera and the kit lens, everything else is usually crap. The memory card will be slow, the tripod will be wobbly and those lens adapters are garbage. You can get the T5 here for dirt cheap if its refurbished. Also, even those the 75-300mm lens is a genuine Canon it has a reputation for having poor image quality.

1st Gen - Amazing Photos and Video. $340 Used / $500 New

2nd Gen - APV + MultiShoe + Wifi and PlayMemories. $480 Used / $650 New

3rd Gen - APV +WPM + EVF - MultiShoe. $730 Used / $800 New

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

If you already own that flash, then yes and use it. If you are looking for a flash to buy, I prefer the Yongnuo 560 IV. Though a manual flash can be hard to use at first, they are easier than automatics once you 'get it'.

http://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-YN560-IV-Speedlite-Panasonic/dp/B00PGTOX26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463075359&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo+560IV

Seem like the 70-300mm AF-P DX would be great for your purpose. It has reasonnably good sharpness even at 300mm while not being too expensive. There's two version of this lens. The one without vibration reduction is a bit cheaper (around 300$ CAD) https://www.amazon.ca/Nikon-70-300mm-4-5-6-3G-ED-VR/dp/B01KJ8UMKK

If you add a D7200, you will be close to your budget of 1300$ CAD

What lens does she have with the camera? I wouldn't really call lenses "accessories". What does she like to photograph?

Does she have a nice camera bag? Does she need any memory cards? Lens cleaning cloths or a rocket blower? Circular polarizing filter? Extra batteries?

Note, for the Rebel t7, the "nifty fifty" would actually be ~30mm. There is no Canon 30mm lens in your price range, but you could get the 24mm or 40mm instead. Each are $130. I would lean towards the 24mm.

I have a D5600 as well. Here are some good lenses:

• Wide Angle
  
• Close-Up/Macro
  
• Telephoto
  
  For filters, you'll want a CPL (Circular Polarizer/Linear) and either a set of ND filters or a variable stop one. Buy filters for your largest size lens and get step-down rings so they will work on your other lenses (rather than buying filters for each size lens you have).

Thanks for the info. Here's the camelcamelcamel price chart showing the dip for the kit:

• http://camelcamelcamel.com/Sony-Alpha-Interchangeable-Camera-16-50mm/product/B00I8BICB2?active=price_amazon

I'd also be hesitant to buy a new lens. The problem could be internal. I've always had good luck with Canon cameras. Amazon has a Rebel kit for $399 http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00IB1BTWI?pf_rd_p=1976609122&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=502394&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZECKX1TCQX5M8R60P8G&ref_=acs_ux_hsb_5s_2_s

Thanks for this!

Did you mean this for the shoot through umbrella? (Your link was a 404) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005ODKMOC/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502380838&sr=8-1-fkmr1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Photodiox+premium+shoot+through+umbrella

just a possible combo, with used prices from amazon:

• Nikon D7000 - 900
  
  
• sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS HSM - 410
  
  
• Nikon 35mm f/1.8 - 160
  
  
• Nikon SB-700 - 280
  _____
  $1750

What I would have said as well. If you want a little extra reach could go Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 . It's technically for full frame (which some people have issue w/ on a crop body) but I used it exclusively on my apsc for years. I do more portraits so preferred the long end over the short end.

so something like https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera-16-50mm/dp/B00I8BICB2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499443055&sr=8-3&keywords=a6000 will get me going you think? The only thing I notice is that it doesn't have image stabilization but it seems to check almost all the boxes!

This or a Pair of them and This with a radio trigger setup.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003A6NU3U/ref=olp_twister_child?ie=UTF8&mv_customer_package_type=0&mv_style_name=1

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digitial Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8BICB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UAKJBbCAXJQXJ

Canon: https://www.amazon.ca/Sigma-17-50mm-Aperture-Standard-Digital/dp/B003A6H27K

Nikon: https://www.amazon.ca/Sigma-17-50mm-Aperture-Standard-Digital/dp/B003A6NU3U/

Sigma makes two variants of this lens. You have posted eBay links for a Canon lens and a Nikon lens.

Manfrotto Mini Tripod and Pedco UltraPod are the 2 that are about the same size.

There are several more conventional tripods that are made for travel and fairly small, but that would depend on your budget.

http://www.amazon.com/YN560-IV-YN-560IV-Speedlite-Panasonic/dp/B00PGTOX26

do you find yourself missing the extra aperture at all compared to the 1.8 on the 35mm?

also what are your thoughts on this one instead? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003A6NU3U/ref=psdc_173565_t2_B000144I2Q