All around starter kit.

[j-nord]

80D seems like the clear winner unless the there is a strong need for FF (astro, UWA, heavy portrait use). I've been toying with the idea of replacing my 6D with an 80D until I can re-assess with the release of the 5Div, 6Dii, 4D(???) and maybe even 7Diii.

 

[wsmith96]

I would recommend a bit different than others - especially when the person is just starting out.

I would go for a refurb 60D,70D,or new 80D, 10-22, 17-55 or 24-70, and 70-200 f4 IS. Throw in a 60mm macro and you have a fine kit for a starter and one they can grow into and explore most photography genre's. You could even add the 50 1.8 if you wanted a larger aperture than what the 60mm would provide (2.8 ). When they are ready to upgrade, sell the whole thing as a complete kit, or keep the EF lenses. You could add a 1.4 teleconverter too and stay under budget.

 

[timmy_650]

My vote for 6D $1100 (or 5m3 if the 5d4 is out already) 24-105 f4 ($500) and 70-200 f4 ($500) comes in at $2100 ish

 

[JPAZ]

In total honesty, I have spent way too much to get to my present camera (DSLR bodies XTi > 50d>5diii) and lens ("kits" 17-85 > 15-85+10-22+70-200 f/4 > 16-35 f/4 + 24-70 f/2.8 + 70-200 f/2.8 and lots of others) combinations but each step offered me education and experience. The spend over the years was offset by what I learned. When I sold an item to help finance a newer one, I sometimes did not take a hit but even when I did, I can consider that my "tuition." Were I to jump into FF and the kit I have now as my first go at phtography, I might wind up being just like the woman mentioned earlier who spent a lot of money then gave up because it as too complicated.

So, I'd think a truly interested newby with the budget could start with an 80d (or 60d or 70d or 7d) with a 15-85 and a 70-200 (which 70-200 variety depends on budget). This is a great starting off place. But, I'd also have the fictitious OP add in the cost of a decent laptop or desktop computer. Shooting RAW and learning basic PP is (maybe) as important as the equipment used to capture the images (don't flame me, please) because that will add to the learning and growth of that OP as they develop their skill.

 

[bholliman]

I'll jump on the 80D bandwagon as well. It's a really solid all-around camera for a reasonable price. Combined with an EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 or 15-85 for a general purpose zoom and 55-250 for tele you'd have a great starter kit that you can do a lot with. I'd also throw in a faster prime like the 35mm f/2 IS or 50 f/1.8 STM.

I think that a new photographer is not thinking $3,000 for equipment, but feels that ~$1000 is pretty high.

Exactly this ! To suggest someone will spend $3-4K on a "trying out" a new hobby is a real stretch...

For me, the $800+ I spent on my first Rebel (550D in 2011) seemed like a lot. I had the disposable income to spend considerably more if I wished, but wasn't sure at that time photography would be more than a niche hobby.

So, I think its a matter of perspective and interest level. I'm not that interested in fishing, so the $70 I have invested in cheap, basic equipment is all I'm willing to spend. I spend my hobby money on photo gear and wood working tools.

You know guys, $2-$5k isn't really that high. Heck, I know factory workers that have side by side ATVs that cost as much as a car ($12k or more)...

I agree, a lot of people spend a heck of a lot more on hobbies than $2-5K! Sports cars, motorcycles, boats, guns, hunting and fishing equipment - all of it can get really expensive. Personally, I wouldn't want to drop $2-5k on something unless/until I was pretty sure I really liked the hobby. I would buy starter gear and work up. But, that's me. I'm sure there are people with plenty of money who would certainly be willing to spend that much or even much more on something new.

 

[DomTomLondon]

I would say forget about all these zoom lenses for now, especially if you can't afford the good fast L zooms. Stick to a good prime or two and learn to use them wisely. They are usually cheap, small and will make you work (and learn) more for your photos.

The only time I use a zoom is for weddings, when I don't have time to keep changing lenses and need to get the shot.

 

[JonAustin]

Lots of good input and feedback already.

I think that there are simply too many variables (age, disposable income, disposition towards technology, degree of interest in the hobby, just to name probably the biggies) to land on a one-size-fits-all starter kit, or even a range of two or three.

I used to work with one of those guys who jumped headlong into any new hobby or sport by buying a full complement of all the latest, greatest, high-end gear. His buddies made out like bandits on mint used gear, each time his initial fervor faded.

My first dSLR purchase (10D + 24-85) was in 2003, after a couple of Kodak P&S purchases (1997, 2000) followed a ~20-year hiatus from the hobby. I made the move to dSLRs because the 10D kit fit my personal value proposition, and the P&S no longer satisfied. The 24-85 was no great shakes in retrospect, but that original kit was still far better than the DC4800 it replaced.

Now I have a 5DIII (while still holding onto my 5D and 20D), a complement of primes and top-of-the line L zooms (with the exception of my 24-105) and 4 600's. I've spent a tidy sum over the years upgrading gear, but on balance, it's been an enjoyable learning experience and a very rewarding hobby!

 

[Ozarker]

I would say forget about all these zoom lenses for now, especially if you can't afford the good fast L zooms. Stick to a good prime or two and learn to use them wisely. They are usually cheap, small and will make you work (and learn) more for your photos.

The only time I use a zoom is for weddings, when I don't have time to keep changing lenses and need to get the shot.

If you do weddings I am not worthy of speaking to you. That has got to be the most stressful thing in the world. I'd rather chew my unwashed toes off.

 

[JonAustin]

If you do weddings I am not worthy of speaking to you. That has got to be the most stressful thing in the world. I'd rather chew my unwashed toes off.

Hear, hear! (Except for the unwashed toes part ...)

 

[Ozarker]

If you do weddings I am not worthy of speaking to you. That has got to be the most stressful thing in the world. I'd rather chew my unwashed toes off.

Hear, hear! (Except for the unwashed toes part ...)

I'd wash them for you, Jon. ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

[Maximilian]

...
What would you recommend?
...

Hi CanonFanBoy!

Quite difficult little task you give us here. Why?
Because reality looks different

I think there are a lot of good answers to your definition of task, so I don't need to add another.
But I did give a lot advice to friends of mine asking me for good camera equipment.
That's what I was asking them? (in addition I did some explanation, if they weren't familiar with photography)

• What's your budget? Answers: mostly far below 1000$/€
• What do you want to take pictures of? Answers, differing a lot: children, friends, animals, nature, vacation, etc.
• What are your preferences for equipment? Answers, differing a lot: high IQ, weight, size, versatility
• Do you think of exchangeable lenses and would you really use it? Answers: mostly no
• Do you prefer low light capability or wide zoom range? Answers: both *lol*

So for those, who still were interested in an ILC system the budget was still far away what you give us here.
And I ended up in suggesting them a good Rebel/xxxD body with the STM double zoom kit and a explicit recommendation to take a closer look at the 50/1.8 STM and the pancake lenses, because of their IQ and low light capabilities. Of course other systems were also taken into account. But only those that had something similar to the EF 50/1.8 STM. That is a real stunner when it comes to beginners and low budget.

Another story fitting quite well here, showing you need to know, what the beginner wants:
When I asked a friend of mine if she was still dedicated to photography after she bought a double zoom kit in parallel to the birth of her first child, she said "No! Because the pictures don't pop!"
I took a shot from the hip of her toddler with my portrait prime - small DOF - and asked: "Like that?"
Answer: "Yes! That's it."
Now she's heading for a 50/1.8 for her APS-C (because the 1.4 is too much for the budget).
And she has to pay a lot more because she decided for Nikon before she asked me So no EF 50/1.8 STM