Canon EOS 'upgrade'

[digiconvert]

Hi , I came back to film with an EOS 500 s/h with a zoom 28-90 lens (£80/$150) and have since bought an entry level 90-300 lens. Not the best glass in the world but it does for my needs/skill. I as wondering if anyone has any views on a suitable upgrade at a reasonable price (not a '3' or '1'). My main reason for considering this is the shutter/winder noise, which scares off the birds after one shot, and the lack of rear control dial. I want to stick with Canon for the lenses so please no OM/Nikon/Pentax etc. suggestions.
Or am I bette just staying put and saving up for new glass (or more MF gear )

Cheers CJB

 

[Andy K]

Wrap a thick blanket around the camera body.

 

[reellis67]

Well, depending on your budget, you can get a used Elan or Elan II for under $100 - either are quite nice cameras - or you could go big and get an EOS 3. I prefer the Elan II or newer Elan 7 to the Rebel series, but it all depends on your budget. You might be able to find an Elan 7 new or reconditioned, but the Elan II is going to come used.

- Randy

 

[Travis Nunn]

I've had an Elan II for almost 10 years (it was my first SLR) and last year I purchased an EOS 3. Both are good cameras. The Elan II you should be able to find inexpensively on ebay. The EOS 3 is a bit more expensive. I've used both extensively for shooting birds and I've never had an issue of it being too loud.

 

[reellis67]

Me too! That's about all I use it for these days since none of my other cameras could be used for birds but I never regreted getting it. It was a replacement for a camera I had for 16 years and I still would never part with it. As a matter of fact, I just bought my wife one (an Elan IIe) since she has taken an interest in black and white work and she wanted to take mine. I got hers from KEH for $99 in EX+ condition.

- Randy

 

[timbo10ca]

I'm not familiar with the current used prices on the various Elans, but I have the 7e an dit is a fantastic camera. Light and Silent- sounds just like what you're after.

 

[smileyguy]

I just thought I'd chime in on this briefly, mostly due to excitement... I just upgraded my Canon body as well. Went from a Rebel 2000 to the EOS 3 on Friday. I was able to get mine from a fellow on the FredMiranda.com forum for $400CAD. I got the body and PB-E2 plus a Lowepro Orion AW bag. It's a fine camera and a huge step up for me from my Rebel. Know anybody that needs another bag?

My $.02CAD.

 

[timbo10ca]

I just thought I'd chime in on this briefly, mostly due to excitement... I just upgraded my Canon body as well. Went from a Rebel 2000 to the EOS 3 on Friday. I was able to get mine from a fellow on the FredMiranda.com forum for $400CAD. I got the body and PB-E2 plus a Lowepro Orion AW bag. It's a fine camera and a huge step up for me from my Rebel. Know anybody that needs another bag?

My $.02CAD.

I bought the 3 recently as well (lots of great used ones out there cheap), and I prefer it for a number of reasons, but they are pretty loud. They have silent rewind but the shutter slap may not be what a bird photographer wants to be broadcasting.

 

[reub2000]

I think you should spend $80 on a EF 50mm f/1.8 II. Superb lens. The 50mm will get you better pictures, a new body will get you a QCD and a rubber hand grip. And neither a QCD or a rubber grip will make a single diffrence in the final picture.

 

[Travis Nunn]

I think you should spend $80 on a EF 50mm f/1.8 II. Superb lens. The 50mm will get you better pictures, a new body will get you a QCD and a rubber hand grip. And neither a QCD or a rubber grip will make a single diffrence in the final picture.

Kind of hard to shoot birds with a 50mm lens.

 

[127]

The used prices on the 3/1 are so great these days that I wouldn't bother upgrading to anything less (though the 5 is a great camera). However I doubt it'll help with the noise problem.

Ian

 

[Lee Shively]

I use a couple of EOS A2E's and they're pretty darn quiet as SLR's go. But my admittedly limited experience with birds indicate to me they're more wary of movement than noise. They might flinch or look around at the sound of the camera but they fly away if you make quick moves. For that reason, I would go with an EOS 1n or EOS 3 for the extra sturdy build quality. I've been considering a 1n myself--it's a bit simpler than the 3 and I'm into simple these days.

 

[reub2000]

Kind of hard to shoot birds with a 50mm lens.

Okay, then save up for an ultra-telephoto prime.