I’m totally new to photography and want to get my first camera. I’ll mainly be using it for nature photography while hiking and traveling.
My only focus is on photos of the highest possible quality.
My budget is around $600, and I’ll also need essential accessories, but don’t know what I’d need, like a lens?
Not open to refurbished, as I’m buying in Vietnam.
Would a Canon EOS R50 be better than the ones you’ve mentioned? I’m especially interested in closeup macro photography
You can buy vintage macro lenses if you need a more affordable option
Definitely a solid choice. You’re going to need a macro lens and Canon has some great ones for the RF mount. That’s going to cost you about twice the budget you’ve described, though. At least in USD.
Hm, I guess it’s just popular here and more reasonably priced. Any specific lens recommendations or would the one that goes with it be perfect for the first year or so? While I’ll be learning
Dang, I’ve heard a lot of good things about Vietnam, but that takes the cake!
Unfortunately for Macro photography the kit lenses aren’t going to cut it. Now full disclosure I use Nikon and not Canon, so I haven’t used this lens, but the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro STM lens looks like a solid choice for 1:2 magnification at a super reasonable price. If you have the option you could rent some equipment and see what works best for you.
Thanks. After checking, I don’t think it’s much of a difference in price across regions/countries, as it seems to be still about 600-650usd for the body with the basic kit lens in most shops.
I think the one who told you that it won’t fit into your budget meant a the body + a good macro lens
You can’t take very close up pictures with the kit lens
Oh, I see. And do you think you could recommend one cheapest Macro lens that’d do the job well for a beginner?
Used lens. But it’s hard to find one specific model when looking for used lens so I can’t recommend you one.
Canon (FD mount) has some great cheap macro lenses that are easily adaptable. Watch out for 1:2 macro lenses, they are great but need an adapter to achieve true 1:1 macro.
If you live in an area where used lenses aren’t abundant, look on Buyee (especially Yahoo auctions and Mercari). Always translate the description of an item before buying and don’t buy if it mentions fungus (mold) or fog.
If you want something new & cheap there is TTArtisan