DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

[mackem george]

Tending to drift from one superzoom model to the next without really giving them a fair crack,jumping back to my main set up 7D MK1 -70-300MML IS .My thoughts rightly or wrongly superzooms you either love them or hate them.
Wondered if anyone carried both a superzoom alongside there main set up,as the weight aspect comes into play the criteria of getting that shot especially in bird photography comes to mind, meaning is the superzoom up to it.
If anyone can perhaps put things into prespective or perhaps prefers one to to other would be interested in there thoughts.
Media hype tend to build the superzooms up then at the end of there input throw a spanner in the works by indicating certain flaws that make you wonder should i purchase or not.
GEORGE.

[Nathaniel]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

I have been playing with superzooms on and off but I find that my DSLR is far superior in every way. The main problem with superzooms is the shutter lag which I find annoying. I get over this problem by carrying my excellent Canon G15 with my DSLR when I am travelling.

[antoeknee]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Like Nat have used superzooms in the past and he's quite right about shutter response. Also AF performance was an issue. Due to small sensor size low light performance is often an issue too.

Just seen some images of lunar eclipse taken with a superzooms. User thought these were fine and big lenses/DSLR not needed. However, all were noisy and majority not sharp.

As a light weight travel option they are OK as long as you accept the limitations.

[Nathaniel]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Just to be a bit more specific & precise , I presume your question was prompted by weight issues of DSLR's whilst travelling esp abroad. This is something I have always considered as the age/health factor comes into play. It is for this reason that I bought the Canon 100D which is a light weight,excellent DSLR to which I have added two light weight lenses- the Canon 55-250mm lens and the Canon 10-18mm lens & this covers all my basics. For a quick fire companion I take my Canon G15. I also find that the 100D is quite an innocuous camera which can be carried unobstrusively to places where a larger DSLR plus white lenses becomes too prominent. I also fully agree with what Ant has posted above.

Very briefly I will put the Superzooms into the "snap shot" category and the DSLR's for "photographs"!

[antoeknee]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

No experience of the 100D but have seen comments about it being a suitable travel camera. Currently have a Panasonic FZ30 as a pocket camera but getting a bit dissatisfied with the lack of quality.

A G15 or something similar might well be on the cards.

[mackem george]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Thanks guys for your input weight does come into it in my situation especially having to use public transport [yep odd bod] unless my son is about.
Nat that 55-250 lens had thought about adding that to the setup,do you rate that particular lens?
Suppose yes the limit of the superzoom needs to be taken into consideration,especially when my particular interest is Birds.

[antoeknee]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

For bird photography found superzoom to be less than ideal. Shutter delay often meant that the bird was no longer in the frame once the shutter fired. And for BIF's just unusable due to shutter delay and slow AF.

[mackem george]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Think you have hit the nail on the head my friend re superzoom issues hence my opening salvo,you either love them or hate them.
The other side of the coin the DGSLR are like carrying a brick around especially with a white telephoto attatched.
Had a look on your FLICKER images some cracking work there,really liked those landscapes.Were those with filters now thats another thorny issue those that like it done in camera with the filters etc and those into photoshop etc.
At the present still not ventured into landscape work.

[antoeknee]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Most phones take perfectly acceptable images but you ain't going to take good bird photographs with one. Superzooms are OK if you accept the limitations.
Carrying a DSLR is always an issue and my preference is for the Cotton Carrier that distributes the load over both shoulders.
Yep, some of the images taken with filters, a 10 stop ND and possibly a 3 stop soft grad ND.

[Nathaniel]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Hello Mackem George, If you look at my signature you will note the kit I have got. Yes, I have a weight problem due to health issues and hence I bought a 100D + the Canon 55-250mm STM lens. This lens is super sharp and kicks above it's weight. Even price wise it can be bought new (ebay) for around £120 or less. Don't be put out by it's price as it is as good as the Canon nifty fifty- really sharp IQ. My children gifted me the Canon EF-S 10-18mm lens and I travel light- 100D plus these two lenses. When I go by car, I take my heavier 6D + my L lenses. For bird photography the super zoom is no good- I am a keen wild life photographer- and due to the shutter lag, the bird has disappeared and doesn't appear on my memory card. If you click on this picture of a red kite, it will take you to my restricted flickr site where you will see more birds inc red kites taken with the 55-250mm lens,

Powys (1)- July 2015 109 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

[mackem george]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Nat thank you for your kind response have noticed your gear set up certainly fair bit of equipment there sir.The 55-250mm lens seems quite interesting there is a one for sale £100.00 on another forum, however believe its not the STM model have looked at your flickr photos some cracking shots NAT.
The lens set up i have is quite heavy so it might pay me to investigate the 55-250MM.
Appreciate your help and advice Nat.

[Nathaniel]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

I have had a look at your gear set up and agree that it is on the "heavy" side- certainly the Sigma 150-500S lens! The STM lens is very good and quite silent if you also wish to take videos.

[El Sid]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Nat thank you for your kind response have noticed your gear set up certainly fair bit of equipment there sir.The 55-250mm lens seems quite interesting there is a one for sale £100.00 on another forum, however believe its not the STM model have looked at your flickr photos some cracking shots NAT.
The lens set up i have is quite heavy so it might pay me to investigate the 55-250MM.
Appreciate your help and advice Nat.

Like nat I also have a 55-250mm (the USM version in my case) and yes mine is sharp too.

Examples (apologies to those who've seen 'em before):







Overall it's perhaps not quite as good as my 70-200L wide open but stopped down a bit it does well. I use it when I want to trave light or space is at a premium.

[mackem george]

Re: DGSLR VERSUS SUPERZOOMS

Hi EL Sid photos look really sharp,had a look around the net for a USM model but unable to see anything.Must admit like the motor of the USM.
Many thank for your input.