I've enjoyed using the site over past few weeks as I consider buying an SLR. I've been using a Konica Hexar for the past year. I had an SLR when I was a teenager so I know a little about photography. I carry the Hexar with me most of the time in the city, and I travel a bit. I'd like more flexibility with focal lengths.

I'll use my camera around Boston and travel. I do want to learn photography and might get serious about it. I've taken in some of the advice about primes vs. zooms, but still am leaning toward a zoom lens to begin.

My budget for the next year (not including light table, loupe, tripod, books, and perhaps a class, and film, all of which I've noted) is perhaps $2000...

I haven't handled the cameras yet, but I'm leaning toward the following... Canon EOS 5 (will compare how it handles vs Elan 7, but I like the spotmeter and price is close). Also, I've read this is a quiet camera. I like that aspect of my Hexar.

24-85 Canon zoom. I know it is slow, but when I travel I'll have Hexar with 35 f2 or I can add 50mm f1.8 or 1.4. The 28-70L is tempting, but I like to be somewhat discreet and it's size scares me. Plus, I could put the money into primes.

After I use the camera a while I might add the 70-200 f4, or one of the IS lenses (I'd like to be able to capture some shots of architectural details on buildings while I'm traveling). Between these 2 or 3 lenses and my Hexar I think I'd have a fairly lightweight and flexible system.

Would be interested in advice or feedback.

-- Don Tucker (donald.m.tucker@att.net), April 19, 2001