Flagship cameras and lenses for serious shooters

If you, like me, have been taking pictures for a while and like manual controls, you would probably be investing in DSLR cameras. While entry level DSLRs are available for Rs 25,000, they mostly crop the picture. For example, if you are composing a shot using the viewfinder, you might find the edges of the picture cropped in the final result, unlike film cameras of yore where such a thing never happened. But if you were to invest in a full-frame DSLR, you will shoot what you compose. But cameras are only as good as the lenses they are paired with. Here is our pick of flagship cameras and some lenses you can pair them with

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (Rs 3 lakh, with 24-70 mm lens)

The EOS 5D is a looker and while it is packed to the gills with features, it appears handy. The bulk makes it easier to focus, while the camera looks tough, though not as tough as the D5. The 30MP full-frame CMOS sensor is quite fast and write times are fast if one uses a CF card. Taking the camera along on the streets of Delhi, I was able to capture a fair bit of the city waking up early one morning this autumn. Low-light photography is quite good, especially using a tripod. This camera also shoots 4K videos and is easy to operate using the touchscreen. But with so many functions, do keep a spare battery handy. Special mention must be made about its capable photo editing software and extra features such as Wi-Fi and GPS.

Wide-angle lenses: If you're into shooting a lot of landscapes, this is one lens you can't do without. Using a Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Rs 79,990), I was able to capture a great many shots of dusk all over Delhi.

Telephoto lenses: Those who love photographing animals and birds cannot avoid having this lens in their kit. Pack them with you on your next trip to Bharatpur. Using a Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Rs 89,900) I was able to click migratory birds in Delhi.

All-in-one lenses: If you can carry only one lens with you, this is the best bet. A great upgrade to the kit lens, this helps one capture a wide range of shots, plus some good macro shots. Using a Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Rs 48,990) during a trip to Delhi's Chandni Chowk, I could capture a lot of the place's character, without having to lug a lot of lenses.

Nikon D5 (Rs 4.45 lakh, body only)

This big and bulky shooter is built like a beast. It looks tough, is said to withstand drops and knocks and provides immense stability while you're shooting with a tripod. The 20.8-megapixel (MP) full-frame CMOS sensor is blazing fast and write times using the bundled CF card was amazing. The 153-point focus system focuses on a subject fast and holds on admirably, as I found while shooting a motorcyclist moving away, in burst mode. Since it captures subjects in low light quite well (owing to its high ISO range), it helps that both displays are backlit. A plethora of buttons was a step up from my D5100 and the learning curve was a bit steep. And there's a very manageable, though underutilised, touchscreen. It also takes 4K videos and the battery goes on and on.