T3i, 18-55mm, 55-250mm: Will This Package Be Good For Me?

Gina wrote:

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments and help, everyone. I wasn't sure what kind of response I would get but I am very appreciate of the comments I have gotten, all very helpful and insightful.

I am open to other cameras. If I look at others, they must have an lcd that moves off the back of the camera and articulates, so many angles can be viewed without moving my body a whole bunch. I just can't stand on my head, or twist around, or stand on a ladder to see the lcd if the camera is on a tripod.. anymore.

I do have concerns with the weight of a dslr and a telelens and flash. I'm a petite 5 foot 90lb girl with weak arms, so I will definitely get to a store to heft some cameras. The weight of the dslrs there on a previous trip weren't too bad. I have never lifted the 55-250 though. My F717 with a telelens and flash wasn't too terrible for short periods, but I do most photography with a tripod anyway.

I see that for the type of work I want to accomplish, I might have to spend some more money for more lenses, but the starters will do for now. Especially if I can get a deal on a package during the holidays. I think I will just have to see what the lenses are capable of.

I would be interested in seeing any bird/wildlife shots you have with your cameras that are close to the t3i, with the 55-200, or the higher cost lenses. It would help to know about how far away you were from the subject and if you did any cropping.

Thanks so much guys If you have any more input or suggestions I will be glad to hear them. I really need to get my 717 shots up in a gallery.

Thanks a ton!

Gina