MicheleR

Yes, I do!However, the cameras I am looking at now, used d300, used d700, refurbished d7000, are all within the budget. The lenses are available used as well. She does not need to start out with...

Thank you so much!I am compiling a list of lenses from everyone's suggestions now.I will give the camera body to her with the list, and she can decide on the lens.We can rent a few of them so she...

That is very sweet:-)She has absolutely no idea that she will be getting anything like this. She has never asked for anything like this either. I have seen what she has been trying to accomplish...

Another thought to expand on your points:My daughter mows the lawn, dusts the furniture, cleans some of the bathrooms, brushes the dogs teeth, bathes and trims the dog, helps paint, and dog sits...

Thanks! I love doo-hickeys:-D

Good Lord! It's just like when you say "Wedding" or "Figure Skating"...the price goes through the roof:-DI never even thought about the possibility that a tripod would be so expensive!A monopod is...

That is a fabulous idea!I plan to get her one good (not great - and most likely used) lens for now so she can practice and learn.Then, when she is good enough to officially shoot an event, I can...

Thank you for taking the time to so eloquently offer your insight! I completely agree with you on your parenting philosophies!This will be, by far, the largest single purchase we have ever made for...

Thank You, Bob!I'm kind of hoping that by the time she's good enough to even know that a 300 f/2 exists, she will be out on her own with a good paying job:-DBargains are best at this point. If it's...

She shoots her friends at events where she is competing. I think it actually takes her mind off her nerves:-)Realistically, if someone is competing 30 to 60 minutes prior to her events, she won't...

Fortunately, she can go into the hockey box at her rink to take photos since she is a member there!I have started looking at skating photos on the net, but there is no way for me to know what was...

Thank You! This article was a major factor in my decision to diligently locate a d700 and a few good lenses and take it for a test drive!

I have been back and forth on the weight issue - and the fun factor.I believe I have talked myself into the fact that she will really only use this kit on a tripod at sporting events. And, maybe on...

It looks as if I will be taking a trip to New York to see these babies in action! Thanks for pointing them out to me!And, I will check with Canon about their 20% trade-in discount...The worst they...

I completely agree with refurbished. I have purchased many refurbished electronics in the past, and I have never had any trouble with them. I do ensure that the seller is an authorized dealer with...

Thank you for the excellent info, advice and encouragement! I never thought to check the digital photos for info (insert head slap here:-))

An excellent point delivered with perfect timing! I have been looking at lenses for the past 2 hours:-D Thanks!

While I certainly agree with you, there are some extenuating circumstances:When the skaters see that the horrible images captured at their shows and competitions cost $25-$40 per 8X10, they start...

What the heck...I'll biteThanks so much for your helpful reply (sarcasm implied here).Instead of spending $20-$25 per week going to movies, buying crappy things and junk food at the mall, and...

Thanks again! I know the lens is just as important, if not more so, than the body.