For starting out you can get the 400D and a 100-400L IS. If you get Canon make sure you get lenses w/IS. If you goNikon make sure you buy lenses w/VR. (Same thing as IS) You rarely can have too much zoom when shooting wildlife. There's a saying, "buy cheap, buy twice" this is especially true w/cameras.The zoom will help you w/the closer shots but I can tell you from 9 years of photography experience that 95% of your shots will be at the long end of your lens. This was taken at about 90-100 yards w/a 100-400L.