dslr camera lenses tutorial image
Hi!
I'm 15 and i just got my first dslr camera. I'm learning about aperture, shutter speed, and iso right now. What do i need to know about lenses and filters? I got the sony a390. Can i buy any sony lens and will it fit?
Answer
What you need to know about lenses is that you first identify a need for a lens based on the kind of photography you like doing the most. Here are a couple of sites that will help you understand what I'm talking about:
http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/best-digital-slr-lens.html
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-choose-a-digital-slr-camera-lens This site also offers a free weekly e-newsletter that has photography tips that will help you.
In my opinion at this point in time there are only two filters you should consider buying:
1) A UV or Skylight filter to protect the front element of your lens.
2) A Circular Polarizer which is used to darken a blue sky and enhance colors. It also removes/reduces glare/reflections from water, glass, sand, snow and painted metal - but not polished metal.
Always remember this when buying any filter: "A cheap filter isn't good and a good filter isn't cheap."
So choose from Hoya, Tiffen, B+W. I have a Tiffen Circular Polarizer that is almost 40 yrs. old and still use it often. Quality doesn't cost, it pays.
With your Sony A390 you aren't limited to Sony lenses. When Sony bought the DSLR technology and manufacturing from Konica-Minolta in 2006, Sony wisely kept the legacy Minolta Maxxum "A" lens mount introduced by Minolta with the Maxxum AF 7000 in 1985. This means that you have access to a large number of previously owned Maxxum AF lenses that will work perfectly with your A390. Since Sony wisely put a focusing motor in the A390 camera body those legacy Maxxum AF lenses will auto focus as they should on your camera.
One of the most sought-after Maxxum AF lenses for a Sony DSLR is the Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 zoom lens affectionately known as the "Beercan". You can find one on eBay for around $200.00. Just look for listings by "Top Rated" sellers and you can buy safely. NOTE: I own and still use the older manual focus version of the Beercan and its a very sharp zoom lens. The AF version is identical internally so if you buy it you won't be disappointed. This was made using my version:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/6058264281/
Should you at some point decide that an AF 50mm f1.4 prime lens is needed then here again you can save money buying a Maxxum version on eBay.
I highly recommend that you consider adding a good tripod to your kit. I consider a tripod as mandatory for landscape photography and never leave home without mine. Slik, Velbon, Manfrotto, Gittos, Benro are all good brands.
Since you are learning about the Exposure Triangle - ISO-Aperture-Shutter Speed - this site will help you: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography This site also offers tutorials suitable for the beginner to the professional as well as a free weekly e-newletter which is worth signing up for.
This site is interactive and will also help you learn about the Exposure Triangle as well as Depth of Field: http://www.kamerasimulator.se/eng/?page_id=2 In my opinion learning about Depth of Field is as important as learning about the Exposure Triangle since knowing what it is and how to control it can really enhance your photography.
Another major element of good photography is composition. This site will help you learn about it:
http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules
NOTE: Although they are called "Rules" I prefer to think of them as guidelines. Its desirable to know the "Rules" because they will help you made good pictures but at some point in time you'll decide that to make the picture you want to make the "Rules" have to be ignored. However, you have to know them before you can break them.
One of the more difficult photographic concepts to grasp is called "seeing photographically". There is a difference between looking at a scene and seeing the possible photograph(s) within the scene. It is a skill/habit that comes with practice. This site offers an explanation that may require more than one reading: http://www.redphotophotography.com/2011/08/seeing-photography/ I was driving alongside a small lake on my right when I looked to my left and saw this potential photograph from about 40 feet above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/4032748624/ Parked the car, grabbed my gear and hiked down to where I made this picture.
Everywhere you look there is a picture - once you learn to see it.
Good photography requires thinking. Thinking about the composition. Thinking about the exposure. Thinking about the Depth of Field. Thinking requires time. So if someone tells you to go out and shoot hundreds of exposures because that's how you "learn" just ignore them. All you'll "learn" is how to take lots of snapshots because you aren't taking the time to think. The goal is quality, not quantity.
What you need to know about lenses is that you first identify a need for a lens based on the kind of photography you like doing the most. Here are a couple of sites that will help you understand what I'm talking about:
http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/best-digital-slr-lens.html
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-choose-a-digital-slr-camera-lens This site also offers a free weekly e-newsletter that has photography tips that will help you.
In my opinion at this point in time there are only two filters you should consider buying:
1) A UV or Skylight filter to protect the front element of your lens.
2) A Circular Polarizer which is used to darken a blue sky and enhance colors. It also removes/reduces glare/reflections from water, glass, sand, snow and painted metal - but not polished metal.
Always remember this when buying any filter: "A cheap filter isn't good and a good filter isn't cheap."
So choose from Hoya, Tiffen, B+W. I have a Tiffen Circular Polarizer that is almost 40 yrs. old and still use it often. Quality doesn't cost, it pays.
With your Sony A390 you aren't limited to Sony lenses. When Sony bought the DSLR technology and manufacturing from Konica-Minolta in 2006, Sony wisely kept the legacy Minolta Maxxum "A" lens mount introduced by Minolta with the Maxxum AF 7000 in 1985. This means that you have access to a large number of previously owned Maxxum AF lenses that will work perfectly with your A390. Since Sony wisely put a focusing motor in the A390 camera body those legacy Maxxum AF lenses will auto focus as they should on your camera.
One of the most sought-after Maxxum AF lenses for a Sony DSLR is the Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 zoom lens affectionately known as the "Beercan". You can find one on eBay for around $200.00. Just look for listings by "Top Rated" sellers and you can buy safely. NOTE: I own and still use the older manual focus version of the Beercan and its a very sharp zoom lens. The AF version is identical internally so if you buy it you won't be disappointed. This was made using my version:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/6058264281/
Should you at some point decide that an AF 50mm f1.4 prime lens is needed then here again you can save money buying a Maxxum version on eBay.
I highly recommend that you consider adding a good tripod to your kit. I consider a tripod as mandatory for landscape photography and never leave home without mine. Slik, Velbon, Manfrotto, Gittos, Benro are all good brands.
Since you are learning about the Exposure Triangle - ISO-Aperture-Shutter Speed - this site will help you: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography This site also offers tutorials suitable for the beginner to the professional as well as a free weekly e-newletter which is worth signing up for.
This site is interactive and will also help you learn about the Exposure Triangle as well as Depth of Field: http://www.kamerasimulator.se/eng/?page_id=2 In my opinion learning about Depth of Field is as important as learning about the Exposure Triangle since knowing what it is and how to control it can really enhance your photography.
Another major element of good photography is composition. This site will help you learn about it:
http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules
NOTE: Although they are called "Rules" I prefer to think of them as guidelines. Its desirable to know the "Rules" because they will help you made good pictures but at some point in time you'll decide that to make the picture you want to make the "Rules" have to be ignored. However, you have to know them before you can break them.
One of the more difficult photographic concepts to grasp is called "seeing photographically". There is a difference between looking at a scene and seeing the possible photograph(s) within the scene. It is a skill/habit that comes with practice. This site offers an explanation that may require more than one reading: http://www.redphotophotography.com/2011/08/seeing-photography/ I was driving alongside a small lake on my right when I looked to my left and saw this potential photograph from about 40 feet above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/4032748624/ Parked the car, grabbed my gear and hiked down to where I made this picture.
Everywhere you look there is a picture - once you learn to see it.
Good photography requires thinking. Thinking about the composition. Thinking about the exposure. Thinking about the Depth of Field. Thinking requires time. So if someone tells you to go out and shoot hundreds of exposures because that's how you "learn" just ignore them. All you'll "learn" is how to take lots of snapshots because you aren't taking the time to think. The goal is quality, not quantity.
What camera is the best for professional photography?
mandy f
I'm wanting a great camera, that will provide the best quality photos. Can you please tell me what you would buy and why you think it's the best.
Thank you, and hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Answer
Don't ask for "the best" LOL.... people will show you a Hasselblad for $50.000 (body only!)
Any of the entry level DSLRs would keep you happy for a few years. I'd pick either Canon or Nikon. I have a LOT of contact with other photographers and time and time again it seems that either one of those are most likely to make their owners happy.
The most important part is to buy only the best lenses - camera bodies get upgraded, lenses stay with us.
You WILL regret buying cheap lenses.
Don't rush into buying lenses. Start with a kit lens, get to know your camera, that lens, and all photographic principles.
Through time and through use, you will eventually KNOW what other lenses you'll need/want.
The more time you'll take, the less likely you are to regret your choices.
If you know anyone close to you with a camera, consider borrowing lenses and "picking their brain" about their camera and whatever else they know.
Go to a store and hold a few cameras, see how they feel to YOU.
Keep in mind that buying a DSLR isn't cheap, even if you find a good deal for body and kit lens.
You'll also want and/or need a few other things such as tripod, filters, a bag, sensor cleaning gear, a second battery, memory cards, perhaps a remote shutter release etc.
That's just the small stuff - I can guarantee you that you'll also want more and more lenses.
You'll also want a decent flash some day.
See how that list just goes on and on?
Owning a DSLR isn't cheap - at least not until you have built up a nice stash of gear.
Just some food for thought........
Do lots of research before you buy, and start learning about photography, too.
The very best thing you can do for your photography, is to attend a class and read a few books and tutorials. Having some knowledge will make a huge difference to your images.
I hope I have expressed this idea clearly enough: YOU need to learn about photography because even the world's best camera will take lousy shots in the hands of someone who has no clue how to use it.
Don't ask for "the best" LOL.... people will show you a Hasselblad for $50.000 (body only!)
Any of the entry level DSLRs would keep you happy for a few years. I'd pick either Canon or Nikon. I have a LOT of contact with other photographers and time and time again it seems that either one of those are most likely to make their owners happy.
The most important part is to buy only the best lenses - camera bodies get upgraded, lenses stay with us.
You WILL regret buying cheap lenses.
Don't rush into buying lenses. Start with a kit lens, get to know your camera, that lens, and all photographic principles.
Through time and through use, you will eventually KNOW what other lenses you'll need/want.
The more time you'll take, the less likely you are to regret your choices.
If you know anyone close to you with a camera, consider borrowing lenses and "picking their brain" about their camera and whatever else they know.
Go to a store and hold a few cameras, see how they feel to YOU.
Keep in mind that buying a DSLR isn't cheap, even if you find a good deal for body and kit lens.
You'll also want and/or need a few other things such as tripod, filters, a bag, sensor cleaning gear, a second battery, memory cards, perhaps a remote shutter release etc.
That's just the small stuff - I can guarantee you that you'll also want more and more lenses.
You'll also want a decent flash some day.
See how that list just goes on and on?
Owning a DSLR isn't cheap - at least not until you have built up a nice stash of gear.
Just some food for thought........
Do lots of research before you buy, and start learning about photography, too.
The very best thing you can do for your photography, is to attend a class and read a few books and tutorials. Having some knowledge will make a huge difference to your images.
I hope I have expressed this idea clearly enough: YOU need to learn about photography because even the world's best camera will take lousy shots in the hands of someone who has no clue how to use it.
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