Is this a good camera???

Moo

Does this look like a good/great camera to you?? WHy and why not?? 10points giveaway :) thanks
http://www.bigw.com.au/electronics/cameras-camcorders/digital-cameras/bpnBIGW_0000000276771/nikon-d3100-dslr-camera-twin-lens-kit-black
Feel free to ask any questions ill answer them as soon possiable :)
THanks for answering but what to you mean but "entry level???"
Techno - thanks heaps for all the great informations. Can i please just ask u one more questions?
I have a fujifilm finepix S 14mp with an 18x optical zoom. But i want an upgrade it dosent have to be 10000 times better i just want a few more feautures and i love how th camera blurs out. Is the nikon still worth buying although i have the fujifilm already? THanks heaps.
http://www.aperturedaily.com/fujifilm-releases-new-firmware-updates-for-finepix-s-series/

Answer
Yes the Nikon D3100 is a very good dslr camera , very simple and easy to use and capture good images as well as full high definition videos. The Nikon D3100 DSLR camera has lots of features and is very general purpose in the sense that a professional photographer will use this camera as one of his main camera especially inn sudden situations. The Nikon D3100 DSLR is compatible to some very good lens and you an find lens for all purposes easily for it in the future. I recommend this camera to you, and also recommend that you get it at Amazon instead. At amazon, this camera is sold with a complete bundle of accessories and two lens for $499.95 far less than the site you currently is looking at. The package at amazon consist of:
â¦1) Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens
⦠2) Transcend 16GB SecureDigital Class 10 (SDHC) Ultra-High-Speed Card
⦠3) Precision Design 2.5x Telephoto & .45x Wide-Angle Digital Lenses (46/49/52/55/58mm)
⦠4) Vivitar 52mm UV Glass Filter
⦠5) Nikon Deluxe Digital SLR Camera Case - Gadget Bag
⦠6) Precision Design PD-57TR Photo/Video 57" Tripod with Case
⦠7) Precision Design USB 2.0 SecureDigital (SDHC) High-Speed Memory Card Reader
⦠8) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
⦠9) Digital Camera/Camcorder Universal LCD Monitor Screen Protectors
⦠10) Precision Design 6-Piece Camera & Lens Cleaning Kit

That is a much better deal. See more at amazon at the link below
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DT5TP4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005DT5TP4&linkCode=as2&tag=cheonlsto-20

Good quality digital camera?

Sarah

I want a nice camera. Not too concerned with cost but I'd like for it to be relatively small.

Answer
smallest and lightest dSLR's: olympus
in realtiy any camera from any of the reputable dSLR camera makers will do (eg Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Samsung, Sigma or Sony)

some kit lenses aren't as good as others, soem are very good

theres a lot of bullshit spoken int he camera world (usually Canon or Nikon or one of those is 'THE' best). the reality is their is not a lot to separate the various ameras technically at our near the same price points. the other manucfacturers have to try harder agianst the market leaders (Canon and Nikon) so that usully means you get more for your money.

Pesonally I bough an Olympus E510 twin lens kit. yes I could have spent more and bought one of the upmarket lenses but the lens I've got are plenty good enough for me.

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Best lens for indoor arena sports on a Canon 30D ?

jennsinlub

I'm trying to decide on the next lens I should buy that would work for indoor arena sport photography. I'm wanting to capture Horse shows such as Jumper and Barrel racing. Thank you
I'm trying to decide on the next lens I should buy that would work for indoor arena sport photography. I'm wanting to capture Horse shows such as Jumper and Barrel racing. Also this is a very large arena with very low lighting using flouresents. What setting would you recommend? Thank you
Also this is a very large arena with very low lighting using flouresents. What setting would you recommend? Thank you

Answer
You need the long wide aperture lens (70 - 200mm f2.8) from fotoaces suggestions.

Aperture priority is the norm for most photography, shutter priority may select a high ISO (after it has run out of larger apertures to select) which will lead to noise, if your shooting for a newspaper the resolution of newsprint means that noise isn't a problem, it is very much a problem if you're shooting for magazines.

Colour balance isn't a problem with a DSLR as you can calibrate it on site with nothing more than a piece of white paper.

Chris

which lens for indoor high school sports?

Brian

I am looking to buy a lens for shooting indoor sports at high schools. I use a Canon Rebel XTi right now and plan on buying a 50D in the near future. I am not sure if the 24-105mm f/4L is fast enough due to the lower light in the gyms and pools. I was also thinking about the 70-200mm f/2.8L (without IS). I have a 17-40mm f/4L and a 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens. I used the 70-300 at a basketball game from the stands, but I had to turn up the ISO and 70mm seemed to be too close if I wasn't in the stands. I think 70-200mm would be great for swimming though. Another option would be a 50mm f/1.4 prime which I will be ordering next week anyway. Thanks in advance for your advice. Any suggestions welcome.

Answer
I would go for the 70-200 2.8 (no IS). I guess you will have shutter speeds of around 500+ to get the action stopped. At those speeds you don't really need IS and the fstop is good. I use a 70-200mm 2.8 on a nikon D700 to shoot sports at night and i am happy with it.

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Best Camera for Sports Photography?

Madison

For my school, I am taking pictures for our baseball team. I am looking for a camera that I can use that is under 1k. I would like to know which lens I should buy. I can buy a short and a long lens and any links with reviews will be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
For your baseball team shots, look at a Nikon D3100, coupled with a Nikon 55-300mm vr lens.
Here's a couple of reviews for you.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3100.htm
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55-300mm.htm

The camera, with an 18-55mm VR zoom lens, is $650 from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003ZYF3LO/ref=dp_olp_new_map?ie=UTF8&qid=1311382898&sr=1-1&condition=new

And the 55-300mm lens is $310.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-300mm-4-5-5-6G-ED-VR/dp/B003ZSHNCC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1311383055&sr=1-1

That gets you a nice 18-300mm setup for under $1000.

By the way, the D3100 has better resolution than the D300 that I use professionally.

Whats the best camera for SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY?

enchillada

very interrested in sports photography, and im looking for your opinion of the best cameras for sports photography. any help is appreciated.... yes, i know its going to be expensive

Answer
I would say the Canon 1D Mark III which is the next generation after the 1D Mark II that I have. This series makes up the majority of sports and photojournalist cameras now. I would recommend fast lenses. I have :
17-35 f/2.8 L (the 16-35 is the newer version)
24-70 f/2.8 L
70-200 f/2.8 L IS (the best general purpose sports lens)
500 f/4.0 L IS (a huge lens that is often used by pros)

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Digital Cameras?

Anita

What is your favorite digital camera. I would just like to know because I'm getting a new one for my birthday.

Answer
Whatever kind of digital camera that you get, please keep in mind that high megapixels aren't everything. I have seen better pictures from a 2 megapixel Canon than a 6 megapixel Vivitar -- I think this is because the Canon had better optics (higher quality lens glass, more light sensitivity, etc).

I would stick with the big names in cameras, like Canon, Nikon, Minolta, etc. But for a non-traditional camera manufacturer, Sony makes some nice stuff, too.

Digital camera?

ilovealila

I want to buy a good digital camera within the range of $ 150-$250? Could you please suggest me one that is durable as well as produces high pixcel pictures?

Also what is the difference between digital zoom and optical zoom ? Which reduces the quality of image?

Answer
There are so many anymore. I have a Kodak V705 and I bought it mostly because it has the widest angle lens you can get at this price. Easy for taking those family pictures. It takes good quality pictures and fits easily in your pocket. Nikon and Canon both offer great cameras in this range. Optical zoom deals with the lens and the higher the zoom the closer you can get. Digital zoom basically enlarges a section of your picture. You can do the same thing with any software program for pictures. It degrades your pictures the most. The optics will sometimes degrade the pictures at the limits.

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Canon 5D or Canon 50D?

sophistami

Which ones better for

-low light shooting
-video shooting
-easy to use
Also, do both of them have a mic input?

Answer
i had heard about Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera more which is awesome.

*21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-6400
*Includes Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens
*DIGIC 4 Image Processor; high-performance 3.9 fps continuous shooting; Live View Function for stills
*Full HD video capture at 1920x1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip ; HDMI output
*Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II/dp/B001G5ZTMM/?tag=pntsa-20

Advice on Canon 5d mk II lenses?

Curtis

I have a canon 5D mk II, I bought it mostly to shoot video but will definitely be using it for photography too. Im trying to find a quality zoom lens for long shots and also a quality macro lens for those super close-ups. There are lots of options out there and I was hoping you folks could offer some of your experience and advice in the matter. Thanks

Answer
For zoom lens I would suggest you Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I53W?ie=UTF8&tag=bestdeals-y-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00006I53W

For macro Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens is a good choice
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004XOM3?ie=UTF8&tag=bestdeals-y-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004XOM3

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Is there a macro lens for the Canon Rebel XSi?

Q. Do they make a macro lens not a filer or extension, but a real macro
lens for the 58mm Canon Rebel XSi DSLR camera?

Answer
Hey,

Your Canon XSi has an EF and EF-s mount. The 58mm is the filter size of your current lens (18-55). All lenses have different filter sizes (but most have 58mm), it is written on the front of your lens.

Here's a post called 'Buying a Macro lens for Canon - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2010/02/buying-macro-lens.html

I'd get the Sigma 105, Canon 100mm f/2.8 or the Tamron 90. They're all ~450$.

Here's a review of the Canon 100mmf /2.8 - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2010/03/canon-ef-100mm-f28-macro-usm-review.html

Good luck!

Macro lens suggestions?

Amy Johnso

I've been looking into getting a macro lens for a while now. Any suggestions? I know to get a good macro lens, I have to spend a lot of money, but are there cheaper macro lenses out there that still have a decent quality photo?

Specific lens names so I can search them or even a direct link to an online store/review of the lens would be very helpful.

Thanks!

Answer
I've yet to see a bad macro lens from Nikon, Canon, Tamron, Tokina or Sigma. I like tokina for their price and build quality.

General rule of thumb: 60mm is fine for static objects. For bugs 90mm-ish is about minimum. Don't worry too much about autofocus, it's almost useless in macro anyway.

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I am looking for a lens for my camera Nikon D5100. What is the best telephoto lens for it?

gorkhe kan

Answer
This is a loaded question. Technically, the $18,000 Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6 lens will work on your camera.

However, if you are like most people that buy an entry-level Nikon such as the D5100, you are probably looking at moderate consumer-grade telephoto zoom lenses.

In that category, two great choices for inexpensive lenses are the Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4~5.6 vR and Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5~5.6 VR. Of the two, it is my opinion that the 55-200mm lens is better quality - it has an internal focus mechanism, which is an upgraded feature that the 55-300mm lens lacks.

The 55-300mm lens barrel rotates during focusing, which means it is harder to use a polarizer filter, whereas the 55-200mm lens, with it's superior internal focusing does not rotate the lens barrel to focus.

Nikon also makes a non-VR (vibration reduction) version of the 55-200mm lens, but I would skip that one.

If you want the 300mm reach, then consider the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/r4.5~5.6. Like the 55-200mm, it also has internal focusing, and also has a focusing clutch (meaning you can manually fine focus the lens in auto-focus mode).

If you compare lenses, the 70-300mm has a "M/A-M" switch, whereas the 55-200mm and 55-300mm lenses only have "M-A" switches. The 70-300mm lens also has ED glass, which is also an upgrade.

I bought my 70-300mm as a refurbished lens for under $400, which is a very good discount from the almost $600 retail price.

http://www.adorama.com/NK70300AFVRR.html

camera lenses for nikon d5100?

MikeD

hey, I just recently got a nikon d5100. im new to DSLR's and I had a few questions. One is can I use any Lens on this camera? because I understand that the motor is in the Lens. If not can anyone give me a place where there is a list of lenses that are compatible? and my final question is, how do you set the ISO on it?

-thanks,
mike

Answer
Although there are some limitations any Nikon "F" mount lens made since 1959 can be used on your Nikon D5100. Here is a complete list of lens compatibility:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm Only the more expensive Nikon AF-S lenses will auto focus on your D5100.

The best way to learn to use your D5100 is to seriously READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual and watch this video:

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d5100/index.html Who better than Nikon to teach you to use your Nikon D5100?

This site has tutorials for the beginner to the professional:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

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What DSLR should I buy?

Q. Is it better to buy a cheap DSLR and a good lens or an expensive DSLR with a cheap lens? I've decided to get a Canon camera, I want to get either Canon 1100D(with a 18-55mm, 50mm and 75-300mm lenses) or Canon 600D with only the 18-55mm lens. Which one should I buy?

Answer
Cheap body (camera) + expensive lens= F*cking amazing shots
check this out to help show you the difference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk5IMmEDWH4

Im not a canon guy so idk too mcuh about them (as far as which camera is better) but I think the difference in those too is the 600D (T3i) takes video and the 1100D (T3) does not.
but they are both apart of the Rebel Series so they are both entry level and not a significant difference in quality (maybe a little)
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Canon-600d/specs

the biggest difference is (that really matters)
the 600 has 18mp vs 12mp (but megapixels do not matter that much for quality unless you are printing really big or do a lot of hardcore editing. so 12 is more than enough to do the job.
the 600 has a ISO of one full stop (12800) vs 1100s-6400 (but anything past 1600 Maybe even 800 will be ugly and unusable)
the 600 has smaller pixel size so it can handle high ISO a little bit better.
the 600 also has a slightly bigger and more vivid LCD, and it also flips out
the 600 has a lower life battery
and longer shutter lag and slower start up time
the 600 has a slightly better color depth (more natural saturation)

so yes the 600D (T3i) is better, well no sh*t its newer (even if it is by only a month)

but like your second question... good lens or bad lens???
My professional opinion, buy the 1100D (T3) and use the extra 200bucks or whatever the diff. is and use that towards a lens... (that does NOT mean buy a $200 lens, no save up and use it towards. save like 800 and use the 200 for tax or something... Canons good lenses are the L-Series (the ones with red rings around them) Buy one of those you wont be disappointed in your image quality.

Hell honestly if your gonna be shooting things that dont move fast, so you wont need a fast FPS. I would go buy a $250-350some canon/nikon off of ebay or a pawn shop or a used camera store. and spend a good 1000+ bills one lens and some good protection.

"Bodies come and go, but lenses last forever."



Oh, and honestly those lens choices that you have are not all that good, sure it'll take the pic but the 18-55 is a basic kit lens. the 75-300 is slow, and unless the 50mm is f/1.4 or better yet the f/1.2 that is a decent lens but not the best.

Like I said go with a L-series or at least something close (you get exactly what you pay for with photography) I personally think you should get the most common and number 1 lens that every photographer has. a canon (if that is what your going with) 24-70 f/2.8. its sexy, its fast, its heavy, its sharp, and its one of the most versatile.

so good luck :)

I'm getting a DSLR camera, how should I care for it?

Maria

Well I'm getting a DSLR camera (I"m not sure which yet) but I just need to know how I clean it if it gets dusty, smudged etc. I want to take good care of it so yeah. What's the best way to do this??? THANKS!

Answer
Dust and damp are your cameras worst enemies, that includes anything you keep your camera in such as your camera bag.

Always use your lens hood particularly the rubber ones, better mechanical protection than any 'protection filter' which will increase the chances of flare and will reduce contrast and if allowed to get dirty in the trapped air between the lens and the filter can lead to front/rear focusing issues. In 50 years as a photographer I have never used a 'protection filter' and I still have all my lenses, lenses are tougher than any thin piece of glass.

To actually damage a lens coating you need two things grit and pressure, grit, even wind blown, won't do it, I've had white hot spelter from a Bessemer Converter landing on my camera and lens with no harm. Apply finger pressure to a piece of grit under a cleaning cloth and you'll scratch the coating every time.

Try not to touch the lens elements, you will leave an oily deposit that will require cleaning and dust and grit will stick to it.

Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning lens, but they must be kept scrupulously clean, I prefer to use Pec-Pads as then you get a clean one every time.

Here's a short article I wrote on cleaning lenses

http://westfield-photo.org/lens_cleaning.html

Chris

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Canon 7D standard lens question?

Insert Nam

I have been looking at purchasing the Canon D7 to shoot video. I know that it is best to not ever use your zoom while in the middle of recording video but I like to have the option. When I went to Best Buy to test out the camera, the lens was kind of sticky when I tried to zoom. Is this a normal problem with the standard lens that comes with the 7D?
I don't want to know if this camera is the best choice for video or not. For what I am going to be doing I already know this is the best option. A pro camcorder that is comparable will cost at least $1000.00 more. Please read the question before you answer and then only answer the question. Thanks!

Answer
i had heard more about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens which is good one.

*70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon EOS SLR cameras
*3-stop Image Stabilizer for reducing camera shake; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
*Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create attractive background at large apertures
*Super Spectra lens coating and lens element shaping suppresses flare and ghosting
*Measures 3 inches in diameter and 5.6 inches long; weighs 22.2 ounces; 1-year warranty

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-300mm-4-5-6-Lens-Cameras/dp/B0007Y794O/?tag=pntsa-20

Canon EOS 7D Lens Recommendations?

Katie

I am planning on buying a Canon EOS 7D (with the kit lens-Canon 28-135mm IS f/3.5-5.6) within the next couple weeks, and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for some lenses. I just need some recommendations on lenses that I can use as I am getting used to the camera (good to learn with) and that I will be able to use as I progress and be used on possibly a professional basis. I will be using the camera for shooting everything, not anything specific if that helps any.

I'm only 16, but I design web sites so I have a very good income, so price isn't that big of a deal as long as it is worth it. I would still like the prices to be reasonable if that isn't too much to ask... I have been looking for a macro lens, fish eye lens, and a wide angle lens specifically, but I would like to get a wide variety of lenses.

If anyone has any recommendations for anything else that I would need to buy with this camera that would be great. I figure if I'm spending this much on a camera I would like to put it to good use.

Should I get a battery grip?

What kind of CF memory card should I get?

Bag recommendations that can keep everything safe?

I know I want to work on time lapses, so I need a recommendation for a intervolmeter. Any good ones?

Anything else I'm forgetting?

I have an idea on what I need for the last couple questions, but I would like a second opinion.

Thanks to anyone who helps!

Answer
Forget the 28-135, no usable wide angle, if you want a walkaround. Beleive it or not the 18-55 EF-S IS is actually a stonking lens if you can get one for the right cash (split from kit, nearly new on an auction site etc)

I prefer a mix of primes and fast zooms for my 7D:

Tokina 11-16 f2.8. Exemplary lens, head and shoulders above any of the other UWAs.

Canon 18-55 IS (previously had the 17-40 F4L, but was using this lens more often, so sold the 17-40, which is a good lens, but not worth the extra to my mind, having used both on a 7D)

Canon 70-200 f2.8L (non IS version. A lot of lens for the money, optically superior to all but the IS mk2) a benchmark.

Canon 50mm f1.8. Rude not to, great low light or portrait shooter.

Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX Macro. The most sensible and optically the best macro for APS-C type cameras.

Lensbaby composer. Effect lens.

CF card recommendations: Sandisk, Extreme, Just make sure your cam has firmware 1.2.5 installed. If not, install it.

I use an intervalometer I bought on ebay for £20. Works. Can't say much else about it.

For your timelapse its worth getting a lens with a mechanical iris, such as a m42 type with an EOS converter, something like a 28 or 35mm lens would be quite flexible, and as it's a prime, should be optically ok.

Timelapse on an EF or EFs lens requires the lens to be used wide open, or to stop down every exposure, and there are sometimes very minute variations on the lens stop down, even at a set aperture, causing flicker. A mechanical iris lens gets round this. M42 lenses also avoid any complications with back focus etc. Cheap too.

You'll also want an ND filter, perhaps even a variable, though you would only want to use this on moderate focul lengths. Timelapse works best if you introduce some shutter drag/motion blur, meaning a longer exposure. In daylight this will not be possible unless you have additional filtration on the lens. A variable ND, whilst not always optically the absolute best solution, is at least very flexible.

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Which Nikon DSLR camera should I buy?

Brittany

I've been wanting a Nikon, but I'm not really sure which to get. This will be my first dslr. Any suggestion on which Nikon (that costs under a couple thousand) is the best?

Answer
Best nikon for a couple of thousand (not a bloody fortune) is the D700 however it is an advanced camera and you would be better off going with a D7000. The D7000 is a camera you can grow into whereas the D3100, D5000, D40, or any of the canons mentioned you will grow out of if you plan to pursue it.

also get a good lens to go with it...

The D7000 and a 18-200mm is a good combo. If you are doing alot of low light get a 50mm 1.8 prime.

As to canon, they are worth a try but overall I find Nikon to have better products (I was a longtime canon user and hated it)

The nikon D7000 with 16-85mm?

Q. As a starter lens, is that going to not let the camera reach it's full potential?
I'm an amateur, it's my first dslr too. Doesn't mean I want a crap lens I want a legit lens.
I want an all purpose lens for now, aka walk around lens. xoxo

Answer
for D7000, your first general purpose lens should be 18-200mm VRII, this cover a pretty good range from wide angle to tele, very sharp image from that lens. a bit $$$ but really worth it if there is only one lens you want to carry, this is the one.

your second lens is 35 or 50mm f1.8 (f1.4 is you can afford it, triple the price). this is a very sharp, very fast lens, yet cheap enough (compared with other lenses) that's good for low light situtation. trust me, take a picture using this lens makes you look like a pro easy :)

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Would a Canon EF 75-300mm lens attach to the Canon rebel t3i/600D?

Ashley

Answer
ANY Canon EF or EF-S lens can be used on your T3i/600D

The problem is that the Canon 75-300 mm is a dog of a lens. Look instead at the Canon 70-300 mm and start saving your pennies.

I know it is tempting to buy the lens based upon price, not quality, but in the end, quality is the most important feature of a lens

Nikon F to Canon EF Lens Converter?

Steve

Might be a stupid question, but does such a thing exist? Nikon has differently priced lenses and there are after market lenses (Sigma, Tokina) that have an F mount, but i'd like to buy them for my Canon T3i which has an EF lens mount. Is there any kind of converter?

Answer
There are indeed converters to let you use Nikon F mount lenses on a Canon EF mount cameras but, it is a false economy if you think using them will save you money. Novoflex makes the best converter mount available at around $250 but, it still turns $1000 Nikkor AF-s lenses into little more than manual focus lenses when mounted on a Canon body. Even the newer NT version of that mount that provides an "aperture ring" for Nikkor "G" lenses will leave you with a manual focus only lens.

You need to know that Canon and Nikon use entirely different electrical contacts and other circuits to control their lenses. That's part of what makes them proprietary mounts and the same is true for Sony/Minolta, Olympus, or Pentax. It should also be noted that until a few years ago, most Nikon and aftermarket F-mount lenses all depended on a drive motor inside Nikon camera bodies for autofocus operation where Canon has been an all electric mount since 1987. Because the Canon cameras don't have internal motors to drive the focusing mechanisms and the other issues mentioned above, no lens designed for a Nikon camera is going to autofocus on a Canon body.

If you want to use Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, or others, they all make versions of their lenses specifically for the EF mount. There is no need to buy an "F to EF" adapter if you choose lenses from these manufacturers. Having said all that, Canon has never released the design specs for their lens mounts to aftermarket manufacturers. As such, all the aftermarket lens makers who wanted to offer EF mount lenses have been forced to reverse engineer the EF mount and autofocus system to make their lenses work with Canon EF-mount cameras. They don't always work well, particularly with newer model cameras. In some cases, the lens makers offer firmware upgrades to make their lenses work with newer cameras but, that doesn't always solve the problem.

The bottom line is that if you want consistent performance and lenses that work 100% of the time with your Canon camera, you need to stick with Canon lenses. Many other people have done the same thing and learned the same lessons. It's not unreasonable to want to save a little money but, buying adapters to go between your lens and camera is usually not the best way to achieve it.

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Good telephoto lens for sony alpha dslr?

Pedro

I recently purchased a Sony SLT-A35 and I've been very pleased with it thus far. I only the supplied kit lens and I'm interested in purchasing a telephoto zoom lens for it. Right now I'm looking at the tamron 75-300 mm lens due to the low price and the good reviews. There's also the Sony version of the tamron which is more expensive. Finally there is also the Minolta "beercan" lens that can be purchased used at a reasonable price although I believe that one is a 70-210 mm lens. Which of those is the best option? Feel free to offer more suggestions but keep in mind that I can't really afford anything more than the Sony which is $250.

Answer
Unless you absolutely positively need the extra "reach" of 300mm (the Tamron 75-300mm) I strongly suggest the Minolta Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 simply because its a constant aperture zoom. Also, I own and use the older manual focus 70-210mm f4 "Beercan" and the optics of the AF version are identical to mine. Its one sharp lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/6217155698/ My camera was mounted on my tripod but this was taken using my 70-210mm zoom.

Help with picking a camera?

OhLawdyy.

I really want the Nikon d3000 , I'm a noob at photography but really interested. The thing is .. I currently have the Nikon L120 , but I want to switch. My mom wants me to buy a camera that has everything , which is understandable. My brother graduation is coming, and we want to take videos and pictures. I want one where I can still take good photos, but at the same time have what my mom wants. I looked at the Sony NEX 5 .. it's looks pretty good. The video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Tu7OAItdc&feature=bf_prev&list=FL6oFvK2PM8ElsB5ebN4fIVg&lf=mh_lolz I thought was pretty good. & Pictures I saw on another video. Do you think this is good for us or do you recommend a different camera?

Answer
First, the Nikon D3000 does not have video and its been discontinued.

Although I'm a Sony fan when it comes to their DSLR cameras I don't care for their NEX series. Why? Because they introduced yet another lens mount and there aren't many lenses available and the ones that are are expensive.

In my opinion the Sony SLT A35 or SLT A55 will best meet your needs. Both models feature Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology which allows for full-time continuous auto focus whether you're shooting still pictures or full 1080 HD video. During video the A35 and A55 use phase-detect auto focus which is faster and smoother and gives better results.

All Sony DSLR cameras - the Alpha and SLT series - use the legacy Minolta Maxxum "A" lens mount. What this means is that you can buy used Maxxum AF lenses for the A35 or A55. They will auto focus and meter as they should and save you money if and when you want to add a lens or lenses to your kit.

Suppose you decide that a 50mm f1.4 lens is one that you want. A Maxxum AF 50mm f1.4 is under $200.00 on eBay. A Sony branded 50mm f1.4 is close to $400.00 - and they are the same exact lens! All Sony did was re-brand the Maxxum 50mm f1.4 as a Sony.

If you decide that you need more zoom than the 18-55mm zoom that comes with the camera you can buy a Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 zoom lens (its known as the "Beercan") for about $200.00 on eBay. I own and use the older manual focus version of this lens and except for the auto focus provision they are identical. The constant aperture is very desirable when shooting video. Sony offers a 55-200mm f4-5.6 variable aperture zoom for around $200.00 but the Maxxum 70-210mm f4 is the better choice. The Sony 70-200mm f2.8 zoom will cost you about $2,000.00. That makes the Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 a real bargain.

Sony SLT A35 review:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA35/AA35A.HTM

Sony SLT A55 review:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA55/AA55A.HTM

This explains the differences between the SLT A33 (discontinued), A35 and A55:
http://www.digitalphotographywriter.com/2011/06/sony-a35-vs-a33-vs-a55-comparison-and.html

Prices from B&H - http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Sony SLT A35 w/18-55mm zoom lens $699.99 with free USA shipping.

Sony SLT A55 w/18-55mm zoom lens $799.99 after a $50.00 Instant Savings from B&H. Ends 10-1-2011. Free USA shipping.

In my opinion there are enough upgrades between the A35 and A55 to justify the extra $100.00 for the A55.

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Tiffen camera lens filters?

Jasmine

I am trying to buy a Tiffen 58mm Uv Protector lens for my canon rebel t3 but im afraid i cant find a store where they sell them. Are there any relatively popular retail stores in the orange county area where i can buy this type of tiffen lens?

Answer
try Samy's Camera store in Santa Ana. if they don't carry Tiffen, they will have a product of equal quality.

Is it possible to get a lens filter that works for my GE x500?

TurtleTech

Got this camera recently after seening phenomenal picture quality (and the design, which is great). Can I get a lens filter for this? What about an adaptor?

Answer
Did the camera come with a lens cap?

Just looking at the camera, I cannot see any filter threads on the lens, nor when the lens is withdrawn into the lens barrel when not in use is there enough extended lens to hold any kind of adapter.

Unless the user menu lists some filters as accessories, then probably not.

Usually one needs tp spend somewhat in the range of $300 before cameras have such features

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Should I buy the Canon 24mm f/1.4L USM for my 7d?

Isnogood

I like my 50 mm 1.4 and search for same or even better quality on a wider angle (24 x 1.6 = 38.4). In addition i plan to buy the Canon EF 100mm, f/2.8L Macro IS USM. I plan to buy full frame Canon in a few years.
I want to use the 24 mm for both, photo and video, and image quality is extremly important to me. I want to use it for street sceens, people and general imperssions ;-)..

Answer
Yes, a 24mm lens will wider than your 50mm lens, but mounted on a 1.6x crop camera, the angle of view is not very wide anymore. The first generation of the 24mm f/1.4L lens is said to have good performance in the center, but relatively poor performance in the corner until stopped down to at least f/5.6 To be fair, most of your subjects probably wont be located in the very corner of the image, so this may not matter to you. If you have even more money to burn, consider the mark II version of the same lens.

Personally, I probably wont find a 24mm f/1.4 lens on a crop sensor camera overly useful. It's not wide enough for architecture, while still nowhere close to telephoto. When you get your full frame camera, this lens will prove a lot more useful.

If I were you, for less money, I would probably purchase the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 ultra-wide lens, which will give me true wide angle, while still maintaining a relatively fast f/2.8 aperture.

What is the absolute best Canon lens for landscape photography?

Zaki I

Own a Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-105. Really looking to dive into landscape photography seeing as how when I had the 40D with the 17-55, loved it.

Given that, without budget restraints, what is the best Canon L series lens out there for landscape photography? I intend on using ND and Polarizing filters as well for some of my shots.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
On that camera
Zoom - Canon EF 16-35mm F/2.8 L
Prime - Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 L or 24mm f/1.4 L

That said, your 24-105 on the full frame 5D includes the full focal length range of your 17-55 on the crop sensor 40D which would be equivalent to a 27-88 on full frame.

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What is the best lens under 300$ for the Canon 5d?

samanthake

I have the Nikon D90 and I'm switching to the Canon 5d.


What is the best all-around lens for portraits, concerts, cities, basically everything, for under $300?
i'd rather have a canon then nikon due to my family getting discounts on canon cameras(cousin works for them)

Answer
If you are going to the expense of buying a 5D you really ought to be spending more on your glassware. If you really can't afford it, I would suggest paying less for the camera (say a Rebel XTi) and putting your money into your lenses. There really isn't a 'good' all round lens you can get for under $300.
Of course, primes are the best way to go, but if you really want to buy just one good all-rounder, I would suggest something like the 24-70mm f2.8 from Canon: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/559072-USA/Canon__24_70mm_f_2_8L_USM_AF.html

Which Tamron lens would be good for Canon 5D Mark II under $300?

Ess

Well, I want to buy the Mark II because I had a good offer for financing for 2 years - 0 interest for the camera, and I'd be able to afford it. So thanks everyone for a recommendation on the lens!! Not opinion on you shouldn't be getting one.

Answer
Ess,

what is the point of having a 5D Mk II if you are going to degrade the image with a cheap lens?

You are actually better off with a cheaper body and a better lens.

In other words. with the 5D mk II you can make beautiful big enlargements, that with a cheap lens will only show the defects of your lens much more and will make you spend four times the time trying to fix your photos on lightroom/photoshop/...

Save a bit and buy good glass to put in front of the 5D. In the mean time, rent lenses for those special occasions.

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slr film camera lens?

sdhar_11@s

i need a lens that has an aperture range that goes from f/1.8 to f/16. does anyone know where i can find one for a decent price like less than $200.00???? also, what slr camera i can use with that lens

Answer
Minolta, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, and Canon all offered a 50mm f1.8 lens for their 35mm film cameras. A better choice, in my opinion, would be a 50mm f1.4.

Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, Sigma, Fuji and Nikon all offer 50mm f1.4 or f1.8 for their DSLR cameras.

Usually, you choose a camera first and then buy lenses for it. All manufacturers use a proprietary lens mount which means Sony (and Minolta Maxxum AF) lenses only fit Sony DSLRs; Nikon lenses can be used on Nikon and Fuji DSLRs (Fuji builds their DSLR on a Nikon body); Canon lenses only fit Canon bodies, etc.

What camera brand is best based on lens?

riceandram

I am wanting to get a camera.

While the camera body is an essential part, I have heard it is not as important as the lens you are using due to the fact that you can change your camera body more often than your lens and also simply, lenses are more expensive. I know there are types of lens mounts that make them incompatible with other camera bodies from other manufacturers. I have also heard that certain manufacturers such as Canon may change their lens mount more often than others making it harder to keep the same set of lenses for long periods of time.

So, I want to know which camera manufacturer should I go with based solely on the quality of lens and the life (how long you could keep them) of the lens.

ty in advance

Answer
First, to clear up your misconceptions, all camera manufacturers use a proprietary lens mount which is fully incompatible with other manufacturers' camera bodies. Sony lenses for Sony cameras, Pentax lenses for Pentax cameras, Nikon lenses for Nikon cameras, Canon lenses for Canon cameras. The only exception is Olympus and Panasonic that share a common Micro 4/3 lens mount.

Nikon - Same lens mount since 1959. Although they now offer lenses designated DX for their cropped-sensor DSLR cameras (D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100, D7000) and FX for their full-frame DSLR cameras (D700, D3) the DX lenses can be used on the FX bodies. The FX bodies will simply crop the image to the same size as that of a DX sensor. However, Nikon doesn't put a focusing motor in any DSLR body below the D7000. The D3000, D3100, D5000 and D5100 all require use of the more expensive AF-S lenses for auto focus. All those excellent Nikon AF lenses can be used on those bodies but only with manual focus.

Canon - Abandoned the FD lens mount for the EF lens mount around 1988. Canon EF lenses can be used on any Canon EOS AF 35mm camera or DSLR - cropped sensor or full-frame (5D, 1D). However, in order to have a lower-cost lens line, Canon introduced the EF-S lens line. These lenses can only be used on their cropped-sensor DSLR cameras. So someone who buys, say, a Canon T3i and 2 or 3 EF-S lenses will have to buy all new lenses should they ever upgrade to a Canon full-frame DSLR. An EF-S lens CANNOT be used on a Canon full-frame DSLR because it protrudes into the camera body and will damage the mirror.

Pentax - Has used the same K lens mount since 1975. Any Pentax K mount lens ever made can be used - with limitations - on any of their DSLR cameras. If the lens was designed to auto focus on a Pentax 35mm film camera it will auto focus on a Pentax DSLR because Pentax, unlike Nikon, has a focusing motor in every DSLR body.

Sony - When Sony bought the DSLR technology and manufacturing rights from Konica-Minolta in 2006 they wisely kept the legacy Minolta Maxxum AF A lens mount introduced with the Minolta Maxxum AF 7000 35mm film camera in 1985. The Maxxum 7000 had a focusing motor in the camera body as does every Sony DSLR. You could buy a Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 zoom made in 1985 and it will auto focus on a Sony DSLR as it should.

NOTE: Minolta made some of the best lenses available in their day. During their technology sharing arrangement with Leica back in the late 1970's. the Minolta XE-7 was used by Leica as their R-3 and Leica used the Minolta 35-70mm f3.5 and 70-210mm f4 constant aperture zoom lenses re-branded as Leica lenses made in Japan. So if you ever see a Leica 35-70mm f3.5 or 70-210mm f4 zoom lens it was designed and manufactured by Minolta with a Leica mount. Leica also used Minolta's 16mm f2.8 180 degree full-frame fisheye lens. The Minolta XD-11 (the world's first multi-mode 35mm camera with Aperture or Shutter Priority as well as full Manual metering) was used by Leica as their R-4 and R-5 cameras.

Olympus - Abandoned the OM lens mount for the 4/3 lens mount when they introduced their DSLR line. They have now more or less abandoned the 4/3 lens mount for the Micro 4/3 lens mount.

Overall, you'd have to give the nod to Nikon for the greatest backwards lens compatibility closely followed by Pentax and then Sony.

Another plus for Sony and Pentax, in my opinion, is that both have their respective versions of Image Stabilization in their DSLR camera bodies. Nikon and Canon chose to place their versions of IS (IS for Canon, VR for Nikon) in some but not all of their lenses. With Sony and Pentax any lens used, regardless of its age, becomes an IS lens.

Always buy the best glass you can afford and with reasonable care a lens from any manufacturer will out last you.

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Can my lens fit most DSLR cameras?

bttrflybab

So I used to have a film camera (minolta) and I have a really nice lens that I would like to keep for myself when upgrading to a DSLR. I know this lens fits a Sony Alpha 230, so does that mean it will fit other models? I am debating if I should just get a different camera that is nicer but I want to make sure this lens fits the new camera. So what else can this lens fit if it can function with a sony a230 (it is an auto focus). Thank you :)

Answer
It'll fit any of the Sony Alpha series DSLRs, and via an adaptor will fit the NEX series, but with the loss of AF.

Sony make some very nice cameras further up the range, tell us what kind of lens it is and we can advise if it's worth sticking with Sony for or cutting your losses.

Lens on DSLR cameras?

Q. I am new with DSLR cameras, when it specifies the zoom (eg, "18-55mm") does it mean that it can only zoom to that length? :S
Thanks so much, I understand now. I am buying the 18-55mm and 70-300mm Lenses.

Answer
The 18-55 mm lens on a DSLR is the most useful. It gives the user a lens that can take wide angle landscape shots as well as head and shoulder portrait shots.

The next lens most new users of DSLR's buy is the 55-200 mm to allow them to reach out and shoot sports, action or some wildlife.

The serious landscape shooter usually saves their pennies and buys a 10-24 mm super wide angle zoom lens to take amazing landscape and architectural shots.

Add an macro lens and there you have it.

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What is a good, new, entry level DSLR camera that is similar to Sony A200 w/18-70mm lens? (Read Details!)?

guarf1

Hello!
I need some help on choosing a DSLR camera for myself. I have previously used the Sony Alpha A200 with a 18-70mm lens at school for the yearbook class. The camera was great, it was easy to use and took good photos in many different locations and lighting levels. The size of the lens was perfect. It could take close ups with ease, but it also zoomed up to 70mm which is just right for further distances.

There is one thing that bothers me about some cameras. I DO NOT want an electronic viewfinder, I hate seeing a little screen in the eyepiece. I want to actually look through the lens.

For my price range I don't want to go too much higher than $500. This is my first DSLR and I don't want to drop a bunch of money yet. I will be using the lens that comes with the camera for a long time before investing in a different lens.

I hear that the Canon Rebel XS is a good starter camera, however I don't know if there's something more new and improved over it...? I also see the Canon EOS Rebel T3 is widely available and recommended it's $500 at most places like Best Buy, Future Shop and local cameras/photography stores.

Any helpful advice, suggestions, websites, info and reviews will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer
Your budget is going to limit your choices. Look at Canon's T2i, that's a bang for the buck dSLR. It will shoot video, unlike the older Sony you mentioned. The XS is fine, but it's a big old. Your only choice from Nikon would be a D3100. However, it has no auto focus motor. Not all Nikon lenses have motors, so that can be a headache.

Sony's entry level dSLRs are moving away from using the optical viewfinder to electronic viewfinders. I know you don't like them, but you should know that when you lose something, you gain something else. Entry level Sonys like the A35 and A33 use electronic viewfinders, but they gain fast auto focus when shooting video. You can't get that with Canon or Nikon at any price, they all use slow contrast detection for auto focus when shooting video. The Sony A33 and A35 also shoot more still frames per second compared to cameras in the same price range.

But if you want a dSLR that shoots video and has an optical viewfinder, the Sony A580 delivers fantastic image quality, but it's over your budget by 200-300 US dollars. To save money, you might want to research some Sony alphas that are newer than the A200, like the A330, and A380, but again they might run 100 or more dollars over your budget.

Canon T2i 499 http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T2i-3-0-Inch-Body-Only/dp/B0035FZJI0

Nikon D3100 599 http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3100-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B003ZYF3LO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329632058&sr=1-1

Sony A33 about 500 http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/11/09/the-sony-a33-digital-camera-review/

Good telephoto lens for sony alpha dslr?

Pedro

I recently purchased a Sony SLT-A35 and I've been very pleased with it thus far. I only the supplied kit lens and I'm interested in purchasing a telephoto zoom lens for it. Right now I'm looking at the tamron 75-300 mm lens due to the low price and the good reviews. There's also the Sony version of the tamron which is more expensive. Finally there is also the Minolta "beercan" lens that can be purchased used at a reasonable price although I believe that one is a 70-210 mm lens. Which of those is the best option? Feel free to offer more suggestions but keep in mind that I can't really afford anything more than the Sony which is $250.

Answer
Unless you absolutely positively need the extra "reach" of 300mm (the Tamron 75-300mm) I strongly suggest the Minolta Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 simply because its a constant aperture zoom. Also, I own and use the older manual focus 70-210mm f4 "Beercan" and the optics of the AF version are identical to mine. Its one sharp lens.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/6217155698/ My camera was mounted on my tripod but this was taken using my 70-210mm zoom.

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