Best Camera Lenses: 2014-05-18

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Is the canon zoom lens ef 35-80mm compatible with the new canon rebel t3i?

Aw yeah

Answer
Yes...All Canon EF (and EF-S) lenses are fully compatible with the EOS T3i. However, the EF 35-80 f/4-5.6 III is an old low end lens, complete with plastic lens mount (that can be bought for less than $100) and is not great, optically.

For the T3i (with it's 18MP sensor) you'll need a much better lens if you want very good, sharp image quality. If you're after a 'cheap' lens, the only one that most photographers would recommend is a prime lens like the EF 50mm f/1.8. It costs around $120, is mostly made of plastic (except for the lens of course) but optically, is very sharp (and, with it's f/1.8 aperture, is a whole lot faster than the EF 35-80mm).

Best low light lens for video Canon Rebel T3i?

Michael Ca

I like filming a lot of short films, skits, music videos, and other things of that nature. With that being said, I'm looking to buy a better lens than the stock lens that the t3i comes with because it doesn't really do all that well with low light. I'm also not looking to spend a whole lot of money so if anyone could recommend some good low light lenses for cheap I'd be forever grateful. Thank you.

Answer
What is a whole lot of money? You could get the 50mm f/1.8 for around $100, or f/1.4 (much better) for near $300, or 85mm f/1.8

Here's a Canon Lens Buying Guide - http://www.smashingcamera.com/canon-lens-buying-guide/

Which camera should I buy?

Inquisitiv

I'm trying to go pro. But, I want to make sure my first d-SLR camera is the best. I have four options in budget range (under 900) I can handle any settings thrown at me but I want to make sure it is the best of what I can afford. If you know of a better one (preferably bundle) that is under 900 let me know. Otherwise< which of these has the best image quality, fastest shooting speed, fastest startup delay, fastest shot-to-shot delay, and fastest shutter lag. I don't care if it's easy to use or hard I'm smart and tech-savvy and also mechanically inclined. So just help me know the best one available.

My Options I've Found:
Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera 2 Lens Bundle
Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR Camera 2 Lens Bundle (Cnet says it's a bit slow?)
Pentax K-50 2 Lens Weatherproof DLSR Bundle
Pentax K-30 2 Lens Weatherproof DSLR Bundle

Answer
Which One is Right for You: Canonâs T2i or T3i? When youâre shopping for a new car, the conventional wisdom is not to buy the current model year. If you can find a brand new vehicle from the previous year, people say, youâll be making a wise decision. If youâre in the market for an entry level Canon DSLR, and youâre the type of person that thinks this way, youâve probably eschewed Canonâs current modelâthe Rebel T4i Canon Rebel T5i. But if youâve done some shopping around, you probably noticed that the two previous models are still very much available, and that they are confusingly

What's the best DSLR camera for a beginner?

ACAB

I've heard that the Canon Rebel is a good DSLR for beginners.
So I want to buy the Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Value Bundle for $900, is that good?

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/canon-t3i-18-0mp-digital-slr-value-bundle/prod6100160.ip?searchTerm=digital%20slr%20cameras%20rebel

I also want to make it a hobby and be good. Any suggestions on how to be a better photography?
And would the Canon Rebel be good for filming? (I want to start a YouTube channel).
I would also like any good advice and the basics of photography, photoshop, techniques, photo editing programs, etc.

Thank you! (in advance)

Answer
I'm not a fan of "bundles" and in my opinion a beginner should start with just one lens and over the course of a year or so figure out what they photograph the most and then begin thinking about adding another lens to their kit.

Although the Canon T3i is a fine camera, I suggest looking at the next model up - the T4i. Why? Because when the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom lens is used on the T4i you have auto focus capability during video recording. The T3i doesn't offer that feature.

At B&H - http://www.bhphotovideo.com - the Canon T4i with the EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom lens is $999.00 after a $150.00 'Instant Savings' from B&H that ends Sat., March 2.

Regardless of what camera you buy plan on spending a lot of time reading and studying the Owner's Manual.

The best way to learn about photography is by taking classes. There are four main components of photography you need to learn about - Light, Composition, Exposure and Depth of Field (DOF). If classes aren't available then these sites will help you:

LIGHT
http://photographyknowhow.com/photography-lighting/
http://photographyknowhow.com/quality-of-light-in-photography/
http://photographyknowhow.com/direction-of-light-in-photography/
Light will make or break your pictures. The best composition will be ruined if the lighting is poor. Its imperative that you learn to see the quality and direction of the light and know how it will affect your picture. I'm a fan of back and side lighting and use it often in my landscape and nature photography.

COMPOSITION
http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules
One of the classic mistakes made by beginners is to have their subject(s) dead center in the frame. Learning about composition will help you to place your subject(s) in a more pleasing, dynamic way. Once you understand the "rules" you can then begin experimenting with bending or breaking them.

EXPOSURE
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography
Anyone interested in photography needs to know and understand the Exposure Triangle - Aperture/ISO/Shutter Speed - and how they all must be in balance to produce a correct exposure. Changing one means changing at least one (and occasionally both) of the others. Although the majority of my photography is done with my camera in Aperture Priority, I still have to know what will happen if I use f16 instead of f11 or f11 instead of f16.

DOF:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
A generic definition of DOF is "That area in front of and behind your subject that will be in focus." In landscapes a very deep DOF is usually used so that everything from just a couple of feet in front of the camera to infinity is in focus. In portraits usually a shallow DOF is used to isolate the subject(s) from the background. Understanding DOF and how to control it will enhance your pictures.

Another, more esoteric part of photography is called "Seeing Photographically". This will explain it:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/aesthetics-1.shtml

Side lighting and shallow DOF:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/7308480918/

Deep DOF:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/3529681412/

What lens should i buy for a canon 30D used for weddings?

Vlad

I can spend up to 650$ on the lens.The body is 30D and the flash 430 ex.I await your reply.

Answer
This is a very difficult question to answer. First you need to determine if you would like a zoom or a few prime lenses.

If you have the kit zoom, you may want some primes for portrait work. For portraits and tighter shots the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM or EF 85mm f/1.8 USM are pretty fantastic. If you need something a bit wider, the dinky EF 35mm f/2.0 is pretty nice, but still cheap. If you look around, you can probably buy the 35mm and one of the others for close to your budgeted amount. Of course, buying used is cheaper.

The $85 Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II is an excellent bargain, but the out-of-focus areas (bokeh) and the build quality might not be as nice. This was my favorite lens for a while, unexpectedly sharp.

If you absolutely need a zoom for convenience, then something with a constant wide aperture (2.8) would be ideal. Canon's excellent EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM is way over budget, but the alternative Tamron and Sigma are worth a look (and can often be found for under 650). Out of those two, I would lean toward the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II. You can see some sample images here:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sample-Pictures.aspx?Equipment=400&desc=Tamron-17-50mm-f/2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Sample-Pictures

The EF-S 18-200mm IS (which I often use with my 40D when I travel) is a very convenient lens, but the smaller aperture may make it difficult to use for indoor photography. IS (Image Stabilization) helps in some situations, but won't do any good for people and portraiture as your subjects are going to be moving around.

I hope this helps limit your options and makes your eventual choice easier. Good luck!

Best uses & pros & cons for Canon EFS 18-135mm lens?

.me.

Is this lens not really meant for indoor photography at night? The zoom is great, but I was at a dinner party last night taking pictures and found that my Canon prime lens 85mm f1.8 took way better shots than this one. Every shot I took (without the flash) with my zoom lens was very blurry.

What are some great uses for this lens? pros and cons, etc.
As well as the prime 85mm

Answer
I keep a 28mm-135mm on my camera most of the time because it is a good walk around lens. I use it at events such as weddings, etc as well. I would find the 85mm prime too long for event work and would prefer my 50MM 1.8 if I were looking for a faster lens in that type of situation. My solution is to use flash indirectly. A Gary Fong Lightsphere allows me to soften the flash and balance it with the ambient light in the room.

Canon t3i fd lens for low light?

Jacob

We all know the t3i kit lens sucks in low lighting situations. I have been looking into fd lenses and they all seem to be better build quality and there isn't really any loss in picture/video quality so what is a cheap fd lens that will be great in low light situations for filming?

Answer
There would be a loss in picture quality. The FD lens mount won't fit within the mount of the EOS body, so any adapter has to push the lens forward. The FD lens could never focus at infinity on an EOS body without a corrector lens, and the corrector lens generally is not up to the quality of the FD lens per se.Â
Then there is the loss of all electronic connections. There is not even metering adapted. And DSLR's generally don't give you great optical assistance for manual focusing. When people gush about the good old days of manually focusing their film SLR's, they had split image and microprism devices on the focusing screen that helped them get it right. Not anymore.Â

Best canon lens(+flash if needed) for shooting parties/low light ?

Q. I need the best lens and flash if needed for shooting people in parties ? What's your suggestion ?

Answer
Still photography: The "best" canon flash is the 580 and it can be supplemented with additional 580s or 430s. The best low light canon lens is the 50mm f1.2. This lens and one flash will be about $2200. One flash in a dark venue is seldom a good photo. If you can't get close enough for the 50mm, the best lens can be from a couple hundred to several thousand.

Video, the canon lamp is really very reasonable for it's power (About $75). I like to use multiple halogen work lights, about $40 for 1000 watts (2x500). Figure at least 2 sets.

In either case, there is no magic bullet. It is imperative you subject is lit enough to make the photo. How you get there is not dictated.

Good sports lens for my canon 550D?

Ben Griffi

around Â£500, also what does like f.2 mean and 4.8 l mean and everything mean?

Answer
Canon makes an excellent prime lenses, it's stuck at 200mm which at first seams like a hassle, not being able to frame by means of zoom, but that's the only trade off. In fact, I have found that I never have had trouble framing, since I work with primes quite a bit, I have found myself working with what scene I have in front of me rather than zooming to make a scene work, I might have less pictures, but the ones I do have tend to always be more interesting and better composed than my companions.

The lens costs about what you are asking for and is a solid F2.8, also it's a canon L series lens

Now, for the F2 F4.8 or whatever you were asking about. F is the F stop, this is a ratio that let's you know how much light your particular lens can let in. it works like this, if you have a canon 100mm @ F4 then the lenses opening for the aperture blades will be a 25mm diameter, 100mm/f4 =25mm.

If you set the f stop to F2.8 this gives you a diameter of 35.71mm when doing the math of the area of the circle created by the aperture, you find that the F4 setting lets in exactly 1/2 as much light as the F2.8.

If half the light is coming in, then that means it takes twice as long to get the same exposure, and in sports photography, that's a BIG deal.

Canon makes a sports lens, 70-200mm at F4, no image stabilizer, but it has the reach you will need. 200mm is kind of a minimum distance for most sports. The prime lens I mention that costs the same if not less, is twice as fast as the zoom model and offers significantly better image quality and in my opinion a superior build design.

Stay away from any super zoom, the ones that are 18-200 or 55-250 or 70-300 these all have a variable shifting minimum F stop. meaning at the wide angle you might get F3.5 which is still to slow for most fast sports and can go upwards of 5.6 to 6.3 at the zoomed in range. plus the glass offered at the low end products is very poor for tack sharp high detailed images that you will desire for your shots.

A lens that shoots at F 6.3 is 4 and 1/3 times slower than a lens at F2.8.

I hope this helps, good luck

Canon T2i camera. What is a good telephoto/zoom lens to purchase for indoor sports? under $1000?

Answer
I haven't tested the T2i at any indoor sports arenas.

The lenses we use most are lenses with apertures of f/2.8. Right there you are pushing outside your $1,000 limit. Most of us have switched to using the Nikon D3 or D3s, so shooting at high ISO's does not add any appreciable image noise, even at ISO's of 6400 or in the case of the D3s, 12,800 ISO.

The key is to be able to shoot at shutter speeds of 1/250th second or faster. That can be done by shooting with the lens wide open and adjusting the ISO until you see fast shutter speeds showing up in your viewfinder. If you are using a slower lens that has a maximum aperture of f/5.6, you can see how you may have to really use a high ISO to get the shots without blur.

In the past before dSLR's handled high ISO's well, we had to post process with a plug-in program like Noise Ninja. Now with Adobe Lightroom having an excellent noise reduction tool in the program, we just use it as necessary to clean up any noise we find objectionable

The EF 70-200mm f/4L USM for under $710 may be a good compromise for shooting court sports (basketball, volleyball, etc) and for field sports (baseball and football) the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM $650 will work. You will just have to have Lightroom3 or Photoshop CS5 with Noise Ninja on your computer to help you out noise wise

I am sure I don't have to tell you what the big boy use.

14-24, 24-70, 70-200 mm for court sports and 70-200, 200-400, 400 and 600 mm lenses for shooting field sports. Now you are talking some big bux

As you can see, you have to pay the big dollars somewhere and now with the performance of cameras like the D3 and D3s, sports photographers can use slower lenses (at a much lower cost) than those who have less sophisticated cameras.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/Compare-sensors/(appareil1)/645%7C0/(appareil2)/628%7C0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Canon/(brand2)/Nikon

As you can see, for about 6x what you paid for your T2i, you too can have a high performing dSLR and that the extra 6 mp on the T2i doesn't mean all that much when it comes to performance

Friday, May 23, 2014

Canon lens AE1 in EOS?

Sofia

So, i have a Canon AE1 with several lens, and i was thinking about buying a new Canon, but digital. My problem is that I want a digital Canon that works with my old AE1 lens, and I dont know which model is it.
Thank you for the help ;)

Answer
To use any FD or FL lens on an EOS camera, you will need an adapter.

The adapter will eat about a full stop of light, reduce your camera to a fully manual operating camera and unless you buy an adapter with an optical lens in it, you will not be able to focus on objects that are from about 30 feet to infinity.

Sample adapter. There are many more

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Manual-Adapter-Optical-Elements/dp/B001KM5K98/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369773375&sr=1-2&keywords=fd+to+eos+adapter

This is one reason many of us stress that if you are buying a good used 35 mm camera that if it is a Canon brand, buy an EOS. They cost no more that the basically obsolete Canon 35 mm SLR's made before 1988.

Pentax, Nikon and Minolta (Sony) do not have these problems.

Canon Rebel Lens???

Lake

Will a digital rebels lens fit a film rebel???

Answer
Any Canon EF lens will fit on any Canon EOS camera. If you have EF-S lenses, then you will find vignetting on the film when using them.

Help with cameras please?

Ohio

Okay so I need a new camera. At the moment I'm using a Sony Cyber-shot - that's all I have. I am thinking about getting a proper one for Christmas. I have around Â£200 - Â£250. At the moment I don't really know the difference between DSLR film and digital. Could someone explain them two please.

I think I just want a decent camera that will take sharp pictures (mainly of people in a surrounding) that I can load straight onto the computer and edit them upload, etc.

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer
There are NO DSLR film cameras. Only DSLR's (digital single lens reflex cameras). The SLR's that use film are called 35 mm SLR's

The difference between a camera like your Sony called P&S cameras and a DSLR are as follows:

The DSLR has a sensor that is at least 15 times larger than a P&S
DSLR's are fully adjustable ... P&S cameras pick all the exposures for the user.
DSLR's can use lenses from fisheye to extreme telephoto .. a P&S has one lens ... no chance to change to another one.
The electronics on DSLR's are much more sophisticated than any P&S camera

DSLR Lens Help :) ??

scuba_dive

I've seen all these lenses like 18-55 and 24-105, what do these numbers refer to -- explain!! I know for example 24mm is a wide angle lens (I think) but why?

Answer
On a APS-C sensored camera, a 24 mm lens is not that wide an angle lens. The wide angle lens range for those cameras are from 10 mm to about 18 mm, so a 18-200 mm lens will provide you with a wide angle to long telephoto range and a 10-24 mm lens will provide you a super wide angle lens to moderately wide angle lens

In general the shorter the lens, the wider field of view of coverage it will have, hence it is called a wide angle lens. There is an important part you may not know about. The angle of coverage of a specific lens length differs depending upon the size of the sensor or film.

For instance.

A 65 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a 4x5 view camera
A 50 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a medium format camera
A 24 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a full frame camera like a 35 mm SLR or full frame dSLR
A 14 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a APS-C (so called cropped sensor) dSLR
A 4.5 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a P&S camera

Here is a link to what various focal length lenses can "see" when attached to a full frame SLR or ASPIC dSLR. Just choose which you would like to see at the bottom of this linked page

http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/learning_center/tools/focal-length-comparison.php

A cheap Canon EF or EF-S Lens for $400 or less?

Panda

I want to know any cheap canon EF lens but it must be:

- not an 18-55mm kit lens (i already have one)
- under $400
- a USM motor and IS would be nice
- may be BOUGHT USED OR NEW (i've seen 28-135mm lens for $270 on amazon)
- no super zooms
- prime or wide angle zoom lens

obviously on this budget, i don't have money to buy canon's ef L series, so yeah. ALSO READ THE DESCRIPTION THROUGHLY BEFORE YOU ANSWER. thank you
ANSWER THE QUESTION, SPAMMERS
A REAL ANSWER PLEASE NOT SOME GIBBERISH.

Answer
The cheapest lens around would be the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 at about $100. It is a good sharp lens though it does kind of feel like a toy. It is still very good for portraits and low light. It does not have a USM motor but it is auto focus.

Another good choice is the Canon EFs 55-250mm IS $250. This is good if you want some more reach.

Another option is the EF 50mm F1.4 $400. Again a very sharp lens good for portraits and low light. It is a USM lens as well.

Also the 85mm F1.8 $400. Another fast lens good for low light and portraits.

lenes whats a good sharp lens for my canon xsi? under $500.?

crusher28

Answer
It really depends on what you want to photograph with it. There are many very sharp lenses made by Canon for under $500.

For portraits and the like you can't beat the 50mm F1.4 ($400) or 85mm F1.8 ($400). Even cheaper would be the 50mm F1.8 ($120). All of these are very sharp are great in low light and will give a nice shallow depth of field for portraits.

For sports or something you need a bit more reach with the EFs 55-250mm IS is a very good lens. Cost is $250.

The link below has Canon lenses between $300 and $500. They are all good sharp lenses.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&sortDrop=Brand%3A+A+to+Z&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&shs=&ci=8454&at=Brand_Canon&at=Price_+300+%3C%3D++%3C%3D+499.99&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

Which is your Canon DSLR camera choice?

flower

If you had to choose between these three camera kits which would you choose and why? They are all in the same relative price range and offer somewhat similar lenses and features. Im trying to decide which one i want to eventually get;
1. Canon 60D with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II, Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-DSLR-Camera-lenses/dp/B005J4XVSA/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1323307113&sr=8-34

2. Canon T3i with Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-DSLR-Camera-Lens-Pack/dp/B005IR3BEM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ITUQDNIRA8DV&colid=U1JQ5132G35A

3. Canon 7D with 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-7D-28-135mm-Standard/dp/B002NEGTU6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2S0QKGKD970Z2&colid=U1JQ5132G35A

TY! :D

Answer
The T3i is entry-level, the 7D is aimed towards sports/action shooters, but the 60D is a nice compromise between both

Where is the best deal (during Black Friday) for a Canon 60d dSLR camera?

funnyhoney

I've been looking for a good deal for a Canon dSLR camera, specifically a 60d. Thus far the best deal I've seen thus far is either at Amazon or B&H for around $850 for just the body (which I'm fine with, I would just buy the lens/extras separate later).

Are there any other deals out there, especially during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, that offer a better price? I'm also considering the T3i or T2i if there are any good deals on those.

PS - trying to spend as little as possible, so no kits/package deals +$1000.

Answer
I bought Canon EOS 60D camera several days ago, it is an absolutely great camera. You may be confused on which brand to buy: Nikon D7000 or Canon 60D, that's pretty understandable. I've researched both Nikon and Canon for six months, personally, I like Canon 60D for its natural, crystal clear pictures as well as the super video quality. As to camera features, I think the most important is the picture and color quality. Canon 60D is awesome, it has the same picture quality as the Canon 7D but you can save five hundred dollars or more, in addition, you get very nice Canon 18-200 len, I enjoy it very much.

Canon zoom lens for a beginner?

q8girl

I am a beginner in photography i started around a month ago i would really like to buy a zoom lens. i am considering the following:

canon 55-250 IS

canon 70-300 IS

canon 70-200 L (non-IS)

now i am bit concerned with the L-series my first concern is its weight i dont want something very heavy for now i need something that i can carry in my hands comfortably, my second concern is i read that it needs more light for it perform properly and i am worried that i wont know how to use it to its full potential or let alone use it at all :P

anyway which one do you recommend i really want to make the best choice

one last thing i want to use when i go traveling so i will be carrying the lens with me everywhere i go.

thanks

Answer
in terms of optical quality, L-series lenses are pretty hard to beat. but all the lenses you placed here are tele, so IS becomes a necessity...no point in having L-lens quality optics when your hand shakes and blurs the photo anyway, something that will almost certainly happen when you're shooting near 200mm.

the weight becomes moot after a while as you get used to the feel of the lens and camera eventually. my main concern though is that you plan to use these lenses for traveling. for this, i would recommend sigma's 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3. here's a review you might find handy:

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/4603/lens-test-sigma-18-200mm-f35-63-dc-os-af.html

while this lens is far behind in terms of optical quality from the 70-200L, it has a much better 11x zoom range - quite useful for travelling as you won't have to keep on changing lenses all the time. imagine shooting a beautiful vista or a quaint indoor scene at 55mm or 70mm...pretty difficult! with the sigma 18-200, you could go wide for a sunset or landscape or tele for some photos of birds, all with a twist of the focus ring.

its OS (optical stabilizer) system works just as well as canon's, so you won't have so much shake even at long focal lengths.

of course, as i mentioned earlier, optical quality with this lens lags behind those that you listed. but if you're planning to make just 4R prints of your photos, i doubt anyone will notice.

hope this helps!

What's a good zoom lens for Canon 500D?

Nanananana

I would want a zoom or telephoto zoom lens for my dslr, but I can't decide on what model is best for me. My budget is at least $800. Do you have any suggestions? I'm just a beginner that's why I wouldn't exceed $800. Thanks!

Answer
you can consider buying Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007Y794O?ie=UTF8&tag=bestdeals-y-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007Y794O

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Camera lenses?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Victoria

Hi. :) I am purchasing a Canon 5d Mark iii, and would like to get a few lenses for this camera. I think it would be a good idea to get around three, maybe a simple 50mm, a zoom lens and/or telephoto, and possibly a portrait lens. What three canon lenses would you suggest? I have having difficulty choosing which lenses I want. So basically my question is, what three canon lenses do you think would be most necessary and appropriate for a DSLR? If you had to have only three lenses for your DSLR, what would they be. Thank you! :) Also, I have a budget of around $2,500-$3,000 for these three lenses. I was thinking about getting a relatively inexpensive telephoto for around $1,500 then using the remaining budget for the two other lenses.
HOW on EARTH "Selina" are you a "top contributor?!" That baffles me.

Answer
Before buying any lens you must first determine what kind of photography you do the most and then buy the lens that best suits that type of photography. Buying a lens based on someones recommendation in here will likely result in you wasting your money. Also, only Canon's EF lenses can be used on a full-frame Canon DSLR.

Do DSLR lenses fit all camera models?

Mike

I.e. if I have a nikon camera, will canon or sony lenses fit? Do any companies have this compatibility with each other?

Thanks

Answer
No, each company has their own proprietary mount (with very few exceptions).
You can buy adapters that, for example, will let you put Nikon lenses on a Canon DSLR -- but the adapters are somewhat expensive (like this one):
http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-Nikon-Lens-Canon-Adapter/dp/B000H3MAOO

And to get one that gives full functionality of autofocus and auto-aperture costs even more.

Generally, unless you have a really good reason to do otherwise, stick with lenses for your brand of DSLR. That doesn't mean if you have a Canon you have to buy Canon lenses -- Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, etc. all make quite good lenses in mounts for most popular brands.

CAnon Lens:what do you prefer USM or IS lens?

a_joemar

Does year 1990's telephoto zoom lens with USM features are still good enough capturing sharp images such as:
75-300mm III USM
90-300mm USM

Whereas, the
55-250mm (new model) has IS

so, what would you prefer?

How USM is important than IS or vice-versa?

pls advice,

thanks
anway my camera is EOS 450D/XSI

am planning to upgrade to telephoto zoom lens w/c is affordable yet offers quality images
my budget falls up to $350.

Answer
okay basics:

Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology suppresses blur when taking stills and minimises image shake when shooting video footage. Canonâs lens-shift type IS allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower with no perceptible increase in image blur.

An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) delivers rapid, responsive zooming with virtually silent operation, reducing the risk of sound interference on movies and or when shooting wildlife subjects.

An Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element curbs chromatic aberrations at longer focal lengths to ensure faithful colour reproduction and sharp definition.

So, basically it will depend on the kind of photo shoot you will do, right?

Generally, IS is more preferred. Personally, I go with IS.

taga-bacolod ka ba kabayan? pupunta ko dyan by september or october. hopefully. patingin naman ng mga camera mo!

Is a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens good for shooting Motorsport?

RallyMad95

Is a CANON EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM LENS good to use for shooting motorsport? Ive been told you need a really bright day otherwise you get blurry shots. Also, can anyone recommend a lens for a canon that is good for motorsport?

Answer
Canon 70-300mm is a good lens for sports.The optical quality is great in day light, the speed is terrific but the quality of the picture in low light situation a bit weak.For low light capability I recommend shooting with a 2.8 aperture lens.Canon 70-200mm f2.8 is a great choice or if you are on budget Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 is a good alternative lens
http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%26field-keywords%3D70-200mm%2520lens%2520for%2520canon%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Delectronics&tag=ad107-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

Which is the better compact system camera, Nikon 1 V1 or Nikon 1 J1?

Maximilian

i'm hoping to buy a compact system camera. I have only used compact camera's before. Through various forums and reviews, i found out that these two are a bit better. Can anyone please tell me which is better off these two, or if not is there any other better one in the same price range.
if possible please give me the prices of these also

Answer
They only differ in features and body build. Both use the exact same image sensor, so you won't get better images out of the V1.

Prices for the J1 have been cut slightly, but I've seen massive cuts on the V1 because it was a giant flop. This happened for two reasons. First out of the gate, the Nikon 1 system is the poorest performer for these types of cameras. Using an image sensor that's even smaller than the micro four thirds really hurt image sensor performance.

Next reason, the V1 was hundreds of dollars more than the J1, and I don't know about you but for that extra dough I want a better image sensor, not the exact same one.

The J1 launched at 649 over a year ago, and the price fell fast. I've seen it being cleared out at 449 and 400. The J2 already launched at a slightly lower street price, and the V1 was slashed big time down to the 400 dollar range to clear them out.

So if you are a fan of the V1, and you can score one being blown out for J1 prices, it's OK. It would be nice to have that nice mag alloy body, and viewfinder over the J1.

Bottom line, the Sony NEX is spanking everyone when it comes to image sensor performance. So for similar money, you can score a Sony NEX F3 and you'll know, packing that camera you've got not only the best image sensor for the money, but a sensor that beats every Canon dSLR with the same size image sensor. Good for you, kind of sad for Canon. On sale now for 499 http://store.sony.com/p/Sony-Alpha-NEX-F3-Camera-and-18-55mm-Lens/en/p/NEXF3K/W

If you don't like that clunky zoom, pick up a prime or pancake lens from Sony, or from Sigma, they just started making glass for the NEX system.

High-Quality Compact (tiny) Cameras? P&S, MFT, etc?

eraserhead

I'm going on vacation this summer, and half the areas I'm travelling to will be visually arresting--BUT I can't be weighed down by my DSLR + lenses. HOWEVER, I care a great deal about image quality; in other words, my smartphone wouldn't suffice.

I could care less about megapixel count, I am mainly interested in these qualities:
-the resulting images have high clarity; crisp, a 100% crop wouldn't just be a hazy mess. This is absolutely the most important feature.
-the camera has decent low-light performance; some cameras work fine in daylight, but produce worthless shots indoors.
-it'd be nice if the lens--interchangeable or no--has a wide aperture
-it'd be nice if the camera itself wasn't slow to respond; i.e. if you press the shutter button and it takes the photo 5 seconds later.

I am hesitant to spend more than $500, since I already have a decent camera. I know there are some great M4/3rds kits for around that price, but some are so bulky I might as well take the DSLR.

I was considering the Pentax Q or Nikon J1/J2 because of their wonderfully compact size. However, a nice point-and-shoot like a Lumix LX7 P&S might even produce higher-quality images. What would you recommend?

Answer
For an ILC, I prefer Sony's NEX series, like the new Sony NEX-F3. It has the same size sensor as your DSLR.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-F3K-Compact-System-18-55mm/dp/B00836H2BI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1367044953&sr=8-4&keywords=sony+nex

For a fixed lens camera, I prefer Sony's RX100. It's outside your budget, but you might fall in love with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100-Sensor-Digital-Camera/dp/B00889ST2G/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1367045379&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+rx100

Full disclaimer: I own and love my Nikons.

best sub $500 canon lens other than 50 1.8?

questionz

what lens do you think has the most value for little price like the 50 1.8 , canon or 3rd party, right now im thinking about a fisheye for skateboard and bike shots because they only go for like 300, any other options?...not similar in performance as the 50, but in value for the money

Answer
Hi,

Canon 85mm f/1.8, 55-250mm, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm, 18-135mm

Fisheye lenses are really annoying after some time, at least thats what I see when people sell them. You can get an effect in Photoshop or something.

Here's a Lens Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/buying-a-lens/

tamron vs sigma lens?

Stefan

Sigma - 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
or
Tamron - AF 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II
which is better? and why...
suggestions of a better choice?

it's going to be my lens upgrade from the kit lens (18-55mm)
I have canon kissx4/550d/t2i

Answer
A lab test favors the Tamron (better value for money.)
Tamron review: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/292-tamron-af-18-200mm-f35-63-di-ii-ld-aspherical-if-xr-macro-test-report--review?start=2
Sigma: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/321-sigma-af-18-200mm-f35-63-dc-os-canon-test-report--review?start=2

User reviews favor the Sigma (value for money.)
Tamron: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=311&sort=7&cat=43&page=1
Sigma: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=332&sort=7&cat=37&page=2

I'd place more trust in the lab reviews - take your time to read them in full. These guys have compared all lenses side-by-side, whereas the user reviews mostly lack reference material.

Please note that both of these lenses are inferior to the 18-200mm Canon version. And even the Canon version is simply a convenience item. If you're looking for better image quality - which your previous questions seem to imply, as does the term 'upgrade' - superzoom lenses are not what you should be spending your money on. Your 18-55mm kit lens provides better image quality. So you could consider keeping that and adding a Canon 55-200mm for cheap reach. Then use the savings to buy the next item on your list (a flash/ tripod/ larger camera bag/ ...)

For an amazing 18-200mm solution, keep these following two lenses in mind for $3500 total - this is the gold standard:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425812-USA/Canon_1242B002AA_EF_S_17_55mm_f_2_8_IS.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680103-USA/Canon_2751B002_EF_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS.html

For an all-in-one lens, the Canon 18-200mm is yours for $560. The image quality is obviously not in the same league:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/744814-USA/Canon_2752B002_EF_S_18_200mm_f_3_5_5_6_IS.html

Then the Tamron/ Sigma lenses. They cost less than $400. Actually, the Tamron is just $240 after a rebate. For that kind of money you get zoom range but not much in terms of image quality, AF speed or build quality. Your kit lens ($200 retail) really is better in these departments.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

What is a good EOS camera?

I want the Canon EOS Rebel T3 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3-Black-12.2MP-DSLR-Camera-EF-S-18-55mm-1-3.5-5.6-IS-II-Lens-2.7-LCD-EOS-Full-HD-Movie-Mode-Value-Bundle/17133280)

Is there a camera like this that is a few hundred dollars cheaper?
Thank you c:

Answer
I just purchased a Canon T3i about 2 weeks ago, unfortunately there is no camera like it that is a few hundred dollars cheaper... but I do know a trusted website where you can get it a few hundred dollars cheaper... Go to www.bhphotovideo.com (I think that is the link if it doesn't work just Google b & h photo video) I got mine refurbished for a total of $650 (including an $85 3 year warranty I got with it) Its amazing! hope this helps! If you want to check out the amazing video quality I am getting from my T3i: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyMgEygTGSM&list=UUCdMB28BU3poAVs8vdHD-qA&index=3&feature=plcp

~Luke

P.S. I make clean funny videos on YouTube it would mean a whole lot to me if you would bother to check them out. here is a link if you have the time :) (My most recent video is about a SUPER sarcastic ipod)

http://www.youtube.com/pchangerproductions

Canon Camera help!?

Ashlie

Ok so there is three cameras I am debating on getting all of them are canon. I need one that is good on focusing on one near object (so the background is blurry and the closest object is clear) for video and pictures my first choice is the 'canon EOS rebel T3i DSRL' ($550) at target my second choice is 'Canon EOS rebel SL1' ($600) also at target including an extra $50 for a lense for both cameras and my last choice is ' canon EOS rebel T3 2 lens DSLR camera bundle' at Walmart ($450) I don't know which one to get for great quality pictures and videos so I need an expert opinion on cameras

-thanks

Answer
What you're asking for has far more to do with being in the right place, at the right time, with the right light, noticing the picture you want to take, and knowing enough about your camera to know how to take the picture than which camera that you buy. Your statement "need one that is good on focusing on one near object...." shows that you really need to understand how that works and why that works, and you don't.

Its really a shame. Since so many of the cameras today do so much for the photographer, the art to taking a great picture has been lost on all but the professional photographer who has been around long enough to remember the days before digital photography.

Every camera that you suggest, is capable of taking the picture that you describe. The problem with auto-focus cameras -- and this is universal -- is that they focus on the nearest object rather than the near object that you want to take a picture of. For example, you've got a beautiful head shot of a deer in your viewfinder, but its consistently out of focus. Why? Did the camera screw up? Or did the photographer not bother to realize that the camera is focusing on the branch that extends towards the camera, in front of the deer? A few cameras let you move the focus spot around so to avoid that situation. But the best cameras are those that let the photographer manually focus the camera for those times when you want to take the perfect shot.

The best camera will have the best optics that you can afford, plus the smallest f-stop, plus a feature to allow you to manually focus your camera. Auto-focus is nice, but a lot of times, you want to turn it off. Anti-Shake is nice too for those not-so-wide-open aperture shots in low light. Extra lenses are good too, if and only if their optics are just as good as the primary lens. If the camera has a zoom feature, optical zooming is far superior to digital zooming.

More megapixels gives you more data to work with when editing your pictures. Digital zooming on the camera is identical to cropping on the computer while you're editing your pictures.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

canon camera lens question?

Sarah Park

what do you think is the most versatile lens for video
i have a canon t2i

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

which canon lens?

anna

i've got a canon 350d and i'm satisfied with it.
i'm interested in fashion and concert photography as well as portraiture. besides kit i already have a 50mm f/1.8 and it' good for portraits but i'm looking for a new lens that could satisfy my needs. and my budget's pretty low too.. :(

a wide angle or telephoto?
which one?
or something else?
a sigma maybe?

Answer
ok, i doubt ur gonna get just one lens to do everything... for concerts, your going to need something fast {f/2.8} for example, because of low light situations. Also, a zoom would be best in that situation {but quite frankly to get a good zoom that fast, is pretty pricey} im guessing ur just starting out? one of my favorite lenses is a Sigma dg 28-300.. its very versatile.. the only thing - its heavy HEAVY!.. but it is MY favorite... it runs about $300.

What is the best lens for close up photography- Canon 60D?

Q. I don't mean macro for like flowers and insects. I need it for detail shots of jewelry, shoes, and decorations of weddings and quinceneras. I have macro filters but when I need an extreme close-up the edges are very blurry and have a zoom-like effect. I dont like how it looks.

Answer
A macro lens would still be your best option for jewelry though shoes and wedding decorations can usually be done with a telephoto lens if you don't have a macro lens. Macro lenses have the ability to focus closely but they don't need to. A 60mm F2.8 macro or a 100mm F2.8 macro lens is also a very good portrait lens and will do shoes and table decorations quite well.

Best lens for canon 60d?

Roel

What is the best ef-s lens that delivers the best quality to a picture taken by the 60d due to its asp-c sensor?

Answer
Well, you have quite a few to choose from.. What's your budget and what are you planning to shoot? Landscapes? Macro? A general purpose lens?

Is it possible to give scenic tours of Yellowstone from a plane?

alymac*att

I've always loved Yellowstone National Park and I think it would be amazing to live in the area. I'd like to someday get my pilot's license and give tours of Yellowstone from the air.

Is this legal?
Would it be better to fly a plane or helicopter?
Do you think that people would be able to see wildlife from a plane or helicopter?
Honestly, do you think this business would be successful?

Anything helps:)

Answer
I don't know of any law that says you can't but if you intend to charge for the service you can't do it on a PPL you need extra qualifications for a CPL. Also be aware that cost per seat mile in a helicopter is about 3 times that of a fixed wing aircraft which might limit your clientele.

Also you need an aircraft capable of carrying at least 4 passengers at a time. Something like a Cessna 207 or 210 could work and you can get a good used one at a sensible price.

http://www.trade-a-plane.com will show what's available and will give you clues to cost.

Providing you are away from inhabited areas it's legal to fly as low as 500 feet but safety suggest the make that above the treetops rather than above ground. From that height a small zoom lens on a camera should enable some decent photography.

Don't forget to factor in other costs like hanger costs, insurance and maintenance and the pilot's wages if that's not you.

What shutter speeds should I use to photograph stationary objects or moving ones when I'm the one in motion?

Slicky Boy

I'm taking a day-long helicopter and pontoon boat tour of the Grand Canyon soon. I'll be using an old Canon EF 35mm camera and will be shooting Fuji 400 ISO Pro color slide film H series. A pro told me to make sure to use a rubber lens hood especially on the glass of the helicopter to steady the lens and protect from glare. What I'm curious about is what practical shutter speeds should I expect to use on a moving helicopter - which I understand does hover for photos sometimes - and also what speeds would I likely to be using on a moving pontoon boat? Are the rules for photographing subjects in motion the same as when the photographer is in motion? My lenses include a Canon 50mm f1.4 lens w/polarizing filter, a Canon 24mm f2.8 lens, a Vivitar Series 1 35-85mm zoom lens and a Vivitar Series 1 70-210 zoom lens. I'd appreciate any advice an photographer experienced in these matters would give me.

Answer
Set your shutter speed at about 1/500. You'll need to stay focused on your subject as you are moving to snap the photo. Otherwise everything will be a blur. Try this with your eyes. Focus one thing, then just look at everything going passed you.

Monday, May 19, 2014

What's the best lens to use with a canon 5d mark2 that keeps the background and foreground in focus with video?

Mark

I'm looking for a lens to shoot video with a dolly that keeps everything in focus so i don't' have to worry about not being able to auto focus while shooting. It seems like this only works with ultra wide angle lenses. I'm looking for something more flat to film moving portraits.

Answer
Hmm.

It seems that you don't know that the larger the sensor, the shallower the depth of field will appear at any given lens aperture. The longer the lens? Same deal.

In to motion picture biz, the first assistant "pulls focus" during any dolly moves.

What you are asking is more complex than just buying a specific Canon EF lens and hope that you will produce deep depth of field so you will not have to follow focus as you move the camera toward the subject.

If you are taking a film class in school, ask your instructor to explain this to you

What is a good Canon lens for digital video?

hollyroses

I bought a Canon EOS 5D Mark 3 and want to know what camera lens I should buy. I do sewing videos that require wide shots, close ups, & great focusing on details. An example of a video of mine is here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n1eXN6YGAU&list=UU7elN7hOTui1AKr_ar2zQuQ&index=7 So you get an idea of the filming I do. Thank you!

Answer
With a M42 screw mount adapter to EOS, many video enthusiasts use Super Takumar F1.4 50mm on Canons. Though they are 30-40 years old lenses, they are working like charm on modern day SLRs for videos.
Search on Google and you will see many posts and recommendations.

question about canon lens (for film) on canon DLSRs?

coconatz

can one mount a canon EF lens originally designed for film cameras on canon DSLR? would certain functions not work (like autofocus) if one were to use them on a DSLR? or would they work normally when mounted on a DSLR? thank you!

Answer
Virtually all of the EF line will work on any of the new digital bodies. In almost all cases, metering and autofocus will work.<1>

Having said that, if you purchase one of the high end models (EOS-1Ds, 5D), the sensor size is the same size as a traditional 35mm frame, and so everything will work just as it ought.

If you purchase a lower cost model, e.g. 30D, Digital Rebel, etc, you'll find that they use a smaller APS-C sized (25.1 x 16.7 mm) sensor which effectively crops the photo by a factor of 1.6. <1> There is some benefit to this: as you're taking the prime, center part of the lens' image, chromatic and geometric abberations, as well as vignetting of your traditional lenses will be mitigated. On the other hand, if you have zoom lenses, this will tend to reduce their usefulness, say, a 24-80mm becomes, effectively, a 39-128mm lens -- negating the wide end. Canon does make a line of lenses designed for their APS-C based cameras, the EF-S line, and when reading those lens specs, the numbers hold true: 50mm means 50mm.<2>

As an aside: the smaller, APS-C sensors also tend to have a greater pixel density, which like smaller grains on film, require more light to activate: the native light sensitivity will be lower and thus noise will be higher when they are pushed to higher sensitivities (ISO 1600+).<3>

A very active point of contention is whether or not Canon will, as it achieves economies of scale, bring the larger, 35mm sensor to its entire product line: This would probably lead to the discontinuation of the EF-S line. The working consensus at this time is that due to the inherently costly nature of producing these chips, it will not be possible, in the foreseeable future to sell "full frame" digital cameras, competitively, at prices cheaper than the 5D.

A fantastic site for lens reviews, exhaustive: http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
An authoritative digital camera body review site:
http://dpreview.com/

What is the best canon lens for filming documentaries?

iya.george

I'm looking for a really sharp, fast lens that works well in low light conditions. It can't create a really shallow depth of field however as it would be too hard, the slightest movement would put it all out of focus so this rules out 85mm 1.2 :( however, I'd like a similar lens like that (possibly at half the price too) but that does all of the above! Also, do you recommend any other lenses in particular for filming documentaries (and general filming as I often make trailers etc) thanks!

Answer
Well for film I really can't say. Film lenses are quite expensive. Do you already own a 16mm or a
35mm film camera? If so I'd check with the camera's maker for available lenses.

There are several good rental agencies around that'll rent specialized lenses - cost? I don't know.
If you don't own a 16mm or 35mm camera these rental agencies can help you with that as well.

Not only the cost of the rental equipment but have you considered the film processing cost? For
35mm it can be extremely expensive. How about lighting? What about sets? What about a script?

Another thing to consider... especially using film, always rehears your scenes several times prior to rolling your film because of the cost. The movie companies, always trying to save a buck here and there, make the actors rehearse their scenes over and over before shooting.

If what you write towards the end of your question is true, about making "trailers", then you should already have the knowledge you need regarding film shooting... but hey, if you don't you can always learn by checking the web or doing research with various film companies in your area.

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.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

What Canon Lens to Buy for Filming? 550D?

Hgh Hfghdh

I own a Canon 550D with the kit lens. I am looking into buying some more lenses to optimise the 550D film quality.
I've been told that the Canon 50mm f1.8 II is a great lens for only $100. Would that be a good option for one of the lenses I buy? I mainly shoot action so I need a lenses that is durable.
I am also looking for a good quality, zoom lens (i think).
I want to have the ability to zoom and fair distance, have an adjustable focal length and produce a good quality image.
If I get something like this, would it be worth buying the 50mm on top of it?
I'm looking to spend $800 or less.
I was also planning to use a mattebox with the camera. What do I need to know about matteboxes and zoom lenses? are they al compatible.
I don't have much knowledge of lenses and camera, my strength is in video editing,visual effects and compositing.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
"I've been told that the Canon 50mm f1.8 II is a great lens for only $100. Would that be a good option for one of the lenses I buy? I mainly shoot action so I need a lenses that is durable."

No ... no ... don't get me wrong it's a fun little lens but it's also completely plastic and not a good plastic either ... it is the mose flmisily made lens I have ever seen. I own one and loved it (beforeI got a proper lens: 24-70 f2.8) but I wouldn't call it a durable lens.

"I want to have the ability to zoom and fair distance, have an adjustable focal length and produce a good quality image."

3 lenses spring to mind:

24-70 f2.8 (either from Canon or Sigma)
24-105 f4 (Canon)
70-200 f2.8 (either from Canon or Sigma)

I already own the 24-70 f2.8, I regularly rent the 70-200 f2.8 (picking it up tonight againfor a wedding Saturday) and plan on purchasing it as my next major purchase. The 24-105, I'd like to have that as a backup lens only ... i don't htink I'd use it very often because I havea 24-70 f2.8 but I owuld like othave it as a emergency backup for when I am doing weddings ... it could fill in for either the 24-70 or the 70-200 if something horrible hapened to one of those lenses during a shoot. Right now my backup lenses are pretty horrible consumer lenses.

"I'm looking to spend $800 or less."
Not gonna happen. good glass costs money and a good lens is more important than an expensive body.

I'd rather shoot with a 70-200 f2.8 L (2600$) on a Rebel T3 (the T3, not T3i, is 500$) than shoot with a new Canon 1D-X (5000$ camera) and a crappy sigma 70-300 (400$ lens).

Yes, I'd rather shoot with 500$ camera instead of 5000$ camera if it meant that I had a better lens.

EDIT:
WelltraveleProg has a good suggestion withthe 70-200 f4 ... that's also a nice solid lens and you can get it for about 700$ +tax brand spanking new.
http://www.henrys.com/Categories/73-Camera-Lenses-CANON.aspx/4/80000010%5eCANON

You lose a few stops of light from f2.8 to f4 and there's no iamge stabalization but for the price, it;s a great lens.

question about canon lens (for film) on canon DLSRs?

coconatz

Sigma 35mm lens/flash compatibility with DSLR cameras?

meece88

I should have asked this in the correct format the first time. I am getting conflicting stories in regards to the compatibility of older SIGMA 35 mm camera lenses and flashes with the newer DSLR cameras. Does anyone know of any newer DSLR cameras that ARE compatible with 35mm SIGMA lenses/flashes that are NOT SIGMA cameras? I.E. Canon or Sony/Minolta, etc. I don't want to sell my lenses if I can use them but am having troubles finding out WHAT camera to buy that is compatible with them if any. If it is helpful, these are the following lensesand flash I do have:

SIGMA EF 430 Flash
SIGMA Aspherical IF 28-105mm
SIGMA Aspherical 28-80 mm
SIGMA High Speed Pro Spec Zoom AF 28-70mm

Answer
It depends.

All dSLR's but Sony use an ISO standard hot shoe
Only Sigma dSLR's are compatible with Sigma lenses designed to fit Sigma cameras
Canon dSLR's hot shoes can only tolerate 6v or less trigger voltages without damage to the cameras electronics.

As you can see, there are some issues.

If you don't mind buying the Sigma dSLR, then all is well.

If you want to start a dSLR system, you will have to start over buying new lenses that fit Nikon, Canon, Pentax or Sony systems.

If that is what you decide to do, take your time before you buy a new system.

You will either be married to it for the next few decades or find yourself in the same boat, buying all new lenses and cameras if you decide to switch systems.

How do I clean my DSLR camera lens?

Mindy

Do I need to buy anything to properly clean it? Is there a certain kind of cloth? When I do clean it, should I wipe the lens by doing circles or?

Thanks

Answer
I disagree only slightly with "screwdriver". I do not think the first thing to do is brush the lens. The first thing to do is BLOW the lens with a proper blower. Get the lens as clean as you can without ever touching it. Then after blowing away all loose grit, then gently brush it with a proper lens brush. In most cases, that is all you will ever have to do. If some substance does get on the lens, yes, the Eclipse fluid and Pec Pads are great, but there are less expensive alternatives.

Here is a cleaning kit that would be the best $11 you ever spent for you lenses:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/343088-REG/Giottos_CL1001_Lens_Cleaning_Kit_with.html

steve

Any opinons on the Nikon coolpix s710 14.5 mp digital camera?

AESA

Any thoughts or experiences with this camera would be appreciated :)
Just want to know if it is a good buy

Answer
I think this is the camera i'm going to get. It has a larger sensor than most point an shoot digital cameras, has 14 megapixels( even though that's kind of overkill), a wide angle lens, and has aperture and shutter speed priority along with letting you go fully manual. Most digital camera don't have aperture and shutter speed priority especially in the compact size the nikon comes in. It also has a very high iso ranging from 80 - 3200 and even 6400 and ISO 12800. I don't know if the pictures will be unusable at such a high iso but still I dont know any other point and shoot camera that can go that high. And it has the Nikons New expeed image processing. Overall I think it looks like a pretty nice camera.

Another camera i'm looking at though is the canon powershot SD990 Is.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=17627

Which company for a camera, Canon or Sony?

ViBoo

I'm thinking about a new camera, I have a Sony Cybershot right now. But people say Canon has better cameras. Which one is better, Canon or Sony? And do you guys recommend any models?
I'm looking for a Sony or Canon Digital Camera !

Answer
If you're looking at an SLR then Canon is an obvious choice with their lens variety, features and overall reliability.
If your looking at a compact camera then Canon has some really good cameras on the market, although i have never used a Sony Compact so I wouldn't know.
But a Canon 1000D, 400D or even 450D would be an exceptional choice if you're looking at an SLR. Even an entry level Nikon will do you good, like a D60 for instance. You can pick one of them up with a lens kit for around $800 (US) if you look hard enough.

Riely

Canon t3i lens?????????

Damien

I purchased this camera yesterday and it came with a 18-55mm lens. It cost me 750 dollars. I am thinking of returning it and exchanging it for a canon t3i but the lens will be 55-250 mm for 950 dollars. What's the best deal? I am a amateur @ this. This is my first dslr. What is the difference in the lens? What makes a lens better then others? TY

Answer
Don't waste your time, the shop's time and your money.
Just buy the Canon EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS that you will find for under $200

eg
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-55-250mm-4-5-6-Stabilizer-Telephoto/dp/B000V9D5LG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343117404&sr=8-2&keywords=canon+55-250

That way you have a T3i with both lenses for $920.
BTW the 55-250 is a great lens but is way too long for many purposes. I have this lens and it is used for maybe 10-15% of my shots.

Canon rebel telephoto lens?

Douglas

I've got a Canon Rebel T3i and i'm wondering what is a good telephoto lens for a hobbyist. I take a lot of nature and landscape photography and can never seem to get close enough with a good quality. I'm looking for something between $100-$400 range. I know it's not a lot considering the prices of some of these lenses! Any help would be great!

P.S. has anyone had good luck with ordering lenses off sites like amazon or ebay?

Thanks!

Answer
In your price range:
Canon EF-S 55-250 IS f/4-5.6. Great image quality but focus can be a little slow in low contrast.

Canon EF 70-300 IS f/4-5.6 USM. - a little longer than the above but in real life barely noticeable. More robust construction - but more expensive.

Lens to avoid is the Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 is easily confused with the 70-300. This lens is a shame on Canon - I really don't understand why they still sell it!

Amazon is about as risk free as you can get and I buy from them regularly.
Ebay is a little more risky. Select your supplier carefully to avoid getting stung. I have bought some very good used equipment from private sellers on Ebay.

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