 Allan E. Schon |
Beginner equipment suggestions I'm currently borrowing a Canon EOS Rebel X from my younger sister. She's not terribly interested in anything more than snapshots, so I may try to trade her for my APS point-and-shoot. I have a Canon's EF 35-80mm lens. I recently got back from a trip to Rome, and really enjoyed using the camera, but I'd like to get a longer zoom, perhaps as much as 300mm. Here are my questions: 2)There are many different models, variations, manufacturers, etc for the zoom range I'd like (75-300, 100-300, 75-200, etc...) Needless to say, the features and prices also vary wildly. I'd like to spend less than $300, but could possibly go to $500; Can you recommend a good lens, or the features that are important to a beginning amateur? 3)Are there any other accesories that would be particularly useful(filters, tripod, light meter, etc?) Additional info: Thanks in advance.
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doug Nelson |
You need flexibility. If you're going to places like Rome, I'd think you'd be interested in image quality. Get the best SLR you can afford. Never settle for bottom-of-the-line in any maker's lineup. If $ is a factor, consider an older manual-focus SLR. Go to cameraquest.com for comments on Nikon SLR's. My advice on lenses and image quality: Put the money into the glass. Look for an 50-mm f1.8, a 35-mm f2 or 28-mm f2.8, and a 70-210, 100-300 or similar range zoom. Manual versions of all these are amazingly cheap on ebay, or keh.com. Check photodo.com for reports on lens sharpness. Like me, you may not be able to buy the best, but don't buy the dogs, either. Avoid these 28-300-type zooms like the plague. Image quality is suspect. In going for "flexibility", you're actually giving it up. You don't get wide apertures for available light situations. It's impossible to design a lens shade that does the job at all focal lengths, so flare will be a constant problem. Some of them even cast a shadow when you try to use flash. These lenses are no fun trying to hand hold. As you've guessed, you're gonna have to part with a bit more than 300 bucks, even if you go manual. Buy the 50-mm first.
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Allan E. Schon |
Thanks, that should give me a good place to start. I had heard that about the 28-300 and similar lenses. Thanks for confirming it. I got my pictures back, and in general, I think they turned out well, though I definately have some learning to do. When I get a chance to get them scanned, I'll post some of the better ones; I'd like to know what people think.
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John A. Lind |
Doug has provided some excellent advice. In addition to his remarks about the 28-300 one lens does all mondo zooms . . . It seems the major camera makers have caved in to market pricing pressure. The current 35-80 and 28-88 AF lenses bundled with the "consumer" SLR bodies in particular fall into the same class as the "mondo zooms." I'm surprised they put their branded name on some of them. If you do buy a current AF body, I advise buying a body and lens separately, and putting better glass on the front. I also "second" his advice to go for a "fast" 50mm prime first (f/1.8 or f/1.4). It's what camera makers used to bundle with manual focus bodies 20 years ago and they were decent lenses too (maybe not top of the line, but not slouches either). Those of us who cut our teeth on primes found there wasn't much we couldn't do with just that one lens. It just takes a little more shoe leather occasionally and some flexible thinking about what it is you're really trying to photograph. Of all the lenses I have now only *one* is a zoom, a modest 35-105. I don't use it very often. It's a specialty lens for a few specific situations, a bit upside down from how many others view them! At least that's how it has worked out with the photography I do. The lens I still use most? A fast 50mm. -- John
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