BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Its a project I set for myself, for no other reason than curiosity.

And what UtahBob said about the no parallax setting for panoramas is quite correct when using a panorama head. The camera and lens have to be positioned at the specific point on the head for which they been calibrated; change the zoom the calibration is gone. This is another subject.

I decided I wanted to be able to see the "reach" of my various lenses and to compare one with another at some random MM setting - yes, I could do this on Nikon's Lens Simulator site but I want my scene. At least two of the mm's on all of my lenses are pretty much duplicated on all EXCEPT for two primes - the 60 and 85mm's which are not duplicated on any other lens.

I extrapolated this project into some other related areas - I want to see the difference in "reach" of the several Image Area settings and compare the reach of the Full Frame (D810) to the Crop Frame (D7100) and comparative Angles of View.

Image Area settings - the D810 has 4, using the 28-300 @28mm they are (don't know for sure yet, but I suspect the digital zoom is constant with any focal length):
FX - 35mm focal length = 28, Digital; Zoom = 1
1.2 - 35mm focal length = 1.2, Digital Zoom = 33
DX - 35mm Focal Length = 42, Digital Zoom = 1.53
5:4 - 35mm Focal Length = 30, Digital Zoom = 1.13

So, these are the projects for which I asked the question.

And, I do appreciate your thoughts - thanks

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

My thoughts are to capture the image I have envisioned. Approximately 60% of my photography is nature, mostly in woodlands. I shoot from a tripod when able and I am very conscious of my placement. I do what is commonly referred to as "zooming with my feet." In my pursuit of a particular image I know the size of the subject, how much DoF I want to use, what SS will be applicable in the environment. Using that information I know which lens to select and exactly how far I want my sensor to be from the subject. I used to use a zoom, Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS and could not bet comfortable with my photographs. They were not what I wanted and what I thought I was seeing in the view finder. I like the lens very much, it is one of Canon true soldiers. But, it is a zoom. I was bringing my subject to me and lost perspective of it's size and placement in it's surroundings. I also did not develop the ability to see the subject in a different perspective. There are huge differences between bringing the subject to you v. you going to the subject. Not good, not bad, just different. One allowed me to get the results I sought. I pursue that method.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

But they're all made out of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.

Initially I agreed with Wahawk and CaptC, who cares what mm? Just frame and shoot. Now that we know the why behind the question it makes sense. I've done it when I wanted to compare a 135mm prime lens to the 135mm setting on a 70-200 zoom.

Since this a rainy-day project, tether to a computer, take a few seconds to chimp the exif data on the computer, adjust as necessary and charge on!

UtahBob Loc: Southern NJ

Kind of what I thought, sounds a bit what I experienced this weekend using a 35mm prime that was a bit more MMs than I needed but I could only back up so far until I got to an electrified fence. :shock:

I like that 35mm maybe for the same reasons you've expressed. I think I get it.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

After all of this, it is still more of a 'technical' engineering point than anything of real value to most photographers.

Learn your equipment, SEE the image in the viewfinder or view screen and work to make the image what you see in your mind!

Most every camera and lens combination will be different in their results at any given point, so just go out and shoot and enjoy!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

After all is said and done, there is a way to calculate the amount of zoom. But to do so requires specialized equipment and, for precise determination, some surveying tools. Do you want to go to that much trouble for everyday pictures or even for one-time calibration? If so, I will go into details, but you can probably figure them out for yourself knowing that the angle of view can lead you to determination of the lens focal length.

Bobbee

Just an observation....(with a smile)

When people post pictures, I see exposure, shutter speed and focal length. I know this comes from their data, as per this conversation. So the question is, unless your doing MACRO or running a scientific test, oooops sorry engineer test, why is this relevant? (Yes I know the answer, just being a devils advocate.)

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hi Bob, on my camera (OlympusEPL-5) the focal length my zoom is at, is indicated fleetingly in the viewer, I thought most DSLR's did that. I can usually estimate it quite well, eg: if I want 20mm I set the lens at just past 18mm.
I know it's not that simple at longer lengths but it's the frames that really matter.
John.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Have no idea whether there are lessons to be learned or just facts to observe, whichever I expect to have fun and satisfy my curiosity while finding out. Thanks all - I greatly appreciate.

Bye the way I'm a retired insurance agent.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Thats OK, we won't hold that against you.
You can sit on that bench over there with the politicians, drug dealers, rapists, executioners and lawyers.
I just hope they don't complain.

:lol: :wink: :roll:

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

I don't know why you would put lawyers on that bench, after all, it's only 99% of them that give the rest a bad name.......

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

=============================

In the "Film Era"....

Just about everything was "after the fact"...

The "recorded image" (all of them) was running around in my brain till I got to the darkroom to Create the Print. I still to this day, after capturing an image have this ability to See in my minds eye, the images of the day. I really do not have a need for the LCD to know that I got the photo I want. ((However.. It is a nice thing to have.. ))

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Even these reasons I do not understand. Adjust your shot and just don't change the zoom till you are done.

Am I still missing something? The only reason I am following this thread is, like the CaptainC, I am trying to find a purpose.

Jim D



I just saw this and still do not totally understand.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Sounds like you didn't hear what you wanted to hear. :-D

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

To me, the key point in Utah's reply is "...repeat the setting..."