Do I need a different lens
Oct 22, 2012 05:39:53 #
HiMurphy
I would say to you as a self-taught photographer, use it on auto for a few weeks and shoot what you like be it landdscape your dog cat anythin that you take a shine to, you don't need to take a set amount. when you have the images on the pc all the data will be onn the file study that and look at the different settings for shots taken. It's ment to be fun a hobby. I would buy as said if you want one walk about lens or you could use 2 lenses and have the best of both worlds :) Cheers Ian IF Image Cymru on Facebook Web site to follow not for proffit ;)
I would say to you as a self-taught photographer, use it on auto for a few weeks and shoot what you like be it landdscape your dog cat anythin that you take a shine to, you don't need to take a set amount. when you have the images on the pc all the data will be onn the file study that and look at the different settings for shots taken. It's ment to be fun a hobby. I would buy as said if you want one walk about lens or you could use 2 lenses and have the best of both worlds :) Cheers Ian IF Image Cymru on Facebook Web site to follow not for proffit ;)
Oct 22, 2012 05:51:25 #
murphy wrote:
Hey Guys, I am absolutely brand new to photography. We are going to Ireland in March and was wondering if I needed a different lens than the one I have. I have a sigma 17-50 2.8 on a Canon 400D. Not a lot of money and less knowledge! Thanks
Depends on your type of photography, Landscapes, street etc and general photography you'll be fine.
Portraits, you may just scrape in with 50mm, but you'll have to get in close, I prefer at least 105mm for portraits. You may just want to get a ZOOM that covers a much longer focal length, something like the Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3, as a walk about lens, you can probably use your 17-50mm as part exchange or sell it after you have got the new lens.
But saying all that, when I started photography, all I had was an Olympus OM1n (what a beauty that was) & a 50mm f1.8 kit lens, that was it, and thats all I had for many years, as I could not afford another lens. It went every where, even through the hot damp jungles of central America and it covered everything I wanted it to, because it had to!!!
Its a little difficult to suggest a particular lens without knowing your interests, experience or expectations you may have of a lens.
Hope this helps!!!!!!!
Oct 22, 2012 05:58:04 #
It was suggested earlier that you should consider a Canon 18-200mm lens. You can purchase a refurbished one at Adorama for $399, free shipping. Gary http://www.adorama.com/CA18200AFR.html
murphy wrote:
Hey Guys, I am absolutely brand new to photography. We are going to Ireland in March and was wondering if I needed a different lens than the one I have. I have a sigma 17-50 2.8 on a Canon 400D. Not a lot of money and less knowledge! Thanks
Oct 22, 2012 06:02:28 #
Nikonfan70
Loc: Long Island
Depends on what you are going to shoot. 18-55 landscapes. 18-105 good street lens etc
Oct 22, 2012 06:08:56 #
For travel I also recommend the 18-200mm Canon lens. When I bought my camera I got that one instead of the two kit lenses because I cant stand having to stop and change lenses particularly when traveling. Yes it doesn't go down below f3.5 but you can compensate that with ISO or Exposure Compensation. By the time you change lenses you could miss the shot.You want to enjoy the travel as well as taking pics. You can also get 18-250mm in another brand that's compatible with Canon. Your camera should be good, save your money on the best lens you can afford.
Set your camera on aperture priority and the speed will be set by the camera.Before you take the picture always check the speed that's been set when you look through the viewfinder. If its below 60 then adjust the ISO and or the exposure compensation (+ or -). Read your camera manual for any of the above you don't understand. And practice and have fun.
Set your camera on aperture priority and the speed will be set by the camera.Before you take the picture always check the speed that's been set when you look through the viewfinder. If its below 60 then adjust the ISO and or the exposure compensation (+ or -). Read your camera manual for any of the above you don't understand. And practice and have fun.
Oct 22, 2012 07:40:26 #
Would also suggest reading Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". It is easy to read and has lots of excellent information. Also available on Amazon
murphy wrote:
Okay, that's what I will do. I just ordered "understanding lighting" on Amazon. That will be my aim for now. You guys are all great. Makes my day that I have somewhere to get some good advice.
Oct 22, 2012 08:04:59 #
Murphy, Getting into the "minutia" of photography is one thing. Having fun with your camera and takening good photos can be a much easier process. I have had quite a bit of success shooting in "P" (Program) mode with white balance set to "cloudy" with more concern for composition than for a myriad of camera settings. Shoot at 100 ISO on bright sunny days. Move up to ISO 200 or 400 if it is overcast and dreary. I concur with using a 18-200mm or 18-250mm lens as a walk around. It will cover the complete range of what you will need in Ireland. I have been there twice and have found it to be a photograpers "heaven"---you will not believe all of the different shades of green! You might want to invest in a circular polarizing filter. $30-40 will get a decent one. It will make the colors "pop". Google "circular polarizing filter" for more info. Have fun!
Oct 22, 2012 08:06:48 #
PaulB wrote:
Murphy, Getting into the "minutia" of ph... (show quote)
Good advice. Don't be afraid to raise the ISO. Modern cameras shoot very well at the high numbers.
Oct 22, 2012 08:20:51 #
Radioman
Loc: Ontario Canada
murphy wrote:
Okay boomer. I am going to take the 3000 pictures that Lighthouse said to take and will also try to get that lense. I just looked it up on amazon. I think this is really going to be a lot of fun. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer me.
*******
You have been given a lot of good advice regarding the lens. I have two other suggestions.
1) Take a spare battery.
2) Take enough memory cards to take all the pictures with the file setting "RAW + LARGE FINE".
Oct 22, 2012 08:23:17 #
Murphy, Where do you live in Georgia ?...I live down here as well. Might I suggest a local photo club ? There are bound to be other Canon shooters there & likely would let you try whatever lenses they have. I do that with the Nikon shooters in the club I am a member of. That way, you can get a better idea of other lenses without having to buy or rent them. The advice on Bryan Peterson's line of a books is a good way to start to learn, but won't replace experience... I was just at a local air show & a friend from my club had his Canon , along with his expensive "L" glass (Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens)...We were at the practice trials (had security clearance passes)and had a blast shooting most of the planes that were to fly the next day. But with 30-35mph winds, not all of them had their practice runs...Luckily for my friend, he had a SpiderPro single camera belt system as that combo gets heavy when carrying it all day ...
Oct 22, 2012 08:23:29 #
Radioman wrote:
quote=murphy Okay boomer. I am going to take the... (show quote)
#2 - Good advice. Using a 16GB card, I could get only 419 images on a card doing that, so multiple cards or something to download onto would be necessary. I've seen 64GB cards.
Oct 22, 2012 08:34:36 #
That lens on your camera is something like 27 / 80 because that camera has a crop factor of 1.6 Which means that the lens is a 17/50 on a full frame camera like a 5 d or 35 m m
That is a pretty good range for a walk around and being a 2.8 is a plus
If you use an editing program I would keep white balance on auto
Iso on 100 and shoot aperture priority 2.8 for indoors or cloudy
Outside most likely f8
Shoot raw and jpeg
Every time you edit a jpeg you lose picture quality Raw you do not
Edit the raw and save as jpeg But keep the raw original and only keep the ones you like or you end up with a ton of pictures you don't care for so much
Also very important Histogram Set it to be in review when you look at the picture when you first take it It will tell you a lot about your exposure
That is a pretty good range for a walk around and being a 2.8 is a plus
If you use an editing program I would keep white balance on auto
Iso on 100 and shoot aperture priority 2.8 for indoors or cloudy
Outside most likely f8
Shoot raw and jpeg
Every time you edit a jpeg you lose picture quality Raw you do not
Edit the raw and save as jpeg But keep the raw original and only keep the ones you like or you end up with a ton of pictures you don't care for so much
Also very important Histogram Set it to be in review when you look at the picture when you first take it It will tell you a lot about your exposure
Oct 22, 2012 09:10:16 #
If you are new to photography, first consider the most important gear....the person standing behind the camera. Most people would agree their camera takes "great shots," but most shots are in the eyes of the beholder. Familiarize youself with your gear by taking lots of shots. Use available (ambient) light first....flash second. Practice doesn't make perfect...only better!
Oct 22, 2012 09:34:20 #
Nikonfan70 wrote:
Depends on what you are going to shoot. 18-55 landscapes. 18-105 good street lens etc
taken yesterday with 18-55 on sony alpha 290
mourne mountains
Oct 22, 2012 09:46:12 #
Radioman wrote:
quote=murphy Okay boomer. I am going to take the... (show quote)
Remember to bring your battery charger and plug taking into acct that the voltage here is different and access to towns and cities is chaotic to say the least.
Look forward to a great experience both sides of the border.
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