Explanation of numbers on camera lens
May 21, 2012 12:14:06 #
rambler
Loc: Masssachusetts
The top photo shows some nice detail of the mountains that are not evident in the second photo, but the second image has a more effective composition. I would suggest cropping out most of the sky in #1. Note it is just a large area of a nice blue, but nothing very interesting to look at, no shapely clouds for example. So cut it out and we will look longer at the mountain which is the main subject.
#2 The palms frame the mountain and we can see their shapes nicely. The fence gives us something to look at in the foreground and it gives the image some depth. We can see that the mountains are far away.
#3 Wonderful flowers. Crop out the dark bars on the right. No need for us to look at them and draw our attention away from the flowers. The dark background helps to bring out the detail in the cactus.
#2 The palms frame the mountain and we can see their shapes nicely. The fence gives us something to look at in the foreground and it gives the image some depth. We can see that the mountains are far away.
#3 Wonderful flowers. Crop out the dark bars on the right. No need for us to look at them and draw our attention away from the flowers. The dark background helps to bring out the detail in the cactus.
May 21, 2012 16:14:42 #
In responses to Photome I didn't see any discussion on the last numbers on the lens; 1:3.1-5.6. FYI, these are the maximum apertures that your lens is capable of from minimum to maximum zoom.
In the discussions about 50mm being a 1:1 ratio on a 35mm camera; or as the eye sees things, is related to image size on digital camera's.
Most point and shoots, plus most of your consumer DSLR's have sensor sizes less than a 35mm equivalent. Therefore a 50mm lens, or a zoom lens set at 50mm will have a certain degree of magnification. The smaller the sensor, the stronger the magnification. So, on an sensor smaller than 35mm in width you need to use a smaller zoom setting to get the 50mm equivalent.
Many manufactures try to convince buyers that this disadvantage is actually an advantage by stating that you can zoom in closer to your subject without having a larger zoom lens.
When you zoom in to something you are trying to place more information on a smaller sensor, therefore actually loosing quality. Always go for the largest sensor you can find in the brand you desire, or what the budget can afford.
Usually you can find a particular models sensor size in the manual, or look for it at the manufacturers website.
An example is the Cannon 7D, which is a great consumer camera, doesn't have a 35mm sensor, where as my older 5D does, and is classified as a prosumer camera. Somewhere up the Cannon food chain models, the cameras become strictly pro cameras.
I hope this helps to clarify and not confuse things.
Scott
In the discussions about 50mm being a 1:1 ratio on a 35mm camera; or as the eye sees things, is related to image size on digital camera's.
Most point and shoots, plus most of your consumer DSLR's have sensor sizes less than a 35mm equivalent. Therefore a 50mm lens, or a zoom lens set at 50mm will have a certain degree of magnification. The smaller the sensor, the stronger the magnification. So, on an sensor smaller than 35mm in width you need to use a smaller zoom setting to get the 50mm equivalent.
Many manufactures try to convince buyers that this disadvantage is actually an advantage by stating that you can zoom in closer to your subject without having a larger zoom lens.
When you zoom in to something you are trying to place more information on a smaller sensor, therefore actually loosing quality. Always go for the largest sensor you can find in the brand you desire, or what the budget can afford.
Usually you can find a particular models sensor size in the manual, or look for it at the manufacturers website.
An example is the Cannon 7D, which is a great consumer camera, doesn't have a 35mm sensor, where as my older 5D does, and is classified as a prosumer camera. Somewhere up the Cannon food chain models, the cameras become strictly pro cameras.
I hope this helps to clarify and not confuse things.
Scott
May 21, 2012 16:22:34 #
bvm wrote:
I live in AZ. What kind of cactus is that ? I'd like to get one.
thanks
thanks
A friend informed me that it is in the "cereus" family and a night bloomer -- beautiful flowers but they truly don't last very long, hardly a day in fact. The pic was taken early morn - wilted by 3 pm the same day. I think there are other varities - good luck -- oh, this one tends to bloom from the 1st to mid May.
May 21, 2012 16:34:08 #
rambler wrote:
The top photo shows some nice detail of the mounta... (show quote)
Rambler -- the photo's were meant just as an example of my camera's zoom capability and perhaps to show off the desert landscape. The cactus pic was for fun, the way this one blooms is almost in slow motion. My photo taking is for pure enjoyment, I doubt I will be publishing a book any time soon. I do thank you for your comments -- another great feature of this site.
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