40 mm lens mistake?
May 28, 2013 22:51:42 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Yep, normally you want something longer.
I think someone told you that earlier... Hmmm, who was that?
Can you return it?
I think someone told you that earlier... Hmmm, who was that?
Can you return it?
I agree, for portrait work I'd go no shorter than 85mm. I use either a 105mm Macro or a 70-200mm f2.8.
May 28, 2013 22:52:25 #
Yes, I bought it today and I have 15 days. I will bring it to the park tomorrow and if i'm not comfortable with it, I will return it and try the 35mm. I am just venturing out the setting the f stop. I have been using Program and only setting my ISO until now. I want to improve my work.
May 28, 2013 22:53:14 #
JessJus2009 wrote:
I think I will stick to Aperture Priority while I learn more about manual. But even some in Aperture Priority came out bad. I need to study my settings more. I am considering the 35mm though. I'm just not sure the 40mm is what I am looking for. It is a lot better than my 18-55mm when used properly. I also have a 55-200 that I am going to start using more often too.
The lens choice is yours depending on what you are doing, but until you understand 'The Triangle' more put your camera in Auto, or even try Program, and see what it wants to do. You don't have to shot there, but it will help you understand how the three work together. It's an amazing journey and you are in the right place to learn!
May 28, 2013 22:54:58 #
I do have some knowledge of the triangle. It was tought in my previous college course, I just need to put more practice into it. Using Program has spoiled me to not have to think of those things, but I know my pictures will be better if I control the settings. Auto isnt always right.
May 28, 2013 22:56:02 #
JessJus2009 wrote:
I do have some knowledge of the triangle. It was tought in my previous college course, I just need to put more practice into it. Using Program has spoiled me to not have to think of those things, but I know my pictures will be better if I control the settings. Auto isnt always right.
Keep us along for the ride with your progress.
May 28, 2013 22:57:06 #
The 35 is even worse for portraits!
Harder to get the background soft enough.
Longer is bigger numbers, not smaller.
When I was in photo school 35 years ago the rule of thumb was at least twice the so-called "normal" focal length, which would be at least a 70mm for your camera.
The 85, as noted above, would be a great choice.
Harder to get the background soft enough.
Longer is bigger numbers, not smaller.
When I was in photo school 35 years ago the rule of thumb was at least twice the so-called "normal" focal length, which would be at least a 70mm for your camera.
The 85, as noted above, would be a great choice.
May 28, 2013 23:01:14 #
May 28, 2013 23:04:13 #
JessJus2009 wrote:
So how about my 55-200? Should I be using that instead?
It would be better for learning and you already have it.
(Seems I said that before too)
After you learn what length you like, buy something better.
Even used. For a crop sensor camera the discontinued non-vr Sigma EX 50-150 2.8 is a fantistic lens. But learn to use what you got first.
May 28, 2013 23:11:31 #
JessJus2009 wrote:
So how about my 55-200? Should I be using that instead?
Yes use that one! Put it on your camera and shoot shoot shoot. Try your settings, try auto, try portrait mode. Look at the results you get, look at the settings the camera chooses for you in portrait mode and apply them in Aperature mode or even try them in manual mode. You will figure out how to get the look you want. Make notes as you go. You will succeed.
May 28, 2013 23:12:21 #
A 40-mm lens has a deep Depth of Field (DoF), which is fine for macro-photography, but not good for portrait work (notice the building in your photo). For macro photography, your Working Distance is measured in inches. Same lens for portrait work, WD is measured in just a few feet. An 85-mm or longer lens gives you about 10-ft WD for much portrait work, which is more comfortable for client and photographer.
May 28, 2013 23:23:30 #
May 28, 2013 23:34:26 #
It's always fun to buy new equipment but you should invest in some instruction. This publisher has a lot of useful books:
http://www.amherstmedia.com/
http://www.amherstmedia.com/
May 28, 2013 23:42:31 #
For portraits, a 50mm, or in your case, the 40mm, would be good for taking a photo of the full length of a person, not for closeups. Even 85mm lenses are good for head and shoulder shots. The best portrait lens for a head shot is a 200mm. Of course, we use what we have. However, why do you think changing your 40mm lens for a 35mm lens will make much difference?
May 28, 2013 23:43:39 #
JessJus2009 wrote:
So how about my 55-200? Should I be using that instead?
Yes. At about 85mm.
When using manual you need to look at the light meter in your viewfinder and adjust the ISO, exposure time, and f-stop to center the indicator. Generally you should try to have the ISO as low as you can: 100 or 200 on your camera. You need the shutter speed at least 1/125 to avoid movement blur unless you are on a tripod. Then adjust f-stop to center the indicator.
It has nothing to do with the lens.
May 29, 2013 00:20:16 #
Do NOT upgrade your camera now.
For your 3100, the 35mm becomes a 52.5mm, the 40mm is a 60mm and the 50mm is a 75. None of these approximates the human eye (43mm) and at best, the 50 is a short portrait lens.
First of all, read MT Shooter's advice, then study the effect of focal length on your APS-C camera. Next, learn and understand the "Sunny 16" rule and its effect on all sorts of available light shots (yes, even indoor shots). Next buy a 70 - 300mm zoom (I assume you can beg, borrow or steal an 18 - 55mm zoom if you don't already have one). Sure they're cheap lenses, but they'll take acceptable pictures until you learn more about photography, your camera and yourself (your preferred style of photography).
Then go out and take hundreds of practice shots, examine them under a magnifying glass, repeat as necessary. Don't feel bad about bad shots; learn from them. Don't feel good about good shots; learn from them. Guess what? You'll become a knowledgable practitioner of a great hobby. Also, you'll fall victim to GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), a malady most of us suffer to varying degrees. Above all, shoot and have fun.
For your 3100, the 35mm becomes a 52.5mm, the 40mm is a 60mm and the 50mm is a 75. None of these approximates the human eye (43mm) and at best, the 50 is a short portrait lens.
First of all, read MT Shooter's advice, then study the effect of focal length on your APS-C camera. Next, learn and understand the "Sunny 16" rule and its effect on all sorts of available light shots (yes, even indoor shots). Next buy a 70 - 300mm zoom (I assume you can beg, borrow or steal an 18 - 55mm zoom if you don't already have one). Sure they're cheap lenses, but they'll take acceptable pictures until you learn more about photography, your camera and yourself (your preferred style of photography).
Then go out and take hundreds of practice shots, examine them under a magnifying glass, repeat as necessary. Don't feel bad about bad shots; learn from them. Don't feel good about good shots; learn from them. Guess what? You'll become a knowledgable practitioner of a great hobby. Also, you'll fall victim to GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), a malady most of us suffer to varying degrees. Above all, shoot and have fun.
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