What lens do I want?
May 11, 2012 10:29:42 #
I am new to photography and need some help. I have a canon 7D and photograph alot of karate action shots, outdoors-landscape/insects/wildlife, etc. I have a canon 28-135mm IS lens and 5omm 1.4 lens, and a sigma 70-200mm 2.8mm lens. I would like suggestions about what to get next. I am thinking about a macro lens and also want a better zoom lens. Should I get a cannon zoom lens or the 200mm fixed lens and maybe the 1.4 or 2x converter? Thanks for your help.
May 11, 2012 11:01:46 #
May 11, 2012 11:06:38 #
My Sigma has somewhat of a soft focus. It still takes some good shots, just not quite good enough. Just not sure where to go from here.
May 11, 2012 11:46:07 #
Could be it just needs to be fine tuned. Check your camera manual for instructions if it has that capability. Otherwise, I'd go to a professional camera shop and have it checked out. Might save you some big money. There are also threads on UHH that discuss this. You might do a search on that topic. From what I understand it's fairly easy to do.
May 11, 2012 13:00:56 #
alggomas
Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
Well,
Again I'm recommending the Canon 2.8L 70-200, although it is heavy it is versatile and you can use a 2x TC on it.
I suggest you look at reviews for macro lenses. Remember with a cropped sensor it is now no longer the case to buy a 50mm / 90mm or 100mm macro.
Again I'm recommending the Canon 2.8L 70-200, although it is heavy it is versatile and you can use a 2x TC on it.
I suggest you look at reviews for macro lenses. Remember with a cropped sensor it is now no longer the case to buy a 50mm / 90mm or 100mm macro.
May 11, 2012 13:16:00 #
Thanks for the suggestions, but you lost me in regards to the macro lens. I'm a little ignorant so could you put that in simpler terms? Sorry.
May 11, 2012 13:22:19 #
alggomas
Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
Macro means you are trying to shoot lifesize 1:1.
However with smaller sensors you have to multiply by say x1.6 or x1.5 so a 50mm lens is now 75mm.
I am sure other hedgehogs have better explanations or Google/Ask/Bing it.
However with smaller sensors you have to multiply by say x1.6 or x1.5 so a 50mm lens is now 75mm.
I am sure other hedgehogs have better explanations or Google/Ask/Bing it.
May 11, 2012 13:33:31 #
OK, I am feeling even more ignorant. So what does this all mean in regards to wanting to know what lens I need to shoot good quality closeups of flowers and insects etc? Sorry
May 11, 2012 13:49:02 #
alggomas
Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.
This may help:
www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/.../Close-Up/Close-Up-Lenses.html
Paste into your browser.
www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/.../Close-Up/Close-Up-Lenses.html
Paste into your browser.
May 11, 2012 15:56:59 #
Look in your manual for AI Servo. It allows your camera to hold focus on moving subjects.
And this may help http://www.pixiq.com/article/strategies-for-shooting-action
And this may help http://www.pixiq.com/article/strategies-for-shooting-action
May 12, 2012 06:41:31 #
For the martial arts pics, you really need several flashes to freeze the action. Otherwise you will have to use very high ISO and will need a really fast ( read: expensive ) lens.
For real macro, you have to decide if you will photograph steady or moving insects / subjects.
and make sure you want to take either "macro" shots or "close-ups."
I would do a lot of homework if I were you before spending a ton of $$ on equipment.
Right here on UHH there is a MACRO section with excellent experts who can guide you and help you.
For real macro, you have to decide if you will photograph steady or moving insects / subjects.
and make sure you want to take either "macro" shots or "close-ups."
I would do a lot of homework if I were you before spending a ton of $$ on equipment.
Right here on UHH there is a MACRO section with excellent experts who can guide you and help you.
May 12, 2012 07:30:36 #
I say other than you lack a wide angle, you should stop buying and learn to use. You have all you need, learn to use it. When you can do what you want with what you have, you'll know why you need (if you do) to change lenses. If you keep changing equipment, you'll never learn to use it. With what you have, the only thing I couldn't do is wide angle isolation of a close up object. You MIGHT get better image quality with some different lenses, but not until you aren't the limiting factor.
May 12, 2012 08:12:08 #
yvonneca wrote:
My Sigma has somewhat of a soft focus. It still takes some good shots, just not quite good enough. Just not sure where to go from here.
Have you tried to perform micro adjustment with that lens on? Go to your menu settings and look to your Custom Function III: Autofocus/Drive. There you can set microadjustment to all the lens or adjust them by lens. Here is a video that explains it (it is an overview): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JPTnz_mimo
If you do get the Spyder LensCal, here is a nice tutorial:
http://digital-photography-school.com/adjusting-focus-with-datacolor-spyder-lenscal
Hope this works out.
May 12, 2012 08:22:38 #
i just bought the sigma 70-200mm2.8 after my canon 70-200mm2.8 IS was stolen...this sigma is sharper than my canon. i used the sima for 14 days and then took it back and upgraded it for the model with OS...same great sharpness in photos. it's not built like the canon, but all the shots are a tad bit sharper than the canon. if i didn't get as good or better photo, i would not have kept the sigma. now i am going to rent the sigma 24-70mm2.8 OS to check it out...if it's sharper than my canon 24-70mm2.8, i'll sell the canon and buy the sigma.
May 12, 2012 09:15:39 #
If you want a macro, get a telephoto macro, like a 100mm or 200mm. The reason is: you get a better working distance.
As to the Sigma issue, it is a pot luck story. Most Sigma lenses are simply not very sharp, as is the same issue with all third party lenses. Yes, occasionally, you get a good one...
Sticking to OEM lenses, though pricey, rarely disappoints.
As to the Sigma issue, it is a pot luck story. Most Sigma lenses are simply not very sharp, as is the same issue with all third party lenses. Yes, occasionally, you get a good one...
Sticking to OEM lenses, though pricey, rarely disappoints.
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