New to DSLR's Looking for advice.
May 7, 2018 19:14:59 #
So I recently purchased a DSLR camera used (Pentax K-s1) to take with me on my vacation to europe. I am looking for advice on what len's I should start off with for learning and for scenery. We are going on a castle tour of czech republic, southern germany and to paris. I was hoping to get some great pictures of the castles and monuments. We are also going to a wedding (our reason for going to europe). What lens should i look into purchasing if I could only take 2 extra lens and if i was on a budget? Also, are their any pointer's to initially help my new hobby kick off? I have already purchased "DSLR for dummies".
Also, what is everyone's thoughts on the pentax K-s1 for a starter DSLR?
Also, what is everyone's thoughts on the pentax K-s1 for a starter DSLR?
May 7, 2018 19:33:58 #
Read the manual, re-read the manual,
then re-read the manual while holding the camera.
Experiment well before you go so you know how the camera reacts to what you do.
Get an extra battery (I have four) and memory cards (I have eight).
Check http://digital-photography-school.com/ regarding landscape photography pointers.
For me, I would take my 18-200 and my 50.
then re-read the manual while holding the camera.
Experiment well before you go so you know how the camera reacts to what you do.
Get an extra battery (I have four) and memory cards (I have eight).
Check http://digital-photography-school.com/ regarding landscape photography pointers.
For me, I would take my 18-200 and my 50.
May 7, 2018 20:04:34 #
jkfrankum wrote:
So I recently purchased a DSLR camera used (Pentax... (show quote)
Having just come back from Paris, you will need something like a 24-70 for street shooting as the buildings are relatively close together. And a 18-270 for wide angle and landscape closeups.
I shot with a Fuji X-T20 and used the 16-55 kit lens and a 23 mm prime 95% of the time. I had a 50-230mm and only used it once to get some tight shots of model boats sailing in a fountain.
Things in Europe, at least in urban areas, are just too close for a longer lens.
Here's a Tony Northrup tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5EFILdtYZw
May 8, 2018 11:00:13 #
A small DSLR which is a good thing for travel and the 20 mp should give you good resolution. A lens in the 18-200 range would be a good choice and a 50 for close shooting. The K-s1 would be a great starter DSLR, read the manual until you can almost memorize it. Have a good trip.
May 8, 2018 11:17:39 #
okay so read the manual... but that's not what you asked about. I'm sure it's good advice but on that note I would just go get a DVD that shows me what the manual was talking about. But about lenses personally I would find the best 2.8 zoom lens I could find something along the lines of an 18-?. You'll pay more for sure but that way you can shoot in both sunshine in low light situations. Have fun
May 8, 2018 11:31:08 #
jkfrankum wrote:
So I recently purchased a DSLR camera used (Pentax... (show quote)
I don't think it's a current model any longer but they have been known to be pretty good cameras. I'd start with their kit lens which is an 18-55mm lens. I hear the optics aren't bad for a kit lens.
May 8, 2018 11:31:40 #
If I were taking only one lens and it was a fixed focal length, it would be a 35mm. If zoom, something like 24-70 or 24-120.
May 8, 2018 11:55:54 #
wapiti wrote:
If I were taking only one lens and it was a fixed focal length, it would be a 35mm. If zoom, something like 24-70 or 24-120.
35 mm, on a crop sensor mirrorless, is like 42 mm? Streets in European cities are narrow and the buildings tall. With this focal length, you would not be able to get far enough away to capture the entire facade of a building.
May 8, 2018 13:11:01 #
Ched49 wrote:
A small DSLR which is a good thing for travel and the 20 mp should give you good resolution. A lens in the 18-200 range would be a good choice and a 50 for close shooting. The K-s1 would be a great starter DSLR, read the manual until you can almost memorize it. Have a good trip.
If you have an 18 - 200 you do not need a 50, because you already HAVE a 50 within your 18-200. If you REALLY want to encumber yourself with an extra lens, get a 12 or 14 mm prime for architecture or very wide scenics. Changing lenses while traveling is a problem. Often by the time you get one lens off and properly stowed, and the other lens on, the object you wanted to shoot is long gone. Most pros using two lenses have two cameras. Much easier to grab another camera than to change lenses. But DO become familiar with every aspect of your new camera BEFORE you go, or you will be cursing yourself as you miss shots fumbling with mysterious functions.
May 8, 2018 15:59:02 #
CatMarley wrote:
If you have an 18 - 200 you do not need a 50, beca... (show quote)
Many people cannot afford a second camera, and the 50 could be an f/1.4 as opposed to the zoom possibly being an ≈f/4. It depends on the shot, and timing.
May 8, 2018 16:19:34 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
I don't think it's a current model any longer but they have been known to be pretty good cameras. I'd start with their kit lens which is an 18-55mm lens. I hear the optics aren't bad for a kit lens.
My K-30 was kitted with the 18-55mm, but as soon as I could, I "retired" that lens in favor of the 18-135mm, which IMHO is vastly superior.
added: I also have Pentax's 55-300mm and Sigma's 10-20mm; for a trip to Europe, the 10-20mm would be my choice for a second lens.
May 8, 2018 16:24:46 #
If in doubt or a hurry - shoot in auto mode
Read 'everything' on composition.
Read a few tutorials on using Aperture mode and shutter mode to 'alter' how you capture things.
Google is your 'quick start'....'good' for YOU are the websites to follow.
Don't let the camera spoil your holiday......have fun too
Read 'everything' on composition.
Read a few tutorials on using Aperture mode and shutter mode to 'alter' how you capture things.
Google is your 'quick start'....'good' for YOU are the websites to follow.
Don't let the camera spoil your holiday......have fun too
May 8, 2018 19:12:40 #
jkfrankum wrote:
So I recently purchased a DSLR camera used (Pentax... (show quote)
A very decent one-lens option is the Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM (Contemporary). The image quality is surprisingly good for a super-zoom and the price is very modest: you can get a new one for under $400 from Amazon. For maximum sharpness, stop down to f5.6 at the wide angle and f8 at the telephoto end. This should work fine for the outdoors shots and you'll be pleased to have the 18mm for the castles and such. For the weddings, it depends on the light, but the S1 is pretty good at high ISO, so you should have no worries shooting at 3200 or even 6400 in a pinch.
May 18, 2018 07:20:25 #
jburlinson wrote:
A very decent one-lens option is the Sigma 18-300m... (show quote)
So i wasn't able to pick up that specific lens; however, I found a sigma 18-125mm F3.8-5.6 DC HSM for $100 used but in good condition. What is your opinion of this lens? I was told this would be a decent walking around lens basically an improvement over the kit lens. I am still looking for 10-20mm lens that will not break my bank account, but they all seem to be around $400 right now. I understand in the world of camera lens this is not much but at this time that is an entire week's pay until i pass my board exams.
May 18, 2018 07:32:06 #
So here is a copy of my first photograph with this camera. Any opinions on improving it?
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