Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

Yes, a long telephoto was already owned. This may require fast shutter speeds (over 1/1000 for zoom 600), so use high ISO for that.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Are you aware that all Zeiss lenses for Canon EF mount are manual focus only?

T7i... like most modern DSLRs... don't have manual focus assist features and have relatively small viewfinders, making it more difficult. I'm not saying it can't be done, but manual focus usually makes for a considerably slower, more deliberate and careful shooting style. Live View can be used and there are add-ons like "Magic Lantern" (not avail. for all Canon... not sure about T7i), which can help doing manual focus with Live View.

Zeiss makes some great lenses... very high end stuff, extremely well made. But, there are approx. 90 Canon lenses to choose among... many of which are excellent too... and most of which have autofocus (many Canon also have image stabilization, another feature that no Zeiss lens has).

Several have mentioned using Zeiss lenses on Sony.... First, many Sony are mirrorless cameras which have manual focus assist features built in, such as "focus peaking" in the viewfinder. That makes using a manual focus lens MUCH easier to work with. Also, Zeiss and Sony partner on lens design and manufacture. There are Zeiss lenses, made by Zeiss.... and there are Sony Zeiss lenses designed and made cooperatively by both Sony and Zeiss, often with each contributing parts to the other and one or the other doing the final assembly. They are then sold through Sony's distribution network. There are also a number of Zeiss autofocus lenses made for Sony e-mount.

Someone also mentioned using Zeiss Makro lens on a full frame camera (they refer to it as "FX", which leads me to believe it's a Nikon). That's another thing, too. For one, much macro photography is done using manual focus. Also, full frame viewfinders are larger and some have manual focus assist features and/or optional focusing screens that can be helpful.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

Note that the Rebel series (T7i) are EF-S lenses for the crop sensor, but you can use EF full frame lenses on them too. EF-S lenses cost less and they make great wide angles for them at moderate prices. However, any EF lens used on EF-S cameras will be even better because only the central area of the image is used--aberrations increase toward the outer edges of the image, so the center is usually the sweet spot. Canon EF-S 10-17mm is a brilliant lens, much cheaper than the EF versions.

Mbanker

thanks for the comments. I am just going to settle down and master what I have. I really like the T7i and it will take me a while to learn all it has to offer. And every now and then I get a sharp, well composed shot. Mostly by accident, but I am keeping notes so I can remember what settings I used. Plus I am reading more on UTube about composing shots.

Mbanker

Thanks very helpful comments.

Mbanker

Thanks

Mbanker

Thanks for commenting. I am learning a lot, it is most appreciated.

Mbanker

Thanks good info.

Purelightglow Loc: High plains

You have good lenses and unless you need a special ability like faster glass for example you are not missing much if anything. It takes a lot of experience and knowledge - some of which is obscure, to know what is good and when there is a special ability or problem. I have a Zeiss 100mm Makro and for the most part it will do the same as my Canon 100mm f2 but a stop darker perhaps on the shadows and closer focus without ext. rings. over 1000$ macro 2:1 vs 150$ autofocus small size lens; choices are endless and expensive.

Mbanker

Great advice. I will stick with my current lens and concentrate on learning my cameras capabilities and how to use Topaz plus Lightroom. Lot to learn