Need help switching to prime lenses (Page 3): Simply construct your own viewing device. For example, a tube with lid, and you cut a rectangular opening in the lid that responds to the...

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

dck45 wrote:

I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

Simply construct your own viewing device. For example, a tube with lid, and you cut a rectangular opening in the lid that responds to the focal length viewing area when looked through the other end of the tube. Easy.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Hi,
You can rent the three prime lenses for a modest cost. You can also rent the 24 - 70 f/2.8. use them, return and make your decision from an informed position. If you have a camera shop nearby, you might be able to try them on site. Link to shops in your area: http://www.yellowpages.com/paso-robles-ca/camera-stores
Mark

rook2c4 wrote:

Simply construct your own viewing device. For example, a tube with lid, and you cut a rectangular opening in the lid that responds to the focal length viewing area when looked through the other end of the tube. Easy.

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

You honestly need something wider--when traveling I take over half my shots using the Sigma 8-16--why?--because it's field of view is close to the human eye, and renders very life like images--which will easily go to 30x40
Stan

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Jim Bob wrote:

What camera?

Hey, that wasn't too sarcastic!! :lol:
Jimmy Boy, are you actually thinking of helping?!
But hey, pay attention will ya....., I already asked that question!!!! :lol: :lol:
SS

Quixdraw Loc: x

Go to the Nikon Lens Simulator.

This link explains it all.

http://petapixel.com/2010/05/23/two-tools-for-exploring-nikon-lenses/

Primes are great, but zooms are fantastic for travel. I only take one prime -- a fast 50, two camera bodies and 3 zooms. Lets you quickly adapt to opportunities without lots of lens changes.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

markngolf wrote:

Hi,
You can rent the three prime lenses for a modest cost. You can also rent the 24 - 70 f/2.8. use them, return and make your decision from an informed position. If you have a camera shop nearby, you might be able to try them on site. Link to shops in your area: http://www.yellowpages.com/paso-robles-ca/camera-stores
Mark

Mark, what's a modest cost?
If it's $33 per week per lens, that's $100 per week. If I were going to Europe it would be for at least 3 weeks. That's $300, easily the price of a non pro lens +/- . And those outfits charge a small fortune for shipping!!
It would be way cheaper to buy, then sell all or what he didn't want!! Just saying! ;-)
SS

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks Sharpshooter. I was not suggesting traveling to Europe with the rentals. Just renting the three or 4 for a short period of time. However, I feel the best opportunity is to go to a camera shop and discuss the choices with them. I did provide a link to shops in his area.
Mark

SharpShooter wrote:

Mark, what's a modest cost?
If it's $33 per week per lens, that's $100 per week. If I were going to Europe it would be for at least 3 weeks. That's $300, easily the price of a non pro lens +/- . And those outfits charge a small fortune for shipping!!
It would be way cheaper to buy, then sell all or what he didn't want!! Just saying! ;-)
SS

bonjac Loc: Santa Ynez, CA 93460

DaveO wrote:

Check this one out:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/

Wow! Never saw this before. What a great tool. Thanks for sharing.

Jack

PhotosBySteve

dck45 wrote:

I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

You already have a built-in preview device. It's called your hand. Simply look through your camera with a specific focal length selected and then hold your hand out-stretched with your thumb up and index finger pointing to the left for your right hind or vice versa for your left hand. Note where the framing from the camera lens matches your thumb/finger/hand(s) markings. Repeat this process for different focal lengths. You will soon establish relative benchmarks to use by using nothing more than your eyes and hands to determine appropriate focal length for specific framing. You will need both hands thumb to thumb with fingers pointing up for wide angle and just your thumb for extreme telephoto.

19104 Loc: Philadelphia

Bill_de wrote:

I think you are looking for a "Director's Viewfinder"

http://www.google.com/search?q=director's+viewfinder&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADFA_enUS433&gws_rd=ssl

---

They are great accessories.. but they are big and expensive. In the format days we used to make a cheaper way to previsualize The effects of focal lengths. Ask you need is a stuff piece of cardboard ruler and some string. In the cardboard cut a hole the size of the sensor in your camera. For full frame that would be 24 x36 mm. 1inch equals 25mm. Now all you need to do this to make another small hole in the piece of cardboard. secure the string to the cardboard and measure the string and mark with the different focal length of the lenses that you're using. how to use this all you have to do place the mark against your chin that represents the focal lenght in question and look though the hole and that will replicate what the lens will see. It takes five minutes to make the device, and it fits in a shirt pocket.

forjava Loc: Half Moon Bay, CA

Nikon has a lens simulator that shows pictures at various focal lengths with angle of view noted and impact on perspective visible for each focal length. Free. Browser-based. Fast. Easy. Instructions.

See: http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/

dck45 wrote:

I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

dck45 wrote:

I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

No matter what lens(es) you are using, you can benefit from a vari-focal viewfinder made for the old rangefinder film cameras. See ebay !

Trentc Loc: Denver, CO

dck45 wrote:

I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

I must say, I have been a huge fan of my fixed focal length lenses. I have an Olympus system, and my last trip to Europe I took my 12mm, 17mm, 25mm, 45mm, plus my 40-150 (which I never used). Great quality lenses and loved using them, but found them too much of a hassle to deal with all the time, particularly if you aren't by yourself. My wife is super patient with my photography, but I felt like I was inconveniencing her when I would have to stop and switch lenses all the time. When I got home, I traded in my 25 and 45 and got the 12-40 zoom. (I kept the 12 and 17 as they are just too good to get rid of, and I want to use them when the circumstances are right). I will continue to use my fixed lenses, when I am by myself and have the time to really slow down and be deliberate and more contemplative with my photography, but for travel and walking around, hiking etc. a zoom is the way to go.

Chuckwal Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

What type of photos i.e. street,buildings or landscapes
chuck

ggttc Loc: TN

dck45 wrote:

I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

Take all of the above comments into consideration...switching lenses in the field is a pain...