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To all you photogs...it's time to purchase a lens. Help!
To all you photogs...it's time to purchase a lens. Help!
For you photographers out there that are a lot smarter than me, help! I am ready to purchase a zoom for my Canon Digital Rebel Xti and the more I look and research, the more confused I get. There are just too many and too much information.
Here are 4 I am strongly interested in. I am not so much concerned about price. I am more concerned about good quality balanced with something that won't be so huge I can't use it well without a tripod, which I am not a fan of. I have very small hands and will have a hard time handling something very large (no comments from the peanut gallery....yes, Jorge, this means you....
). Also, you guys have seen my photos and know my "style." You also know that I have zero, zippo, zilcho technical knowledge. I need something a dummy can use.
That said, any thoughts on these or am I steering in the wrong direction?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... eadReviews
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4 ... S_USM.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... DO_IS.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... S_USM.html
Thanks!!
Here are 4 I am strongly interested in. I am not so much concerned about price. I am more concerned about good quality balanced with something that won't be so huge I can't use it well without a tripod, which I am not a fan of. I have very small hands and will have a hard time handling something very large (no comments from the peanut gallery....yes, Jorge, this means you....
). Also, you guys have seen my photos and know my "style." You also know that I have zero, zippo, zilcho technical knowledge. I need something a dummy can use.That said, any thoughts on these or am I steering in the wrong direction?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... eadReviews
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4 ... S_USM.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... DO_IS.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... S_USM.html
Thanks!!
Can't comment on the Canon per se but I have the Nikon D50 and I have the 18-55 lens as well as the 55-200 lens and I have no problem with the weight or the bulk of the camera when using the 55-200. If you go up to 300 I would suggest you really go out to a store and feel that lens in your hand and make sure it is comfortable for you.
When I was shopping I was being advise by someone to buy one lens which I believe was 18-200, so I wouldn't have the hassle of changing lens, etc. However, when I went to best buy and actually worked with that lens on the camera, I knew it wasn't for me. It made the camera a LOT heavier.
So if you have a store near by I'd check these lenses out in person and then do your comparison shopping on line for price.
Good luck.
When I was shopping I was being advise by someone to buy one lens which I believe was 18-200, so I wouldn't have the hassle of changing lens, etc. However, when I went to best buy and actually worked with that lens on the camera, I knew it wasn't for me. It made the camera a LOT heavier.
So if you have a store near by I'd check these lenses out in person and then do your comparison shopping on line for price.
Good luck.
OK so now I am just as confused as you are! I tend to be a point and shoot kind of photographer. I don't know much about f stops etc anymore! (took photography back in college but that was way too long ago and well before digital cameras!)
They all look nice though from using one my dad has the really long lens takes fantastic pics but is very cumbersome! It looks a lot like the first lens you posted the site for. His is a Nikon digital. I don't know exactly wich one but it uses the lens he had with his 35mm Nikon. The pics with that lens are always awesome. It is a treat to play with but extended shooting would wear on the arms.
So much for my opinion! It isn't very technical but if it helps at all I'm glad!
They all look nice though from using one my dad has the really long lens takes fantastic pics but is very cumbersome! It looks a lot like the first lens you posted the site for. His is a Nikon digital. I don't know exactly wich one but it uses the lens he had with his 35mm Nikon. The pics with that lens are always awesome. It is a treat to play with but extended shooting would wear on the arms.
So much for my opinion! It isn't very technical but if it helps at all I'm glad!
Totally depends on what you are using it for.
If you are going on safari or bird-watching then you want the most reach you can get.
But if you are shooting a lot in low light then you want an f2.8 rather than a 4.0 or higher.
Also depends to some extent on the camera body you are using it on. E.g. on my Canon 30D I am happy with my 75-300 IS. My husband has a 5D with a 100-400 IS. Because of the different camera bodies mine actually has a greater magnification factor than his. I am happy with mine but it is still not easy to hand hold in low light even with the IS.
There are some websites that are especially for reviews of digital camera equipment. I will try to find some of the ones I used when I was researching my equipment and post back. It is great to read insights from others who did all the research and then were happy with (or not) with their equipment.
The key for me was portability. I looked closely at the size and weight of each lens I was considering. IMO you do not want to be changing lenses very often. To me it is better to have the most versatile lens as possible so you don't have to change lenses much. One wider-angle and one zoom is what works best for me. That way you only ever have to carry one extra lens with you, which is important if you travel a lot and carry your equipment with you (I never check anything).
If you are going on safari or bird-watching then you want the most reach you can get.
But if you are shooting a lot in low light then you want an f2.8 rather than a 4.0 or higher.
Also depends to some extent on the camera body you are using it on. E.g. on my Canon 30D I am happy with my 75-300 IS. My husband has a 5D with a 100-400 IS. Because of the different camera bodies mine actually has a greater magnification factor than his. I am happy with mine but it is still not easy to hand hold in low light even with the IS.
There are some websites that are especially for reviews of digital camera equipment. I will try to find some of the ones I used when I was researching my equipment and post back. It is great to read insights from others who did all the research and then were happy with (or not) with their equipment.
The key for me was portability. I looked closely at the size and weight of each lens I was considering. IMO you do not want to be changing lenses very often. To me it is better to have the most versatile lens as possible so you don't have to change lenses much. One wider-angle and one zoom is what works best for me. That way you only ever have to carry one extra lens with you, which is important if you travel a lot and carry your equipment with you (I never check anything).
homepage.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel
web.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel
web.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel
Vicki,
Sorry, I can't help you but I'm in the same boat (although my photos are not even close to yours). We bought a Nikon D50 last year for Christmas and are now looking for a zoom lens this year. We'll probably just go to the store where we purchased it (Beach Camera) and ask the experts there.
Hey, B&H and J+R are both in NYC if you're ever in the area...
Better yet, Beach Camera is in NJ!
Sorry, I can't help you but I'm in the same boat (although my photos are not even close to yours). We bought a Nikon D50 last year for Christmas and are now looking for a zoom lens this year. We'll probably just go to the store where we purchased it (Beach Camera) and ask the experts there.
Hey, B&H and J+R are both in NYC if you're ever in the area...
Better yet, Beach Camera is in NJ!OK, let's takes the "smarter than me" thing out of this. I've met you and I know better. Since you have taken price out of consideration, we'll drop that as a point of discussion. 
I know how much trouble you have handeling large things. Like I said, we've met (rim shot).
As I've said before, the best way to determine the best lens for you is to get it in your hands, connect to to the body of your camera and shoot a few shots. From there you will have a feeling of the weight, balance and the limitations of its ability to get a particular photo. Every lens has limitations.
It may be in low light, sharpness, magnification or mobility. Regardless, it has limitations. You have to determine which limit you are willing to accept.
I have not used an IS lens, but it sounds like a great feature. It is probably the answer to the lens shake problem that long, heavy lenses cause.
None of these lenses are likely to require a great deal of technical knowledge to make them work.
I can tell from looking at your shot sequences that you like to move around. Although you don't like tripods, and who does, a compromise might be a monopod. They tend to be much more mobile than tripods. They don't cost much. It's a tool that most people have to lear to use because it doesn't come naturally to most of us. Look at all those photographers in the end zone at your next Vols game. Most of them have one and they have to be mobile or they get run over by a 300 pound runaway truck at the end of the play. Then we get to see them on all the highlight shows.
There are probably several larger camera stores that have these lenses in your area. If not you'll have to make a run up to NYC to see them. In any case bring your own Rebel with you. It would be better than to use whatever body they have on hand.
The most important thing to remember is that what you are really paying for is the glass. The better the quality or quantity of the glass the higher the price.
JIM
Since you have taken price out of consideration, we'll drop that as a point of discussion. I know how much trouble you have handeling large things. Like I said, we've met (rim shot). As I've said before, the best way to determine the best lens for you is to get it in your hands, connect to to the body of your camera and shoot a few shots. From there you will have a feeling of the weight, balance and the limitations of its ability to get a particular photo. Every lens has limitations.
It may be in low light, sharpness, magnification or mobility. Regardless, it has limitations. You have to determine which limit you are willing to accept. I have not used an IS lens, but it sounds like a great feature. It is probably the answer to the lens shake problem that long, heavy lenses cause.
None of these lenses are likely to require a great deal of technical knowledge to make them work. I can tell from looking at your shot sequences that you like to move around. Although you don't like tripods, and who does, a compromise might be a monopod. They tend to be much more mobile than tripods. They don't cost much. It's a tool that most people have to lear to use because it doesn't come naturally to most of us. Look at all those photographers in the end zone at your next Vols game. Most of them have one and they have to be mobile or they get run over by a 300 pound runaway truck at the end of the play. Then we get to see them on all the highlight shows.
There are probably several larger camera stores that have these lenses in your area. If not you'll have to make a run up to NYC to see them. In any case bring your own Rebel with you. It would be better than to use whatever body they have on hand.
The most important thing to remember is that what you are really paying for is the glass. The better the quality or quantity of the glass the higher the price.
JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....
Hi Vicki – got to love the compactness of the 3rd lens listed and the reach to 300mm. The fact that its not super fast (f/4.5 – 5.6) would be offset by having IS (image stabilization). Speed and zoom specs same as first lens listed so you are paying for the compactness and I assume less weight. The 4th lens listed is really fast at f/2.8 (hence the higher price), not as long (200mm) but looks bulky and like the lenses you see sports photogs using almost exclusively with a monopod.
As for shooting with a long lens, even with IS, I will often switch over to the Tv setting on the Canon (shutter speed priority) if depth of field isn’t an issue to make sure I have enough speed to control any camera shake.
BUT, to complicate matters further, here is another thought to drive you more crazy…if you get something that costs less than you thought you might’ve spent, how about also considering a super wide angle zoom? Like the 17-40mm here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 4LEF&Q=&O=
Do you have anything like this? Knowing your style, that kind of lens could be a bunch of fun for you to work with. I’ve always been intrigued by the super wide angle stuff done by people like Ken.
http://www.pbase.com/rcplanefan/root
As for shooting with a long lens, even with IS, I will often switch over to the Tv setting on the Canon (shutter speed priority) if depth of field isn’t an issue to make sure I have enough speed to control any camera shake.
BUT, to complicate matters further, here is another thought to drive you more crazy…if you get something that costs less than you thought you might’ve spent, how about also considering a super wide angle zoom? Like the 17-40mm here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 4LEF&Q=&O=
Do you have anything like this? Knowing your style, that kind of lens could be a bunch of fun for you to work with. I’ve always been intrigued by the super wide angle stuff done by people like Ken.
http://www.pbase.com/rcplanefan/root
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Hi Vicky,
I always use lens that are at least 2.8 F-stop opening. It allows you to use faster shutter speeds in darker situations. Also for being creative with the depth of field. The 70-200 2.8 is my favorite lens to work with. For my wide angle I use 17-55 lens 2.8 I use Nikon because that is what I started out with. Cannon makes very sharp lens also. I also have small hands and the weight of the lens helps me stablize more than lighter lens. If that makes sense. It gives me more of a balance. You take wonderful photos, I enjoy looking at your work. Nikon makes VR lenses now. It is Vibration reduction. Look into Cannon to see if they have something simular if you are concerned about the weight. I pretty sure they do.
I hardly ever get a chance to do photos for myself but if you would like to see my work her is my website SLSphoto.com I'm glad you are having fun with photography. Have you thought about putting some of your work up for sale. Some of them are really nice. There are some stock houses out there you might want to look at maybe help you pay for the extra camera gear!
I always use lens that are at least 2.8 F-stop opening. It allows you to use faster shutter speeds in darker situations. Also for being creative with the depth of field. The 70-200 2.8 is my favorite lens to work with. For my wide angle I use 17-55 lens 2.8 I use Nikon because that is what I started out with. Cannon makes very sharp lens also. I also have small hands and the weight of the lens helps me stablize more than lighter lens. If that makes sense. It gives me more of a balance. You take wonderful photos, I enjoy looking at your work. Nikon makes VR lenses now. It is Vibration reduction. Look into Cannon to see if they have something simular if you are concerned about the weight. I pretty sure they do.
I hardly ever get a chance to do photos for myself but if you would like to see my work her is my website SLSphoto.com I'm glad you are having fun with photography. Have you thought about putting some of your work up for sale. Some of them are really nice. There are some stock houses out there you might want to look at maybe help you pay for the extra camera gear!
Thanks, guys! This is helping. I at least feel like I am heading in a good direction and you guys have given me some great suggestions that will help.
Jim, Jim, Jim....I expected it from Jorge..... And anyway, I thought we agreed to keep that between us. Seriously, though, thanks for the suggestions.
JMQ, my favorite at this point is that compact lens. I'm loving it. However, most reviews say that once you get up to 300mm shooting, it loses its sharpness. I am still considering it, though. I mostly want it for people shots. Not likely I'll be going on safari any time soon, so it may be an ok choice for me. Like you, I have also been looking at the ultra-wide zooms. I actually plan to purchase one of those shortly after this purchase. I love landscapes the most, so I think it would be something I would have fun with.
Thanks everyone. Additional input is appreciated! I plan to go shopping this weekend, so any additional considerations sent my way are helpful.
Jim, Jim, Jim....I expected it from Jorge.....
And anyway, I thought we agreed to keep that between us. Seriously, though, thanks for the suggestions. JMQ, my favorite at this point is that compact lens. I'm loving it. However, most reviews say that once you get up to 300mm shooting, it loses its sharpness. I am still considering it, though. I mostly want it for people shots. Not likely I'll be going on safari any time soon, so it may be an ok choice for me. Like you, I have also been looking at the ultra-wide zooms. I actually plan to purchase one of those shortly after this purchase. I love landscapes the most, so I think it would be something I would have fun with.
Thanks everyone. Additional input is appreciated! I plan to go shopping this weekend, so any additional considerations sent my way are helpful.
Vicki- Did you ever get your lens? I'm curious what your final choice was. I am shopping myself.
For others who might have a moment to help me, I'm looking at Nikon (Nikkor) lenses for my D-40 and could use some guidance, too.
I'm looking at this one:
http://nikonimaging.com/global/products ... /index.htm
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... _Zoom.html)
Or this one:
http://nikonimaging.com/global/products ... /index.htm
I'm open to all suggestions. I really don't want something huge (like 18-200) because I hate to lug the camera like it's another apendage. The thing I like about the D40 is that it's go-anywhere.
Also, I need IS as the D40 does not have it in the camera body.
If anyone has any opinions as to whether I'm even headed down the right road, all thoughts are welcome.
(Sorry to highjack your thread a little, Vicki. )
For others who might have a moment to help me, I'm looking at Nikon (Nikkor) lenses for my D-40 and could use some guidance, too.
I'm looking at this one:
http://nikonimaging.com/global/products ... /index.htm
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... _Zoom.html)
Or this one:
http://nikonimaging.com/global/products ... /index.htm
I'm open to all suggestions. I really don't want something huge (like 18-200) because I hate to lug the camera like it's another apendage. The thing I like about the D40 is that it's go-anywhere.
Also, I need IS as the D40 does not have it in the camera body.
If anyone has any opinions as to whether I'm even headed down the right road, all thoughts are welcome.
(Sorry to highjack your thread a little, Vicki.
)Hey LMG! I ended up with this one:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2091978046/" title="Untitled by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/209 ... ec72cb.jpg" width="500" height="207" alt=""></a>
It's pretty great. It's a little big, but not very heavy so I can live with it. The IS is a life saver. Despite the size of this lens, I don't need a tripod. I like that.
Now I'm looking at this one. I hope to get it before my next trip:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2091978362/" title="Untitled by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/209 ... 9745d4.jpg" width="500" height="206" alt=""></a>
It's JMQ's fault when I buy this one.....
That will give me the 18-55, the 70-200, and the 10-22. I think that's a pretty good start.
Oh, and look at these (boys, just turn away, this doesn't concern you....)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2091187973/" title="Untitled by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/209 ... 365d_m.jpg" width="144" height="240" alt=""></a>
I am finding it difficult to manage multiple lenses without a bag, and I just can't bring myself to carry a pratical, yet ugly, bag.
Have fun lens shopping!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2091978046/" title="Untitled by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/209 ... ec72cb.jpg" width="500" height="207" alt=""></a>
It's pretty great. It's a little big, but not very heavy so I can live with it. The IS is a life saver. Despite the size of this lens, I don't need a tripod. I like that.
Now I'm looking at this one. I hope to get it before my next trip:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2091978362/" title="Untitled by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/209 ... 9745d4.jpg" width="500" height="206" alt=""></a>
It's JMQ's fault when I buy this one.....
That will give me the 18-55, the 70-200, and the 10-22. I think that's a pretty good start.
Oh, and look at these (boys, just turn away, this doesn't concern you....)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2091187973/" title="Untitled by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/209 ... 365d_m.jpg" width="144" height="240" alt=""></a>
I am finding it difficult to manage multiple lenses without a bag, and I just can't bring myself to carry a pratical, yet ugly, bag.
Have fun lens shopping!
Jorge....I don't know much about a "rodeo" bra. Mine's more of a "where'dtheygo?"Jorge wrote:Oh Vicki,
It might be ugly but I think that is the bag for you. I think the wide strap centered in front would give you the look that you are going for. I just love the seat belt look on woman, gives them that rodeo bra look. " Round um up and head um out. Luvya Vicki, Jorge