Camera/Photography People - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Asmit · 12-19-2012, 07:58 PM

Ok, so I decided to get the old Canon out and finally figured out how to make my computer read it after losing the original CD install thingy.

Anyways, I'm wanting to get a basic lens for a small christmas present. Obviously I have the general 18-55mm, and it seems I've got 3 main choices.

Most of my pictures are uh, well, dogs, I mean dobermans.....

The one I am leaning towards the most is the first one, but #3 also:
1. 50mm f/1.8
2. 28-200mm f3.5-5.6
3. 70-300mm f4-5.6
4. 28-80mm f3.5-5.6

I've never used any of the lenses so I don't really have a realistic vision as to how much use I would get out of each of them. I tend to always think I need more zoom, but honestly, I don't think I'll use a zoom quite as much. Any opinions?
Oh and I'm using a Canon rebel btw.

Jonesy'sMom · 12-19-2012, 08:07 PM

Ugh, you making this post makes me remember I was going to send you my "brokeish" 50mm (works but auto-focus mechanics stick, have ot use it in manual)...

BTW: You can ask my mom I still have her Birthday present from June in my closet.... Tell you what RIGHT NOW (okay after this post) I am putting it into a box, and shipping it tomorrow!

Anyways... I love my "nifty fifty" I typically use that or my 24mm for inside shots.
I have a 70-200 same F numbers as the 300mm I typically use that lens for outside shots.

Hank · 12-19-2012, 08:37 PM

I asked for this for Christmas eeee

Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens:

Thor_Red · 12-19-2012, 09:08 PM

I'm not that knowledgeable, and I have Nikon lenses. But here is my 2 cent worth anyhow. I have the equivalent of your number 2 except its 18-200 and I also have a 35mm f1.8. I thought the f1.8 would be great in low light but really I hardly ever use it because there is no zoom and its hard to frame the dogs up right or get far enough away so they are in the picture completely. I always end up using the Zoom lense with flash light in the house so I can't really do the burst mode for those. But even with the f1.8 you still need substantial light in the house to get a decent picture out of it without flash and the light in my house just isn't that good. As for outside, I do wish I had a lower f value lense for the zoom. It works fine in the middle of the day. But early evening even when the light still seems the same to me it does already impact the quality, but then again I'm not made of money and those are simply more expensive than I can justify even to myself.
I do like to add something like the number 4 lense to my camera if that makes the camera lighter for shots in the house where I don't need 200 zoom, but in the yard I do use the 200 and wouldn't even mind a 300mm because quite frankly my dogs can ran way faster than me and the zoom is my equalizer.

Beaumont67 · 12-19-2012, 09:32 PM

I have this 4/3rd thin body camera, and like it - but extra lenses are $$ (not planning on spending extra)...also takes HD video in 60 fps.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 Camera Body with 14-42mm Lens, Black DMC-GX1KK

ZeldaRules · 12-19-2012, 09:37 PM

I take all my photos with the 50mm 1.8. I've built my entire pet photography business with it so I've gotten pretty good at gauging where I need to be in relation to my subject since it doesn't zoom, but it can be annoying because you are limited. It's great for a basic, cheap lens.

dobermansrule · 12-19-2012, 09:42 PM

of the four listed, I pick 50mm f1.8, because of the wide aperture. That gives you more flexibility in low light - we all know many doberman pics occur indoors, e.g., snuggled on bed, bugging us to play, giving us moon eyes for food...

the other lenses are slow variable aperture lenses - though useful ranges, would be best in good light.

regarding the zooms - why starting at 28mm? do you have full frame camera?

since you have an 18-55, after the 50 f1.8, maybe the 70-300 would make sense to give you a good range if you don't mind changing lenses.

Asmit · 12-19-2012, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeldaRules

I take all my photos with the 50mm 1.8. I've built my entire pet photography business with it so I've gotten pretty good at gauging where I need to be in relation to my subject since it doesn't zoom, but it can be annoying because you are limited. It's great for a basic, cheap lens.

And you take some incredible shots!! I do remember you mentioning somewhere that with that being your primary lens you have to get very creative and move around a lot more than you would with another lens. That's awesome.

Looks like Summer is helping me out with that one!!

I think I'm gonna add a 70-300 after the 50. Thanks for the advice err-one!

adhahn · 12-19-2012, 11:09 PM

I agree with the folks saying 50mm 1.8. I haven't done much digital photography, but took a few pics back when we all used 35mm. The usefulness of a good quality 1.8 50mm lens can't be overstated.

**greenkouki** · 12-19-2012, 11:25 PM

I guess it depends what you find yourself shooting the most. I have half a dozen lenses but always find myself keeping my "kit" 18-55 lens on my main camera body, it's just great for everything. Having said that a tele zoom is pretty useful as is a fast fixed lens, it's a tough call, that's why I have them all

SGranger Ph.D · 12-19-2012, 11:49 PM

50mm f1.8 would be my choice, or possibly a macro to explore some major up close and personal portraits of your fur baby!

Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

Rosemary · 12-20-2012, 07:47 AM

Personally, I can't live without my 80-200mm zoom. That's the one I usually have on the camera.

Dobiewankanobi · 12-20-2012, 10:49 AM

In my bag I generally carry 3 lenses...none of which is the 50mm. 85mm, 24-70mmL, and 70-200L.

It's not that I don't like it, it's just in a range I've already got covered. I always find myself reaching for the zooms in dog shots so I don't have to be all up in their face.

What I like about the 50mm is that it's light weight and inexpensive. I don't like the hexagonal-(pentagonal?) like bokeh and the plastic body.

You're using the rebel so you've got the cropped sensor which will give a 50mm a bit more reach (1.6x crop factor). Sounds like you want more reach than what a 50mm prime can give you though.

One of my favorite lenses is the 85mm f/1.8...IMO it's the lens that should be an L without the L price. Though I'm not sure how it functions on a crop sensor since I use full frame. At 1.6x it looks like it'll be similar to a 135mm for you.

dobermansrule · 12-20-2012, 10:59 AM

in the Nikon world, the 85 - both f1.8 and f1.4 - are the portrait lenses. Very nice lens to have in one's kit. I have a Rokinon 85 f1.4 - it's a manual focus lens, but chipped so it talks to the Nikon body and sets the aperture through the camera. I got it used for $200. Versus much more for the Nikon equivalent. and decent performance. F1.4 is nice.

and in Canon and Nikon worlds, most 'pros' do have a 70-200 f2.8 (or f4) in their bags.

Dobiewankanobi · 12-20-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobermansrule

in the Nikon world, the 85 - both f1.8 and f1.4 - are the portrait lenses. Very nice lens to have in one's kit. I have a Rokinon 85 f1.4 - it's a manual focus lens, but chipped so it talks to the Nikon body and sets the aperture through the camera. I got it used for $200. Versus much more for the Nikon equivalent. and decent performance. F1.4 is nice.

and in Canon and Nikon worlds, most 'pros' do have a 70-200 f2.8 (or f4) in their bags.

The 85mm in portraits is stunning and even when using a 70-200 I find that a majority of the portraits I shoot are still right at 85mm.

Ohhh! Chipped? I need to look into this. I've got too much invested in Canon to feel comfortable switching right away, but I've been thinking of picking up a Nikon and playing around for a bit. There's something about the Nikon saturation that I really love.

dobermansrule · 12-20-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobiewankanobi

The 85mm in portraits is stunning and even when using a 70-200 I find that a majority of the portraits I shoot are still right at 85mm.

Ohhh! Chipped? I need to look into this. I've got too much invested in Canon to feel comfortable switching right away, but I've been thinking of picking up a Nikon and playing around for a bit. There's something about the Nikon saturation that I really love.

the chipped Rokinon is available in Canon mount too.

lestat1978 · 12-20-2012, 11:09 AM

I have a Nikon 50mm lens. I've used it at receptions and parties and been quite happy with it. I actually find it annoying in the house though because I sometimes can't get far enough away from my subject to get it all in frame.

I'm not positive what my other lens is at the moment. I know it's not the kit lens. Maybe an 18-200mm?

Not sure what my next purchase will be. Maybe a macro lens??

dobermansrule · 12-20-2012, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lestat1978

I have a Nikon 50mm lens. I've used it at receptions and parties and been quite happy with it. I actually find it annoying in the house though because I sometimes can't get far enough away from my subject to get it all in frame.

I'm not positive what my other lens is at the moment. I know it's not the kit lens. Maybe an 18-200mm?

Not sure what my next purchase will be. Maybe a macro lens??

everybody needs a fast mid-range zoom for inside

depends on cropped sensor or not what that range is.. like 17-55 f2.8 for cropped sensor.

and macro lenses are nice for the close focus ability - getting up close and personal. And a true macro 1:1 ratio.

lestat1978 · 12-20-2012, 11:25 AM

My old point and shoot Olympus took awesome macro photos. Got my first blue ribbon with a photo it took. I don't have a Nikon lens that can compete right now. And I am constantly finding myself not being able to take the picture I want to.

Why can't I have an inexpensive hobby??? Dogs, cameras, ugh! LOL!

dobermansrule · 12-20-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lestat1978

My old point and shoot Olympus took awesome macro photos. Got my first blue ribbon with a photo it took. I don't have a Nikon lens that can compete right now. And I am constantly finding myself not being able to take the picture I want to.

Why can't I have an inexpensive hobby??? Dogs, cameras, ugh! LOL!

most point and shoot macro modes are not true 1:1 though.. still close up, but not true macro

Rosemary · 12-20-2012, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lestat1978

Why can't I have an inexpensive hobby??? Dogs, cameras, ugh! LOL!

Hey, at least dogs and cameras are LEGAL expensive hobbies.

Julie W · 12-20-2012, 12:27 PM

It all depends on the individual what lens they use the most. My most used lens by FAR is the 70-200 2.8, which is pretty standard with any photog that shoots dogs/horses. I have photog friends that very rarely use their 70-200 though, but their usual subjects aren't animals. I am always wanting more reach though, even when using my teleconverter.

If your main focus is going to be shooting indoors then I would go with the 1.8. If you want to focus on shooting outdoors then go with a longer zoom.

dobermansrule · 12-20-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie W

It all depends on the individual what lens they use the most. My most used lens by FAR is the 70-200 2.8, which is pretty standard with any photog that shoots dogs/horses. I have photog friends that very rarely use their 70-200 though, but their usual subjects aren't animals. I am always wanting more reach though, even when using my teleconverter.

you can probably afford one of these by now...
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR AF Lens 2173 B&H Photo Video

Julie W · 12-20-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobermansrule

you can probably afford one of these by now...
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR AF Lens 2173 B&H Photo Video

That thing just makes me quiver all over with excitement. Here birdie birdie....never mind. I'll just shoot you from here.

Julie W · 12-20-2012, 12:40 PM

Another thought, depending on how serious you are about photography. Even though I started with crop sensor cameras and had no idea if I ever was going to have a full frame, I still only bought full frame lenses *just in case*. Damn good thing as it turns out.