First off would be the 50mm 1.8, which you can get new for about $95 USD. I got mine from B&H not sure if you have an equivalent store like that. Its a prime lense, fixed focal length so you will have to "zoom with your feet" but like i said before is the sharpest lens you could possibly buy, its also small and light so it makes a very good "walk-around" lens.
You could go for a zoom kit lens, but i would personally avoid the 18-55mm, 28-80mm and 35-80mm lenses and see if you can find a nice 35-105 or 28-105 or 35-135. The 35-105mm will be the cheapest, i think its in the $60-100 range used, cause its a bit older lens, but small with a decent range.
If you go with the 50mm, you'll probably want to get the 28mm 2.8 sometime in the future, i picked mine up for $160, and its a great lens. I use these two lenses for 99% of real camera stuff, and only use my 18-55 kit when i need really wide.
Yeah the nifty fifty would be a good starting point, and after that decide whether you want to go wider or longer. My favourite lens from my canon kit is the 35 1.4L, a bit expensive but it does everything I need it to do well
Finally got around to playing with my 20D. Just ordered a 50mm from Amazon. Hopefully it'll be here for Plunderathon next Saturday. Anyway, this is Mikimoto:
Good deal! That should be a very good starting kit. With that 35-105mm lens you'll be able to see if.
A. It is sharp enough for your purposes.
B. Which focal lengths are most useful to you.
As others have said, mm is the length from the lens to the sensor, but what is really important is smaller = wider, larger = narrower. I think with texture references you generally will not want a extremely wide lens or anything, as they tend to add some extra distortion(not anything you cant fix in PS tho).
Wide is good when you can't back up far enough to get the entire subject in frame, and narrow is good when you can get up close. So the zoom you got should cover a very good range, you wont get the ultra-wide but 35mm should be wide enough for a lot of things.
In addition to the "reach" of the lens, you also get more perspective distortion the wider your lens is. This is really important when doing portraits, and actually may be pretty relevant for texture ref as well. 85mm and 135mm primes are often refereed to as "portrait" lenses. IMO you should never take pictures of people with anything wider than a 50mm lens.
Read some more about this here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Focal_length.jpg
If you feel the sharpness is lacking in that lens, you'll eventually want to switch over to a set of primes. I've got a 28mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, and the next purchase will probably be a 85mm or 135mm(i've got a couple manual focus 135mm's that i like a lot).
Oh one thing worth mentioning, most point-n-shoot cameras have a lens that is equivalent to a 18mm or so, so a very wide angle lens by default. You'll notice your 35-105mm at the long end is noticeably more "cropped" than your average P&S. I find that i rarely rarely ever need more than 28mm, so you shouldn't be too bad off with 35mm.
I would suggest skimming through the stuff on this page while you wait to get your new camera. I looked through this stuff and also read a few books while i was waiting to get my SLR, and had a much better understanding of how they worked by the time it got here compared to when i hit "buy". I think its very good to learn all of the ins and outs of how your camera works even if you just plan on using it for one purpose.
Allright, now i got my camera+lens (Canon EOS 20D + Canon EF 35-105mm zoom lens),works awesome. But my photo's look too dull etc, + i have no idea what the functions are. Anyone care to help me out on MSN (pm me for my msn) or on the polycount IRC (#model_design on freenode)?
Thanks alot for the previous help guys. Now i just need a walktrough on how to use this thing (yes, i read ken rockwell's article, but that dint explain what the iso,exposure etc etc etc is for)
if a big puffer-billy is going to go over ribblehead viaduct on a misty day, make sure you're in the right place. Typically i didn't know it was coming and wasn't, and had to crop hell out of this one. (Although the clumps of bearded paedophiles stood stock still around the place should have suggested something). Booo.
Hey Paul, what was the exposure time on that? Looks great!
The exposure time was 10 minutes at f/11; I'm planning to return to this spot and take an exposure that several times longer so as to get more complete circular streaking in the stars. I just recently bought a remote control trigger for the shutter so I'm having alot of fun with extremely long exposure photography.
Also, I'm looking for a new camera bag, should have space for a Canon 40D (with standard 18-55 lens), some extra CF cards, charger and cables, filters, covers, some extension tubes and possibly a tele/zoom lens for when I have the cash to purchase one. Having the possibility to strap a small tripod to the side would be neat as well. Suggestions?
Yeah man, was crazy. Me and my girlfriend just stopped at a layby (filled with caravans selling crap) for a rest and there were signs all around saying don't approach the deer.
we're like pfft that must just be for the tourists, lo and behold this huge stag was just sitting behind a caravan
been away for a while, but now Im back I am slowly hand developing all my film. So much more satifying than taking it to a chemist and alot cheaper too.
Heres a shot from my favourite place in Australia, fitzroy.
scanned in and tweaked in photoshop to help bring out the colours
Also, I'm looking for a new camera bag, should have space for a Canon 40D (with standard 18-55 lens), some extra CF cards, charger and cables, filters, covers, some extension tubes and possibly a tele/zoom lens for when I have the cash to purchase one. Having the possibility to strap a small tripod to the side would be neat as well. Suggestions?
I have this one, but haven't used much(i find it to big to take out casually, i prefer to just grab a small bag, with my 350D, 50mm, 28mm, and either a compact zoom or a prime telephoto, 135 or 200mm or so, and generally i can fit all of that into a pretty small bag. This one will hold about 5-6 regular sized lenses, a camera body, cf cards, chargers, and has some loops on the bottom to attach a tripod.
Being able to attach a tripod was a big need for me(and was harder to find than you would think, atleast for a reasonable price), but i find i rarely use a tripod outside of the house, so strapping it onto an already large and heavy bag isn't very fun.
I have this one, but haven't used much(i find it to big to take out casually, i prefer to just grab a small bag, with my 350D, 50mm, 28mm, and either a compact zoom or a prime telephoto, 135 or 200mm or so, and generally i can fit all of that into a pretty small bag. This one will hold about 5-6 regular sized lenses, a camera body, cf cards, chargers, and has some loops on the bottom to attach a tripod.
Being able to attach a tripod was a big need for me(and was harder to find than you would think, atleast for a reasonable price), but i find i rarely use a tripod outside of the house, so strapping it onto an already large and heavy bag isn't very fun.
Deviantart is selling a bag as well which looks more comfortable and has a lot of space, including the possibility to attach a tripod to it, but I have no idea on the quality of the item.
Replies
After reading some reviews, i think of buying a 20D, since they go for roughly the same price as a D40/D40x, but are better.
Edit: Just bought a Canon eos 20D body for 245, i guess thats a fair price. Any must-have not too expensive lenses i should get?:thumbup:
You could go for a zoom kit lens, but i would personally avoid the 18-55mm, 28-80mm and 35-80mm lenses and see if you can find a nice 35-105 or 28-105 or 35-135. The 35-105mm will be the cheapest, i think its in the $60-100 range used, cause its a bit older lens, but small with a decent range.
If you go with the 50mm, you'll probably want to get the 28mm 2.8 sometime in the future, i picked mine up for $160, and its a great lens. I use these two lenses for 99% of real camera stuff, and only use my 18-55 kit when i need really wide.
Yeah the nifty fifty would be a good starting point, and after that decide whether you want to go wider or longer. My favourite lens from my canon kit is the 35 1.4L, a bit expensive but it does everything I need it to do well
Edit: I also bought the 35-105mm lens
And, heres the camera
I could post comparison shots with different mm lenses.
for shits and giggles
Taken at an abandoned prison which was soon to be demolished.
Good deal! That should be a very good starting kit. With that 35-105mm lens you'll be able to see if.
A. It is sharp enough for your purposes.
B. Which focal lengths are most useful to you.
As others have said, mm is the length from the lens to the sensor, but what is really important is smaller = wider, larger = narrower. I think with texture references you generally will not want a extremely wide lens or anything, as they tend to add some extra distortion(not anything you cant fix in PS tho).
Wide is good when you can't back up far enough to get the entire subject in frame, and narrow is good when you can get up close. So the zoom you got should cover a very good range, you wont get the ultra-wide but 35mm should be wide enough for a lot of things.
In addition to the "reach" of the lens, you also get more perspective distortion the wider your lens is. This is really important when doing portraits, and actually may be pretty relevant for texture ref as well. 85mm and 135mm primes are often refereed to as "portrait" lenses. IMO you should never take pictures of people with anything wider than a 50mm lens.
Read some more about this here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Focal_length.jpg
If you feel the sharpness is lacking in that lens, you'll eventually want to switch over to a set of primes. I've got a 28mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, and the next purchase will probably be a 85mm or 135mm(i've got a couple manual focus 135mm's that i like a lot).
Oh one thing worth mentioning, most point-n-shoot cameras have a lens that is equivalent to a 18mm or so, so a very wide angle lens by default. You'll notice your 35-105mm at the long end is noticeably more "cropped" than your average P&S. I find that i rarely rarely ever need more than 28mm, so you shouldn't be too bad off with 35mm.
I would suggest skimming through the stuff on this page while you wait to get your new camera. I looked through this stuff and also read a few books while i was waiting to get my SLR, and had a much better understanding of how they worked by the time it got here compared to when i hit "buy". I think its very good to learn all of the ins and outs of how your camera works even if you just plan on using it for one purpose.
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/techniques.htm
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003[/ame]
I know, it's a macro flower, mega cliche, derpy derp... but it's MY derpy cliche macro flower
Thanks alot for the previous help guys. Now i just need a walktrough on how to use this thing (yes, i read ken rockwell's article, but that dint explain what the iso,exposure etc etc etc is for)
ill help you out over the week if you like.
my msn is in my profile somewhere,
Didn't know there are squirrels in the Grand Canyon.
=D
if a big puffer-billy is going to go over ribblehead viaduct on a misty day, make sure you're in the right place. Typically i didn't know it was coming and wasn't, and had to crop hell out of this one. (Although the clumps of bearded paedophiles stood stock still around the place should have suggested something). Booo.
That's my sister on the lower left.
The exposure time was 10 minutes at f/11; I'm planning to return to this spot and take an exposure that several times longer so as to get more complete circular streaking in the stars. I just recently bought a remote control trigger for the shutter so I'm having alot of fun with extremely long exposure photography.
Mauna Kea summit
Makapu
compact camera sux
I'll keep this bitch rollin' with a pic from Legoland in Disney World:
Sorry it's such a small image, it's the only one of mine I have at work with me.
Taken in Glen Coe, Scotland
mike
Also, I'm looking for a new camera bag, should have space for a Canon 40D (with standard 18-55 lens), some extra CF cards, charger and cables, filters, covers, some extension tubes and possibly a tele/zoom lens for when I have the cash to purchase one. Having the possibility to strap a small tripod to the side would be neat as well. Suggestions?
Nice shot. I'm surprised you didn't spook him.
Yeah man, was crazy. Me and my girlfriend just stopped at a layby (filled with caravans selling crap) for a rest and there were signs all around saying don't approach the deer.
we're like pfft that must just be for the tourists, lo and behold this huge stag was just sitting behind a caravan
cheers for the compliment
statue in cologne, germany
Heres a shot from my favourite place in Australia, fitzroy.
scanned in and tweaked in photoshop to help bring out the colours
I have this one, but haven't used much(i find it to big to take out casually, i prefer to just grab a small bag, with my 350D, 50mm, 28mm, and either a compact zoom or a prime telephoto, 135 or 200mm or so, and generally i can fit all of that into a pretty small bag. This one will hold about 5-6 regular sized lenses, a camera body, cf cards, chargers, and has some loops on the bottom to attach a tripod.
Being able to attach a tripod was a big need for me(and was harder to find than you would think, atleast for a reasonable price), but i find i rarely use a tripod outside of the house, so strapping it onto an already large and heavy bag isn't very fun.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Promaster-L200-Professional-Series-Camera-Bag-Sienna-/260504292890?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ca7440e1a
Deviantart is selling a bag as well which looks more comfortable and has a lot of space, including the possibility to attach a tripod to it, but I have no idea on the quality of the item.
http://deviantwear.deviantart.com/art/dA-PRO-Camera-Bag-144764711
closeup of some motorbike's engine. spotted on the streets of bamberg.