Equipment recommendation questions should be specific about budget and goals, yet general enough to be useful to as many readers as possible. Equipment recommendation answers should be worded to be as useful as possible to the broadest range of readers, and when possible account for future price ...
6
votes
5answers
1k views
What “start up” telephoto lenses do you recommend for Canon for wildlife photography?
I'm sort of a "weekend" photographer who likes to take photos of landscapes/cityscapes and nature/wildlife.
At the moment I'm using Tamron AF 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro that ...
6
votes
6answers
1k views
Lens for shooting paintings with Canon 550d
I am purchasing a Canon 550d primarily to document my fiance's artwork for archival purposes. I would like to know what lens or lenses you would recommend in order to minimise distortion.
I will be ...
5
votes
2answers
254 views
What properties should I look for to judge tripod quality?
I'm fairly new to photography and I've been considering buying a tripod. My problem is that I don't know what makes for good quality in them - what properties should I judge against?
This question ...
13
votes
5answers
2k views
What equipment is necessary/preferred for real estate photography?
What equipment is necessary for real estate photography, and what is preferred?
I'm starting into real estate photography, and I'm trying to figure out what I need and what I will want to plan on ...
12
votes
6answers
2k views
Is it a wise-decision to buy full-frame lenses for use on an APS-C body?
I have a Canon 550D which I've been using for around a year now. I really love it and have learned a great deal with this and the 18 - 135mm kit lens. But now with experience I feel the need to get ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
D5100 or D90 ? Which one to buy as the first DSLR?
I am planning to buy my first DSLR camera and have pinned down on Nikon. However, I am not able to make up my mind between the Nikon D90 and Nikon D5100. While D90 is more expensive, I am not sure if ...
5
votes
7answers
370 views
What options are there for a camera that's smaller than a full DSLR, but not a point-and-shoot?
I've been wanting to start taking photos for a while so I am looking to get a camera. I don't want to get any kind of Point-And-Shoot. I was awaiting the coming of the Fuji X100 as I travel very very ...
3
votes
2answers
441 views
Does an interchangeable-lens compact camera (SLD) give me room to grow vs. a DSLR?
Recently companies like Sony have released relatively compact cameras that use DSLR-like lenses. Two of my friends have a camera like that (They're beginning photographers). I know eight other people ...
13
votes
5answers
1k views
Why choose an 80-200mm over an 18-200mm lens?
Being a beginner, I can't see why I must choose an 80-200 over an 18-200. Are there scenarios where an 80-200 would be preferable over an 18-200?
I will be buying a D7000 soon and am looking at ...
10
votes
10answers
1k views
Is the D90 worth the extra money for a beginner?
I am looking at getting a DSLR. I have a little experience with a film SLR but not much more than the basics. I plan to take a range of photo types.
My research has narrowed down the products to the ...
7
votes
4answers
375 views
What is a good camera for a beginner looking to learn it all from a technical standpoint?
I am a graduate student in image processing and computer vision, and I'd like to get into photography. I want to purchase a camera that isn't a black box, where I can experiment and learn about how ...
2
votes
6answers
8k views
Looking for a good, cheap entry-level telephoto lens for Nikon D5100
I currently own a Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm kit and am looking for a good, cheap entry-level telephoto lens.
I'm a beginner, and plan to do wildlife, nature and landscape photography with an ...
2
votes
3answers
436 views
Which would be more suitable lens in terms of utility, weight, price: 18-135 or 18-55 + 55-200?
Is it better to invest in one 18-135mm lens or have a standard 18-55mm lens and another 55-250mm lens for occasional need?
1
vote
7answers
4k views
What are the pros/cons of a Canon SX30IS compared to Fuji HS 10 / HS 20?
I have narrowed my search for a long zoom camera down to two cameras...
The Canon SX30IS
The Fuji HS 10, or the soon to be released HS 20
The Canon has a longer zoom (35 vs 30), articulating ...
0
votes
2answers
529 views
How do I choose a telephoto zoom lens? [closed]
I have a Canon 1100D kit (18-55mm IS II) and a 50mm f1.8 lens.
Now I'm looking for a zoom lens. What do you think about the following:
Tamron 18-200mm f3.5-6.3
Tamron 70-300mm f4-f5.6 DI LD
Tamron ...
18
votes
4answers
1k views
What's the best technique and kit for taking a picture of the Milky Way in a nearly pitch black landscape?
I've tried but I don't think my kit is good enough. How do you take pictures of something like the milky way?
And if you've never actually SEEN the milky way, then you definitely MUST take a trip to ...
19
votes
11answers
2k views
Is there a camera bag with extra space that I use as an airplane carry-on?
I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 sling bag that I use to carry my Canon Rebel XSi with two zoom lenses. I love the bag for day trips, but it doesn't work so well for airplane trips or anytime when I ...
17
votes
5answers
2k views
How can I take a macro shot without a macro lens?
I am a photography newbie and have only a 18 - 135mm canon kit lens at my disposal. I wanted to take macro shots but can't really afford a macro lens right now. One very optimistic goal of mine is to ...
20
votes
10answers
4k views
Canon 50mm lens: f/1.2 L or f/1.4? Alternative brands?
I am in the market for a 50mm lens for my Canon DSLR. I've read plenty of reviews, and all of them have great things to say about both lenses. From a scientific perspective, the f/1.2 performs better ...
16
votes
15answers
632 views
What is a Cheap (less than USD50) Piece of Kit would make a Good Gift for a Photographer?
Christmas is Coming
... Well, it's a few months away, but family are going to start asking for gift ideas soon, so I'm putting together my list.
I'm sure you have some great suggestions for ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
Do you have advice for buying my first lens after kit 18-55mm (sub-$300)?
I’m looking to buy my first lens beyond the kit 18-55mm for my Pentax K-x. As a student my budget limits me to around a sub $300 offering. I am new to photography, and so I have a hard time answering ...
11
votes
9answers
782 views
Galapagos vacation — what photo gear should I take?
Soon I'm off to the Galapagos Islands. I have to admit I've been spending a lot of hours talking to people and reading reviews, and that has left me very confused choosing the correct gear for my ...
9
votes
6answers
3k views
What's a good Nikon lens (DX) for a serious hobbyist landscape photographer?
I shoot a bit of everything, though mostly landscape stuff. Mostly with a beanbag, or handheld.
I currently have the following lenses:
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED DX
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG
...
18
votes
6answers
2k views
Which lens serves best as the only lens on a cropped body for a beginner: the 40mm f2.8 or 50mm f1.8?
I'm planning on giving my college age daughter my Canon 40D sometime soon. (Not Christmas, but the Christmas sales are getting me thinking).
She has a point and shoot and turn out pretty amazing work ...
8
votes
5answers
1k views
How can I find a camera for long-term time lapse use?
For a oceanographic/atmospheric proof of concept project I need to set up a camera which will take a picture of the water's surface every 5 minutes during the day for up to two years. The pictures ...
11
votes
3answers
755 views
What film rangefinder camera can I buy for a reasonable price?
I'm interested in trying out film photography and I would also love to try out a rangefinder camera as those seem to be perfect for manual focusing in street photography.
Now, of course, the ...
10
votes
7answers
791 views
Recommendations for Wireless Flash Triggers?
Currently my AB800's have a built-in optical trigger, but still requires a flash to trigger them. I'd like to move to an all wireless setup. I also have the canon ST-E2 to pair with my Sigma 500 DG ...
9
votes
7answers
293 views
What features should I look for in a DSLR to shoot live bands?
I'm trying to work out which DSLR to buy. One of my main use cases is photographing live bands in dimly lit bars. This often involves fast movement (particularly drummers) as well as low light. Which ...
8
votes
1answer
3k views
What kind of backdrop works best for a home studio setup?
I want to grow my home setup, and am working on finding the right background for portraiture.
I was looking at a black velour photo backdrop am wondering what I should consider. Should it be ...
2
votes
4answers
3k views
Why do some people prefer 50mm to 35mm prime lenses, even for a crop sensor?
Comparing the two lenses for an APS-C sensor:
EF50mm f/1.8
EF35mm f/2
here
Leaving out cost as a factor, EF 35mm has the following advantages:
43 degree while 50mm has 31 degree
Its equally ...
14
votes
5answers
2k views
Should I go 5D Mark II or 7D?
Today I own a Digital Rebel XSi and the only EF-S lens I have are those that came in the kit.
I've been reading a lot trying to decide for my next body, but oh boy, what a tough decision!
I'm ...
13
votes
5answers
15k views
Best auto-feed photo and/or negative scanner?
My father recently passed away and left us with grocery bags, buckets, and 55-gallon drums full of photographs and negatives. I'm guessing there are easily over 100,000 photos and 100,000 negatives.
...
10
votes
3answers
370 views
What do you get for spending more money on a camera body?
I'm looking at DSLR bodies, and I have only one real feature I'd really like to have -- 1080P video recording.
I'm looking at Nikons here for this example, but only for illustrative purposes -- I'm ...
8
votes
5answers
16k views
Which laptop has the best display for photographic processing?
I'm planing to get myself a new laptop for processing my shots in Lightroom. I shoot in RAW and then process all my images in LR.
I'm looking for a laptop, 15.6 inch with the best LCD. So far I've ...
7
votes
4answers
2k views
Why and when would you consider Canon 17-55 lens over 24-105?
If I'm to buy a cropped sensor Canon camera for personal needs (family shootings, treveling etc - probably 75% outdoors some macro like + portraits + streetshootings + landscapes, 25% indoors mostly ...
7
votes
9answers
3k views
What differences exist between third-party and official lenses for Canon APS-C DSLRs?
I am just another guy who just taken up photography as a social hobby who enjoys taking pics of everyday life, social events / parties & some portraits. Need camera for short overseas trip (2-3 ...
6
votes
4answers
501 views
How do current home photo printers compare to prints from a studio?
I am looking for a printer that can be used at home for printing photos. I am not expecting very high quality prints, but want ones that can last for a couple of years without much color loss.
And ...
5
votes
4answers
1k views
How can I attach a lens without a collar to a tripod?
I have a Nikon 80-200 f/2.8 push-pull and I wonder how to use it on a tripod. There is no collar.
What is the best solution to attach it to a tripod? ("Best" is rather vague, it should take into ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Between Nikon 18-55mm II and 50mm f/1.8, which suits my needs better?
I am an absolute beginner in serious photography. I'm a position to get a Nikon D70 body for $100 or so.
I've been researching lenses and I'm debating if I should get the one that originally came ...
5
votes
4answers
747 views
Should I get a kit or separate lens for my D7000?
I am set on getting a D7000 and am drooling already to get one. My only hurdle left is to determine whether the kit lens is good or if i should get the body only and put the 300$ difference between ...
4
votes
3answers
434 views
How should I light 2d artwork in a makeshift studio? What lighting products do I need?
Thanks to previous advice, I'm going to start photographing my 2d artwork (not behind glass) using the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens.
I'm operating in a room with no natural light so I have complete control ...
3
votes
5answers
601 views
Which lenses should I take on a honeymoon trip to Alaska?
Newbie photographer here and really hoping for some expert advice! I go to Alaska on honeymoon in July and really need some advice on lenses.
My camera is the Canon EOS 1100D (told you I was a ...
3
votes
2answers
298 views
How to shop for a lens filter?
What should I consider when shopping for a lens filter?
I see filters that range from $15 to $115 and more. What are the differences between the $15 and the $115 filter?
I'm asking in the ...
2
votes
6answers
832 views
How do I choose a bridge camera?
I've decided that I need a bridge camera. I wanted one with interchangeable lenses but discovered that those don't exist. I can't afford a really good camera; my budget is around 250 Euros.
I love ...
2
votes
1answer
411 views
Which 70-300mm f4-5.6 lens is “better?” [duplicate]
I'm looking for a budget telephoto lens and I'm wondering which of these two is the better option. They have very similar specs:
Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital ...
15
votes
8answers
684 views
Would a prime be redundant with a fast zoom?
Now that I am finally getting a fast zoom (Tamron 17-50mm 2.8) I've been considering a fast prime to go with it, specifically a Sigma 50mm 1.4. Despite its shortcomings, it still does really nice ...
15
votes
5answers
774 views
How can I make my new DSLR more portable and convenient?
I've been enjoying taking digital pics for about the last seven years with my trusty Olympus C50 compact, and decided I wanted to take my efforts up a gear and get a 'proper' camera, so recently ...
12
votes
4answers
758 views
Do all monitors do (or need) calibration?
I need to buy a new monitor and I do not want to spend hours calibrating. I have an Apple pro laptop and I use Adobe Photoshop. Do all monitors do calibration? I was told that the Apple monitor does ...
10
votes
5answers
734 views
What is a decent beginner's camera for astrophotography?
I have a Celestron Astromaster 114EQ and live in a city (so light pollution is pretty bad). What would be a reasonable DSLR camera for taking photos of the moon and planets? My budget is under £250 ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
Which prime lens to get after the 18-55mm & 55-250mm?
I started out with the 18-55mm IS kit lens on my Canon EOS 550D over a year ago, and added the 55-250mm IS a couple of months back to augment my telephoto reach (based on the recommendations in one of ...
