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 ...
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6answers
3k views
What is a good Canon lens to take portraits?
I have a Canon T2I, and also a good prime lens (50mm / f1.8) but I cannot seem to take close up portraits like I see in magazines. Do I need a better lens?
10
votes
7answers
795 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 ...
10
votes
7answers
475 views
What are the properties of a camera that affect taking pictures in poor lighting?
I had recently bought a Nikon CoolPix L110, which was stolen a few months later. In searching for a replacement, I'd like to get something that takes better pictures in poor lighting. The zoom on ...
10
votes
4answers
3k views
How well do tilt-shift lenses work for nature/landscape photograhy?
I am in the market for at least one wide-angle prime lens. I've focused most of my search on 50mm and 24mm prime lenses from Canon, Zeiss, and Sigma. Crossing paths with another avenue of research in ...
10
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2answers
192 views
Shooting Corporate Brass, am I forgetting anything
Getting ready to do a series of head & shoulder shots for some corporate brass. Should be simple, though I don't want to forget anything basic.
Equipment list:
Nikon D700
50mm 1.4
80-200mm 2.8 ...
10
votes
5answers
737 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 ...
10
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5answers
256 views
Digital Camera for Grandpa
Folks,
I wanted to ask for your advice on purchasing a digital camera for my grandpa.
My requirements are simple:
1) The guy is BARELY comfortable with technology. He knows how to turn his computer ...
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3answers
2k views
Which is better: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM (without IS)?
Simple question: Which lens is better?
The L Series (non-IS) Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM or the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM?
I am an enthusiast and usually shoot landscape, my kids playing ...
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votes
5answers
2k views
Is the Nikon 35mm 2.0 worth the extra money over the 1.8?
After asking this question I'm thinking the 35mm prime lens will do the job for me. Since I take a number of photos indoors and in low light conditions, this lens will let me sty reasonably close to ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views
Are the Canon 15-85mm + 50mm f/1.8 adequate substitutes for the 17-55mm f/2.8?
The EF-S 15-85mm lens is a relatively recent lens, and I haven't seen too many recommendations on it thus far. However, most of the reviews have been very positive and the lens is said to be optically ...
10
votes
3answers
862 views
What Pentax macro lens do you recommend for outdoor activities?
I am a Pentax K20D owner, and now I'd like to buy my first macro lens.
Candidates I consider are:
Pentax-D FA 100 mm F2.8 Macro 365 g, 560 €.
Pentax-D FA 100 mm F2.8 Macro WR weather-resistant, 340 ...
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votes
1answer
147 views
Tests to determine the condition of a used medium format camera
I am shopping around for a used medium format Mamiya RB67 camera to broaden my horizons outside of the 'work' photography I do with my Canons. When I'm looking at a used body what are some specific ...
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votes
2answers
1k views
Are there practical differences between Canon's IS and Nikon's VR?
I'm wondering if one brand performs better or if they behave differently under different circumstances.
Do the same limitations here apply to Canon IS? Obviously some of them do (like IS won't help ...
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votes
2answers
286 views
How to photograph a bathroom for a commercial client
I have been asked to do a commercial shoot which will involve shooting interiors with a lot of tiled surfaces (bathrooms, receptions, leisure centres).
I will be on my own without the aid of an ...
9
votes
7answers
671 views
As a beginner, which do I need to focus on more, camera body or lens? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
When buying entry level cameras, are lenses really more important than the body?
Is lenses which make your photographs, not camera bodies?
I am planning to get a DSLR, ...
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 ...
9
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8answers
3k views
What options do I have for a normal and fast prime lens for a Canon APS-C camera?
I'm looking for a normal prime lens, desirably fast and not too expensive, for my 450D. 50mm seems to be the normal focal length on FF, thus for APS-C, I need about 30mm.
I want it to be fast as I'm ...
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
...
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 ...
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2answers
3k views
Which camera has the best features for still photography: Canon 60D, 50D or 7D?
Now that the 60D specs are released.
When choosing a camera for still photography (no movies) which one of Canon 50D, 60D and 7D has an edge over the others and why?
What still photography features ...
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votes
5answers
1k views
How to select lenses for sports photography?
I would like to get into sports photography, and would probably want a better telephoto lens so I can get better close up shots.
What other factors should I keep in mind as I make my choice? Does IS ...
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Is it better to upgrade Canon 18-55mm IS kit lens to the 18-200mm, or complement with 55-250mm?
I currently have the Canon EOS 550D with the 18-55mm IS kit lens. I am primarily looking for greater telephoto reach, as I have found the 55mm length to be quite limiting at times. So, I was ...
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votes
4answers
544 views
What kind of camera bag would I look for to allow fast lens swaps?
I might get a chance to go to some fun events to take pictures soon, and I'd rent a lens or two to take with me (as this doesn't happen enough to justify buying a decent wide angle). However, this is ...
9
votes
2answers
338 views
Are there any depreciation schedules for canon lenses?
I am looking to purchase some used "L" series lenses for my Canon 60D. I am not exactly sure at which point it's no longer feasible to purchase a used lens over new. Surely even the best lenses must ...
9
votes
5answers
258 views
How to properly capture photos for merging?
When photographing photos with the intent to stitch (merge) images into a large panoramic, either manually or with the aid of software, how should one capture the source images for consistency between ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
Can you recommend a long cross body strap?
I often walk around with my camera on the lookout for shots, but photography isn't the main thing I'm doing. I normally end up with the camera hanging off a shoulder (on the strap it came with), which ...
9
votes
3answers
1k views
How do I know if a lens is genuine?
I'm in Times Square shooting the Imagine Cup event, and several people said that to fix my shot, I would need a faster lens. Just for the hell of it, I went across the street to a photo shop to see if ...
9
votes
4answers
260 views
What are important considerations when purchasing a zoom lens?
What should I be aware of when buying a zoom lens (other than that it will fit my camera)? What specs should I pay close attention to?
9
votes
3answers
2k views
Do I really need a wide-angle zoom lens?
I have a crop frame canon DSLR and currently have the 18-55 kit lens and the 50mm f1.8 II.
I love to travel and mostly take only landscape photos. Up until I became a stackexchange reader, I believed ...
9
votes
2answers
382 views
How to prevent zoom-creep?
The Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens creeps until fully extended if pointed vertically down.
This is preventing me from using it on a rostrum camera.
Is there a piece of equipment or a simple (and ...
9
votes
5answers
794 views
Is waist level photography with a digital camera practical?
My Yashicaflex twin lens reflex camera has reached the end of the road now that the shutter release has failed. Given the problems of film availability and processing it hardly seems worthwhile ...
9
votes
3answers
598 views
What should I look for in a camera/tripod for photographing microfilm machines and books/documents?
I am a graduate student studying history, and I am in the market for a new digital camera for the purpose of photographic images off of microfilm machines, and also old books and documents that I find ...
9
votes
3answers
278 views
What do I need for a camera kit for a family photoshoot?
What are some key items to bring for a family (i.e., children, parents, pets) photoshoot?
9
votes
2answers
688 views
What's a good, small, auto/thyristor flash? (non-TTL)
Persistently on my wish list is a small, portable, auto-mode flash. Non-TTL is a must, as I need to use it on a bunch of different equipment.
But the vast array of flashes out there is a bit ...
8
votes
10answers
2k views
Is the Canon 7D a good upgrade from the Rebel XS?
I have recently purchased the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens, and I no longer like the ISO performance of my Rebel XS.
I'm thinking about investing in a 7D. Will that perform better for ISO and professional ...
8
votes
6answers
399 views
How can I improve shots in the dark, when tripod or flash are not available?
About once a year, at my school we have this event called "Humans versus Zombies", whereby there are these "missons" that occur in the dark at night. I've been trying to capture what goes on there:
...
8
votes
8answers
474 views
What factors should I take into account when deciding whether to buy now or wait for something better?
Is it always better to just buy now and ignore marketing hype, announcements, and speculation? If I always wait for the next model, I will never buy anything.
What about buying the cheapest thing ...
8
votes
5answers
391 views
Where can I buy a camera off the internet?
Can you list some of the trusted websites for buying cameras and lenses that deliver inside USA?
I am looking to buy a camera, and have heard that you can get some very good package deals (camera + ...
8
votes
6answers
296 views
Aside from sharpness & speed, what are the benefits to photo composition\optical quality provided by premium lenses over their cheaper counterpart?
I have gone through quite a few lens reviews and questions on this site that recommend expensive lenses over their cheaper counterparts. From what I've seen in the reviews, there is a marked ...
8
votes
8answers
1k views
What is a good all-purpose, single-lens choice for a 7D, to take trekking in the Himalaya?
I'll be trekking in the Nepal Himalaya for 3 weeks in December, in a variety of conditions, but predominantly cold (-5°C to -30°c) , clear and dry, at altitudes of up to 6000m.
I'm trying to travel ...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
Screw-in or square filters in the field?
I currently carry a circular polarizer and a screw-in 4X ND with me in the field. I've decided it's time to upgrade my filters, because there are too many times when I really need an 8X ND (or more) ...
8
votes
3answers
237 views
What is good equipment to buy/hire for a generalist photographer, new to event photography?
I'll soon be covering an event, and my existing lens set isn't necessarily ideal for low-light people photography.
As with many events, this may be both indoors and outside, and runs throughout the ...
8
votes
5answers
1k views
Should I switch to a mirrorless camera for baby/kid pictures?
I currently own a canon entry DSLR and a couple of lenses (kit 18-55, 50 1.8 and a 70-300). I am also expecting a baby soon and I plan to take many pictures of her.
I have been thinking about ...
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 ...
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 ...
8
votes
2answers
825 views
What will I be missing with Vivitar 285HV vs. LumoPro LP160 or Canon 580EX?
I'm planning to get a hotshoe flash soon (I currently only have the onboard), and I have narrowed my choice down to several options, but I'm having a hard time deciding which way to go.
ETTL
This is ...
8
votes
6answers
364 views
Method to photograph a wide/long wall from a near distance and create a panoramic view of it
Imagine you have a wide wall, say: about 50m wide and 2m high, like the ones in a long corridor. You want to create an image that covers the whole wall in a way that you can see in some detail what's ...
8
votes
10answers
2k views
What can I use to attach a strap to the tripod socket on my camera?
Just bought a new strap which I'm very happy with then saw the fancy-schmancy slings that attach to the tripod-screw mount under the camera.
Is there a threaded bolt with a loop or two to allow me to ...
8
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5answers
643 views
What cheap equipment can I use to hold a reflector in place?
Assuming I don't have any friend that help with my photography, what can I do to hold a reflector in position while I shoot? Let's assume that if I'm cheap enough to use a windshield sunshade as a ...
8
votes
6answers
538 views
What's a decent lighting kit for getting started with portraits?
I've done mostly nature photography up to this point but later this month a friend is having a birthday and she just had a daughter so I wanted to take some father/daughter portraits.
So now I'm ...
