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 ...
64
votes
16answers
5k views
Where can I find reviews of lenses?
Always check reviews when deciding to buy a lens. There are so many factors beyond what is written in the name.
Note that in general, comparing between mounts is not a good idea. (Even comparing ...
62
votes
7answers
20k views
When do the differences between APS-C and full frame sensors matter, and why?
I'm trying to decide on a higher-end digital SLR, and I'm down to choosing between an APS-C model and a full-frame model.
I understand that the sensors are of different sizes, and as such have an ...
41
votes
6answers
5k views
Why are wide-angle lenses so much more expensive?
What is it about wide-angle lenses that makes them so much more expensive than an equivalent-quality tele or prime lens? Take the Canon EF-S 10-22mm USM, for example. RRP is nearly £1,000!
Are they ...
39
votes
4answers
1k views
What should I pay attention to when choosing a tripod?
I am a novice in photography and my current camera (Sony alpha 230 kit) which I recently have bought is the first DSLR of mine. Soon I'd like to buy a tripod for it.
Please advise me what should I ...
35
votes
12answers
6k views
Is there any significant difference between Nikon and Canon?
I'm considering purchasing a DSLR for the first time here in the next couple of months. The two "big boys" seem to be Canon and Nikon. I've looked at both companies, and I can't really see significant ...
35
votes
10answers
3k views
How do I tell which point-and-shoot cameras take good low light photos?
I have a Canon Powershot A710 and I previously had a previous Powershot A-series model. I love them due to the high amount of control they offer. Sadly, they both suck in low light conditions, their ...
33
votes
8answers
1k views
Is there any photography equipment designed to ease use for the disabled?
The back-story: My father-in-law, who was an active film SLR user earlier in his life, suffered a series of strokes several years ago. He lost most of his ability to speak, and cannot use his right ...
32
votes
16answers
3k views
What are alternatives to a tripod when I can't take one along?
Due to weight restrictions I cannot take my tripod on my next foreign trip. What are the alternatives?
30
votes
7answers
2k views
Do I really need a fast 50mm lens?
Everyone I speak to says that a 50mm lens is the best and beats them all as an all-rounder. I was wondering whether to get myself a decent, fast 50mm as well. However I'm still not 100% sure whether I ...
29
votes
16answers
8k views
Do super-super-lightweight tripods exist?
Are there are any "ultra-portable" tripods out there? I'd like to find one for backpacking that weighs 500 grams or less, but none seem to exist... there are tabletop tripods that weigh considerably ...
28
votes
11answers
2k views
Are there disadvantages to a prosumer camera for a beginner, aside from cost?
I basically decided on a whim (from reading this site, talking to some friends, and always admiring great photos) that I want to get into photography.
Are there disadvantages to starting out with a ...
28
votes
10answers
5k views
Are equipment reviews from websites like kenrockwell.com and bythom.com reliable?
I know that nothing helps more when buying a lens to actually test it out yourself, but in my case anyway I feel it's good to know many people's experiences. Kenrockwell is a website that I run into a ...
27
votes
7answers
986 views
How should I pack equipment when travelling in countries with high crime rates?
I'm going to travel individually in Sub-Saharan Africa where the crime rate is high. Most of the time I will do landscape photography and only a few shots in urban areas. I've been there already, but ...
23
votes
4answers
1k views
What medium format film camera should an SLR guy look at?
Ok, I know the SLR world pretty well, I've owned Pentax, Canon, and now Nikon film SLRs, from the '80s to the naughties.
But I know nothing about medium format cameras, so I need your advice!
My ...
22
votes
11answers
1k views
What are considerations when choosing a DSLR brand?
Realizing that:
no single brand or camera model is perfect,
most DSLRs are "good enough" for most situations
there is no single right answer to which camera should be purchased
...what are some ...
22
votes
12answers
4k views
Should I buy a camera with kit lens, or body plus lens separately?
I am planning to buy a DSLR soon.
Before I zero in on the model, I want to know whether it is advisable to buy a kit (body + 18-55 lens) or not? OR should I go for the camera-body and the lens ...
21
votes
9answers
1k views
How to choose a lens for my first DSLR?
I am considering buying my first DSLR.
How do I know whether I need a 18-200 lens, 17-85, or 18-55? Or something else?
21
votes
14answers
9k views
What lenses would best comprise a travel photography kit?
On a crop sensor camera, eg Canon 7D, what would be the best kit to travel with around Europe for a few weeks? My shooting style will focus on landscape, architecture, and general purpose travel ...
21
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 ...
21
votes
8answers
1k views
What ND filter would you recommend?
I'm thinking about getting an neutral density filter to shoot some silky waterfalls and smooths waves on the beach.
What would you recommend in terms of:
1. Brand - quality, durability, price
2. ...
20
votes
4answers
1k views
How do I choose a polarizer?
It was suggested that I should get myself a polarizer filter to get over my reflection problem.
(
How to avoid reflection when taking a picture of a ceramic object with a shiny glaze?
)
I found out ...
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 ...
19
votes
2answers
2k views
What tips and advice do you have for photographing the Aurora Borealis?
A friend has been kind enough to lend me a DSLR for a few months. It's my first foray into DSLR photography, or indeed any kind of photography beyond simply aiming my Canon IXUS at something and ...
18
votes
14answers
724 views
What are must have accessories?
Taking good photos is about more than just the camera.
What accessories are you sure to take with you?
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 ...
18
votes
5answers
1k views
Is it worth it to have the 50mm f/1.8 Canon lens?
Is it really useful to have a fast prime lens for portrait photography, considering a low budget? If it is, what about the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II?
I have an entry level 18-55mm lens and a Canon 20D. ...
18
votes
4answers
2k views
What do Pentax, Sony, and Olympus DSLRs offer that differs from Canon and Nikon?
We have a question and answers outlining the significant differences between the "big two" DSLR brands. I'm interested in the other DSLR makers, and how the cameras they make compare in terms of ...
18
votes
7answers
1k views
Digital camera for someone without a computer?
My (rural living) mother-in-law has recently been told by her local camera shop that they will soon stop offering processing and prints from film based cameras.
I'm wondering if it is practical to ...
18
votes
4answers
1k views
What types of filters are there and what's their use?
I have basic idea of what a filter is and what it is used for. I would like to know what are the different types of filters are available and if possible would love to have the following questions ...
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 ...
17
votes
9answers
2k views
Prime lens or flash: which upgrade will most improve baby photos?
I current own a Nikon D5000 with kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and am looking to take better indoor photos of my fast-moving 9-month-old, which sometimes come out blurred or not natural I use the ...
17
votes
7answers
2k views
What should I look for when shopping for my first DSLR?
I am thinking of buying a digital SLR camera. What things should I be looking for?
17
votes
7answers
4k views
What is a great portrait lens for Nikon (under $1000)?
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D90 and use the kit 18-105 lens and a 50mm f/1.8. Mostly I shoot as a hobby but lately I've been asked to do some family and engagement shoots. The 50mm is ...
17
votes
2answers
609 views
Considerations when purchasing a prime lens?
What should I be aware of when buying a prime lens (other than that it will fit my camera)? What specs should I pay close attention to?
17
votes
4answers
617 views
What should I consider when purchasing a macro lens?
What should I be aware of when buying a macro lens (other than that it will fit my camera)?
What features should I look for?
What specs should I pay close attention to?
What factors affect macro ...
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 ...
16
votes
15answers
638 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 ...
16
votes
11answers
6k views
What is the best lens for taking photos of birds?
I was using a Panasonic Lumix, now I finally got a Canon EOS 60D, but I was used to that 18x zoom that my old camera has, because you can't get too close from the birds to take pictures, since they ...
16
votes
5answers
3k views
What equipment is required for a home studio?
I'd like to convert a room downstairs into a home studio to do mostly portrait/fashion/pet photography. I have a few strobes, softboxes, and stands, but that's it. What are the bare basics needed to ...
16
votes
4answers
1k views
What fixed lens to use on a cropped sensor DSLR for mountain landscape photography?
This spring, I want to do a few trips to mountains to take some shots of mountain landscapes, including in sunrise/sunset environments.
I already have a Nikon 18-200mm VR (3.5-5.6). I imagine that it ...
16
votes
6answers
525 views
Which equipment for beginning underwater photography?
Photography and diving are two good hobbies of mine, and I would really like to start doing both at the same time. I have a DSLR for photography (Canon 450d), but I'm not sure I'm willing to risk ...
16
votes
3answers
1k views
DSLR, Lens, and other considerations for Aerial Photography
I'm going to be getting into aerial photography of properties, buildings and homes.
Is there anything in particular to keep in mind when shopping for a camera and lens?
16
votes
1answer
834 views
What's the difference between the levels of weather sealing on DSLRs (e.g. 50D vs 7D vs 5D vs 1D)?
My Canon 450D can (or at least has) survived light rain, condensation in the cold and a little icing up overnight during astrophotography...
The various different levels of camera above the ...
15
votes
7answers
837 views
What DSLR should I buy?
I'm in the market for a new camera and I've been shopping around looking at various DSLRs. I currently use a Canon compact super-zoom camera, and shoot in manual mode 99% of the time, so the step to ...
15
votes
13answers
494 views
Where can I find reviews of and tools for comparing cameras?
We all buy a new digicam/DSLR every now and then.
So what web sites do you use to get more information about cameras and compare them?
Where do you look for technical information, camera reviews, ...
15
votes
13answers
925 views
What's an excellent walkabout lens?
(Happy to keep the question general, but personally interested in Canon fit)
I've got a Sigma 18-125 that's served me well, but the image quality isn't stellar, it's unstabilised, max f3.5, and focus ...
15
votes
4answers
20k views
What are the key differences between the Canon 60D and Canon 600D?
What are the key differences between the Canon 60D and Canon 600D?
I know the size is different and they are constructed of different materials, but in technical specifications and image quality, ...
15
votes
7answers
2k views
What are the real-world differences between Canon, Sigma and other third-party 70-200 f/2.8 lenses?
I'm getting started with wedding photography, and was looking for a fast telephoto zoom to compliment my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (on a Canon 500D/T1i).
After extensive online research, the 70-200 f/2.8 ...
15
votes
5answers
791 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 ...
15
votes
8answers
700 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 ...
