A photographic lens is used to focus the light onto film or a digital sensor. Many cameras have interchangeable lens systems, allowing the photographer to choose the type of lens to use.
3
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3answers
210 views
Which budget retro lens mounts are compatible with full frame Canon DSLRs?
Why Old Lenses? Unlike fancy new lenses, old lenses always have a certain charm, a story and a personality. They also keep your wallet a lot heavier! You can have a full range of very high quality ...
1
vote
2answers
114 views
Water spots inside brand new lens? Normal or reason to return?
I bought a new lens, and discovered two stains/spots which look like water spots on the rear side (side which is plugged to the body). These stains are from the inside.
I have taken a couple of ...
3
votes
1answer
90 views
Can Pentax K mount lenses be used on a 645 Reflex via an adapter?
Is it possible to use Pentax K mount lenses on a Pentax 645 via an adapter? If so, what is the name and type of adaptor required?
5
votes
2answers
152 views
How can I quickly tell without testing if my lens is parfocal or varifocal?
I have read a couple of related questions, but I am curious to find out if there is a list of parfocal/varifocal lenses out there.
I'm most concerned with the lenses I have and I would like to know ...
5
votes
1answer
226 views
Why are so many kit-lenses parfocal if it's an expensive feature?
According to this answer, parfocal lenses (lenses that can zoom in/out without losing focus) are relatively rare and more expensive.
However, the original poster's kit-lens is parfocal. ...
6
votes
1answer
202 views
When focusing at max zoom, focus is lost after zooming out. Is that normal?
On my Canon kit lens, I could completely zoom in, focus on the object and then zoom out to take the picture with the object still in focus.
Now I have a Sigma 18-200mm (with a Canon 600D) and that ...
0
votes
2answers
147 views
What can cause black corners in an image?
There are completely black corners in some of my photos. What can cause it?
I have a full-frame Canon 5D Mk II and had the problem with my 24-105 Canon lens recently and have experienced it with my ...
0
votes
3answers
163 views
What causes blurred/non-sharp images taken of stable objects?
I know about two important reasons which are motioning or shaking camera/hands and dust and dirt on you lens but if you have fixed them and still you have blurred/non-sharp results, what can be the ...
2
votes
2answers
157 views
Why are large aperture lenses so expensive? [duplicate]
Why are lenses with very large apertures so expensive?
For example, generally speaking, there is a significant price difference between a f/1.8, f/1.4 and f/1.2 lens of the same focal length.
Doesn't ...
6
votes
1answer
145 views
Can we do a refractograph with a lens on?
I just saw this tutorial on how to do refractograph. The tutorial specify that you have to remove the lens to make this work. Do you think it would be possible to do something similar with a lens ...
5
votes
3answers
105 views
What could cause a totally broken focus mechanism?
When looking for lens bargains on eBay, I often come across lenses that have something like this in their description:
Lens will not focus automatically or manually. For parts or repair only.
...
3
votes
3answers
223 views
What does it mean that a lens is x millimeters?
Every lens has different focal length in terms of millimeter so if I have a 100mm lens, what does that refer to? Does it mean the length of the lens itself is going to be 4 inches long, or does this ...
6
votes
4answers
469 views
Are there any comparison photos of different lenses (with the same camera and scene)?
I've heard claims ranging from "higher-quality lenses only make a noticeable difference for scientific applications and super-huge prints," to "even the difference between high-quality and ...
2
votes
3answers
132 views
Is focus hunting “normal behavior” for the Sony SEL18200SE?
I recently bought an NEX-6, the 24mm F1.8 (SEL24F18Z) lens, and the black 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 (SEL18200LE) lens. I love the 24mm lens, but I'm having a what I believe one would call a "focus hunting" ...
3
votes
3answers
248 views
Tele-zoom lens choices for Nikon 1 J1?
I recently got a Nikon 1 J1 camera and would like a bigger lens, I've been looking on the internet for answers but can't seem to find anything. I was looking for a 30-110mm size or larger at a ...
1
vote
0answers
48 views
Nikkor AF-S 28-70mm 1:2.8 D autofocus problem
I had this lens for quite a few years now, it used to work as expected. I didn't use my stuff for a few months, maybe 6-8 months. I just bought a D600 and tried to use them. The AF does not work as it ...
0
votes
2answers
126 views
D7000 Kit (18-55mm) or D7000 Kit (18-105)? or should I get a separate lens? [duplicate]
I'm no expert on cameras and lenses. Can you give me some pieces of advise on what to choose?
If I buy the body and separate lens, what should I buy for a general purpose lens.
Thank you in ...
1
vote
1answer
115 views
Misfunction of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 on manual focus?
I have a Canon T3i (600d) and two lenses: EF-S 18-135mm and EF 50mm f/1.8.
While working with manual focus, I can shoot out of focus (on purpose) with the 18-135 (as expected).
But with the EF 50mm, ...
2
votes
2answers
90 views
Should I be worried that my Canon 1dx gave an Err01 on my Zeiss 21mm 2.8 lens for ONE exposure and after that it was fine?
I had this weird experience when I was out shooting at a park. Everything was fine for the first 30 exposures or so and I was not doing anything unusual when all of a sudden on one of my exposures my ...
0
votes
1answer
273 views
Canon EOS 650D + Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens calibration
I have the Canon EOS 650D with Canon 50mm f/1.8 II lens.
After some tests I mentioned that I have ~1cm front focusing (see this question).
Is there any way to calibrate Camera/Lens without ...
4
votes
3answers
243 views
If I mount a (heavy) cine lens on a DSLR, does it need additional support?
I'm shooting some video and I'm renting a Zeiss CP.2 50mm which is a whopping 2 pound lens. I'd like to mount it on a Canon 7D. Will the lens need some sort of additional support apparatus (i.e. the ...
3
votes
4answers
298 views
How is it possible to have shallow depth of field with a small aperture? (The tele-macro paradox.)
Some longer tele lenses have a macro mode that allows for really shallow depth of field that have a lot of background melting when using relatively narrow apertures; like f/4.5-6. I have tried and ...
3
votes
3answers
327 views
Missing focus with Canon 50mm 1.8 lens - is it the lens or me?
I purchased a Canon EOS 650D and EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.
Unfortunately, the auto-focus seems to miss focus at f/1.8. I've tried setting it to single-point auto-focus: it is better, but still not good ...
0
votes
1answer
87 views
How to fix lens “stuck” on Nikon D3100?
My younger sister has a Nikon d3100. Now she asks me if I can help her fix it. She uses the lens that came with the d3100 kit, and for some reason it's completely stuck. She claims that it's been that ...
5
votes
0answers
46 views
How does lens design affect the richness of color reproduction? [duplicate]
Comparing a kit zoom lens to a faster, 20-year-old prime it seems like the old lens produces richer, warmer color. I've noticed the same kind of comparisons elsewhere. What is the lens actually doing? ...
0
votes
0answers
99 views
What are the best OM mount lenses for a wide range of situations (second hand market - reasonable price)? [closed]
I would like a recommendation of the best OM mount lenses available (on the second hand market e.g. eBay or such).
Requirements
good quality (sharp and with low flare)
flexibility - can be used in ...
3
votes
2answers
111 views
What's the difference between real and effective aperture?
I understand that the simple idea that f-stop is focal length divided by aperture really applies to a simple single-glass lens, not the compound lens systems used to provide good image quality in ...
1
vote
4answers
452 views
Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 II or EFS 18-55mm IS II for EOS 650D
I am going to buy the Canon EOS 650D camera.
At the moment I can afford one of the following lenses:
Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 II + 18-135mm lens in future
(Kit) Canon EFS 18-55mm IS II + 55-250 ...
10
votes
6answers
669 views
Do lenses lose sharpness when they age?
I was reading this answer where it mentions, "..it's a lens that can lose sharpness as it ages.." and was wondering if this is true and if yes, true for all lenses. Reasons as to why this happens and ...
1
vote
3answers
239 views
When lens pricing is too good to be true…avoid?
Without going into detail - I'm noticing that some Professional DSLR lenses are on sale at amazon for up to 50pct off. An example would be an L-series lens which sells for 2200 being available for ...
0
votes
2answers
446 views
Choosing between Lenses Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS II vs Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
I am considering between these 2 telephoto lenses but I cannot make up my mind on which one to buy. I have read a lot about the pro's and con's of both these lenses.. For example
70-200 f2.8 IS II
...
1
vote
1answer
79 views
Is there a popular/canonical lens system out today?
I'm entering the world of film photography by buying a cheap Pentax K1000 and a cheap K-Mount lens. Initial research says that the K-Mounts are still in use today, but I'd like to know your opinions ...
0
votes
2answers
257 views
How does the Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8 compare to Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM?
I am looking to buy a good walk around lens for t3i to finally upgrade from my kit lens. My current preference is Canon 15-85. however I am wondering if I should get Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8.
I am ...
0
votes
1answer
181 views
Relationship between camera sensor size and lens focal length [duplicate]
I am choosing a camera and lens.
I want to buy a Canon EOS 650D, as this camera seems to be a good point of entry into the world of SLR.
My question is in the following:
The EOS 650D has a cropped ...
-2
votes
1answer
115 views
Must-have lenses for DSLM/MILC camera?
I am new to the more profession photography. Things that could be easily done with my old compact camera (Sony F717) are more complicated now. For instance: take close-ups at only 2-3cm distance while ...
1
vote
4answers
346 views
Should I invest in E Mount lenses?
I never bought any lens. I always used kit lenses of my cameras. Now that I own a Sony NEX camera and I love it, I'm wondering if it's a good investment to start buying E Mount lenses for my camera. ...
4
votes
2answers
192 views
How to loosen a Canon 75-300 lens (zoom ring is quite stiff to turn)
My new Canon EF 75-300mm telephoto lens and the zoom ring is quite stiff. Is the lens faulty or is there a way to loosen it up?
2
votes
2answers
130 views
Can I use macro extension tubes with a non-manual lens?
I am new to macro extension tubes and I want to buy one but I don't have a manual lens (one where I could change the aperture manually) so I don't know if an extension tube would work with my lenses ...
3
votes
1answer
246 views
How do I properly understand what f-stop is? [duplicate]
I don't quite understand why most lenses seem to have approximately the same diameter aperture regardless of focal length.
F-stop is, by definition, a ratio of focal length to diameter, so a 20mm ...
2
votes
2answers
109 views
How to clean contacts on my canon 1100d DSLR?
I keep getting an error message on my canon 1100d, when taking photos on my 70-300mm tamron lens when the lens is on 300m it wont take the shot, it keeps showing an error message about the contacts ...
0
votes
3answers
955 views
70-200mm lens: Canon or Sigma? f/2.8 or f/4?
I was thinking of buying a Canon EF 70-200m f2.8 mk1 (I would love to buy mk2 but here's a noticable difference in price, at least in my country), but after awhile I came to the conclusion that this ...
1
vote
2answers
150 views
What does it mean for a telecentric lens to be focused to infinity?
I have a question about a telecentric lens Ive been studying (for physics research!) and was wondering if you guys could help clear some cobwebs in my head. For starters, I am simplifying the TC lens ...
6
votes
3answers
198 views
Filming in a steam room?
I plan to film in a steam room this weekend for a cover shoot.
However, I know for a fact there may be difficulties regarding the "steam."
Any tips for filming in a steam room?
4
votes
3answers
320 views
Are modern telephoto zooms so improved that they're not a big tradeoff vs primes? [duplicate]
I am looking for a good amateur telephoto lens for Nikon DSLR. It's main purpose will be sport shots.
Back when I learned photography with film SLR, a fixed focal lens was significantly better than a ...
3
votes
1answer
73 views
Can I attach a Kiron Lens to my Canon Rebel T1i?
I have a Rebel T1i, and was given a Kiron 80-200mm f/4.5 macro. I'm wondering if there is a way I can use them together - and if so, where I may be able to find an adapter?
Should I even waste my ...
2
votes
5answers
550 views
What the best telephoto zoom lens for everyday use with a Canon 7d with a $2500 budget?
I tend to shoot outdoors / landscapes / nature significantly more than I do portraits. I was looking at the Tamron (i think) 50-500 - because it seems so damn fun. But that's the kind of upward ...
1
vote
4answers
428 views
Should I buy a Canon 55-250mm lens or 70-300mm for my Rebel T3i? [closed]
Should I buy a Canon 55-250mm lens or 70-300mm for my Rebel T3i? I have the basic 18-55mm lens that came with my camera but I need a next step up that's not too expensive.
What are the most common ...
1
vote
4answers
135 views
Photography: the technical side [duplicate]
I love photography.
To be honest, I've never seriously taken even one photo, but I love it. Looking at other people's work on sites like 500px and other discussions on this site, it really makes me ...
12
votes
4answers
329 views
Does Canon make an L series lens with a plastic lens mount?
An online retailer is telling me that Canon 24-105 f4L lens comes in two versions, the USA model with a steel lens mount and an import with a plastic lens mount. Is this true?
0
votes
1answer
167 views
What Nikon cameras is a Sigma AF-k lens compatible with?
I was recently given a Sigma AF-k lens and told it was Nikon compatible. I am trying to get a better handle of what the AF-k stands for. I have both a Nikon F4s and a D5100 that I use and not ...
