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.
2
votes
2answers
83 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
207 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
231 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
283 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
240 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
67 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
87 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
108 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
323 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
654 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
234 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
363 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
77 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
200 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
160 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
107 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
3answers
226 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
162 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
112 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
242 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
88 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
527 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
134 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
188 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
309 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
63 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
475 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
304 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
318 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
147 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 ...
0
votes
2answers
64 views
Will a Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR lens work on my Sony A900?
I have a Sony A900 that I want to use with Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR. Does this lens come with a Sony mount? I do not want to have to use an adapter.
0
votes
1answer
73 views
Which lens should I buy? [duplicate]
I have Canon 550D and 18-55mm IS II kit lens. I shoot landscape, macro and wildlife photography. My budget is $200 and looking for some zoom lens options.
I have searched a lot and found following ...
-3
votes
3answers
150 views
Which lens is better: Canon 70-300mm 4-5.6 or 50-200mm? [closed]
For use on a Canon 600D, primarily for travel, landscapes, macro and subjects in motion.
An additional consideration: if I go with the 50-200mm I could also afford a 50mm lens.
16
votes
5answers
598 views
How do photographers manage multiple lenses?
This is probably a very naive question but I will ask anyway.
It appears that most photographers carry multiple lenses. Each lens serves a different purpose. I understand that. However, I can't ...
4
votes
3answers
249 views
What are the metal items on top of an older Nikon lens?
Does anybody knows what the two metal items on top of the lens are used for?
2
votes
5answers
291 views
What prime lens for taking portraits of my child with a Canon APS-C DSLR?
I purchased a Canon T4i with a 18-135mm STM lens. I'm interested in getting a prime lens to take portrait photos of my child. My budget is up to $500.
-1
votes
2answers
133 views
Suggestions for Lens for my D5100 [duplicate]
I got the Nikon D5100 recently. I'm happy with the 18-55mm lens, but now am moving out to a different country on short trips and occasionally love to experiment with shots at landscapes and nature.
...
7
votes
5answers
429 views
Why not have the diaphragm in camera body instead of the lens?
Why is the diaphragm to control the amount of light entering the camera typically in the lens and not the camera body itself?
3
votes
1answer
107 views
How can I work out how far away I need to be from the set to get it all in frame?
I am planning on shooting a bedroom from above. I am planning on getting a high ceiling studio if I can, and I want the bedroom I build to be the same aspect ratio as the camera lens (so, 16:9?). But ...
0
votes
1answer
218 views
What DLSR should I buy? [duplicate]
I am pretty much a beginner in photography. But I want to buy new a camera and lenses, so I need your help.
Is it better to spend more money for the body or for lenses?.
Whic DSLR camera is good for ...
2
votes
5answers
383 views
Why my “action” shots are blurry even shooting on AF-C, is this a lens or camera limitation?
I'm currently using a Nikon 28-200mm AF-D with my D7000. While trying to take action shots (e.g. my dog running or sports) none of the shots seem to be in focus even on AF-C mode. Would this be a ...
0
votes
1answer
181 views
My camera lens won't stay attached
My camera fell while on the tripod and the lens fell off completely while the camera body remained on the tripod so when I reattached the lens it wouldn't stay it works and everything but I just have ...
2
votes
1answer
105 views
Is there a difference between the black and silver Nikon 50mm f/1.8 E series lenses?
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 E-series has 2 versions: black (1979-1981) and silver (1981-1985)
Is there any difference between these 2 versions, apart from the color?
2
votes
1answer
62 views
Tamron 70 - 300mm not operating in A-Dep mode
This lens will not operate in A-Dep (Auto depth of field) mode on my Canon 40D. I recently bought this lens second hand. It works very well in all other modes. Is this the start of a terminal problem? ...
1
vote
2answers
236 views
Canon 75-300mm f4-5.6 USM or 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS lens?
I am getting a deal on a Canon T3 cam with 18-55mm kit lens and I have choice of one extra lens: 75-300mm f4-5.6 and 55-250mm f4-5.6. I generally like to shoot street, abstract and nature photos and ...
1
vote
1answer
169 views
How can I repair a kit lens with a stuck auto/manual focus mode switch?
Recently got a Nikon D5100. After a few days I realized that I can't focus in manual mode. The auto-manual (A-M) switch on the lens seems to be the issue (I have to press the switch hard to manually ...
2
votes
2answers
333 views
How do the Samyang and Nikon 85mm portrait lenses compare?
I'm looking to buy a 85mm portrait lens for for my D7000. My budget is around $300-400.
I've currently shortlisted the following two lens:
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G
Samyang AE 85mm f/1.4 (the one with the ...
2
votes
3answers
147 views
Are there specific use-cases in mind that make the 70-200 F2.8 worth its weight/size?
I've been looking to upgrade my Mark iii's kit lens, and am comparing lens strategies. The 70-200mm canon F2.8 seems like an enduring and very popular lens. After holding one, i am left wondering why?
...
