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.
1
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2answers
833 views
What Canon/Tamron/Sigma standard zoom lens to choose?
I have a Canon 600D with a kit 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS II lens. Now I want to upgrade it with my not very loose budget.
Three main things I want to improve with a new lens are:
larger aperture
better ...
7
votes
1answer
342 views
What are these big Zeiss lenses?
I'm not sure how to ask this other than "What are these big lenses?"
One of the comments mentions that they might be Zeiss. I'm not sure how to tell.
via http://instagram.com/p/T71mQVRzZX/
2
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1answer
221 views
Magnets and DSLR's — any problem?
I was thinking about incorporating some small but fairly strong rare earth magnets (like the smaller varieties shown here) into a camera bag for holding dividers in place, holding compartments closed, ...
2
votes
0answers
45 views
What is the small yellow/white “hemisphere” near the aperture scale on some Pentax lenses? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What’s the small white plastic dome on old Pentax lenses?
What is the purpose of the small yellow/white "hemisphere" near the aperture scale on some Pentax lenses?
See ...
3
votes
1answer
115 views
What is the little metal piece attached to the aperture ring in some Zeiss lenses?
What is the little metal piece attached to the aperture ring in some Zeiss lenses?
What is its purpose?
It is like a little gun sight.
See for example the Planar T* 1.4 50 where the "gun sight" is ...
2
votes
3answers
213 views
What are the difficulties with making a 10mm-300mm zoom lens?
I'd like to have a comprehensive explanation why such a lens doesn't make 'sense', whether economically, technically, ergonomically, etc. Please support each reason with some details so I can learn ...
4
votes
1answer
109 views
Is it normal for the zoom to be loose on a Sony 18-250 lens?
I have the Sony 18-250mm lens.
The lens is so loose that it doesn't keep a focal length, but slides down to the fullest extension with minimal downward slope. Is this standard or should I see a ...
2
votes
1answer
517 views
What is the difference between the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D and Nikon 50mm f/1.8G on a D7000? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What’s the difference between using a 50mm f/1.8G and a 50mm f/1.8D with a Nikon D80?
I recently got a D7000 and using a 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D. Now I'm looking to into ...
0
votes
4answers
388 views
What's the best lens for shooting baby and kids with a DX Nikon?
I have a Nikon D5100 and want to see whats the best lens for shooting pictures of a baby and kids running around inside and outside? I would like to stay under $1,000. Thanks for the help.
4
votes
4answers
271 views
Will the 18-55 and 55-250mm kit zoom lenses cover my requirements in Europe?
I have just received for Xmas a Canon 650d kit with an 18 - 55 mm IS II and a 55-250 mm IS II lens. Always had an interest so I feel very blessed and luckily my fiance also included a one day DSLR ...
6
votes
7answers
810 views
How does the Canon EF-S 15-85 IS USM compare to the EF 24-105mm L as an all-around lens?
I am looking for a upgrade from my kit lens to a lens with much more potential, a lens that would be an all-rounder for me.
After some research I ended up with these two in the final list:
Canon ...
4
votes
2answers
572 views
EOS Rebel T3i 18-55mm lens won't take a picture - happened with two lenses
I'm a reporter for a small town paper - Early in 2012 we had a body of a T3i go bad and it was replaced new body and we used the old 18-55mm lens. It worked fine for 7-8 months. I do a lot of sports ...
1
vote
2answers
185 views
What does different focal length offer me?
I have a beginner photographer and I have spent a lot of time learning the basics (exposures, lenses, focal lengths, crop factor etc). It's all good except I'm not so sure when I need to buy lenses of ...
4
votes
1answer
379 views
What do I need to use a Nikon El Nikkor 50mm 2.8 enlarging lens with a Canon 5D mark II?
How can I connect the Nikon el-nikkor 50mm f2.8 enlarging lens to my Canon 5D Mark II? What adapter / reversing ring do I need?
14
votes
11answers
2k views
Will a 50mm f/1.8 work for general outdoor photography?
I want to know if it's advisable to use 50mm lens for general outdoor photography. I'm torn between 35mm and 50mm primes, and have read all the pros and cons. I understand that 50mm could be tight in ...
4
votes
5answers
284 views
Should I prefer versatility or a longer focal length for wildlife photography?
I'm having a hard time deciding which lens I should add to my bag. I currently have the 600D + 18-135 kit lens. I wanted to get a telephoto for my next lens, and I have two options to choose from for ...
18
votes
3answers
614 views
Is it physically possible to build a long zoom (17-300 mm for example) at an aperture value of around 1.4 or 1.2?
I'm curious if the physics allow a company to build such a lens of course with good IQ, minimal color aberration, maximum sharpness, and little to none lens vignetting or edge softness
1
vote
3answers
177 views
What is the difference between shooting with different (but similar in quality) lenses at same focal length?
What are the theoretical and/or practical differences between shooting with different lenses at same focal length? For example, if we are shooting with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens at 70mm focal length vs ...
17
votes
5answers
476 views
Is it ok to breathe the front glass element of a lens to fog it and clean it?
Nikon specifically recommends not breathing on the glass elements to clean them as harmful acids in the breath can damage the coatings on the glass.
However, I've read on many other websites that it ...
3
votes
6answers
799 views
Reducing my gear list after moving from Canon APS-C to FF
I am going to order the new Canon 6D and therefore, I'll finally be transitioned into the world of FF very soon after using crop since the 400D and 50D.
Here's my gear list at the moment that I'm ...
4
votes
1answer
230 views
Servicing a Voigtlander Bessa from 1929 - how to open the lens assembly?
I recently acquired a Voigtlander Bessa from 1929. It works but there's a dead insect into the lens assembly (between the glasses) and some fungus/dust. I'm trying to open it to remove the insect and ...
8
votes
1answer
111 views
Should I reuse a custom white balance for the same scene but with a different lens?
Let's say I'm shooting from a tripod to an exact spot, I set a custom white balance with a gray card and then I switch lens.
Should I redo the custom white balance?
2
votes
2answers
261 views
Unknown spots in camera lens Nikon
There seems like purple spots in my camera lens. I am using Nikon 18-105 mm lens. I just bought it last term and there seems to be such a problem so soon.
Here is a screenshot of my camera's lens. :
...
4
votes
4answers
718 views
What Micro-Four Thirds prime lenses produce pleasing bokeh?
What prime lenses can you recommend for producing pleasing bokeh on the Micro Four Thirds cameras like the Panasonic GH2/3?
I'm interested in both Panasonic and non-Panasonic lenses (including using ...
4
votes
2answers
326 views
Are all DSLR lenses made of glass?
This question is about lenses to "big" DSLRs, not system or compact cameras with interchangeable lens.
Are all lenses made of glass in DSLR? And if not, is there a notable difference between:
kit ...
3
votes
4answers
710 views
Can I use spectacle cleaning wipes to clean camera lenses?
Can I use spectacle cleaning wipes (alcohol based) to clean camera lenses? I know it shouldn't be used on plastic (like LCD), but is it OK for lens?
1
vote
3answers
383 views
Is the Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm or 20mm pancake better for night shots?
I'm a total noob on photography, and I own a Lumix G2 camera. I accidentally broke the default 14-42mm lens, so I'm thinking of getting either a replacement of that or buying a new (more expensive) ...
2
votes
2answers
614 views
How does the Canon EF 75-300mm USM III compare to the Canon EF 70-300mm USM IS?
The Canon EF 75-300mm USM III lens costs 179$ on Amazon whereas the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens costs 500$. Now the differences I see are:
The 70-300mm has IS
The 70-300mm has 8 diaphragm ...
3
votes
2answers
159 views
Nikon Lenses: what is the difference between Micro/Macro vs non-Micro/Macro of the same focal length? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is a macro lens?
What is the difference between a Nikon “Micro” lens and a “Macro” lens?
I know what macro photography is, but what makes a macro (or in Nikon's ...
4
votes
3answers
301 views
How do I avoid dust entering my camera when changing lenses?
Akin to Should I be worried about getting dust inside my SLR? and What should I do to avoid switching lenses?, I have a certain paranoia of dust/debris entering my camera when changing lenses.
Are ...
3
votes
1answer
99 views
Is the Canon 40mm safe to store when extended?
I just purchased the Canon 40mm pancake lens for my 40D. I noticed that the barrel of the lens extends when focused close. Do I need to be worried about making sure the barrel is retracted before ...
1
vote
1answer
162 views
Aperture not stopping down on Tamron lens
I have an EF-mount Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 lens that seems to have developed a problem. On all focal lengths from 70mm to approx. 200mm, the lens works flawlessly. When the zoom ring goes above 200mm, ...
1
vote
5answers
302 views
Is there a reason to keep both a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G lens for my Nikon D5100?
I have the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II that came with the camera. However, I've been looking at getting the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which has the same range of ...
3
votes
2answers
155 views
What are the drawbacks of an extender (wide or teleconverter)?
I'm asking a more general question, starting from a particular case with which I'm dealing these days: I'm considering buying a Wide Conversion Lens for my Panasonic HC-X900M camcorder (see the item ...
3
votes
9answers
688 views
Why would a serious photographer buy a lens slower than f/2.8?
It seems to me that the general idea is that, once you start getting to become a decent photographer and are really moving beyond your kit lenses, you shouldn't be looking at anything slower then ...
1
vote
3answers
232 views
Is the angle of view actually different on APS-C?
A 50mm prime lens, whether APS-C or Full-frame is designed around the 35mm format. As such, is the angle of view actually different on a DX/APS-C crop sensor or are we just seeing less of the full ...
3
votes
2answers
743 views
What does “Flat Field Focus” mean?
Looking at lenses, specifically sigma macro lenses, I noticed that it had a ""Flat Field" front lens element". What does this mean? And how is it different to the norm?
4
votes
3answers
321 views
What lens for taking photos of artwork with Nikon D800 without distortion?
I'm an artist and I do need to take photos of my paintings with heavy texture. I bought a 50mm f1.8 with my new Nikon D800 and I find some distortion when the painting is big 36"x 60". I used to ...
0
votes
2answers
394 views
What level of zoom lens comes with a new Canon EOS 1100D?
I am a complete newbie to DSLRs.
I am planning on buying a Canon EOS 1100D SLR with Kit (EF S18-55 IS II). (It's also known as the Canon Rebel T3.)
I have a 10x optical zoom in my Point and Shoot ...
0
votes
2answers
187 views
What lens should I buy? [closed]
Im going on a Caribbean Cruise this winter and I just recently purchased the Canon Rebel T4i 18MP DSLR Camera Package which come with...
Canon Rebel T4i 18MP DSLR Camera With 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II ...
2
votes
1answer
268 views
Canon lens contact pins
I want to convert my Canon lens into a macro lens. I really need the contact pins to customize the ring so the aperture will work. But I can't find it anywhere.
Does somebody know the name of this ...
1
vote
2answers
467 views
noticeable improvment with 70-200 f4 (non is) vs kit lens (18-135 is) and 70-300 (is, non L)?
I currently own a 600d + a 18-135 kit lens.. but one thing i fell missing is reach.. I can't afford an expensive lens like the 2.8 is or the 100-400 so i thought about two lenses:
canon ef 70-200L f4
...
11
votes
2answers
487 views
What does the term “sneaker zoom” mean?
I saw the term used when describing the Canon 85mm f/1.8. What do they mean?
0
votes
1answer
147 views
Are there any lenses for the Sony HX200V to make better quality photos?
My sister has just bought the Sony DSC-HX200V camera. She mainly uses the camera to take photos of views and portraits of children (for university work). Are there any lenses available to buy for this ...
1
vote
2answers
495 views
Which Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 is better for wedding photography?
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens
In these tele lens which one is suitable for wedding photography? How do these two differ?
1
vote
3answers
280 views
Which camera/lens combination achieves the highest possible image quality for macro?
Doing lots and lots of research I have a hard time time finding the ultimate answer to this question. I would like to shoot macro and products and aim for maximum sharpness and reproduction. Maximum ...
1
vote
2answers
197 views
Would this Sigma 70-210mm f/4-f/5.6 be good for starting sport photography?
I'm starting out in photography and told to buy cannon 7D & lense 70-200 f/2.8. It's for equine photography (outdors, long distance shots etc).
I've been looking on ebay and came accros this -
...
2
votes
4answers
168 views
Do I need high end body to use telephoto lens?
I own a Canon 550d and wanted to buy telephoto zoom lens is it essential to buy high end body like 7d or 5d mark iii?
0
votes
1answer
104 views
k mount lens to a 58mm thread camera [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can I use Pentax lenses on a Lumix FZ18?
I found this 3 old lenses from a ricoh kr10 camera which I really liked a lot. The problem is that that camera doesnt work ...
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, ...
