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.
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22 views
How do I fix a stuck zoom ring on Nikon 18-55mm AF-S?
I have a Nikon D3100. The zoom ring on the lens that came with the camera is stuck. The lens is a AF-S NIKKOR DX, 18-55mm. Is is broken, or just stuck and is there anything I can do "unstick" it. ...
4
votes
1answer
74 views
Are there cheaper alternatives to standard UV photography equipment?
I am familiar with the standard lens/filter system often used - the UV-Nikkor 105mm f/4.5s lens, what I am wondering is if there are cheaper alternatives to this standard (which I believe is also ...
7
votes
7answers
1k views
What are hidden-gem “bang for the buck” lenses for Nikon?
I'm about to buy a D700 Nikon (no, NOT D800). I have no Nikon equipment at all.
I'll initially be retaining my "main" Sony based system while I get the D700 'up to speed'. In time I expect to have to ...
0
votes
1answer
169 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 ...
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0answers
70 views
What is the DIY repair potential of a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 EX DG Macro (non HSM) lens?
Summary:
Can anyone provide useful experience based comment on the potential for or cost of repair of the "zoom bearing" mechanism in this lens specifically or with lenses liable to be similar? My ...
4
votes
4answers
409 views
What is the upgrade path for Nikon D300 with better low light sensitivity?
While I shoot Canon, my brother shoots a D300. We were talking about indoor sports photography. I don't know the Nikon lines, but I know that his D300 is a 2007 vintage, and sensors get better all the ...
0
votes
2answers
492 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 ...
27
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6answers
9k views
Is it worth to upgrade from Canon 50mm f/1.8 to Canon 50mm f/1.4 on 550d?
I'm a newbie in the world of DSLR photography, having played around with my Canon 550d for few months. After posting my first question here and getting some superb advices I decided to buy Canon 50mm ...
0
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3answers
95 views
Macro lens for general purpose shooting
I have a EOS 650D camera and 50mm prime lens for it. At the moment I am thinking about upgrade and looking for a not too much expensive zoom lens.
I read that Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM ...
1
vote
2answers
100 views
How to fix a Nikon 200mm f/2.8 Series E lens not being properly recognized on a D300?
I have a Nikon 200mm f/2.8 Series E mounted on my D300. When I set the aperture on 2.8 on the lens, it is seen as 1.8 on the D300. At its maximum, when set at f/22 on the lens, it is seen at f/16 on ...
3
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2answers
145 views
How do I best compare lenses?
Recently I purchased a $280 50 mm f/1.4 Canon lens. I've got a few lenses at this point, and I generally buy them on reviews and my needs. I bought this lens to do portraits. I also have a `18 - 55 mm ...
10
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5answers
5k views
If I have a 18-55mm lens, is there a point in buying a 35mm prime lens?
I have the Nikon kit lens that came with a D5100 — the kit lens is
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom. I was thinking of getting a fast lens and I am looking to buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX.
...
24
votes
4answers
23k views
What is back-focusing?
What is back-focusing? Is it something I need to be worried about, or can I just live with it? How can I tell if my camera/lens is sufferring from it?
5
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3answers
151 views
What are the comparisons between the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L II lens vs the TS-E 45mm f/2.8?
I'm not sure which one suits best my needs. However, I am curious to know why the 24mm is a lot more expensive, given that it is a f3.5. Perhaps, the maximum aperture does not matter very much with TS ...
0
votes
0answers
31 views
Where can I buy insurance for my lens? [duplicate]
I've recently dropped my bag to the floor with a camera and lens in it. I have a Sony DSLR and lenses. Where can I buy insurance to cover accidental damages? I called my local Sony store and they said ...
1
vote
3answers
115 views
Will a filter cause more or less damage when lens is dropped?
I recently dropped my camera bag from around waist level to the ground. The ground is somewhat padded (carpet) and the bag itself has padding (the typical messenger type of bag's padding). The camera ...
5
votes
7answers
2k views
Is the Canon 28mm f/2.8 sharp and good compared to the 18-55mm kit lens?
I have a Canon 500D/T1i with the kit 18-55mm IS lens. I need to replace the kit lens with a prime as a work around lens. I usually take photos of streets, people etc., and use the 20-35mm range of ...
6
votes
4answers
6k views
Canon kit with standard EF-S 18-55mm IS or 18-135mm IS?
I'm going to order a new Canon 550d in a kit with a lens. I'm fairly new to SLR photography which means I have not much knowledge about the difference between lenses.
There is an offer for a Canon ...
5
votes
1answer
171 views
Why do lenses have different diameters?
Why do lenses (full frame) have different diameters? Does this difference affect the image circle? Whats the significance behind this?
For example Nikon AF-S 70-300 has 80mm diameter and Nikon AF-S ...
20
votes
5answers
29k views
How do I convert lens focal length (mm) to x-times optical zoom?
What is the rule to convert the 'mm' notation to the 'optical zoom' notation? I searched a bit and found this one:
optical zoom = maximum focal length / minimum focal length
For example a 18-55mm ...
10
votes
9answers
7k views
Can I shoot a photo with my DSLR without the lens on?
I thought it would be interesting to see what kinds of effects I could get by shooting a photo without any lens on my DSLR. However, when I take the lens off, it tells me that no lens is attached ...
6
votes
4answers
135 views
How can I check for damage to my lens from impact with a window?
I was taking a photo at an airport when I accidentally zoomed my Canon SX40HS into a window. The impact wasn't super hard, but there was a thump. I cannot see any visible damage, but how can I check ...
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0answers
28 views
The Perfect starting Camera for Video [closed]
Im just a beginner starting with Videography and I mostly like doing music videos, and promotion videos in high and low light, inside and outside and I like to have a lot of depth of field. What would ...
0
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1answer
49 views
Is this sound normal for a Nikkor 55-200 VR?
I just bought a Nikkor 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6G ED for my D5000 and I found that if VR is enabled two things happen after I half press the shutter, wait for the lens to focus and release it:
I hear a ...
2
votes
4answers
145 views
When should I turn off image stabilization? [duplicate]
I've read a bunch of the questions here about image stabilization, but I don't see any concrete examples/proof or references with regards to the benefits of turning off image stabilization.
I've got ...
2
votes
1answer
98 views
Does security scanning a camera with battery inside cause damage to the sensor?
I was at 911 memorial last week. My Fuji S-1 Pro camera was scanned with the battery installed. Security personnel would not let me remove battery. Since then, a dark spot shows up on photos. This has ...
1
vote
1answer
85 views
Lens cleaning pen - disappointed by results, is this working right?
I just got one of these for the first time, a lot of threads on here recommend them and they seem like a great idea. Bought a Nikon one from amazon for $8 and while I really like the brush it seems ...
2
votes
4answers
315 views
Are there any lenses have smaller apertures than f/32?
While most photographers prefer fast lenses that range down to f/1.2, are there any lenses that go smaller than f/32? If there are, what is so special about those lenses that an aperture of f/32 ...
2
votes
2answers
45 views
Can wobbly lens parts significantly affect lens performance?
On one of my zoom lenses (Pentax DA 18-55mm WR), the inner barrel and focusing ring suddenly started to come a bit loose (not sure how, I handle it carefully). They can now move around a millimeter or ...
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2answers
89 views
Will the Nikkor 55-300mm/f4.5-5.6 lens work with Nikon D5200?
I need to know if Nikkor 55 mm - 300 mm f/4.5 - 5.6 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens will work with my Nikon D5200 camera. Thanks.
3
votes
4answers
150 views
What to do with 2nd hand sale of a lens showing oil/moisture coming out of the focus ring?
I just bought a used Canon 28-105mm and when I got it in the mail there was some weird shiny substance, possibly like oil, coming out of the focus barrel. Without thinking I wiped it off because at ...
0
votes
2answers
140 views
What is a good lens for a Canon 5d for birds/wild life with a budget of 1500 dollars
I am planning to buy a Canon 5d mark III, for landscape, wild life and bird photography. What would be an ideal lens with a budget of 1500-2000 dollars? And specifically, what is your opinion on the ...
2
votes
1answer
66 views
How to fix stuck aperture?
I have a Micro-Nikkor 55 mm 1:2.8 lens. The aperture appears to be stuck. Is it worth trying to repair the lens? Are there any good guides for disassembling the lens?
1
vote
4answers
351 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. ...
1
vote
2answers
220 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
130 views
How much versatility does a 85 mm lens have?
Can it be effectively used for landscapes as I am not a portrait shooter?
This may be first "prime" lens so I need to understand what it's usable for.
How far of a "range" does it have as far as ...
4
votes
2answers
442 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?
0
votes
1answer
84 views
What is the better Nikon primes among 50mm/1.8G, 50mm/1.8D and 35mm/1.8G for my D3200? [duplicate]
which is a better prime lens for my Nikon D3200? nikor 50mm f 1.8g or nikor 50mm f 1.8D or nikor 35 mm f 1.8G ?? nikor 50mm f 1.8 is much cheaper. Though money is a constraint for me if the other ...
4
votes
4answers
271 views
Lens Cleaner Recommendations
What is, in your opinion, the best lens cleaner? Which do you think is the most effective/best value for your money/most easy to use, etc.
Please include advantages/disadvantages as well as price and ...
3
votes
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
57 views
Lens won't focus except in video mode, and makes a funny noise: what's wrong?
My 18-55mm AF-S Nikkor lens seems to be faulty. It makes a funny noise when it tries to focus and can only focus at a close distance, not at a long distance. The shutter is very sluggish and slow. It ...
1
vote
2answers
775 views
How do I choose between 24-70 f/4 and 24-105 f/4 Canon lens?
I am getting a new medium range zoom lens for general use and occasional weddings. This new 24-70 f4 was top of my list until I watched this review:
Canon 24-70 f/4L IS vs Canon 24-105 f/4 IS - ...
2
votes
2answers
92 views
Does high reflectiveness of digital sensor lead to poor lens performance?
I Googled film vs dslr and found an article from 2007 that said:
Digital sensor has higher reflectiveness than film. The light bouncing back from sensor will cause flare and lead to poor optical ...
4
votes
3answers
499 views
Why are there no digital cameras with ultra-bright integrated lenses, like f1.0, f1.2 or even f1.4?
One would think that with smaller sensors vs. film, it would be much cheaper to build an ultra bright lens. It's easy to find superzooms, 20X or 35X, but I have not been able to find a camera with a ...
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votes
2answers
84 views
Why would I use a rear gelatin filter over a front filter?
Lenses such as the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L USM offer rear gelatin filter holders, but also accept front filters via a 77mm screw on type. If I was using a circular polarizer, I would need to put it on ...
4
votes
4answers
213 views
How to learn to predict which lens to use between a 14-42mm and 40-150mm?
I am a beginner who has bought Olympus EP-3 and it is my first camera with interchangeable lenses. My two lenses are: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 ...
6
votes
7answers
936 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 ...
1
vote
2answers
118 views
How do I choose among the following lens of 55-250 IS, 70-300 IS and VS 75-300?
Sorry by this specific question, but I'm pretty crazy here looking for a difference.
I've got to buy a lens tomorrow (I leave my country in 2 days)
I could see the difference between 55-250 and ...
13
votes
2answers
4k views
What's the difference between a regular lens and a macro lens? [duplicate]
What is the difference between a 100mm lens and 100mm macro, or 50mm and 50mm macro?
Can we use a macro lens to shot portraits? If yes, what focal length is the best? Please suggest a Canon macro ...
5
votes
7answers
6k views
Why is my Nikon 50mm f/1.8 giving me an fEE error?
I have a AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. When I have the aperture setting on the lens to 22 I can take photos. But when I change the dial to anything other than 22(lowest f/stop) then I get a flashing fEE ...
