New lens

[krafty_x]

Ok. So I know discussion has been and gone before on this subject but current points of view would be helpful.

I've still got my original 18-55mm lens on my Canon 350D. I also have the 55-200 that came with it as a bonus.

I'm now disatisified with the creative capabilities of these two lenses.

What would people recommend as my next purchase?

I tend to take a lot of close up and landscape shots.

I'm prepared to accept I may need to get two new lenses to cover these options but would also like recommendations on the best lens to get the most out of both.

Cheers in advance.

k_x oxo

[pmack]

want to take shots like this?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/surfphotoac/album2/IMG_1463.jpg

or how about this?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/surfphotoac/album2/IMG_7502.jpg

nifty fifty $150*



*skill not included


:P
ps. the 2nd shot is reverse mounted

[krafty_x]

Hmmm

I'm torn between a 17-85mm IS.

Or the nifty 50.

How the hell do you get the reverse mount to focus. I'm way confused on that one*

k_*feeling retarded_x oxo

[phunkdust]

Forget the 17-85

Go for one of these - http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/1750_diII_a016.asp

[krafty_x]

Cheers guys.

:thumb:

k_x oxo

[phunkdust]

Oh yeah the Tamron can be had for around $500 so for the price of the 17-85 you can have both the tamron (which is better than the 17-85 in so many ways) AND the nifty fifty.

[ghettro]

or get the nifty50 and/or a 10-22, 18mm is only so wide. Love these lenses.

[rancho]

as great (and cheap!) as the tamron is, check out the sigma 18-50 f/2.8 macro. recent review comparing the two in the uk's professional photographer magazine rated the sigma very highly. im happy to email you a .pdf of it if you pm me your address.

i hardly ever use my 50 f/1.8 as i dont required such wide apertures all that often. i guess it does open more creative windows for shallow dof so its very user dependant. great all rounder as everyone will tell you.

depending on your budget you could look at the sigma 30 f/1.4. very nice lens and great focal length for a crop body. much better build than the 50 f/1.8 and also has HSM focusing.

if macro is your thing check out the sigma 70 f/2.8 macro or ef-100 f/2.8. sneekers will tell you how awesome the 100mm is. theyre pretty similar quality/feature wise. no hsm on the sigma but.

if wide angle is your thing dont buy any cheap shitty ones like the sigma 10-20 or tamrom 11-whatever it is. the ef-10-22 is absolutely fucking brilliant and is very well priced for how fuck off awesome it is.

if fisheyes your flavour the peleng 8mm could be worth a look.

all i can think of for now ;D

[nettsu]

Hmmm

I'm torn between a 17-85mm IS.

Or the nifty 50.

How the hell do you get the reverse mount to focus. I'm way confused on that one*

k_*feeling retarded_x oxo

niftyfifty :-D
niftyfifty :-D

in all honesty I haven't taken the damn thing off the camera since I bought it

reverse mount = flip lens over
pmack's reverse mounting
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/surfphotoac/album2/Picture-460.jpg

[krafty_x]

niftyfifty :-D
niftyfifty :-D

in all honesty I haven't taken the damn thing off the camera since I bought it

reverse mount = flip lens over
pmack's reverse mounting
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/surfphotoac/album2/Picture-460.jpg

:lol: Yes. I get the concept and have done this.

My question was 'how do you get it to focus?' love. All I get it blur.

k_x oxo

[pmack]

Hmmm

I'm torn between a 17-85mm IS.

Or the nifty 50.

How the hell do you get the reverse mount to focus. I'm way confused on that one*

k_*feeling retarded_x oxo
If you just wanted a general all purpose lens, then the 17-85 is quite handy.
Its got plenty of usable zoom, and the IS is handy.
It's not the fastest lens, and not as sharp as others. but well made and good focusing.
pretty much though, the 50mm f/1.8 isn't something you need to choose between. it's just so cheap you're obliged to buy it. sharp and fast. just shitty build and slow focussing.

[pmack]

:lol: Yes. I get the concept and have done this.

My question was 'how do you get it to focus?' love. All I get it blur.

k_x oxo
i don't use the fous ring. you focus by moving the camera close to the object.
if you're trying with the 18-55, set the camera to 55. that will give you LESS zoom so it will be easier to find where it is in focus..
oh and when you take the lens of, the aperture resets all the way open. if you want to stop it down, you need to do while on the camera, and press the aperture preview button as you remove the lens.



did i mention the 17-85 was a strong build?

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1226/img6572fu5.jpg

the ring on the once was filter is now permantely moulded to the lens and won't come off :(

[The Brain]

http://www.lensbabies.com/index.php?r=GScanonlens&gclid=CLHUzIPKxowCFQ-WbgodMy7zaw

These lenses look interesting.

[nettsu]

http://www.lensbabies.com/index.php?r=GScanonlens&gclid=CLHUzIPKxowCFQ-WbgodMy7zaw

These lenses look interesting.

hmmm :stroke:

although I am considering upgrading the 300D first...

[phunkdust]

The nice thing about the nifty fifty is that the filter diameter nicely sits in the bayonet for ghetto reverse mounting.

You can get a canon bayonet to 52mm adaptor for a more elegant fit.

[aitsu]

Forget the 17-85

Go for one of these

what do these retail for in aus? they're going for AUD$360 over here (japan)

[phunkdust]

Around the $500-600 mark I think?

[aitsu]

ouch!

for those of you who can read japanese, kakaku. c o m　（価格　means "value") is the website - it's like the japanese version of shopbot/froogle etc so you can buy pretty much anything at about 20-40% off normal price ;)

[The Brain]

^^^

Woohoo!

[Gouba]

the ring on the once was filter is now permantely moulded to the lens and won't come off :(
you can wrap a couple of rubber bands around it to increase your grip, ive had that happen before too, helps get them off :)

[Patopeaking]

Hey Rich(Brain) I got Nik Torrens the Canon 400d with the 17-85mm lens for AUD $1600.00 = HKD $2990

[The Brain]

Mine was cheaper here.

[Jobbie]

the 50mm is a great lens for 150$
i would suggest a low aperture for low light shooting, cause thats usually when you get the most vibrant colors

[DuncanM]

Anyone have any experience with the Canon 35mm f2?

Also Krafty, if you haven't already bought:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Canon-Bd-New-EF-50mm-f-1-8-MK-II-Lens-5D-30D-400D-0009_W0QQitemZ230142686224QQihZ013QQcategoryZ30066 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Nifty fifty for $85 + $22 postage.

[DuncanM]

Anyone have any experience with the Canon 35mm f2?


Hopefully its good, because I just bought one.

[phunkdust]

It's OK, not outstanding. The design is close to 20 years old so it's not quite as good as some of the new stuff coming out thats designed for digital.

On a film camera it's quite good, on a digital it might not have fantastic performance... Should give good results if you stop it down a little, F4-5.6 should be optimal.

[DuncanM]

It's OK, not outstanding. The design is close to 20 years old so it's not quite as good as some of the new stuff coming out thats designed for digital.

On a film camera it's quite good, on a digital it might not have fantastic performance... Should give good results if you stop it down a little, F4-5.6 should be optimal.

Oh really? It gets a lot of love here (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=25&sort=7&thecat=2)

Oh well, I'll see how it goes.

[phunkdust]

Anything written on Fredmiranda should be taken with a grain of salt. :)

It's a good lens, if you're using it on a 350D etc the focal length works out to be in the "normal" range which is quite useful, and it's a fast lens so good for low light.

It's probably more useful than the nifty fifty, but more expensive.

[DuncanM]

Anything written on Fredmiranda should be taken with a grain of salt. :)

It's a good lens, if you're using it on a 350D etc the focal length works out to be in the "normal" range which is quite useful, and it's a fast lens so good for low light.

It's probably more useful than the nifty fifty, but more expensive.

Cool, thats pretty much what I'm after.

[The Brain]

It's much better for party/club shooting.
The 50 is far too cramped.

[MJKooLio]

It's much better for party/club shooting.
The 50 is far too cramped.

Very tru, not a good takie outie unless yu wanna shoot just DJ's and get great shots which i now rarely do but love that lens, and cheap too ebay way to go, but should have bought one USM and IS for $500..

Work on getting the f1.2 50mm pisses all over the 1.8 and is a charmer! lol

Just got my self a 28-135mm should be good doing clubs for close ups and zoom for concerts I do for mags. including IS 8)

Next step would be an L-series

But not sure just yet whether an L-series of EOS1D mrk II (N) or III :stroke: ;D

Need the L series more for travel and work but shall convince work for a mrk III

[Miliux]

Ordering Canon 17-55 f/2.8 next week and Tokina 12-24 soon. If i still have loose change, then buy a Canon 5D as my 2nd body.

[rancho]

Ordering Canon 17-55 f/2.8 next week and Tokina 12-24 soon. If i still have loose change, then buy a Canon 5D as my 2nd body.

youre going to spend over $2k on lenses and another few grand on a body they wont work with? whats your current full setup if you dont mind me asking?

[The Duke]

Next step would be an L-series

But not sure just yet whether an L-series of EOS1D mrk II (N) or III :stroke: ;D

Need the L series more for travel and work but shall convince work for a mrk III

I was having a look at some L-series lenses (the 17-40 f4 and the 16-35 f2.8 ) just yesterday. Now I know nothing about lenses- What's the advantage of the L-series lenses? (or basically, what is an L-Series lens?)

All I know- a friend has the 17-40 f4 and the warm colours he seems to get in his shots with that lens is amazing.

[Spectrum]

Just got my self a 28-135mm should be good doing clubs for close ups and zoom for concerts I do for mags. including IS 8)

While a larger aperture would be nice (as always), I do love this lens of mine. So versatile, with its highly useful focal range, better-than-most sharpness, and *that* image stabilizer.

Works well with an extension tube for macro work too, though needs to be zoomed to the medium/longer end of the focal range (ie. no good on wide/extension as the point-of-focus disappears up the barrel).

Yep, solid performer and relatively affordable, though obviously some of its (wide angle) versatility is lost on a 1.6x sensor crop.

[MJKooLio]

While a larger aperture would be nice (as always), I do love this lens of mine. So versatile, with its highly useful focal range, better-than-most sharpness, and *that* image stabilizer.

Works well with an extension tube for macro work too, though needs to be zoomed to the medium/longer end of the focal range (ie. no good on wide/extension as the point-of-focus disappears up the barrel).

Yep, solid performer and relatively affordable, though obviously some of its (wide angle) versatility is lost on a 1.6x sensor crop.

eye love ittt!!! used it first time out last nite till course the early morn over working at a club in perth and boyyyy the photos and using it isss the sex!! haha

[MJKooLio]

I was having a look at some L-series lenses (the 17-40 f4 and the 16-35 f2.8 ) just yesterday. Now I know nothing about lenses- What's the advantage of the L-series lenses? (or basically, what is an L-Series lens?)

All I know- a friend has the 17-40 f4 and the warm colours he seems to get in his shots with that lens is amazing.

L series lenses have a unique glass which is one of the best in the world, lens wise

[Scootie]

What's the advantage of the L-series lenses? (or basically, what is an L-Series lens?)

L-Series lenses are Canon's professional quality lenses. All L-Series are meant to have the highest quality optics, have been built strong to take the abuse of professional usage, have the best technology (at the time of build/design) in terms of auto focus, IS etc, and are also weather and dust sealed and have seals to keep the 1 series cameras weather sealed when attached.

[The Duke]

Cool. Thanks for the info. I'm not looking at buying at the moment, I was just recently looking at a few photographers' works where they used those lenses.

Plus I just spent a bit on my camera recently so I'm currently broke. Bought a EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. So far I'm really happy with it, but I also haven't had a chance to really use it properly.

[phunkdust]

Just got my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 XR, going to see how it goes :thumb:

[J_Newey]

Just picked up a Sigma 18-50 2.8 macro.


The build feels a whole lot sturdier than my canon 17-85 IS. It's much easier to handle due to the smaller barrel too. Sucks that it doesn't come with hsm but it isn't that much slower than the canon's usm anyway.


It'll get a good test this weekend..

[MJKooLio]

Thinking of interchanging with brands...... Sigma or Tampron any good?

The Duke - what type of work/photos will you be doing?

[phunkdust]

Sigma and Tamron both have some pearlers, and both have some real dogs. You have to do your research. There are a couple of good buys such as Sigma's 30mm f/1.4 and Tamron's 17-50 f/2.8 XR

[The Duke]

Thinking of interchanging with brands...... Sigma or Tampron any good?

The Duke - what type of work/photos will you be doing?

I've only just started out getting serious with photography recently, so still a little unsure what sort of work I'll be doing (and what lenses I should have). Currently I'm only really doing photos for ITM. And I've done a few gig shots for friends' bands (which I've used the 50mm f1.8 for so far). I want to get into taking portrait/closeup shots of people (for example, I've got a few friends who are DJs or in bands who want me to take some promo/profile shots for them). There's other areas of photography I want to try, just no immediate plans at the moment.

[limuel_inc]

I sell sigma, tamron & canon lenses...PM me for prices

[The Duke]

I can't remember if a friend suggested to me to look at either Tokina or Tamron.

Are the Tokina lenses (in general) good?

[legal-affairs]

Just got my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 XR, going to see how it goes :thumb:
Phunk - any thoughts as yet? It looks like I can get a package deal with this on a 400D for $1699, which is about $300 less than the 17-85.

Then again, as I do a lot of shooting handheld with available light, I'll get some value out of the image stabilisation? Hmm. Faster glass or a longer usable exposure time?

[phunkdust]

Haven't had time to use it yet, too busy with work. As I said in the other thread, the 17-85 is still a great lens. The IS helps in low light but in a different way than a larger aperture helps.

Neither the 17-85 or either Tamron or Sigma's f/2.8 offerings will go that well in a dark club environment, you need f/1.4 for that.

If you're ever in Mexico look me up and you can take the Tamron for a spin.

[Qube]

krafty, I'm putting in another vote for the Canon L lenses. The colour, saturation and sharpness are fantastic and they focus really well, even in very low light (I've used them to shoot nights at Home and other clubs with no problems). I have a 17-40L (I'm selling it now because I'm getting the more expensive 16-35 - check the buying & selling forums for my thread) and it's really shone. Some pics I've taken...

http://www.photosbyjay.com.au/free-wallpaper-downloads/

For portraits/close ups, I love the Canon 70-200 2.8L. It's a bit pricey at $1600, so I usually just hire it from L&P photographic in artarmon. This is seriously the sharpest lens I've ever used (primes included). In fact, if you don't want to commit to an expensive lens just yet, you can hire from that place for like $80-90 for the weekend. Good option - their site is http://www.lapfoto.com.au.

Good luck finding the lens that is the best for you.

Qube

[sway]

i just bought the L series 16-35mm. hoorah!

[rancho]

i just bought the L series 16-35mm. hoorah!

mk 1 or 2?

either way :drool:

[sway]

haha mk1. i didn't think 2 had been released yet? i've used a friend's before and love it. and while i'd love to be a millionaire, the mk1 is perfectly fine for my hobby photography! lol.

[rancho]

haha mk1. i didn't think 2 had been released yet? i've used a friend's before and love it. and while i'd love to be a millionaire, the mk1 is perfectly fine for my hobby photography! lol.

nah its available.

[Patopeaking]

I bought the Canon EF28-135mm f/3.5 yesterday

[Spectrum]

^^^ Thoughts, opinions, reviews????

[DuncanM]

Love my 35mm f2

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1021/724035292_fa4818513a.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/724035156_d1cd9f1198.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/734597195_b64738ad36.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/734597403_1569de585d.jpg

Still getting used to having a prime rather than a zoom, but I like the lens alot.

[Patopeaking]

^^^ Thoughts, opinions, reviews????

Yeah it is a nice lens alot better than what i had previously Canon EF 35-135mm f/4-5.6 USM
http://www.flickr.com/photo_exif.gne?id=527274984&context=set-72157600061650237


will be posting the pics up on flickr soon

[sneekers]

guys if u want to see how the 17-85mm lens is on a 350D body, check out my club pics, Also use 580ex flash.

[J_Newey]

Love the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 macro.



http://www.inthemix.com.au/photos17/albums/070630-mayhemj_newey/aao.sized.jpg

http://www.inthemix.com.au/photos17/albums/070630-mayhemj_newey/aai.sized.jpg

[Spectrum]

^^^ Nice! Who's the live act?

[MJKooLio]

I bought the Canon EF28-135mm f/3.5 yesterday

Beautiful lens,,,, bought one too

and just got a lens hood for it this morn in the mail. Can't wait for sat :D (as always, its actually a good club lens, give u range from close up to people in the crowd!) and pays off with my photos in commercials too

[MJKooLio]

Photos like these are great with that lens!

**Photo attached.

[J_Newey]

^^^ Nice! Who's the live act?


C.O.A

http://myspace.com/coalivehardcore

[Miliux]

Has anyone tried the 14mm f/2.8 lens?

I tried the Tamron version but wasn't pleased with it. The angle is pretty good...wide enough.

Got the 24-105L but it's not fast and wide for me. Good walk-around lens though.

[Patopeaking]

Beautiful lens,,,, bought one too

and just got a lens hood for it this morn in the mail. Can't wait for sat :D (as always, its actually a good club lens, give u range from close up to people in the crowd!) and pays off with my photos in commercials too

Where did you get the lens from ? i bought mine in Hong Kong for AUD $440.00 also included the hood

[legal-affairs]

If you're ever in Mexico look me up and you can take the Tamron for a spin.
Got one of my own, and a 30D to put on the back end of it.

Now sitting at work waiting for the day to finish so that I can go and play with it.

[rancho]

Got one of my own, and a 30D to put on the back end of it.

Now sitting at work waiting for the day to finish so that I can go and play with it.

where abouts did you end up purchasing the gear? good service?

[legal-affairs]

where abouts did you end up purchasing the gear? good service?
Ended up going with Ted's - web research had them pretty expensive but once I started hitting the phones, they could do me the best deal. Service was pretty good.

Interestingly, Fletcher's were $300 more than Ted's and about $200 more than the next most expensive quote - "Is that your best price?", I asked, and the bloke said "You'll find these prices are competitive" - no, mate, they aren't, or I would nae be asking . . .

[the_pezman]

Love the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 macro.

any advantages/disadvantages to shooting with a macro?

ive been recommended this a few times now. looking to upgrade my rather average 18-55 3.5

[J_Newey]

I don't know of any disadvantages, as far as i'm aware the only advantage is a closer minimal focusing distance.


There's a review that puts the sigma up against the canon and tamron equivalent here:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-18-50mm-f-2.8-EX-DC-Lens-Review.aspx


For me it came down to the sigma vs the tamron, the 17-55 canon was out of my expenditure range..

[sparc54]

Ok so after reading this thread and other sites, I'm about to buy a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 MkII from ebay, I can get one with postage for about $120 or so. I'm still kinda new at this whole endeavour, so is this what I'm looking for as a 'nifty fifty'?

Also could someone be so kind as to explain the concept of reverse mounting to me? Thanks in advance.

[jaebles]

rancho, you seem pretty familiar with most things Pentax, especially in this forum full of Nikon and Canon-lovers... :) I'm reading some great reviews of some of the Pentax primes, notably the FA 50mm f/1.4 and the FA 77mm f/1.8 which are leading the race for my dollars.

Price difference aside, what can you tell me about these lenses; have you tried them first hand? Have you had a chance to play with any of the new DA*'s coming up around the corner?

[rancho]

rancho, you seem pretty familiar with most things Pentax, especially in this forum full of Nikon and Canon-lovers... :) I'm reading some great reviews of some of the Pentax primes, notably the FA 50mm f/1.4 and the FA 77mm f/1.8 which are leading the race for my dollars.

Price difference aside, what can you tell me about these lenses; have you tried them first hand? Have you had a chance to play with any of the new DA*'s coming up around the corner?

i have an older smc f 50mm f/1.4 as my test lens, its a solid construction and great image quality. somewhat noisy autofocus as im used to my canon usm lenses. havent seen the fa 50 irl, it looks like a reasonably good build although not as good as the older metal design.

if you can wait, they are releasing a da* 50mm f/1.4 sdm hopefully by the end of the year.

the fa limited range (31 f/1.8, 43 f/1.9 & 77 f/1.8) are all outstanding lenses. ive used the 31 although unfortunately not very extensively. the build quality on them is just unreal. google some reviews and i think youd be hard pressed to find a bad word said about them.

pentax is finally playing catchup, the announced da* range are all weather resisant, sdm (sdm only available on k10d and k100d super) and internal focusing and so far includes;

announced & due soon

16-50 f/2.8
50-135 f/2.8

planned

50 f/1.4
60-250 f/4
200 f/2.8
300 f/4

havent had my hands on them yet, but have seen some sample images from the 16-50 and 50-135 and they definately match the image quality of the competiton.

having said that, im still a canon fanboy :blush:

[The Duke]

Ok so after reading this thread and other sites, I'm about to buy a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 MkII from ebay, I can get one with postage for about $120 or so. I'm still kinda new at this whole endeavour, so is this what I'm looking for as a 'nifty fifty'?

Also could someone be so kind as to explain the concept of reverse mounting to me? Thanks in advance.

Is that $120 brand new? You can probably get it for $130-$150 brand new from a store.
From reading a few comments around these forums, I'm pretty certain that nifty fifty refers to the 50mm f/1.8. From what I've been told, it's a really nice quality lens, and also a very large aperture (f/1.8 ), for a very good price. I've used mine so far for music gig shots where I didn't want to use a flash (where the large aperture helps).

As far as I understand about the reverse mounting- Basically, you turn the lens around, so back to front, and then you've got something like a macro lens. So you've got a really large magnification. Look at the first page of this thread, and also half way down the page from here
http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=110132&page=61

to see examples of it.

I'm not sure if you can buy mounting rings to get a reverse mount, but I've seen photos of people just holding the lens in place using a lot of sticky tape.

[jaebles]

Yeah, I'm definitely leaning towards the 77mm f/1.8, but I'm thinking about telephoto, the DA*'s, blah blah blah...

Ahh fuggit, I'll go get the 77.. :D

[sparc54]

Is that $120 brand new? You can probably get it for $130-$150 brand new from a store.
From reading a few comments around these forums, I'm pretty certain that nifty fifty refers to the 50mm f/1.8. From what I've been told, it's a really nice quality lens, and also a very large aperture (f/1.8 ), for a very good price. I've used mine so far for music gig shots where I didn't want to use a flash (where the large aperture helps).

As far as I understand about the reverse mounting- Basically, you turn the lens around, so back to front, and then you've got something like a macro lens. So you've got a really large magnification. Look at the first page of this thread, and also half way down the page from here
http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=110132&page=61

to see examples of it.

I'm not sure if you can buy mounting rings to get a reverse mount, but I've seen photos of people just holding the lens in place using a lot of sticky tape.

Well they were new but from Hong Kong, so I was a little wary of them. I kept looking and centre.net.au, which Rancho highlighted had the cheap cf cards, have them for $123 with claimed overnight delivery. So I'll find out tomorrow :)

Reverse mounting is for macro, excellent, I've always wanted to do macro photography but the cost put me off, can't wait to try it out.

[The Duke]

Well, you'll run into difficulties with reverse mounting (getting the lens to sit still and also with focusing)- it's really just something to muck around and experiment with. But you can get some pretty cool and interesting shots with it.

[the_pezman]

Well they were new but from Hong Kong, so I was a little wary of them. I kept looking and centre.net.au, which Rancho highlighted had the cheap cf cards, have them for $123 with claimed overnight delivery. So I'll find out tomorrow :)

Reverse mounting is for macro, excellent, I've always wanted to do macro photography but the cost put me off, can't wait to try it out.
search ebay for reverse mount and youll come across a metal ring (just get the one to fit your lens - same size as your filter) mine was abuot $14AU great fun but you have to use manual apeture on the lens. oh and dont use it for more than an hour straight. gave me motion sickness :p

[sparc54]

I'd be happy if I can get shots as half as good as some in the creative thread! So does the ring negate the need for all the tape?

[rancho]

I'd be happy if I can get shots as half as good as some in the creative thread! So does the ring negate the need for all the tape?

the ring locks onto the body the same way a lens would and then has a thread with the lens screws onto via the filter thread so its locked on tight. so yes, no tape needed. unless you lens has an aperture ring (where you can manually select the aperture) youll need to mount the lens normally, set your aperture and hold down the depth of field preview button whilst you remove the lens.

[sparc54]

Cool, I think I understand it all now, may have to get me one of those rings. My order has been processed from Melbourne as of last night, hopefully arrives today...

[MJKooLio]

ahh my sexy 50mm - photo from Future Music Fest few months back of X-press 2

http://mattjelonek.com/IMG_4199.jpg

Tell me what you think :thumb:

A bit grainy I know, had the ISO cranked up tho..

http://mattjelonek.com/IMG_4645.jpg

^^Tom Novy

http://mattjelonek.com/IMG_6366.jpg

http://mattjelonek.com/IMG_6347.jpg

^^Groove Armada

[jaebles]

Are there any advantages/disadvantages for servicing / warranties for lenses purchased overseas?

[MJKooLio]

Are there any advantages/disadvantages for servicing / warranties for lenses purchased overseas?

ummmm.... so far i've bought a few things on ebay ;) way to go, hav had no problems..... but wouldn't know what to do if I did! :( So i hav no idea.

[rancho]

Are there any advantages/disadvantages for servicing / warranties for lenses purchased overseas?

most lenses/products purchased from overseas must be returned at your expense for warranty repairs.

these days theres plenty of australian sellers who are are only slightly more expensive than the hong kong peeps (once you add freight and gst if its over $1000), so its worth spending just that little bit extra for less hassle.

[jaebles]

Fair enough, but you gotta admit, with the amazing strength of the AUD, it's pretty tempting to go foreign.

Stuff like grips, and flashes etc seem to be almost worth the hassle. Then again, I could be looking at the wrong local places.

[the_pezman]

Are there any advantages/disadvantages for servicing / warranties for lenses purchased overseas?
buy a reporatible brand from a reporatible seller :thumb:


yet to have any probs either *crosses fingers*

[jaebles]

Trying to track down the best price for the 77mm Limited, anywhere I should check? camerawarehouse is looking like the best bet so far.

Curse these expensive hobbies and disposable income. I'm supposed to be saving up for a trip! haha

[shuttervision]

I only have a limited number of lenses
1. canon 18-55 (kit lens)
2. tamron 28-75
3. canon 50mm

which would be the best to take photos at a club? (I've had my tamron attached for ages now and it seems fine) but opinions would be appreciated
-Jeff

p.s. and i also have a sigm 10-22 which i think is too wide for clubs(IMO)

[rancho]

I only have a limited number of lenses
1. canon 18-55 (kit lens)
2. tamron 28-75
3. canon 50mm

which would be the best to take photos at a club? (I've had my tamron attached for ages now and it seems fine) but opinions would be appreciated
-Jeff

p.s. and i also have a sigm 10-22 which i think is too wide for clubs(IMO)

id use a combination of the 10-22 and the 50 f/1.8. the 10-22 is definately not too wide for clubs. i borrowed a mates ef-s 10-22 on sat night and didnt take it off once. just be careful not to distort peoples faces.

once you want to try something different slap the 50 on and get some nice tight headshots.

[shuttervision]

id use a combination of the 10-22 and the 50 f/1.8. the 10-22 is definately not too wide for clubs. i borrowed a mates ef-s 10-22 on sat night and didnt take it off once. just be careful not to distort peoples faces.

once you want to try something different slap the 50 on and get some nice tight headshots.
sweet, thanks for the info
and with the 50mm, its kind of hard to crop people's faces because the distance you need for the 50mm is 1-2metres to make it look "normal"
other then that its a nice little lens

[Klips]

rancho, you seem pretty familiar with most things Pentax, especially in this forum full of Nikon and Canon-lovers... :) I'm reading some great reviews of some of the Pentax primes, notably the FA 50mm f/1.4 and the FA 77mm f/1.8 which are leading the race for my dollars.

Price difference aside, what can you tell me about these lenses; have you tried them first hand? Have you had a chance to play with any of the new DA*'s coming up around the corner?

I have the FA 50mm 1.4, and it's good and bad. Good points are it's very noticeably shaper than the 1.7 (and cheaper, for some reason), lovely bokeh, light weight and you can laugh at all the people with 1.8s because you've got just that little bit of speed on them. The big big downside is it's reeeeeally slow focusing in the dark (on my *istDL at least) so it's MF/assisted AF or miss a lot of good shots because the bugger's trying to find the focus point. It's not helped by the lack of manual override either.

If you've got uses outside of the club for it then definitely go for it, I use it for nearly all my portraiture etc, but if it's solely to get the speed up in the clubs then I'd think carefully about it.

[jaebles]

Hrm, I wish there was a way for me to try some of these lenses out before ponying up the cash. Although a fast 50mm is always welcome in the collection, and for the price, it's a pretty damn good little lens.

I've heard nothing but good things about it on the K10D, so I may just buy it anyway. I'll let you know how it goes.

[jaebles]

Another problem is that if I get the 50/1.4, getting the DA* 16-50 seems to be a bit of a waste, considering I have a Sigma 20-40/2.8, even though the 16-50 looks pretty damn good.

I'm also mad keen on the DA*50-135, which coupled with either the 20-40+50 or the 16-50 would be my ideal snow shooting kit; the core reason why I've got the setups.

Guess we'll wait and see whether or not the DA*'s are worth it before I make any big buys.

[sparc54]

Oh I should have mentioned that I received my f1.8 50mm MkII from centre.net.au promptly for $123, which was great, and it has proved extremely useful! Really clear shots as well, I'll upload some at a later date.

[Miliux]

Just bought a nice 14mm f/2.8 2 days ago. There was a stock clearance sale, so i snatched it for 1/2 the price.

Should keep me busy...

[MJKooLio]

Just bought a nice 14mm f/2.8 2 days ago. There was a stock clearance sale, so i snatched it for 1/2 the price.

Should keep me busy...

where where where?!?!?!?!? =O show meeeee!!

[andreas]

Ok I am a total Photo newb would like to learn but prob no time.

My girl however was right into photog at school etc and has since let it slide without a
decent camera etc.
Her 21st is coming up & I have bought her a Canon 400d with the standard 18-35mm 3.5
lens. We are planning a trip OS & am sure she will want to be snapping away at everything
from people to animals and architecture/countryside.
What is a good all round lens? Is there one? Preferably not $$$$.

It seems that a good lens to get is the 50mm f 1.8 for club shots ect $134 bucks from www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au

thanks heaps in advance.

[nettsu]

canon 50mm 1.8f
can be acquired for less than $100 apparently
I paid $149 for mine and much to my bf's angst we went through vietnam with it with no major dramas
i'd also shell out an extra $20 for a UV filter

eg -> http://www.flickr.com/photos/nettsu/sets/72157600010411794/

(however this is a mix of all 3 cameras - the S2IS, the 300D with the nifty fifty and my w810i)

[Klips]

I've decided to leave pentax as they just don't support what I want to do (namely sports/gig photography, as they don't go above 3fps on digital, and even that's a call I'd like substantiated as my *istDL doesn't approach the 2.8fps they claim, and I've found the low light AF pretty terrible compared to a 350D that I borrowed).

Anyway, getting to the point, I've decided that I'm probably going to get either the 30D or 40D. With this I will need new glass, so I'm thinking the kit lens (which has lots of rumours, from the current 18-55 to a weather sealed 18-55 IS and even the lovely 24-135 IS), a nifty fifty and the Sigma 70-300. Does anyone have anything new to say about any of these lenses? I've got the 70-300 for pentax and some canon and nikon people claim it's not that sharp but my copy is deliciously so, especially for a $250 lens, so if you could confirm/deny that would be excellent.

Cheers,
Klips

[Miliux]

I just bought a new Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L lens. It's in the middle of shipping.

So excited.

[phunkdust]

Loving the Tamron, it's punchy.

Only time it's ever let me down is taking group shots @ 17mm at large apertures, the field curvature bug causes problems - can't really get everyone's faces sharp.

But since I rarely take group shots it's not much of a worry for me.

[Spectrum]

I just bought a new Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L lens. It's in the middle of shipping.

So excited.


Ooooh! Nice! :)

[andreas]

Has anyone got suggestions on web sites with reviews & comparisons of lenses?

I am still researching what would be the best lens for my gf's new 400D when she gets it on
her birthday, as I believe that the canon lens that comes with the bundle isnt worth the
packaging its wrapped in??

[dastrix]

Check our FredMiranda.com - great site!

I just added the 85L F1.2 MK II to my kit and got the 16-35 MK II few months back...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1348/925818892_c82bf202b0_o.jpg

[andreas]

also any suggestion on filters for outdoor stuff & club type stuff (if there are filters for club type shots)
are there any filters that are better than others?

So far looks like I will get her a 50mm ef f/1.8 II as an all purpose lens ?? (will it suit)
I mean its cheap and from reading these forums alot of people like them..

Thanks for peoples help.

BTW dastrix thats an impressive selection of lenses..

[phunkdust]

Polariser and perhaps graduated ND could come in useful for outdoor stuff.

[beagle2]

Has anyone got suggestions on web sites with reviews & comparisons of lenses?
www.photographyreview.com - all the lens reviews you could wish for

[legal-affairs]

Has anyone got suggestions on web sites with reviews & comparisons of lenses?

I am still researching what would be the best lens for my gf's new 400D when she gets it on
her birthday, as I believe that the canon lens that comes with the bundle isnt worth the
packaging its wrapped in??
I second phunkdust's call on the Tamron 17-50 in place of the kit lens. Having f2.8 for the full zoom range gives you lots of opportuntieis for depth of field fun.

[The Duke]

also any suggestion on filters for outdoor stuff & club type stuff (if there are filters for club type shots)
are there any filters that are better than others?

So far looks like I will get her a 50mm ef f/1.8 II as an all purpose lens ?? (will it suit)
I mean its cheap and from reading these forums alot of people like them..

Thanks for peoples help.

BTW dastrix thats an impressive selection of lenses..

As far I know about filters (and it isn't much)-
UV filter - Blocks out the blue-ish haze in outdoor shots.
(Circular) Polariser - Removes reflections (from shiny surfaces/windows etc)

If you have a look at the Hoya Filters page theres sample photos taken with the filters.
http://www.hoyafilter.com/products/hoya/index.html

For club shots, a lot of people have recommended to me to buy a UV filter- not for the effect but to protect the lens. If you're doing club shots the lens will get knocked around, and if the front gets scratched, then you're only replacing a filter, and not the whole lens.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a good one to get. You can get some great quality shots, and the large aperture is really handy- I mainly use it for gig shots, where there's low light and I don't want to use the flash. But you can use it for plenty of other shots.

[phunkdust]

UV filtering doesn't really do anything for digital SLRs, as sensors aren't sensitive to UV.

Hoya actually makes plain optical glass filters now that are marketed just as lens protectors.

[Klips]

Also, a trip to www.slrgear.com is always worthwhile. I love the interactive blur plots, they're so much fun.

[andreas]

thanks LA checked out that lens and it looks like a goodun for a bit of all purpose. Prob a
bit much at the moment given I just shelled out for the camera & will prob go the 50mm ef
for now.

Thanks to duke, phunk & klips also.

EDIT: PS KLIPS that is a great site thanks.

[Klips]

It is, eh :D no worries, I find that between it and dpreview I can get pretty much all the information I need for something (although not everything I want sometimes :P)

[Miliux]

Ooooh! Nice! :)

I read a lot of reviews that some owners has bad apple copies. I'm getting mine from UPS Courier on Monday (Amsterdam-time).

[Miliux]

The cube is here.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1046/cube24eo8.jpg

[Klips]

Sneekers (and anyone else using one), I'm getting the 40D and considering the 17-85. Is it worth the extra $400 or so over the 18-55?

EDIT: Milux.... :drool:

[Miliux]

have you thought of the 17-55? it is a wonderful lens with f/2.8 & IS. Faster lens will thank you when taking photos like in nightclubs. The lens is sharper as well compared to 17-85.

[DuncanM]

Anyone know anything about the Sigma 17-70 f2.8 DC Macro?

http://www.camerastore.com.au/Sigma+17%2D70mm+F2%2E8%2D4%2E5+DC+MACRO+Canon+Moun t-details.htm

Price looks good, and fredmiranda has good things to say.

Forget that, I've found the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro. Thoughts?

[rancho]

Anyone know anything about the Sigma 17-70 f2.8 DC Macro?

http://www.camerastore.com.au/Sigma+17%2D70mm+F2%2E8%2D4%2E5+DC+MACRO+Canon+Moun t-details.htm

Price looks good, and fredmiranda has good things to say.

Forget that, I've found the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro. Thoughts?

the 18-50 f/2.8 is dope. for the price its a great lens and is one of the few sigma lenses i actually recommend.

[DuncanM]

the 18-50 f/2.8 is dope. for the price its a great lens and is one of the few sigma lenses i actually recommend.

Sold. Thanks Rancho.

[DuncanM]

One more to throw into the mix:

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/tamron.htm#17-50

Anyone know anything about the Tamron 17-50 f2.8?

[Patopeaking]

Is anybody here selling a canon lens 50mm 1.4

[DuncanM]

OK, I think I have resolved my new lens epic: Sigma 20mm f/1.8 and a Canon 50mm f/1.8, which should complement my 35mm f/2, and all are full frame for when I eventually upgrade to full frame body. Excitement!

[rancho]

One more to throw into the mix:

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/tamron.htm#17-50

Anyone know anything about the Tamron 17-50 f2.8?

phunkdust has one. i think he posted about it somewhere... maybe even this thread.

[rancho]

OK, I think I have resolved my new lens epic: Sigma 20mm f/1.8 and a Canon 50mm f/1.8, which should complement my 35mm f/2, and all are full frame for when I eventually upgrade to full frame body. Excitement!

plus.. only the coolest kids use all primes :P

[DuncanM]

That was also a major consideration.

[legal-affairs]

One more to throw into the mix:

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/tamron.htm#17-50

Anyone know anything about the Tamron 17-50 f2.8?
Dude, that's what I've got. Borrow mine anytime you want.

[The Duke]

Sneekers (and anyone else using one), I'm getting the 40D and considering the 17-85. Is it worth the extra $400 or so over the 18-55?

EDIT: Milux.... :drool:

I'm probably not the best person for camera advice (I'm still quite a n00b) but I bought the 18-55 kit, used it on two occassions (photos for friend's band and the Motor Show) and immediately wanted to buy another lens. (But I think I may have just been disappointed after spending all this money on a 30D, trying it out, and getting average quality out of it).

I wanted something with better quality and Image Stabilizer (which the 17-85 IS is good for) but I also wanted a large aperture. So I ended up waiting and saving for a bit longer and got the 17-55

have you thought of the 17-55? it is a wonderful lens with f/2.8 & IS. Faster lens will thank you when taking photos like in nightclubs. The lens is sharper as well compared to 17-85.

One thing I like is that it has f/2.8 through it's entire zoom range, which is quite nifty

[phunkdust]

phunkdust has one. i think he posted about it somewhere... maybe even this thread.

It's shit hot. Field curvature at 17mm is a problem so if you're taking a group shot, best to walk back a bit and zoom in a little.

[Klips]

Is anybody here selling a canon lens 50mm 1.4

Look at this first: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/140/cat/10

Most notably this comment:
Prior to testing it, we'd heard the buzz that the Canon 50mm f/1.4 prime (non-zoom lens) was a little soft when shot wide open. Even with that preparation though, we about fell out of our chairs when we first saw its blur plots. Yikes! - This is a prime? At f/1.4, this lens has the dubious distinction of having one of the worst blur characteristics among the 20 or so lenses we've tested at this point.

[J_Newey]

Forget that, I've found the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Macro. Thoughts?



The 18-50 is my new favourite lens.

Great build, excellent lens for the money.



.

[Patopeaking]

Look at this first: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/140/cat/10

Most notably this comment:

dang, then what?:meh:

[DuncanM]

Finally got my 20mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8, as well as unearthing my old 75-300 at my parents place. I'm looking at picking up a mates old sigma 24-70 f/2.8 after he upgraded to the L series. Lens' like whoa!

[Nazaar]

Anyone know anything about the Sigma 17-70 f2.8 DC Macro?


FWIW I've got one for my 20D and am very happy with it for the price. I wanted a mid-range lens with macro capabilities, which seems to be a rarity, and this does the trick as well as anything else I've heard of, and for 400ish bucks I reckon it's a bargain.

[Patopeaking]

Going back to Hong Kong in a few weeks

Next Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens

[legal-affairs]

Going back to Hong Kong in a few weeks

Next Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM Lens
I have been looking at that one, although I'm thinking for about the same money I would rather have the f4 IS version. But it's horses for courses - if i was doing a lot of gig/club shooting I would probably rather have an extra f-stop than IS.

[sneekers]

i've got the 70-200 f2.8 with out the IS

i duno with me, i cant tell the difference with and without IS, i've used both..

[rancho]

i've got the 70-200 f2.8 with out the IS

i duno with me, i cant tell the difference with and without IS, i've used both..

ive got fairly stable hands and the difference is still quite noticble with IS on/off. was it worth the extra cash? yep. ive only taken 1 shot that i know i wouldnt have got without the IS and that 1 shot is so fucking good that any regret was instantly dismissed :blush:

[Klips]

i've got the 70-200 f2.8 with out the IS

i duno with me, i cant tell the difference with and without IS, i've used both..

Wow, you can't tell the difference between unstablised and with 3 stop stabilisation? You either have arms of iron or weren't shooting anywhere that actually required IS.

[sneekers]

or i up the shutter speed ;)

lol

[Patopeaking]

so how come you got both?

[rancho]

or i up the shutter speed ;)

lol

IS > underexposure :P

[sneekers]

pat i've only got the non IS version, i test driven both but i opted for the non is version,

brad, up the iso or go for a larger aperture !

[rancho]

pat i've only got the non IS version, i test driven both but i opted for the non is version,

brad, up the iso or go for a larger aperture !

what happens when you reach your limits?

IS > underexposure/too shallow dof/too noisey :haha:

[Patopeaking]

i've got the 70-200 f2.8 with out the IS

i duno with me, i cant tell the difference with and without IS, i've used both..

shit, sorry man, i did not read it properly :meh:

so do you use it alot ?

[The Brain]

Thanks to ligament damage from a motorbike accident a few years ago, my hands shake like a bogan teenagers screaming baby.

I WANT IS!!

[rancho]

Thanks to ligament damage from a motorbike accident a few years ago, my hands shake like a bogan teenagers screaming baby.

I WANT IS!!

please tell me it wasnt your hypersport you hurt {:-(

[Patopeaking]

Thanks to ligament damage from a motorbike accident a few years ago, my hands shake like a bogan teenagers screaming baby.

I WANT IS!!

Richard, can you find out how much they are selling them in Jpn?

hijack.....mate see if i can extend your stay in HK

[The Brain]

please tell me it wasnt your hypersport you hurt {:-(

Haha, no it was a Honda CX500. It was a heavy bike, that was underpowered, and had shit brakes that wouldn't pull the thing up when I really needed to stop - like when some silly cow "didn't see you" and pulls out infront of you, causing you to nearly t-bone her, and drop the bike instead.

It was that spill that made me buy the 916. Quality gear, enough power to get you out of trouble, and decent brakes for when you need them.

Pato: I'll have a look tonight, mate.

[Klips]

The Brain: that sounds horrible!

Another Canon quesiton, anyone got experience with the 35mm f/2? I want the 1.4 but can't really afford it.

[DuncanM]

Yep, I have the 35mm f/2. I LOVE it, its my standard walk-around lens for my 350D.

[The Duke]

Can anyone please recommend a decent fisheye lens (for a Canon 30D)? It's just the ones I've seen start at around $900. Is that the price I'd have to play for a fisheye, because I just want one to muck around with. It doesn't have to be great, just decent quality.

I'd mainly want to try it out for outdoor sunny activities (BBQ with friends, skating etc)

[Patopeaking]

^^ Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye

That is next on my shopping list too

[rancho]

Can anyone please recommend a decent fisheye lens (for a Canon 30D)? It's just the ones I've seen start at around $900. Is that the price I'd have to play for a fisheye, because I just want one to muck around with. It doesn't have to be great, just decent quality.

I'd mainly want to try it out for outdoor sunny activities (BBQ with friends, skating etc)

peleng 8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye. youll get black corners on a 30D but it still looks ok. they sell on ebay for about $450 inc freight i think. manual focus, but fishes have such a deep dof it doesnt matter. from 1m to infinity is about 3mm on the focus ring :lol:

im not sure on pricing but theres two very cool new lenses from sigma coming out soon which i would recommend waiting for ;)

[Klips]

Thanks Duncan, most appreciated. I'm think I'll likely get a bit of a prime collection going before I move onto zooms, go the 50 1.8 + 35 2 on purchase, then later get the 85 1.8, the 100 macro then go a 70-200 2.8 IS :D Now, I just need to win $5000 on a scratchie!

The Duke, go the 15 2.8, it's a lot more versatile than you might think. Check out some of Lisa Tolcher's work with the fish for gigs (http://isova.deviantart.com) as well as the applications you've mentioned. I've heard some not very nice things about the Sigma fishes, apparently they have huge CA among other things.

[rancho]

Thanks Duncan, most appreciated. I'm think I'll likely get a bit of a prime collection going before I move onto zooms, go the 50 1.8 + 35 2 on purchase, then later get the 85 1.8, the 100 macro then go a 70-200 2.8 IS :D Now, I just need to win $5000 on a scratchie!

The Duke, go the 15 2.8, it's a lot more versatile than you might think. Check out some of Lisa Tolcher's work with the fish for gigs (http://isova.deviantart.com) as well as the applications you've mentioned. I've heard some not very nice things about the Sigma fishes, apparently they have huge CA among other things.

15mm fishes are wasted on an aps-c sensor. youd be better off with something like an ef-s 10-22mm.

[The Duke]

Thanks for all your help guys.

Just a few questions
apparently they have huge CA among other things.
What's CA?

15mm fishes are wasted on an aps-c sensor. youd be better off with something like an ef-s 10-22mm.
Does aps-c sensor refer to the cropped sensor on a 30D? the 10-22 isn't a fisheye is it?

[legal-affairs]

Thanks for all your help guys.

Just a few questions

What's CA?


Does aps-c sensor refer to the cropped sensor on a 30D? the 10-22 isn't a fisheye is it?
CA = chromatic aberration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromatic_aberration

And my understanding is that the 10-22 is a really, really wide angle rather than a fisheye per se. But I'll let someone who knows more about that answer.

[Klips]

The 10-22 cops a good review on SLRgear, check it out here: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/135/cat/11

The difference between an Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) and a fish is that the fish pulls in lots stuff from the corners creating perspective distortion, where a good UWA will ave rectilinear correction, so you'll get a hell of a lot into the frame but you won't have the perspective disortion (so no fisheye effect).

Proof that the sigma's CA is... huge, to say the least:
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/171/cat/31
Check out the chromatic aberration graph, it's one of the worst I've ever seen.

[rancho]

Thanks for all your help guys.

Just a few questions

What's CA?


Does aps-c sensor refer to the cropped sensor on a 30D? the 10-22 isn't a fisheye is it?

yeah aps-c = 1.6x eg 30D.

the 10-22 is rectilinear so it corrects the distortion rendering lines more straight, whereas a fisheye will curve the shit out of them. the disadvantage in that is that the corners of the 10-22 will look stretched at the wider end.

fisheye = 180 degree field of view on a 35mm frame, but on the aps-c sensors youll only get 108.1 degree (diagonal) view. the 10-22 has a fov of 107.5 degrees (diagonal) @ 10mm so although the 15mm fish will be a lil bit wider, you will suffer the distortion and limited use of it.

The 10-22 cops a good review on SLRgear, check it out here: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/135/cat/11

The difference between an Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) and a fish is that the fish pulls in lots stuff from the corners creating perspective distortion, where a good UWA will ave rectilinear correction, so you'll get a hell of a lot into the frame but you won't have the perspective disortion (so no fisheye effect).

Proof that the sigma's CA is... huge, to say the least:
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/171/cat/31
Check out the chromatic aberration graph, it's one of the worst I've ever seen.

that second link is for the sigma 10-20.... although i agree that its certainly not the best lens compared to an ef-s 10-22, the sigma fishes are great quality. the 8mm f/3.5 circ fish i recently bought restored my faith that maybe sigma can infact make a decent product.

[DuncanM]

Thanks Duncan, most appreciated. I'm think I'll likely get a bit of a prime collection going before I move onto zooms, go the 50 1.8 + 35 2 on purchase, then later get the 85 1.8, the 100 macro then go a 70-200 2.8 IS :D Now, I just need to win $5000 on a scratchie!

I just got the sigma 20mm f/1.8 and while I haven't had a proper play yet, I'm quite liking it so far. You will be stoked with the 35mm though.

[jaebles]

Picked up the Pentax FA 50 f/1.4 on the weekend, managed to take some photos with it in some fairly ordinary conditions, and very happy with the result. Snap to focus, and very sharp once you've stopped it down to about f/2 which is still fast.

Not to mention a whole lot more compact than the Sigma 20-40 f/2.4 that I've been carting around up till now. Definitely my new day-to-day lens.

[Klips]

Hey mate, let me know how it goes on the hunting front, mine hunts like nothing else in dark conditions. Hell, even my kit lens is faster to find focus at gigs usually. Agree abot needing to stop it down a little, but it's still usable at 1.4 if you don't mind a 1mm field :D

[jaebles]

I haven't tried it in really dark conditions, but I'll give it a good shot over the weekend.

Found a 77mm Ltd 2nd hand in great nick for 650 odd, really thinking about picking it up.

Thoughts?

[jaebles]

Well it doesn't matter anymore - I just bought it. Couldn't let it go at that price. Let's hope it's not a lemon!

[jaebles]

Got it last night and I must say that the lens is a thing of beauty. Even when mounted on the black body of the K10D, it looks great. Build is fantastic and even though it's second hand, the optics are top notch.

Can't wait to give it a good workout over the weekend.

[sneekers]

Ranch

im waiting to see examples of sigmas 4.5mm fisheye lol

should be good

[legal-affairs]

The 10-22 cops a good review on SLRgear, check it out here: http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/135/cat/11
Mine arrived today. Huzzah!

[a_N_t]

I just got the sigma 20mm f/1.8 and while I haven't had a proper play yet, I'm quite liking it so far. You will be stoked with the 35mm though.

I've had my Sigma 20mm for ages now and never really used it before. It was back focusing pretty badly. :(
Got it in the shop now getting repaired and should have it back in 2 weeks *fingers crossed*

It's a pretty decent lens when it works...And not all that expensive!

How do you find it Duncan?

[justletgo]

YAY my 50mm lens just arrived and is waiting at home for me and my 18-135 is almost fixed !!! cant wait to be running at full pace again!

[Klips]

Everyone with lens new and fixed should be posting photos so that people can learn from your purchases. GO TO!

[dkgrima]

Finally made my decision on an upgrade from the 400D.

Jumped in the deep end with a spankin new 5D... along with the EF 17-40 and nifty fifty.
Team that with my current 24-70 and 580EX and I'm ready to roll...:rock:

Now... If it would only stop raining to get out of the house...:meh:

[Klips]

Finally made my decision on an upgrade from the 400D.

Jumped in the deep end with a spankin new 5D... along with the EF 17-40 and nifty fifty.
Team that with my current 24-70 and 580EX and I'm ready to roll...:rock:

Now... If it would only stop raining to get out of the house...:meh:


Congrats mate, looking forward to results, especially at ISO 1600 :D

[pmack]

well dad wants me to stop using his 350D, so he's getting me a camera for graduation.

Gonna get the 40D, with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS (this allows a $500 rebate from canon too!)
Then im gonna buy a wide angle, and a zoom for surfing, so will end up with these three:
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L

can't friken wait

[dkgrima]

well dad wants me to stop using his 350D, so he's getting me a camera for graduation.

Gonna get the 40D, with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS (this allows a $500 rebate from canon too!)
Then im gonna buy a wide angle, and a zoom for surfing, so will end up with these three:
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L

can't friken wait


That's an awesome score. That Canon rebate is a ripper. I got $300 or so back on my 580EX last time. This time I'm getting $350 back on the 17-40mm. Pitty you can't claim two lenses with the one SLR purchase. The 100-400mm is worth another $500 cash back (if you're getting the IS USM)..would have saved yourself a grand...:meh:... Still good though...:D

[DuncanM]

I've had my Sigma 20mm for ages now and never really used it before. It was back focusing pretty badly. :(
Got it in the shop now getting repaired and should have it back in 2 weeks *fingers crossed*

It's a pretty decent lens when it works...And not all that expensive!

How do you find it Duncan?

Apart from the fact that its FUCKING HUGE, I quite like it. I really like the f/1.8, but it only really works well when I have time to focus manually - not a huge fan of the AF. I am kind of wishing that I'd gone for a fast zoom like the sigma 17-55 f/2.8 (I think that's the right specs anyway) or even the tamron 24-70, but yeah.

[The Duke]

peleng 8mm f/3.5 circular fisheye. youll get black corners on a 30D but it still looks ok. they sell on ebay for about $450 inc freight i think. manual focus, but fishes have such a deep dof it doesnt matter. from 1m to infinity is about 3mm on the focus ring :lol:

im not sure on pricing but theres two very cool new lenses from sigma coming out soon which i would recommend waiting for ;)


I've been searching around for the Peleng, but been having a lot of difficulty. I think ebay will be my best bet.

There's the new (I think it's new) Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM lens with is made for the aps-c sensor, but I think it's going to be over $1000 (I found one US website saying it was about $1000 US).


Has anyone had any experience with the lensbabies? http://www.lensbabies.com/
I like the effect in some of it's photos, and it's relatively cheap. But I'm wondering if it's use would be very limited, and whether the effect could just be done in photoshop.

[rancho]

yeah there is two new fisheyes from sigma for aps-c the 10mm diagonal and the 4.5mm circular.

i was pretty disappointed when they finally released the specs because the 10mm is only 180 degrees on nikon, canon is 167 degrees and sigma is 154 (but who the fuck has sigma bodies). but i guess it makes sense because nikon has a slightly larger sensor... but would have been nice to have 180 on canon seeing sigma canon mount outsells nikon atleast 2:1.

if youre interested in the 10mm ill get a price for you next week but i think theyre cheaper than that.

[The Duke]

That would be great if you can please. I am interested in the sigma fisheye.



No one has any comments about the lensbabies?

[rancho]

That would be great if you can please. I am interested in the sigma fisheye.



No one has any comments about the lensbabies?

mmm looks like retail will be about $950 but you will prob be able to pick one up for about $850 online im guessing.

atm theyre expected end of january.

[pmack]

So what would the difference be between say the 10mm fisheye such as the Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye, and my "super wide angle" EF-S 10-22 when set at 10mm?

[rancho]

So what would the difference be between say the 10mm fisheye such as the Sigma 10mm f2.8 EX DC Fisheye, and my "super wide angle" EF-S 10-22 when set at 10mm?

the ef-s is rectilinear (lines are straightened but corners looked stretched) and would have a diagonal field of view of 107 degrees (i think... could be 112 or something) but the fisheye will have a diagonal fov of 167 degrees (much, much wider) but lines will remain curved.

[Klips]

Ahhh, the joys of turning 21, people heap cash on you (if you ask nicely for it). A combination of said cash and a lot of my savings plus my family retuning means that my 40D is back, with battery grip and the 17-85 IS USM. My lovely girlfriend surprised me (and spent far too much money on something that's as short term as ours has been, it's our two months today :D) and bought me a 50mm 1.8. Which was on my list of things to buy, meaning I have freed up some more cash. Looks like, by the end of tomorrow, I will have all of this plus a 430EX, a 35mm f/2 and as much memory as I can buy (probably 2GB).

I love my life.

Side note: holy shit, I'm amazed by this camera. It can autofocus on things in the dark (my other one couldn't, really). It is responsive as all hell. The screen is HUUUUUGE(!!!) on the back. And a lot more. I'll definitely try to get some 'creative' shots up with it soon to show you why it's worth the money :D

[DuncanM]

I'm thinking I'll sell my sigma 20mm f/1.8 and maybe upgrade to the canon 17-40. Does anyone have one of those?

Also, if anyone wants my sigma, I'll do it for $450 + postage with all original packaging, lens hood and a sigma lens case. Otherwise I'll have to ebay it.

[dkgrima]

I'm thinking I'll sell my sigma 20mm f/1.8 and maybe upgrade to the canon 17-40. Does anyone have one of those?

Also, if anyone wants my sigma, I'll do it for $450 + postage with all original packaging, lens hood and a sigma lens case. Otherwise I'll have to ebay it.


Yeah, I've got the 17-40 f/4. Good all round lens. Probably would have preferred the 16-35 f/2.8 but couldn't part with the cash. Still very happy with my purchase.

Just added the Canon 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye to the family. Haven't had a test run yet, but can't wait..:-D

[Patopeaking]

^^ where and how much did you pay for it ?

[dkgrima]

^^ where and how much did you pay for it ?

Discount Digital Photographics.... $850.

You could get it cheaper in HK but hey, just wanted it, and wanted it now i guess.

Awesome lens but... Lot of fun

[The Duke]

yeah there is two new fisheyes from sigma for aps-c the 10mm diagonal and the 4.5mm circular.

Sorry, I originally missed this point- What's the difference between a diagonal and circular fisheye lens?

Edit: And I've just been checking, there's not too much difference in price between the two. Which would be the better buy?

[ac1d3o3]

My new 24-70L got dropped of at my parents place yesterday.
Cant wait to get my hands on it... wont be going there until the weekend tho :(

Bought it at B&H, took about 3 days to get it delivered. Not bad considering the store is in NY.
Ended up having to pay tax as well :( regardless tho it was still cheaper than buying
from any grey importers here in sydney!

[DuncanM]

Just got a new 17-40 f/4 L series for $790 on ebay. Stoked.

[dkgrima]

Just got a new 17-40 f/4 L series for $790 on ebay. Stoked.


Good choice.....I Paid about $850 brand new from a shop after the $350 Canon cash back.

[rancho]

Sorry, I originally missed this point- What's the difference between a diagonal and circular fisheye lens?

Edit: And I've just been checking, there's not too much difference in price between the two. Which would be the better buy?

depends if you want a circular or diagonal, personally id suggest the diagonal as its more useful.

as for the difference, diagonal = 180 degree fov diagonally (only 167 degree with the sigma 10mm as canon aps-c sensors are smaller than nikon).

circular = 180 degree fov in all directions so the image is circular and youll have a lot of black in your frame. its kind of like looking through a peep hole.

diagonal

http://photo.site-j.net/tubuyaki/tphoto/kizai/sigma15/51632.jpg

circular

http://www.nikonweb.com/fisheye/fisheye_flower.jpg

[DuncanM]

<3 my new 17-40L.

[barking spider]

Hi guys,

Just finished trawling through 78 pages of the creative thread - some truly stunning photos in there, awesome!

I'm about to purchase new lenses and I'm tossing up between the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 or Sigma 17-70 f/2.8.

Any experience with or thoughts would be much appreciated :thumb:

[Klips]

Loving my Tokina 10-17, so much fun. Ridiculously wide at 10mm, like a slightly distorted 15mm at 17mm (if that makes sense).

[rancho]

Hi guys,

Just finished trawling through 78 pages of the creative thread - some truly stunning photos in there, awesome!

I'm about to purchase new lenses and I'm tossing up between the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 or Sigma 17-70 f/2.8.

Any experience with or thoughts would be much appreciated :thumb:

the sigma 17-70 is actually an f/2.8-f/4.5. personally i prefer having constant f/2.8 so i would read some reviews on the sigma, tamron and tokina versions of the mid zoom f/2.8 lenses and make a decision on that. could be worthwhile going to a camera shop and trying them out because zoom ring comfort etc is important too :thumb:

[barking spider]

Cool, cheers for that. After some more research and chat to staff at Paxton's in Sydney I decided on the Tamron. Now it's time to get snap happy!

[Bwen]

Finally made my decision on an upgrade from the 400D.

Jumped in the deep end with a spankin new 5D... along with the EF 17-40 and nifty fifty.
Team that with my current 24-70 and 580EX and I'm ready to roll...:rock:

Now... If it would only stop raining to get out of the house...:meh:
How is the 24-70? I'm keen on buying it but with a cropped sensor 40D will the shots be as wide as I would like?

[Klips]

How is the 24-70? I'm keen on buying it but with a cropped sensor 40D will the shots be as wide as I would like?

No.

Long version: I quite often use 17-23mm on my 40D, I would dislike it if I had to change every time to get this wide. If you're going to buy this lens, buy a 5D to go with it :rock:

[legal-affairs]

Hi guys,

Just finished trawling through 78 pages of the creative thread - some truly stunning photos in there, awesome!

I'm about to purchase new lenses and I'm tossing up between the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 or Sigma 17-70 f/2.8.

Any experience with or thoughts would be much appreciated :thumb:
I have nothing but good things to say about the Tamron 17-50, but I haven't used the other lenses you mention.

[dkgrima]

No.

Long version: I quite often use 17-23mm on my 40D, I would dislike it if I had to change every time to get this wide. If you're going to buy this lens, buy a 5D to go with it :rock:


Yeah... Agreed. Much better on the 5D compared to my old 400D.

[Klips]

HAI GUYS :D

*ahem*

I was shooting at a festival on the weekend and realised that I desperately need some longish, fast glass. I've narrowed it down to three main options (with prices in USD from B&H, where I will likely buy it from):

Canon 70-200 2.8L IS $1700
Canon 135 2.0L $ 900
Sigma 150 2.8 Macro $ 600

What does the forum recommend? Have you used either the 135 or the 150 (I've used the 70-200, so I know what to expect from that) and if so what were your impressions?

[DuncanM]

Is the IS really worth the extra money on the 70-200? My understanding is that IS doesn't work on stuff that's moving anyway. Having used my mates 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, and seen some of the shots he gets at gigs with it, I'm sure the non-IS version will fulfill your needs.

[Klips]

Hmmm, good point. I keep forgetting that I can shoot above ISO 400 (on my Pentax I couldn't). FWIW, non-IS is $1140, so a fair whack cheaper.

[DuncanM]

Hmmm, good point. I keep forgetting that I can shoot above ISO 400 (on my Pentax I couldn't). FWIW, non-IS is $1140, so a fair whack cheaper.

This (http://www.supercoupon.com/Coupons/Electronics/B&H_Coupon_for_Canon/) was posted in the Canon dslr users group on flickr. Apparently it's legit.

Edit: I forgot to add that the 70-200 f/2.8 is fucking awesome. I think it'll be my next lens. f/2.8 means it works reasonably well with the 2x teleconverter too, by all reports.

[Spectrum]

Is the IS really worth the extra money on the 70-200? My understanding is that IS doesn't work on stuff that's moving anyway. Having used my mates 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, and seen some of the shots he gets at gigs with it, I'm sure the non-IS version will fulfill your needs.

I'd vote yes to IS, especially for handheld @ 200mm.

I stood next to a guy with a 70-200mm @ Vanessa Amorosi gig on the weekend, and despite the dim lit conditions, I could see by the LCD that he was achieving around 1/60th of sec shutter speed @ f/2.8. Very workable.

Of course, this is a moot point really as I never got to find out the ISO setting.

Shame it's such a big frickin' lens, as is the 100-400mm.

[rancho]

HAI GUYS :D

*ahem*

I was shooting at a festival on the weekend and realised that I desperately need some longish, fast glass. I've narrowed it down to three main options (with prices in USD from B&H, where I will likely buy it from):

Canon 70-200 2.8L IS $1700
Canon 135 2.0L $ 900
Sigma 150 2.8 Macro $ 600

What does the forum recommend? Have you used either the 135 or the 150 (I've used the 70-200, so I know what to expect from that) and if so what were your impressions?

i own, love and highly recommend the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. never used the non-is version, but with a reasonable amount of festival experience behind me i can firmly say, yes, it's better to go for IS. i love being able to get handheld candids right on sunset. useful for artist shots? yup. obviously its not going to help when theyre moving, but ive had plenty of sharp images at slower shutter speeds when you catch them stationary.

never used the 135 f/2 but it gets great reviews. matt booy uses one im pretty sure and he fucking rocks. id love one, but prefer the versatility of a zoom. not as heavy as the 70-200 IS so you would be able to nail reasonably slow shutter speeds too.

the sigma 150 macro is an absolutely lovely macro lens, but as such the focus isnt fast enough for gig/festival photography in my opinion.

[DuncanM]

Anyone have any experience with the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8?

[rancho]

Anyone have any experience with the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8?

its rather good for the price. one of the few lenses that sigma really nailed. theres a mkII coming out very shortly which is a lil bit more expensive but supposedly has improved optics.

[sneekers]

im currently looking at a canon fd 50mm 1.2

i'll see how i go...

[DuncanM]

Canon bling, anyone?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2337006339_10493ea2b2.jpg

(shop window in Hong Kong, 70-200IS's in top left for scale)

[Patopeaking]

^^Nathan Road?

[DuncanM]

Just outside the Wan Chai computer market.

[Nemo_DJno1]

Is the IS really worth the extra money on the 70-200? My understanding is that IS doesn't work on stuff that's moving anyway. Having used my mates 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS, and seen some of the shots he gets at gigs with it, I'm sure the non-IS version will fulfill your needs.
Point of the IS Dunc is generally Focal length=Min req shutter speed to avoid shake. IE shooting@250mm will require 1/250th exp... IS will generally allow you to move 2-3stops slower - therefore youre 250th sec min becomes an easy 60th. Handy I say, esp with fast glass...:rock:

[Spectrum]

Is IS is good.

[a_N_t]

Canon bling, anyone?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2337006339_10493ea2b2.jpg

(shop window in Hong Kong, 70-200IS's in top left for scale)

Dunno if it's there or not (Think it might be the one on the right?) but am going to be hiring the Canon 500mm f/4 IS lens when I go on safari next year :drool:

[polo]

how much would renting something like that cost these days?

[a_N_t]

how much would renting something like that cost these days?


A place in Sydney has it going for $220/day, $330/weekend, $990/week.
I'm hiring it for the duration of my safari in South Africa (16 days) for 500 GBP, which equals a little bit over $1,000 AUD.
That's renting it from the safari operator though, and he owns 2 of the lenses himself.

[Klips]

I got the Sigma 28mm 1.8 Macro [insert Sigma alphabet soup] today. I love it.

Pros:
Fucking close focusing distance
Nice, sharp wide open
Comes with petal-style lens hood + case
Cheap (!!!)

Cons:
Weird focus mechanism (have to flip a switch and 'click' the focus ring to shift between AF and MF)
Loud, slow AF

First image from it:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2527008723_e78a6c95db.jpg

[Stoosh]

We were both spoilt today Klips!! I picked up my first L, the 70-200L f2.8 Non-IS.. I hate testing in the middle of the day, worst time for lighting, can't wait to get this baby out and take some proper photos


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2527839196_a91ba4eedf.jpg

[Klips]

Nice work Stoosh, congrats on your first red ring! what the hell is going on in that shot, is someone filming a video clip or something?

[Stoosh]

Nice work Stoosh, congrats on your first red ring! what the hell is going on in that shot, is someone filming a video clip or something?

Spot on! I have no idea what band it is thou

PS Red ring is the sex

[rancho]

I got the Sigma 28mm 1.8 Macro [insert Sigma alphabet soup] today. I love it.

Pros:
Fucking close focusing distance
Nice, sharp wide open
Comes with petal-style lens hood + case
Cheap (!!!)

Cons:
Weird focus mechanism (have to flip a switch and 'click' the focus ring to shift between AF and MF)
Loud, slow AF

First image from it:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2527008723_e78a6c95db.jpg

sigma macro's have the slide focus ring so that you can get a solid hold on the lens without accidentally minutely adjusting focus :thumb:

[DuncanM]

Just a head's up y'all: dd photographics ( http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/ ) have some cheap stuff atm, and seem to have adjusted their prices on canon lenses.

Anyone have any experience with the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 ($689 :drool:)

[Klips]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2700263130_320fd60663.jpg

:rock:

[Stoosh]

Grats Klips, the 70-200 range is simply awesome!!

[polo]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2700263130_320fd60663.jpg

:rock:

c n t

[dkgrima]

Ok... so this isn't a question or querie relating to a lens, but thought there was no need to start a new thread.

I recently purchased a battery grip for my 5D and noticed that I can't actually press the shutter button (on both the camera or grip) half way and hold it there until I'm ready to shoot.

Normally I'd hold, let it focus, then shoot.... But with the grip, it now focus' and shoots when I try and hold half way.

Is this normal for battery grips?

Cheers

[Klips]

No, no it's not. It should be just like your other shutter button.

[djway]

There's a slight chance I'll need a decent zoom to shoot a conference next month. I don't really use Zoom lenses (I used my old 70-300 <10 times over about 3 years). That said I'd like to get decent glass investment/resale value and all that.

I'm looking @ the Canon 70-200 f2/8 on the 40D. Having the ol' non-IS vs IS debate. I highly doubt I'll ever do festival photography with it, so looking for other examples/uses of/with the len....

@Stoosh, how's your non-IS going? Links to some of your fav photos with the lens please.
@Klips, how's your IS going? Links to some of your fav photos with the lens please.

Thanks guyz,

--djway

[Bwen]

I recently purchased a battery grip for my 5D and noticed that I can't actually press the shutter button (on both the camera or grip) half way and hold it there until I'm ready to shoot.

Normally I'd hold, let it focus, then shoot.... But with the grip, it now focus' and shoots when I try and hold half way.

Is it the OEM canon grip or generic?

[dkgrima]

Is it the OEM canon grip or generic?


I bought the Canon BGE4 from DD photographics. May have to give them a call

[a_N_t]

I'm looking @ the Canon 70-200 f2/8 on the 40D. Having the ol' non-IS vs IS debate. I highly doubt I'll ever do festival photography with it, so looking for other examples/uses of/with the len....

@Stoosh, how's your non-IS going? Links to some of your fav photos with the lens please.
@Klips, how's your IS going? Links to some of your fav photos with the lens please.

Thanks guyz,

--djway

Hey Mate,

I got the 2.8 IS. Have only used it once or twice as it's been too damn cold to go roaming round the city - but this weekend looks good!
Anyway, I posted a few candid portrait's I took in the other thread - http://www.inthemix.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=391988227&postcount=47
(Only the first 3 from World Youth Day are with 70-200, other two are from 24-70 2.8)

All in all, I love the thing!! I've used it at a few festivals etc as well, and lugged it round the city for 4+ hours shooting World Youth Day. It gets a little heavy, but I got used to the weight.
Super quick to focus, and super sharp too.
I shoot using a 20D.

Ant :)

[rancho]

get the IS version, they're crazy cheap atm from b&h etc.

sure, its a bit more expensive but when you capture that image that you otherwise wouldnt have got it makes it all worthwhile. one of my favourite ever photos was of a monkey when i was in bali. awkward crouching position + 1/80 at nearly 200mm = not achievable without IS. that one shot alone is worth the extra $ to me.

[Bwen]

get the IS version
agreed, i would imagine at 200mm and anything less than the midday sun it would make it quite tough to get the perfect shot and even worse if it was something that was a one-time only shot.

[Klips]

a_N-t:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/klipsphotography/2813503170/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/klipsphotography/2746670454/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/klipsphotography/2762854166/

That is but a few :D

[djway]

Thanks for the feedback on the IS guys. I think I've managed to dodge buying more glass for now :). The conference organiser is happy for me not to have telephoto/zoom shots.

If I do need a lens in future, I'll skip straight to IS.

Thanks again,
--djway

[Klips]

If I do need a lens in future, I'll skip straight to IS.

Pretty much a good idea. But it once, buy it right. This way you'll never regret missing 'that shot' because you didn't pay for the 2.8 and the IS.

[trippytrip]

i think i've made my decision on what lenses i'm going to buy. (and i don't even have my camera yet :lol:)

nifty fifty (as someone else said, it's almost obligatory cos they're so cheap!)
tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (in leiu of a canon 17-55mm f/2.8 - can't justify the extra $600 odd right at this stage)

and thanks to some kind offers of advice, i think i should be set with this gear, for the time being :-D

[rancho]

nah get the 17-55 its dope ;D

[trippytrip]

bah! :P

i know it's dope.... but i can either get the tamron straight away and have instant gratificaton, or i can save my pennies and get impatient and cry about it but then have a dope lens that will serve me well in almost every situation.

now i'm back to square two :(

[rancho]

IS + USM alone is worth it :P

nah to be honest, its probably safer to go with the tamron. when i bought my 17-55 over 2 years ago i couldnt see myself changing from aps-c, but with the race now on, it wont be too far off before full frame cameras are within many peoples price range and i'll be selling it for a 24-70 L or something :)

[trippytrip]

thanks for the advice rancho :) i'm no professional, i just want a decent zoom lens, and $1200 seems an exorbitant amount for a novice such as i to be spending on one lens :lol:

[Cavey]

Question: What's a good fisheye lens for the Nikon and where can I find one? ^___^

[rancho]

Question: What's a good fisheye lens for the Nikon and where can I find one? ^___^

depends which nikon and what style fish you want. but fishes don't come cheap.

i'm guessing its an aps-c nikon, but if its one of the cripple af models (d40/x, d60 etc) then you wont have af with nikons 10.5mm f/2.8 diagonal fish. sigma also offer a 10mm f/2.8 diagonal fish, but it has hsm so will focus with all nikons.

otherwise you can get a circular fish. peleng ebay special would be your best bet price wise, but youll get black corners. otherwise sigma have a 4.5mm f/2.8 circular fish but its rather expeno.

i just found this awesome jpeg which shows what different fisheyes will give on an aps-c sensor. the 15mm (full frame) and 10mm (aps-c) are diagonal fishes. the 8mm (full frame) and 4.5mm (aps-c) are circular fishes.

http://www.pbase.com/image/92437596/large.jpg

personally, i have a sigma 8mm f/3.5 fish which i love. i just crop it to give the same fov as a 10mm fish if i want. i use it in clubs alot so the black corners often arent visible and it gives a way bigger fov. but it's pretty expensive, i only got it over the peleng because i work for sigmas distributor so got it cheap.

peleng ftw.

[Cavey]

I have a D70.

Great jpeg :thumb:!

[Cavey]

Has anyone bought from http://www.rugift.com before?




ps. Anyone got opinions on:

Zodiak 8 (Arsat) 3,5/30 fisheye lens

or the

Zenitar-Nikon 16mm f2.8 Fisheye lens

:stroke:

[rancho]

the only review i could find the the zodiak/arsat was for the medium format 30mm f/3.5 fish, but the reviews were very positive.

dont get a 15/16mm fish, you lose too much fov on a crop sensor. youd be better off getting a rectilinear (straight lines instead of curved) 10-20mm wide angle or similar instead.

[trippytrip]

rectilinear, that's a new term! *adds to glossary*