| Author | Thread |
|
|
12/02/2004 09:47:13 PM · #1 |
Now that I've won myself a d70 on eBay, I need to brush up on my lens knowledge. I understand that a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens has a range of 70-200mm, and that it's widest aperture is f/2.8. But if they don't list it's smallest aperture, how do I know what it is?
And when someone refers to a 50mm f/1.4, is the greatest advantage to owning a fixed lens the fact that it can open up that wide? And again, what's the minimum aperture?
And in all cases, how does macro shooting work? With my 5700 I can focus at 3cm. On some of these lenses I'm seeing a focus minimum distance of 13 inches! Must you have a dedicated macro lens to shoot macro?
If anyone knows of a good primer somewhere on the internet, I'd appreciate a link to it- and thanks in advance!!
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 09:56:46 PM · #2 |
i don't know what type of lens you are talking about , i think it's up to the camera for the smallest a
Message edited by author 2004-12-02 21:57:13. |
|
|
|
12/02/2004 09:56:50 PM · #3 |
a 70-200 2.8 has a max aperture of 2.8 on both ends of it. if the aperture changes it will be listed (like the kit lens) 18-70 f/3.5-4.5. macro lens needed for macro shots usually. 3cm focusing distance is pretty impressive! smallest aperture sometimes can be found in the product specs section. usually btwn 22 (for the faster lenses) and 32, i think.
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:08:28 PM · #4 |
it's a safe bet to assume the smallest aperture to be around f:32
most are rated by the widest aperture. people want 'fast' lenses
with the cheaper stuff it's best to assume you'll only be shooting in the middle aperture range for the best image quality.
my sigma 105mm macro goes from f:2.8 to f:45
Message edited by author 2004-12-02 22:09:42.
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:11:38 PM · #5 |
i found that for me - yes i need a dedicated macro lense for macro shots.
but i can use the macro lense for regular shots too.
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:19:17 PM · #6 |
The smallest aperture on my 70-200 is f/32, though I don't think I've ever shot with it that stopped down. Specs for the lenses on the Nikon website should provide a minimum aperture.
Fixed focal length lenses (most often referred to as 'prime' lenses) are much simpler to design and make than zoom lenses. You pay a dear price in the optical performance category when you bring zooming into the equation. Typically prime lenses are brighter (wider aperture), have less distortion, are sharper, have more contrast and are cheaper than their zoom counterparts. There are exceptions to this, of course, but usually prime lenses are the best way to very sharp, contrasty photographs without breaking the bank. To give an idea, my 28 F2.8 was about 1/4 the price of my 17-40 F4L, and it has less distortion and is as sharp as the zoom. The contrast it produces isn't the same, nor the build quality, but it's a very cheap lens for what it can do.
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:23:15 PM · #7 |
And the advantage of the 50/1.4 is not only that it can open that wide for creative bckground blurring, but also that with it you can take shots with little available light reliably without needing a flash.
If you are considering it, check out the review on fredmiranda.com and kenrockwell.com, you may be better off with thw 1.8 version.
Macro lens are usually going to have the minimum focusing distance of 6-7 inches, but it doesn't matter because you are still getting 1:1 picture. It actually makes it convenient, because you don't have to be too close to the subject to make a macro shot of it. Consider a really angry wasp or something... |
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:28:15 PM · #8 |
yes, and why opted for a 105mm macro -vs a 50mm version - longer focus distance - can be further away.
though - the best bet for you now - maybe - just play around with the d70 kit lens, until you get a feel for how the f stops work - it's differnt than your P&S counterpart.
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:44:24 PM · #9 |
Thanks so much for all the input! I'm not planning on rushing out and buying a lens anytime soon, cause you're right- the camera itself with the included lens will take some getting used to! But I do want to have a thorough knowledge of what I'm getting myself into. Thanks again!
|
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:48:40 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by ahaze:
But if they don't list it's smallest aperture, how do I know what it is? |
The smallest aperture (largest Æ’-number) is usually not very useful information. For a digital SLR like the D70, beyond Æ’/16, your pictures will begin to lose sharpness because of diffraction limits.
Message edited by author 2004-12-02 22:50:53. |
|
|
|
12/02/2004 10:58:17 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Originally posted by ahaze:
But if they don't list it's smallest aperture, how do I know what it is? |
The smallest aperture (largest Æ’-number) is usually not very useful information. For a digital SLR like the D70, beyond Æ’/16, your pictures will begin to lose sharpness because of diffraction limits. |
What he said! :)
And if you want the complete specs on any given lens go to the B & H site and look up the lens you are interested in, they will list all the specs, or you could just go to the Nikon site :) Have fun with the new camera!
|
|
|
|
12/03/2004 12:07:54 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by ahaze:
...And when someone refers to a 50mm f/1.4, is the greatest advantage to owning a fixed lens the fact that it can open up that wide?... |
Not all advantages are in the specs.
A 50 mm used to be called a 'normal' lens, because it was the default focal length for most popular cameras of the past century. It was the default mount, because of the way its 'vision' relates to the vision of the human eye. Now, that we have crop factors to contend with, a 50 mm ('normal' range) becomes an 80 mm ('portrait' range) or a 65 mm.
An 80 mm (true focal length) is still extremely useful for plenty of 'normal' shots. It's a great length for street photography and 'intimate' candids.
A fixed lens encourages 'foot-zooming'. This can be very educational indeed, if you're used to zooms to frame your shots. Much of your relationship (if any) with your subject(s) depends on relative distance. Through a zoom this relationship is mechanical and 'virtual', a fact influenced by a discernibly different rendering of perspective and subtle distortions.
Through a fixed lens we relate to our subjects physically and more directly, which is due to the increased proximity. This is very much a 'felt' experience, which can translate into a good emotional charge in the resulting photographs.
I would consider this an advantage.
Message edited by author 2004-12-03 00:35:04.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/13/2025 06:04:13 PM EDT.
