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11/26/2004 02:21:27 PM · #1 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
I am buying a new (insert make/model here) DSLR. What kind of lenses do I need?
One of the primary reasons to buy a DSLR is for the capability of lens flexibility. With a DSLR, you can use a specific lens for a specific task. Knowing what lenses you want should probably be one of the reasons you decided to upgrade to a DSLR rather than an afterthought. Lens purchases should be based on the type of photography that you do most. Consider these scenarios:
Scenario 1:
âI shoot mostly for the purpose of displaying my images on the web and making some occasional 4x6 prints.â
Solution 1:
Donât buy a DSLR. Save your money and buy a nicer point and shoot camera that has SLR-like controls.
Scenario 2:
âI want to do scenario #1, but I also want to be able to make larger prints up to 8x10.â
Solution 2:
Donât buy a DSLR. Save your money and buy a nicer point and shoot camera that has SLR-like controls, and get a higher resolution model (5 megapixels or higher).
Scenario 3:
âI want to do the first two scenarios, but I also want to have more control over my exposure and depth of field in my photos.â
Solution 3:
Buy a DSLR of your choice and purchase the following lenses:
1. An inexpensive 28-80mm range zoom lens ($90 - $150 range)
2. An inexpensive 70-300mm range zoom lens ($150 - $250 range)
These inexpensive lenses will give you better exposure control in most cases.
Scenario 4:
âI want to do the first three scenarios, but I plan to make larger prints and possibly sell them as well. I may also be shooting in low light conditions and I want the best image quality possible for printing purposes.â
Solution 4:
Buy a DSLR that has all the features you may need (not usually the lowest end models) and buy the best possible lenses. You will need fast lenses (lenses with wider aperture capabilities) that have a constant aperture capability of f/2.8 or better. You may also want to consider image stabilization capabilities in these lenses. Plan to spend a minimum of $4000 for a camera body and 2 or 3 lenses. Your lenses and accessories will cost much more than the camera itself. You will also want to have a hot shoe flash rather than depend on the pop-up flash on the camera. The range of the pop up flash is not acceptable for much more than close range snapshot work.
Important Notes:
If you are upgrading to a DSLR, you really need to evaluate WHY you are doing this. You should be able to list two or three specific reasons, at a minimum. Some people who upgrade to a DSLR are not happy with the quality of the images they get right out of the camera. The DSLR with the best lenses available produces images that are almost equal in quality to your average higher end pro-sumer camera. The out-of-camera image quality of the high-end point and shoot cameras is superior under certain conditions.
** Donât buy a DSLR in hopes of improving your image quality out-of-camera. Buy it because you want the extra flexibility of interchangeable lenses and feature control. You will be agreeing to do more post processing work on your photos by making this upgrade.
Most often when I see this question about lenses asked, there are a couple things listed that the person wants to do and then there is the infamous "but I would also like to be able to do (insert thing here) occasionally" addendum. This occasional feature is usually the one that creates the problems. You can put yourself in a bad situation by not buying what you really need in the beginning. It's a lot like buying a computer. Buy with growth and expansion in mind rather than buying just enough to meet your current needs.
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11/26/2004 02:27:15 PM · #2 |
John, you've got some sound advice here. Next time she pops into chat you might want to show this to blemt... I believe she's working on a tutorial on buying a camera.
-Terry
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11/26/2004 02:53:28 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Frequently Asked Questions:
...[snip]...
Buy with growth and expansion in mind rather than buying just enough to meet your current needs. |
But doesn't that kinda suggest DSLR?
With a P&S you cannot add much to that system (except flash, tripod and other camera-external stuff) but with a DSLR you start with a kit lens and grow (i.e. add better lenses) over time and according to need.
BTW very nice A2FAQ (Answers to FAQ)
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11/26/2004 03:04:44 PM · #4 |
Maybe Gauti, but, what if you dont expect expansion in the future? what if your current needs will also be your future needs? Thats when you resist the temptation for getting a DSLR.
When you DO decide that you need a dslr for the other reasons (versatility, control, etc).. do go about buying all the cheapest lenses first, if thats all you can afford for example. If you plan on eventually having a full series of L lenses for example, dont get a whole set of non-L glass, only to replace them later on. IMO anyway,
Message edited by author 2004-11-26 15:28:09.
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11/26/2004 03:18:59 PM · #5 |
well of course the only sensible way of getting into the DSLR game is to start buying Top Quality lenses right away (L-glass for Canon) and save and buy a good DSLR later when the pace of improvement slows down (if it ever does!). Then you'll have good lenses and a good camera :)
The topdog camera today is tomorrows doorstopper.
A top lens today will still be a good lens in 10 years time.
what I was pointing out in the previous post was that in scenarious 1-3 P&Ss are the sensible solution, and only in #4 a DSLR. But (D)SLR's are much more flexible than P&S so maybe more likely to meet future demands and somewhat more likely to retain their value (at least good lenses do). So there was a slight conflict (IMHO) in the line of reasoning as laid out in the suggested FAQ.
John: one addition to #4: also plan to upgrade your computer to at least 19" monitor, mirrored backup HDD, better graphics card, etc. And also a GOOD photoprinter (preferably A3+) if you'd like to print out at home. Lot of money there as well, much more than the camera itself.
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11/26/2004 03:40:14 PM · #6 |
Valuable information John.. thanks for posting.
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11/26/2004 06:22:38 PM · #7 |
Another reason for buying SLR instead of an SLR-like P&S is the TTL optical viewfinder and shutter lag. Print size and print quality is not the only major factor in deciding if you need a dSLR.
An undisturbed realtime view of your subject and the ability to take the shot within milliseconds of your decision to take it makes all the difference.
I often walk around with my camera off and just looking trough the optical viewfinder of the D70, zooming and manual focussing my lenses. Only when I see something interesting I turn on the camera and take the shot.
But then again, I am a fan of rangefinder-style cameras. Too bad the Epson RD-1 is so freaking expensive. :(
(Edit)I second the advice to get the best lenses you can afford. A supersharp, fast focussing F2.8 lens with super microcontrast and excellent color reproduction makes all the difference. But don't stop at lenses. Tripods, monopods, raw converters, bags, sensor cleaners etc are also very important and unfortunately the higher the price the better the quality seems to be the rule of thumb.(/edit)
Message edited by author 2004-11-26 18:27:33.
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