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08/22/2006 02:37:11 AM · #1 |
Or perhaps more specifically, compact zoom lenses. I presently use a Konica Minolta DiMage A200 but am sometimes tempted to move up to a DSLR. The thing that holds me back the most is the size of lenses and things to carry around. I can toss my A200 into a fanny pack, hop on my bike and take it anywhere. I don't want to get much (or any) larger if at all possible. It has eight megapixels and a 28- 200mm equivelent zoom on it which gives me a pretty good range. This gives me great flixiblity in most situations. I do not like the manual focus on it- that is pretty much usless except on infinity or minumum for a macro. I also like the pivoting monitor on my A200 which allows me to shoot above or below my head and see what I am aiming at. I haven't noticed that on any DSLRs (unless I am missing something). That can also be useful in cases where you want to be more discrete to get a more honest reaction from your subject.
I think I would be more likely to want a wider zoom than a longer telephoto, but that would depend on what is available. I do not have a brand or camera body even thought about yet.
I noticed that Sigma has some interesting lenses- one here: //www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3305&navigator=2
I do understand that a zoom is a compromise vs prime lenses but so is the outfit that I have now. In dream world? A 18mm to 500mm f/1.2 that is only three inches long would be beautiful, but probably isn't going to happen. Hard to hold still at the long end. Weight is a benefit to longer lenses. Any suggestions on lenses or what to look out for? If I go larger, I am afraid I will just leave it at home more. I currently shoot about 10,000 pictures a year.
Thanks for any advice.
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08/22/2006 02:58:45 AM · #2 |
Zooms are a compromise but there seem to be a lot out there that people enjoy using. One zoom range that seems to be popular is the 18 - 200 mm (~27 - 300 35mm equivalent on APS-C sensor size cameras), made by Sigma and Tamron (I think :-). These are pretty compact and I tried the Sigma version out on a Sony Alpha 100 and it felt very good to use. But according to test results I have seen it does have one or two issues :-)
I am spoilt as the lens on my Panasonic is like 36 - 435 35mm equivalent and is very portable, as well as being f/2.8 through the range.
Annoying, huh? |
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08/22/2006 03:26:14 AM · #3 |
If you want to look at small lenses look at the Pentax pancake lenses. Smallest available for dSLRs. They are primes though.
If you want to get more range out of a certain lense look at the 4/3 dSLR as the crop factor is 2X. Buy a small enough lense and the crop factor will to the rest. |
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08/22/2006 03:38:37 AM · #4 |
The Nikon 18- 200 looks very nice but sounds impossible to find. I am starting to see that there may be options I can work with. I don't have a DSLR at all yet and have not narrowed it down to any brand yet. Nikon and Canon have always been among the best for lenses. A zoom lens is definately preferred again so I don't have to carry around any other ones.
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08/22/2006 07:17:55 AM · #5 |
| Look at this site. It has a good amount of the lenses available, incl size and weight of each. |
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08/23/2006 02:22:48 AM · #6 |
Thanks for the information. Nice to see that there are options that let me keep my size reasonable. Now the harder task of trying to pick a body- if I decide to make this leap.
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