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03/29/2004 10:14:38 AM · #1 |
| I'm unsure what people mean when they talk about "macro" and "telephoto" lenses, and also what the lengths and other information refer to, e.g. "28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM". Can somebody briefly explain? |
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03/29/2004 10:27:09 AM · #2 |
Not sure if there is a brief explanation for your questions, but here's a few links to PhotoNotes - a photography dictionary.
Macro Lens Defintion
Telephoto Lens Definition
Using your example:
28-135mm refers to the focal length of the lens
f/3.5 - 5.6 refers to the maximum aperature of the lens. At 28mm that lens will stop down to f/3.5 and at 135mm the lens will stop down to f/5.6
IS means Image Stabilization
USM means Ultra Sonic Motor - meaning it is very fast and quiet. This is a term Canon uses, other manufacturers might have a different term for their lenses.
Hope this helps to clear things up a little?
Edit: Fix a typo
Message edited by author 2004-03-29 10:28:33. |
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03/29/2004 10:35:27 AM · #3 |
a macro lens (or macro mode in your 717) allows the camera or the lens to get much closer to the subject for close up shots, like some of the cool bug pictures you may have seen.
Telephoto lens is a lens that usually has a lot of power to shoot distant objects and is one size, or called a "prime lens" or a fixed focal length. and example would be a lens that is lets say 300mm or 400mm or bigger.
A zoom lens would be one that has a wider range of power, example would be the 28-135mm you mentioned. There are many different types of zoom lenses, some are considered a WIDE zoom, meaning they have a range from 24 - 80mm, or it may have a range of 28-135mm.
check out this link to see an example of the different lens types
Sigma lens
the reference on a lens of f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is the apeture of the lens.
3.5 on the above reference is the largest opening the iris of the lens can do at is smallest zoom or wide angle(ie 28mm) the 5.6 is the largest the iris of the lens can go at full zoom (ie 135mm).
To allow more light into the lens you want the iris to be open as much as possible so the lower the f # the bigger the opening. ie.. an f/2 has a larger opening than an f/4 and an f/16 is not open very much and you usually need longer shutter speeds for the smaller iris size (or high f # like f/16)
I hope this helps, and I hope I said this correctly
James
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03/29/2004 10:40:04 AM · #4 |
| Thank you very much for the swift replies. Would I be wrong in thinking that I could attach whatever lens I wanted to my F717? The one it came with doesn't seem to be removable. |
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03/29/2004 10:57:05 AM · #5 |
You cannot remove the lens from your F717.
These are the optional accessories I could find for your camera: Accessories from Sony
Message edited by author 2004-03-29 10:58:18. |
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03/29/2004 11:12:34 AM · #6 |
| Thanks again, tfaust. (I feel stupid not researching this in the first place, now.) |
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03/29/2004 11:27:45 AM · #7 |
here are the add on lense I have for my Sony 707
Wide angle Lens
I dont have this specific teleconverter (i think they dont make it anymore) I have the VCL-HGD1758
Teleconverter
some local camera stores may have these cheaper than Sony. Also some online places will be cheaper than Sony also.
James
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03/29/2004 11:40:56 AM · #8 |
No prob Andrew. There's so much to look at, it's hard to know where to begin :-)
Thanks jab, that's what I was looking for, but couldn't find on Sony's site. |
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03/31/2004 11:25:12 AM · #9 |
Ok, so if the telephoto lens is labelled "1.7x", does this mean it automatically multiplies the current zoom by 1.7? E.g. 5x ---> 8.5x or 1x ---> 1.7x. Will it work in macro mode to get really close up shots?
Does the wide angle lens just increase the field of view, e.g. (random numbers) 60º field of view to 70º? Like the opposite of zooming in? |
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03/31/2004 11:36:58 AM · #10 |
| Yet more confusion! On ebay there are currently (31st March 04) several telephoto lenses that will fit my camera. Can someone please point out the difference between this lens, this one that looks the same but costs a lot more, and this smaller version. |
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03/31/2004 11:43:58 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by SquirreI:
Yet more confusion! On ebay there are currently (31st March 04) several telephoto lenses that will fit my camera. Can someone please point out the difference between this lens, this one that looks the same but costs a lot more, and this smaller version. |
I wouldn't go with either of the ones that aren't the sony one. They are an off brand that probably uses inferior optics. Stick with the sony and your impage quality shouldn't be effected too greatly. |
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03/31/2004 11:44:27 AM · #12 |
I would only buy a sony lense for the F717. I have tried a couple of the other lenses and then are not very good. Camera doesn't focus well with then on. etc.
Sony is the way to go. |
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03/31/2004 01:44:40 PM · #13 |
either stick with the Sony ones, or try to find an Olympus B-300 (i think thats it) but they dont make them any more, a few places have them in stock new and used, but can be hard to find.
James
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