| Author | Thread |
|
|
03/21/2008 01:39:14 AM · #1 |
Hello all,
This is my first post here, so bear with me as I learn the ropes of photography and all the lenses...
I just purchased a Canon EOS 20D with an Canon 17-85mm IS Lens. Now of course I am all excited and have been looking at some entry to mid-level lenses. I have seen this Tamron AF 70-300mm and it appears to have favorable reviews. I am confused though at what it actually does based on this description:
"This is the definitive lightweight, compact telephoto macro zoom with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at the 300mm setting -- ideal for shooting subjects that are difficult to approach such as sporting and theatrical events. The lens also features special effects such as the capability to provide beautifully blurred backgrounds to highlight the main subject in protraiture, or "compression effects" that make the most of the telephoto lens. By switching to maco mode, subjects as close as 0.95m can be shot within the focal range of 180-300mm, for true macro photography. The optical system incorporates a LD (Low Dispersion) lens, resulting in clear sharp images free of chromatic aberration."
So is this a telephot zoom lens, or a macro lens for close up shots? Or doe sit simply switch between the two modes? Sorry for the generic question, but the three words I bolded seem to conflict.
Thanks,
Dave
|
|
|
|
03/21/2008 03:18:00 AM · #2 |
It's a telephoto lens with the ability to focus really close-up, which gives it the macro capability. It will work fine for distant subjects, too. The normal reason for having macro mode switchable is that it takes quite a bit of shifting of lens elements to focus that closely, so it takes time (if the lens has to hunt for focus, it will often go from one end of its focus range to the other, attempting to get a fix). If one can switch off the macro-focussing ability, it is faster to focus in telephoto mode, as it will be nearer where it needs to be.
|
|
|
|
03/21/2008 03:19:41 AM · #3 |
It's both. You get the zoom up to 300, which actually reaches 400 or so on the 20D. So a good range telephoto. It will also focus very closely - therefore the macro. If you want to shoot insects or a bug that moves when you get too close - this will allow you to focus fairly closely without frightening it away. Normal tele's won't focus up close.
Beaten
Message edited by author 2008-03-21 03:20:22.
|
|
|
|
03/21/2008 03:27:31 AM · #4 |
I have this lens and it enables me to zoom into animals/objects that are a distance away, but you can zoom into closer up things by switching it to macro. You can get close up without being too close.
This duck qas quite a distance away but I was able to get reasonable detail.
I was able to zoom into this emu too.
Will see if I can find a macro.
Message edited by author 2008-03-21 03:29:21. |
|
|
|
03/21/2008 08:52:35 AM · #5 |
It's a zoom telephoto lens, with the additional ability to be used as a zoom macro lens.
As you're new, you may not have realised that you can browse photographs taken with the lens - if you click on "Equipment" on the menu bar and select lenses, you should be able to get to this page
I have one with a Pentax mount, and you can see the pictures taken with that version here, which include a variety of telephoto and macro pictures.
|
|
|
|
03/21/2008 09:53:26 AM · #6 |
Thanks for the clarification all!
I did not know about browsing pictures by lens, thanks for the tip as well!
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Prints! -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/25/2024 06:25:36 AM EDT.
