Camera lenses

[666subaru]

This is for all you camera wizards out there, I have a Canon EOS 30D that we have just brought and we need a wide angle lense and a lense that will do moving aircraft and cars around a track, was told 70x300 for the last one if thats right and sigma and tamron was a cheaper alternative than buying canon ones themselves, any input would be a great help, just dont want to spend a fortune.



Baz

[Steve_PPP]

we've got the 40D and the Sigma 70-300mm lens is what i use most of the time for motorsport photos (all of my rallying pics etc were taken with it). Also got the 18-55mm Canon kit lens that came with the camera, but tbh its pretty poo and only use it for taking pics of static stuff

The Sigma 70-300mm is very good for the price (i found it for £99) but its not up there with the pro stuff. But then neither's my budget If you pay a bit more you get better quality (obviously) but you get extras like Image Stabilisation and stuff like that. The cheaper lenses also struggle in low light conditions more.

You're welcome to have a go with our 70-300 at a meet sometime if you want.

[666subaru]

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

we've got the 40D and the Sigma 70-300mm lens is what i use most of the time for motorsport photos (all of my rallying pics etc were taken with it). Also got the 18-55mm Canon kit lens that came with the camera, but tbh its pretty poo and only use it for taking pics of static stuff

The Sigma 70-300mm is very good for the price (i found it for £99) but its not up there with the pro stuff. But then neither's my budget If you pay a bit more you get better quality (obviously) but you get extras like Image Stabilisation and stuff like that. The cheaper lenses also struggle in low light conditions more.

You're welcome to have a go with our 70-300 at a meet sometime if you want.

Went into Jessops today and he pointed out a few lenses, but they were £350 each, a wide angle 18-55mm tamron and a 70-300mm tamron, used the 70-300mm to take the last pics at coopers last saturday, but then realised it was no good for close ups, but the lenses did not come with the camera, as I got the body only for a rediculously cheap price

Thanks for the Advice Steve and will look at flea bay later

Baz, being a Nikon man as I am, I can't comment on Canon lenses to be honest.

But, there is a simple rule of thumb that you or anyone else should follow if at all possible when going into SLR photography.

This is, but the best quality lenses you possibly can. You will always be better off with a cheap camera body and good glass.

I'm sure Canon are just the same as Nikon and will be quite expensive for lenses, but that really is down to the quality of:

a: the glass used
b: The motors (auto focus etc) used
c: build quality

Plus many more things besides.

However, there are a few good "other" names out there. Sigma, Tokina and Tamron are the better known ones.

I have to shoot out now unfortunately, I'll come back and continue later

[666subaru]

Originally Posted by worzel

Baz, being a Nikon man as I am, I can't comment on Canon lenses to be honest.

But, there is a simple rule of thumb that you or anyone else should follow if at all possible when going into SLR photography.

This is, but the best quality lenses you possibly can. You will always be better off with a cheap camera body and good glass.

I'm sure Canon are just the same as Nikon and will be quite expensive for lenses, but that really is down to the quality of:

a: the glass used
b: The motors (auto focus etc) used
c: build quality

Plus many more things besides.

However, there are a few good "other" names out there. Sigma, Tokina and Tamron are the better known ones.

I have to shoot out now unfortunately, I'll come back and continue later

Thanks Steve, doing my nut in looking at camera lenses on the www, got to get a book I think as all im used to is point and shoot but after seeing yours, stevePPPs and Nicks pics thought it was about time to upgrade and when this camera I have now came along, too good to turn down, just need to find the correct lense, for close up and moving target shots etc, thanks for the input and will wait for the rest of what advice you have to offer, already have had some great info from people and many thanks

[Skullfudge]

Several guy have asked me what camera I use for the video footage and it this one.

The JVC AVCHD.





Fantastic little gadget. Used for all recent photos & film of the P1.





I took these close ups using the Macro facility.

[Scooby Roo]

Steve's right, buy the best glass you can. Canon lenses are dearer but generally good quality, L lenses are the mutts nuts. If you're buying a lens remember that you'll have it for a fair few years so spending that bit extra is worth it.

For wide angle I'd opt for the Canon 17-55mm or the stock 15-85mm both IS. I have the 17-55 and rarely comes off the camera.

Second for the motorsport Sigma 18-200 is a good bet, also for the rich and famous the Canon 70-200 f4 [some reckon one of the best lenses ever made for the Canon]. The 70-200 is pricey though. Alternatively, Canon 70-300.

In quality terms I would go Canon, Sigma then Tamron. Not saying Tamron are rubbish, just build quality aint as good as the others.

Just my tuppence worth.

Ta

Roo

[Scooby Roo]

If you're after a book I can recommend this....

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-.../dp/0817463003

And a good review site....

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/

Now my thrupence worth

Roo

[666subaru]

Thanks scooby roo for the info and bought a wide angle canon lense now thanks to the advice and will get the other one later, good to see there is plenty of people in the know about this sort of stuff, top work guys

[SpecB]

One of my favourite lenses for parties and people photos etc is my 50mm prime, ridiculously fast lens at 1.4f so excellent indoors for low light.

Most of the time I use my kit 18-135 lens but for motorsport I go to the 70-300mm with Vibration reduction.

Great stuff guys.

Roo is spot on Baz, and seeing he is a Canon man I would follow his advice as he will know what suits your camera.

He is dead right about having one lens that rarely comes of the body for all sorts of reasons (dust on the sensor being the most important) mine is a Tokina 18 - 70mm F 2.8 EX DG Pro. It does 70% at least of the stuff I need to do. I do have other bits but they are specialist bits really.

Like nick I also have a Sigma 50 1.4 Prime, which is a great all rounder too.

My pukka glass comes in the form of a Nikon-AF-S-Nikkor-70-200mm-f-2-8G-ED-VR-II which is a great sport lens. I have also got a 1.4 converter too which effectively makes it a 100 - 300.

If you want to buy a "fun lens" at some point, get a lensbaby. £150.00 ish. They are great fun.

The things to make sure you get Baz are circular lens filters. These can be as cheap or expensive as you want really. Start by getting a UV filter, these are pretty cheap and they not only act as a UV filter but will act as a protection to your lens. You are much better scratching a £25.00 UV filter than the end of a £300.00 lens. It is also worth looking into getting a Polariser Lens at some point, one of us can go through the how to use process with you. They will give really saturated colours when used correctly (I used a polariser in my El Capitan picture) which really makes the blue sky and the reds really punchy. Polarisers are a bit more expensive than UV Filters, they start at about £45 - £50. A good one will cost you about £160.00 as I found out but again, you are paying for better quality glass.

If you need any help mate, you have people in here that are more than willing to point the way and help when they can.

This thread has made my mind up about starting a proper photographic section on the site, as there are many members who enjoy this.

Finally, Clive! Great shot of the wasp mate, and from a video camera too, great work that man

[Scooby Roo]

Second the shout for a filter.

Again go for gold as it will make sense. Best one is a UV for starters.

As you have a Canon [I'ma big fan ] go for the 50mm f1.8. The 1.4 is much better made but the f1.8 is an extremely quick lense for the money, you'll not be disapointed.

Look forward to the Photo section, will drop ome pics of sunny Adelaide....

Roo

[Steve_PPP]

Originally Posted by worzel

The things to make sure you get Baz are circular lens filters. These can be as cheap or expensive as you want really. Start by getting a UV filter, these are pretty cheap and they not only act as a UV filter but will act as a protection to your lens. You are much better scratching a £25.00 UV filter than the end of a £300.00 lens. It is also worth looking into getting a Polariser Lens at some point, one of us can go through the how to use process with you. They will give really saturated colours when used correctly (I used a polariser in my El Capitan picture) which really makes the blue sky and the reds really punchy. Polarisers are a bit more expensive than UV Filters, they start at about £45 - £50. A good one will cost you about £160.00 as I found out but again, you are paying for better quality glass.

Just to add to that, if you're starting out there no need to spend too much on top quality filters. I picked up a Hoya UV filter for less than a fiver and a Hoya polarising filter for about £14 - both on ebay and both brand new sealed items. Not sure how good a brand Hoya is, but they've done me alright considering they're cheap

It'll be great to see some of your pics from Oz Roo. I look forward to that.

Hoya Circular filters are pretty good to be honest, you won't go far wrong with them on the front of any lens.

As Roo says, the best quality filter possible. Some of the cheaper ones cause a bit of chromatic abhoration. Also, try not to layer the circular filters too much as they start to cause a few problems, firstly deteriation in picture quality, secondly they will start to vignette with the shadows off the filter rim. The second is worse on wide angle lenses.

[Skullfudge]

Worzel: I think that is a good idea of a photography section matey.

As you mentioned this club had many interested and several that are very good.

Clive

We will get this going shortly without a doubt.

[666subaru]

Guys, a massive and huge thank you, as a novice like me who has not got a clue about the finer things relating to photography, all your help has been such an asset, and because of this and recent events, makes me think about what a club is all about, great friends who are willing to offer you great advice when needed and this club sums up just what we all need around here.

A photographic section will be a huge asset, as all the advice has helped me, I have just brought a Canon EF 28-80mm F3.5-5.6 MKII Zoom Lens for my camera, and I hope I have done right by this?

Thanks again to everyone who has helped me on this and I am sure I will learn more as t5ime goes by, I will be bringing the camera along on sunday to the meet so I will give it a go.

As Ron said mate, it's all about people. It's always good to be able to help someone whenever possible.

That 28 - 80mm lens will give you everything you need and will be a great one to leave on most of the time.

I'm sure you'll love the next stage of photography and the doors that a DSLR will open creatively.

And on top of that, there is a place to ask questions, should you need it.

Enjoy matey.

[SpecB]

Just watch for the expensive slippery slope it leads to though! Worse than the bloody cars, now I'm having to buy another flash gun!

Tell me about it Nick, it is a bloody expensive past time

What gun you going for? I just got the Speedlight SB900 recently, it's the dogs.

[666subaru]

Originally Posted by worzel

As Ron said mate, it's all about people. It's always good to be able to help someone whenever possible.

That 28 - 80mm lens will give you everything you need and will be a great one to leave on most of the time.

I'm sure you'll love the next stage of photography and the doors that a DSLR will open creatively.

And on top of that, there is a place to ask questions, should you need it.

Enjoy matey.

Thanks Steve, I am sure it will be well worth it

[SpecB]

Originally Posted by worzel

Tell me about it Nick, it is a bloody expensive past time

What gun you going for? I just got the Speedlight SB900 recently, it's the dogs.

I'm just replacing my SB600 - got it out to test it recently and the door which has always been dodgy now needs holding in place and even then it won't charge and fire (think the capacitors gone). Going to try and get it repaired so I'll have 2 for wireless use

Couldn't justify the extra £100 for the SB900 although I nearly did just do it! Will also be getting a stofen omnibounce as I've lost mine somehow. I've always fancied a 'studio' setup with a couple of portable flashes and a softbox and umbrella for portraits.