JustHadToJoin
Member
are you trying to look cool? You already own the damn website, you won -___-
Most other official threads have lots of information in the first post about the topic of the thread, this doesn't. it should.
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The Official Camera Equipment Megathread
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are you trying to look cool? You already own the damn website, you won -___-
Most other official threads have lots of information in the first post about the topic of the thread, this doesn't. it should.
So I'm wanting to get into doing more flash work, particularly off-camera and shots using more than one flash. Sticking to speedlights I think since I already have a SB-600 (which I've used on camera with a home-built diffuser to decent effect), but thinking of buying a Yongnuo 565ex to compliment it.
Has anyone ever bought one of those starter kits that Strobist links to in his Lighting 101 articles? They include an umbrella light stand, and some other tidbits. Thinking of getting the compact one.
Has anyone ever bought one of those starter kits that Strobist links to in his Lighting 101 articles? They include an umbrella light stand, and some other tidbits. Thinking of getting the compact one.
See fivefold's post above yours. The worst thing to do is get obsessed with equipment when you're just starting out, looking for the best possible solution so that you're not losing out on any potential for your photos. Before you know it you're buying a 1DX for no apparent reason.
Famous photos throughout most of modern history have been shot with a camera shittier in most ways than what you likely have in your smartphone. There is zero barrier for entry in photography now, so take a camera, any camera, and start taking photos with it. After 1,000 or 10,000 photos, you'll have an idea of what you want. "I want shallow depth of field for portraiture." "I want crisp, noise-free landscape photos at dawn/dusk." "I want a flexible system that can handle any task reasonably well and I don't mind bulk."
You'll find out what your needs really are, and then you can seek out the right tools for you. After you go take a camera, any camera, and use it.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
Find your focal length and be there!
reggieandTFE
Member
The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is the best mirrorless pancake lens by most accounts. The focus speed sucks but it's sharper and faster than any native NEX lens and its works on either Panasonic or Olympus micro 4/3 bodies.
Used one on an Olympus EPL1 last year and loved it, great little lens.
QualityPixel
Banned
What camera are you using?
CrudeDiatribe
Member
The 28-70 f/2.8 is supposed to be fantastic, but I can't afford it.
I have an equivalent Westcott kit. Would've bought the kit from Midwest if I didn't get this one for Christmas. I've been quite happy with the additional options I have other than just bounced flash.
Using it with an SB600.
God...frey Jones
Banned
Why do you say that?
CrudeDiatribe
Member
From my perspective, depending on the community, it can encourage gear-aquisition over skill development. Happens with guitarists too (another hobby of mine).
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
I agree with this. A lot of the gear centric forums (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Mirrorless etc) are more concerned with new lenses and camera news. Of course one could peruse the sub-forums that focus on certain subjects and styles but gear forums are the siren calls of photo message boards.
Thanks, I went ahead and ordered the kit. The umbrella included is actually a Westcott umbrella anyway. Now I just need to get another speedlight to pair with my SB600, though I think I have an old manual Sunpak sitting in a drawer somewhere, and though I don't think it has optical slave capability, the kit included a wireless trigger so I can probably get by with that to start (though I'm unclear whether I can use my D90s built-in flash as a commander to optically slave the SB600 and at the same time use a wireless trigger for the Sunpak . . . hmmm, have to pull out the manual). The Yongnuo 565ex that supports Nikon iTTL and has optical slave is nice too. Not wanting to invest in an RF wireless system until I feel I actually need it.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
I want another light sometime, but I get a lot of mileage from one light. This group is fun to peruse for ideas: One Strobe Pony on flickr.
That doesn't mean he can't be directed to the best options for a certain price point. There are tons of ILC or SLR options under similar price categories. Beginners, I'm sure, have no idea where to start or what would be the best for their money.
The OP in this thread is definitely severely lacking.
God...frey Jones
Banned
This is actually rather brilliant advice. I am a novice photographer at best, and I made the mistake of trying to go all-in at first. I wanted wide-angle lenses, macro-lenses, tele-photo lenses etc, to have all bases covered. But when I went out and shot I realized I had a real interest in wide-angle/landscape photography and that's where my passion lies. There's little point in my spending hundreds of dollars on lenses that will rarely be used.
So yes, take the advice. Whatever camera you have, go out and shoot and explore. You'll soon realise where your passion lies in photography. That's when the fun begins and you can start spending the money. =)
Valkyr Junkie
Member
Assuming you have no qualms about the price, you should get one if you're looking for the best compact camera out there. It produces astonishing quality photos for a compact.
Who said it had to be a gear guide? That would actually be a bad thing. Most photo forums are filled to the brim with gear obsession and sadly, this is no different.
Pointing out a starting point for budding photographers to understand how to correctly operate the equipment they do own so they can experiment on their own would be great. Even it if its "buy Understanding Exposure to learn how to operate your camera, and buy The Photographer's Eye to understand composition".
I think sending someone out to just shoot stuff is far from the best advice to give someone. Even a basic explanation of the "exposure triangle" would be infinitely more helpful advice than that. Lots of people here are buying their first SLR, which may be overwhelming for them, and to dismiss them and say "go off and figure it out yourself" is rather mean and counter-productive to the existence of this thread.
This thread is hurt by the fact that it became a OT out of a "help me buy a new camera" thread.
This *is* a thread about camera equipment. Not used to be, *is*. It is not the catch-all all-inclusive vortex of photography-related information ultra-megathread. You're welcome to start a new thread about the basics of getting into photography. This thread should not be repurposed.
Am I mistaken in thinking that 'how to use said camera equipment' is related to the camera equipment itself? Questions like that crop up all the time in this thread, should they be quelled and directed to start a new thread?
God...frey Jones
Banned
Can anyone recommend a few composition books to read? I see the Photographer's Eye mentioned, and I've downloaded a sample, but bloody hell is it dry. I'll try and push through it though.
That is the photographic method, and a philosophy of sorts, and not at all related to camera hardware.
I assure you that the functions of ISO, aperture and shutter speed are not philosophies. Each serves a specific function and is tied entirely to the hardware.
Instead of being overwhelmed by theory by reading it cover to cover, treat it like a workbook. Read a few examples, then go out and replicate them on your own, then review and move on to the next set. Not only practical training, but you're sure to get some good photos out of it too.
Maybe people who hang out in this thread should each write a short paragraph for the newbies and put them on the first post. Limit the word count so each one have to put in the most essential advise to beginner.
I think its better than getting someone to "do" an OT post. Photo gears are like cars, every person have a personal opinion.
I think its better than getting someone to "do" an OT post. Photo gears are like cars, every person have a personal opinion.
ClovingWestbrook
Banned
Except after the first page noone really checks the OP of threads. If someone wants to create a thread for technique then said person should take EL's advice and do so. Trying to do so here will just get lost in the fluff.
I found, besides understanding what aperture, iso and shutter speed are and what they do/how they interact, the best way is to take a bunch of pictures. Do you want to get off of auto? Take pictures, learn the settings that get you the look you want in the environment your shooting in. Review them out of the camera but just shoot. If you are learning, one of the best things i did that photographer told me was to turn your picture review to off. You'll get a ton of throwaways but you'll learn the settings faster. I'm still as beginner
I don't care about it either, but there were actually a couple posters asked about it (usually they are too lazy to read the most recent discussion, because if they do they should see the same questions being asked in the last 3 pages.)
I am fine either way. People who do research before asking the questions usually get decent answers.
Meus Renaissance
Member
I need a good walk-around lens with excellent sharpness for my 600D. Don't want something with a large zoom. Has to be below 300 in price. Preferably with an equivalent focal length of 30mm or less
Save a little more money and get the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. Insanely sharp and super versatile as your only walkabout lens. Holds its resale value well too.
ClovingWestbrook
Banned
Agreed. I am a newbie myself and went right to manual. I now understand the concept of small/large aperature, low/high iso, and the shutter speed. I am so tempted to pick up a prime lens but I have to keep reminding myself that like EL said to find what type of photography I am most passionate about before buying the prime. Really the only thing one can do is just go out and shoot. Really is the best advice.
I definitely research certain situations where I can't figure out what to do. Today was trying to take action shots in poor indoor lighting, I did what I thought was right and read about it afterwards. A kit lens should be enough to narrow down what you want to shoot then you can get the proper lenses... Or at least start selling body parts to save up for them
DarkJediKnight
Member
I find that for every photographer, the rule of thumb is generally 3 useful lenses. So what are your 3 fav lenses that you own or on your wishlist?
Your 3 must have lenses???
Mine:
24-70 2.8L , 85mm 1.2 L prime, 70 - 200 2.8L IS
Your 3 must have lenses???
Mine:
24-70 2.8L , 85mm 1.2 L prime, 70 - 200 2.8L IS
ClovingWestbrook
Banned
14-24mm 2.8 , 24-70mm 2.8 , 70-200mm 2.8 vrII. Heh.
Are there any inexpensive ($100ish) 30 or 35mm legacy lens that are recommended for micro 4/3?
I got a good deal on a GF3 with 14mm pancake for my wife for Christmas and would like to find a cheap lens that allows for a little more expression to help her learn photography.
I know there're plenty of cheap 50mms but that seems like it would be pretty tight on a 4/3.
And just to be clear, the only thing you loose with legacy glass is auto focus right?
I got a good deal on a GF3 with 14mm pancake for my wife for Christmas and would like to find a cheap lens that allows for a little more expression to help her learn photography.
I know there're plenty of cheap 50mms but that seems like it would be pretty tight on a 4/3.
And just to be clear, the only thing you loose with legacy glass is auto focus right?
Meus Renaissance
Member
It costs £270. Splendid.
Skel1ingt0n
I can't *believe* these lazy developers keep making file sizes so damn large. Btw, how does technology work?
I like shooting still objects (statue, house, new controller, macro of a pc componenet, wiring, pipes, a new watch, etc) - honestly don't care too much about anything except speed, sharpness, color, and jpeg output. Give me a single fast prime and/or a macro, and I'm a happy camper.
That said, I agree - find three focal lengths you enjoy and that's a great way to get the ball rolling. But only if you tell yourself that you will learn to enjoy taking every shot with those three - and that you absolutely can't use the "if I only had a 4th lens" excuse for why a photo didn't turn out.
Full frame wise, probably
24mm, 85mm and maybe a 50/1.2
If I'm on Nikon mount then I also take the Nikon 14-24 over a fixed wide lens.
Check out Konica AR 40/1.8 pancake.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
Yeah, he has a D600.
MY favourite three:
28mm f/2.8 AI-S
50mm f/1.8 AF-D (yeah, yeah, I should get the new one)
105mm f/2.5 AI-S
I just got a D600...amazing, but I can't spend 6k in lenses.
My compromise for now is:
the kit 24-85mm
50mm 1.8G
70-300mm 4.5-5.6
Without a doubt if I were to pick up one constant 2.8 it would be the 70-200mm 2.8 VRII.
I have a question...how much use is a 14-24 2.8? In particular with a great high ISO body like the D600? To me, I think I would almost never use the larger apertures with wider angles.
ClovingWestbrook
Banned
I am looking at the 50mm too. Really nice lens. I just love taking pictures outdoors, nature, etc., and the 14-24 seems perfect for. I just love it lol.
Really loving the Tamron 24-70mm. Really feel I don't want a prime for this focal range now.
I do need an ultra wide and tele, though.
I'd eventually want to get the "rumored" canon 14-24 or save up enough for the TS-E 17mm. The TS-E is such a gorgeous lens man.
For tele I'm debating either 100mm macro L, 85 f1.2 L or 70-200mm f2.8 IS II.
I dont think id ever need a focal length between 135 - 200mm ever (long lenses generally not useful in a city like dubai where things are large and wide in scale and you feel the need to go wider). I just need a nice potrait lens for space compression.
85 1.2 looks so nice, but so expensive. 100mm macro is more plausible, lighter and it has dat macro.
I do need an ultra wide and tele, though.
I'd eventually want to get the "rumored" canon 14-24 or save up enough for the TS-E 17mm. The TS-E is such a gorgeous lens man.
For tele I'm debating either 100mm macro L, 85 f1.2 L or 70-200mm f2.8 IS II.
I dont think id ever need a focal length between 135 - 200mm ever (long lenses generally not useful in a city like dubai where things are large and wide in scale and you feel the need to go wider). I just need a nice potrait lens for space compression.
85 1.2 looks so nice, but so expensive. 100mm macro is more plausible, lighter and it has dat macro.
phisheep
NeoGAF's Chief Barrister
There seems to be enough demand around that this is at least worth a try, so I've made a start here.
I'm kind of at a loose end waiting for Tim Langdell to do something anyway, and I like updating OPs!
We'll see how it goes ...
TheKaeptain
Banned
I just recently bought a t4i so I will be posting in this thread.
DarkJediKnight
Member
Congrats!!! First DSLR?
Travel kit, not necessarily the best ones - Pentax Ltd 15mm f4, Pentax Ltd 35mm f2.8 macro, Pentax DA* 50-135mm f2.8 (1.5 crop)
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
Zeiss 21mm f/4.5 M C-Biogon, Zeiss 28mm f/2.8 M Biogon, Zeiss 50/1.5 C-Biogon
*All of these preferably on a FF body
TheKaeptain
Banned
Yeah. First digital. I've taken some 35mm classes in college tho.
Got the Shakes
Member
Congrats! I bought a t4i a week and a half ago, and I love it.
DarkJediKnight
Member
Gentlemen and ladies, I need your help!
I find that I want to do videos more, so my Ball head (which isn't replacable) on my Manfrotto 7233 CY carbon fiber is not cutting it. Need a new tripod altogether. I'd love to get something similar with carbon lightweight and compact but with 3 way pan for pics and vids. Say 50cm folded like my 7322. Any suggestions? $300 is what I'm looking at, max.
P.S has to be able to take the weight of a 60d gripped and 70-200 lens.
I find that I want to do videos more, so my Ball head (which isn't replacable) on my Manfrotto 7233 CY carbon fiber is not cutting it. Need a new tripod altogether. I'd love to get something similar with carbon lightweight and compact but with 3 way pan for pics and vids. Say 50cm folded like my 7322. Any suggestions? $300 is what I'm looking at, max.
P.S has to be able to take the weight of a 60d gripped and 70-200 lens.
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