 Amy |
Best Startup Lens I'm buying a Canon 40D camera as a gift. It comes with the 28-135 lens. I know basically nothing about these high tech cameras. I'm hoping that lens is a decent one. I just want to get a second but dont know which to get. I want it for action shots mostly, then some scenery and regular pictures as well. Please help! Thank you!!
|
|
|
|
||
- Carolyn M. Fletcher  Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
Wow, that's quite a gift!! A suggestion: maybe a gift certificate to B&H so that the person can pick out their own..they may not know just what it is they want for a while until they get to know the camera's capabilities.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Alan N. Marcus |
Hi Amy, What focal length lens to buy: The Canon 40D sports an image senor that measures 14.8mm x 22.2mm. This size is known in the trade as APS-C. Knowledge of your camera's chip size is important. Your focal length decisions hinge on the diagonal measure of this rectangle. I will calculate this for you, it measures 26.7mm. By tradition, a camera is said to have a normal view (prospective) when a lens about equal to the diagonal measure, is mounted. This combination yields a angle of view of about 53°, the human experience. As an example a 35mm film camera is generally fitted with a 50mm. A 2 ¼ x 2 ¼ is fitted with a 75mm. A 4 x 5 is fitted with 135mm etc. Note the 40D is usually delivered with a kit lens that with a zoom range of 28mm ~ 135mm. Generally a supplied first kit lens centers upon normal which would be about 25mm ~ 30mm.I think it is peculiar that this one starts at 28mm. This is why! Generally we classify wide-angle as starting at about 70% of normal. Thus one would choose, for this camera, a wide-angle starting at 20mm or shorter. This particular kit zoom lens when set to minimum zoom is “normal” i.e. it never even approaches what we would classify as in the wide-angle grouping. I think most experienced photographers who buy the D40 with this kit lens would soon add a wide-angle to complement the supplied kit lens. So I advise just that, buy a wide angle and you will be cheerful. Now for the other end: Telephoto is generally classified as starting at 200% of normal. Thus a telephoto for this camera should be about 55mm or longer. Additionally, the consistence of opinion regarding what constitutes a portrait lens, is one revolving around 250% or normal which works out to about 70mm. Note the kit lens extents to 135mm thus it extends into the range of portrait and further (moderate telephoto). Crop factor: Most teaches and books endeavor to make a comparison between the long-established 35mm film camera lens and how to get the same optical prospective when using one of these smaller digitals (APS-C). The APS-C format is smaller it is about 66% of the size of a 35mm frame (it’s smaller). Stated another way, the crop factor for the APS-C is 1.5. How to use the crop factor: Consider a condition whereby the D40 has a 40mm lens mounted. To figure out what lens mounted on a 35mm is the equivalent of this combination, we multiply by 1.5 thus 40mm x 1.5 = 60mm (i.e.) a 60mm on a 35mm full frame camera delivers about the same perspective as a 40mm mounted on the D40. Bottomed line: OK to buy the kit lens as a first time lens however when you acquire some spare coins, buy a wide angle. Best of luck, Alan Marcus (marginal technical stuff)
|
|
|
|
||
- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Amy, if you want a good general purpose lens...and you don't mind spending a few bucks, try the Canon L 24-105mm F4 lens...here's a link: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0508/05082207canonlenses.php But Carolyn is right on...if you're getting a nice camera like the 40D, then your friend must know a little something about photography, and it's better that he/she have the option.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy |
Thanks everyone for all your help. I appreciate it. I didnt want to go way off track with my purchases, and you guys helped steer me in the right direction. I'm sure whatever I end up buying will be appreciated as well. Thanks again!
|
|
|
|
||
|
Carolyn L. Fox |
I've had the Canon 28-135 lens for a few years and, although it isn't their "L" glass it's a decent lens and is a good focal length for a general walk-around lens. That lens sells for much more than the extra $200 it usually costs to buy it with the 40D. I think whoever you're buying it for would be pleased with that lens.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy |
Great! I'm glad I'm getting all this good feedback. I can't wait to give this present! I think I did well with this gift...thanks!
|
|
|
|
||
- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Wow Amy, if you feel that good gifting your friend a 40D just think how great you would feel gifting me a Canon 5D ? Just kidding :) I think its great you are giving a very good quality camera as a gift and whoever receives it will be very happy.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||