 Tricia |
What Do the Lens #s Mean? E.g. 28-80? I have always had a point and shoot now I want to graduate. I know I want a Canon EOS Rebel 2000. It comes with a 28-80 lens. But I want to be able to understand what the other lens # mean - I need it in layman's terms. A sample of the pictures I would like to take are pictures of things that are farther away than I can get to (such as a hot air balloon) and get less sky. Do I need a different lens? I will get the books needed if someone has any suggestions. This is going to be a hobby - hot air ballooning and photography. Thank you.
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
The 28-80 is a zoom lens. The numbers indicate the range of the zoom. It goes from a 28mm wide angle focal length to an 80mm telephoto focal length. It's a good all around lens suitable for most shooting. 80mm is a relatively short telephoto. To put it into perspective, a 50mm lens is considered normal (what your eye would see). An 80mm is about 50% longer or 1.5x. A 100mm would be twice as long or 2x (2 power like on telescopes). For most casual shooting this lens is very useful. For things like hot air balloons a 70-200mm lens might prove more useful.
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Tricia |
Thank you, Jeff K. I think I understand. Another question for you:
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
I would say either lens would be good. The 70-210 would allow you to get tighter shots from a greater distance obviously. Don't underestimate the usefulness of the 28-80 though. It's a better lens for more "snap shots" than the 70-210. As far as basic photography books go, I don't think you can go wrong with the Kodak series of books. They have a good basic photography book as well as books on more specific topics.
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Wally Stemberger |
Tricia, if you're looking for a book on photography how-to, I always recommend Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (ISBN 0-8174-3712-60). It's a great book if you're starting out and you need things clarified. I bought my copy 5 years ago & I still go through it once in a while. Check it out. Wally... :)
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Christine Howe |
Tricia, Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. I had a photo shop salesperson recommend the book John Hedgecoe's New Introductory Photography Course (published by Focal Press, $49 Canadian ISBN 0 240 80346 9) It's first chapter explains the basics and has been rather useful in helping me reach a decision on what I need/want (or can handle as a novice) from my first SLR camera. The remaining chapters discuss basics such as exposure and light, elements of picture design, using filters and approaches to photographing various subject matter under varying conditions. It also has several assignments or projects for you to go through as exercises to help you understand/master the techniques explained. I am predicting these remaining chapters will be very helpful, once I actually purchase and try to master my first SLR. Good luck,
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke  Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
For anyone suffering from the "Greek-to-me" problem, I can't help but recommend The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Great Photos by yours truly. If you have been stumped by the other books or disappointed with your pictures, you will love this book!
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Sounds like shameless self promotion to me. ;-)))
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
I can't help it... I love this book THAT MUCH!!! (Now you're supposed to say "Gee, Jim, sounds like you really love it. I've always wanted a book like this... And now I can get one... and you say it's only $14.95. Is it really that inexpensive. Tell me, does this book by any chance also include a chapter with questions that the beginning photographer - someone like me - might ask?" That's my cue. "Why yes, Jeff, I am so glad you asked... ")
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