Three Lenses Every Photographer Should Own.
Feb 18, 2010 Wishlist
I am hoping this year I can once again try my hand on photography. I haven’t focused on the hobby last year and I wasn’t able to get new “toys” for me also. I will be saving this year so I can get myself a gift come Christmas. Anyway, I came across these 3 lenses that every photographer, newbies especially, should own, from Digital Photography School, while helping DH browse for muscle builders. Yes, he is seriously considering getting into shape as he is nit getting any younger. He realized that he should start taking care of himself.
Anyway, back to the lenses.
1. The general purpose zoom.
For APS-C cameras, something in the 18-50mm range is best… for 35mm format cameras, a 24-70mm will work. This will give you the ability to go fairly wide while also being able to zoom into objects off in the distance. This lens might be your kit lens, but it should preferably be fairly fast (a fixed f/2.8 if possible) to give you greater control over depth of field. It makes a great “walkabout” lens when you aren’t sure what you will be shooting.
2. The macro lens.
50mm. Having a macro lens opens up a whole new world of tiny objects to photograph. Also, if you do any type of product photography (jewelry, food, etc.) this lens will allow you to capture a much greater level of detail than is possible with non-macro lenses.
3. The telephoto zoom.
The telephoto zoom should be in the general range of 70-200mm with a maximum aperture of at least f/4 (faster is nice though). This will give you a lot of distance to work with and a very shallow depth of field to bring focus to your subjects. For faster moving objects, the bigger aperture will allow you to shoot at faster shutter speeds which will help capture moving objects (birds, sports) too. This is also an excellent portrait lens as the focal length minimizes distortion and narrows the angle of view to fill the frame with your subject.
Spy Lens.
Jan 14, 2010 Wishlist
I am loving this Super-Secret Spy Lens from Photojojo. This will be very useful at times when my son is not very cooperative while I take his pictures.
It’s the ultimate accessory for kids, the photo-shy, street photography or any time you want natural, unposed shots.
Meant to fit the end of your SLR’s zoom lens, this guy has a secret cut-out on the side and a precision mirror assembly inside. In short, you can shoot left, right, up, or down (it swivels 360 degrees), all while appearing to shoot straight ahead.
The result? The picture-perfect candid shots you’ve always dreamed of.
The Fisheye Lens.
Jan 14, 2010 Wishlist
I stumbled upon this fisheye lens from Photojojo instead of searching for the best adult acne treatments. I tell you it can be overwhelming checking out the various products, but thanks to acneadulttreatment.org, it made the search easier. Anyway, I am putting this wonderful and really affordable fisheye lens into my wishlist.
* Distorts photos into curved masterpieces
* 0.35 xAF Wide Angle Fisheye Lens
* Comes with a 5 year worldwide warranty
* Works with any SLR lens: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, etc.
* The Fisheye Lens is 52mm without an adapter
* Made from high definition multi-coated optical glass (so fancy)
* Screws onto the end of SLR zoom lenses
* Works best with a zoom anywhere between 14mm and 35mm
* Circular fisheye lens that projects onto a square frame (corners are dark)
Popular DSLR Lenses.
Dec 17, 2009 Wishlist
I do not have impractical wishes for Christmas and my birthday this year. I decided to spend on things for the house instead of other stuff. However, I came across these list of popular DSLR lenses from Digital Photography School and I’d be bookmarking this one so I can refer to this list when I have some extra funds.
1. Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Lens – this lens makes a great option for everyday shooting with a fantastic focal range which gives both a reasonably wide angle and reach. The vibration reduction makes it particularly attractive and it is a reasonably affordable lens.
2. Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens - Nikons ‘nifty 50? is a much loved lens and similar to the Canon version – for its price and quality it is a must have in your bag.
3. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens – this lens has had some great reviews and is renowned for being a high quality camera. Again it has vibration reduction, is relatively fast and is great for portraits, weddings, sports. It’s not cheap though.
4. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens – it is interesting that Macro lenses feature on both Nikon and Canon lists. This one however has vibration reduction making its fast aperture even more useful.
5. Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens – lenses in this focal range featured heavily in both the Canon and Nikon lens and it is no wonder – its a really handy focal range. This one is quite a bit cheaper than the previous 70-200 but you lose Vibration reduction. Those mentioning it in our survey raved about it.
6. Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens – another fast zoom lens with wide angles yet a little length – making it a good choice for every day use if you don’t need lots of reach. On Amazon this lens has 52 reviews and only 3 of them didn’t give it a perfect score of 5 stars (and two of those gave it 4 stars). I guess it isn’t just DPS readers who love this lens.
7. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens – another zoom with a 2.8 aperture and a reasonable focal range. Those recommending it say its sharp, fast focusing and a joy to use.
8. Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye Nikkor Lens – rounding out the Nikon list is a fisheye lens which looks like being a lot of fun.
The Dreamy Diana Lens.
Nov 29, 2009 Wishlist
It’s a lovely plastic lens that transforms your beloved hunk of metal and glass into a digital toy camera. Yesiree you can now get that lovable Lo-fi “technology” on your digi cam from Lomography’s series of Diana plastic cameras.
Dianas are known for their low saturation, soft surreal blurs, and unpredictable colors.
I have been having second thoughts on trying out lomography as I do not want to spend on a new camera. Plus I still prefer digital since it’s cheaper because I don’t need to develop rolls of film to see the output. Now Photojojo just released Dreamy Diana lens that will add a retro mode to DSLR. I am loving this one. But as always, I will have to think long and hard before I make a decision whether to buy it or not. Besides, I still need to get phentermine for my SIL, so I don’t think I have that much extra cash.
Fuji Instax Instant Camera.
Oct 16, 2009 Wishlist
This is on my wish list. I keep having second thoughts whenever I think of ordering it online. I am not sure if I can afford to get the film on a regular basis. If I won’t be using this a lot, then I see no point of getting one. Anyway, I think I finally decided that I won’t be getting this one and then I came across an article of this from Photojojo.
An instant film camera like Polaroid — but with sharper, bolder, crisper, and smaller (credit card sized) prints. Photojojo
So now, I am again undecided.
Tags: fuji instant camera, fuji instax
Fuji Instax.
Oct 11, 2009 Wishlist
I came across Fuji Instax from one of the blogs I am reading. It’s like a Polaroid camera, but it produces smaller, credit card size pictures. I wish to have it, but the cost of the film is not something I can afford on a regular basis or wish to spend on. I don’t know. I am still undecided. It’s a nice-to-have. But definitely not a must-have.
A New Tote.
Jul 14, 2009 Wishlist
I love this bag. It does look like an ordinary bag but this one’s actually a camera bag. Doesn’t this look stylish? I would have wanted to get one for myself, but the thing is I don’t have a camera to put inside. We only have one DSLR and we already got a bag for it.
Anyway, here’s the inside of the bag.
The Print
Merging city sophisticate with tenacious photographer. Yes, you can look fabulously chic while remaining equipped to capture that perfect shot.
* Cotton Canvas
* Magnetic Button Closure
* Interior Zip Pocket
* Outside Side Pocket
* Classic Circles pattern interior
* Modular Velcro Dividers
* Little metal feet
* Water resistant
Measures: 15” x 11” x 6”
Lomo.
Apr 9, 2009 Lomography, Wishlist
I have considered trying out lomography. If money was not a consideration, I would have not think twice about trying it out. The gadgets aren’t really pricey but I think having the photos developed would cost me a fortune as I take tons of pictures. Anyway, I still have my DSLR and I will focus on learning more about digital photography instead. However I came across these cute cameras from Urban Outfitters and I think I want them.
Love This.
Feb 8, 2009 Wishlist
I realized that I spend more time browsing than actually doing what I am supposed to do during my computer time, like work and organize my things. And by the end of the night, more important things were never accomplished like look for an affordable exit sign for an aunt’s business. But I do enjoy browsing and surfing because I get to discover new stuff, like this super cute necklace from Etsy.
I hope this comes in a bracelet as I love bracelets more. I am going to look for a sewing machine charm too because like taking pictures, I enjoy sewing, too.
