Lens advice for newbie

[jackiex_x]

Which lens is the most fun?

I quite like the thought of getting a macro as insect etc look fun to shoot, but read somewhere about an infra red lens too?

My budget will only allow me to invest in one for now.

 

[jackiex_x]

Not just deciding between these two, open to opinions. thanks.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Lens Reviews / Previews: Digital Photography Review

 

[jackiex_x]

Thanks for the link, was looking for a more personal opinion on type of lens though.

 

[joealcantar]

Thanks for the link, was looking for a more personal opinion on type of lens though.

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It would be a good idea to post the gear and software you are using in the signature block or on your BASIC INFORMATION tab that way we can look and see what you are using. If we have had experience with that unit more than likely we can go in depth on the subject matter. Shooting macros is very generic, macro of insects, flowers ?? would be helpful and is that all you plan to shoot?
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If shooting insects , believe I would go with something in the 100mm range to keep your distance and keep from spooking the subject. Once you find something in that range ask about the lens and thoughts , we have a few here that are awesome at Macro and know they would help.
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shoot well, Joe

 

[KmH]

The types of photography you mentioned are niche photography types.

Macro photography often requires more than just a Macro lens. The nature of Macro is such that then depth-of-field (DOF) is exceedingly shallow which makes focusing very difficult. Macro photographers use good quality tripods that have a tripod head that has focusing rails to allow moving the camera/lens in quite small increments so they can focus accurately.
Because the subject can be very close to the lens lighting is often an issue because the camera/lens/photographer block the light, and special strobe lights are needed becuase light froma popup or hot shoe flash cannot be aimed close enought to the front of the lens.

I'm am not aware of any IR lenses, but there are IR filters. Unfortunately, humans cannot see IR light so when an IR filter is put on your lens the camera viefinder is pretty much just black. However, a scene can be composed and focus achieved, before the filter is mounted and the shutter is released.

An additional consideration is that digital image sensors already have an IR filter in front of them, so some of the IR light frequencies cannot be recorded by mounting an IR filter on your lens.

 

[analog.universe]

What is your budget?

 

[jackiex_x]

Thank you KmH that was very informative. I understand now that it was a naive question. I will need to learn more.