Lens imput please

[skieur]

Ok...The only time a flash is going to produce a flat, washed out, red eye, etc type of photo is when it is pointed directly at the subject from the camera axis...hence the reason for recommending a flash that can swivel and tilt...aka bounce flash..

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.

I am certainly not knocking your work at learning how to use a flash effectively and well. I am just reflecting on the quality of many flash photos that I have seen over the years from both beginners and even intermediates. As a matter of fact, many of the photos posted here by newbies indicate that they read very little about photography at all.

skieur

 

[jake337]

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.

I am certainly not knocking your work at learning how to use a flash effectively and well. I am just reflecting on the quality of many flash photos that I have seen over the years from both beginners and even intermediates. As a matter of fact, many of the photos posted here by newbies indicate that they read very little about photography at all.

skieur

I usually recommend one for families. Especially ones with young kids. Trying to freeze a 2 year old's motion, indoors, after the sun goes down is a major pain or at least full of nasty digital grain!

 

[belial]

Have to ask. What made up your mind so solidly about the Sony ?

 

[KmH]

Have to ask. What made up your mind so solidly about the Sony ?

IIRC the OP stated the decision was made by 'feel'.

I've played around with Canon and Nikon and the Sony feels right for me, unlike the others.

It has been repeatedly demonstrated over the last 30 years that learning styles don't actually have an impact on how quickly people learn - Learning styles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The alleged basis and efficacy for these proposals has been extensively criticized. Although children and adults express personal preferences, there is no evidence that identifying a student's learning style produces better outcomes, and there is significant evidence that the widespread "meshing hypothesis" (that a student will learn best if taught in a method deemed appropriate for the student's learning style) is invalid.[SUP][2][/SUP] Well-designed studies "flatly contradict the popular meshing hypothesis".[SUP][2] [/SUP]

 

[FireKitten]

I mesh better with the Sony, always have. I do not like holding other brands and operating them, it doesn't feel comfortable. My hands are pretty small, I loved how the Sony fit. If I'm comfortable with my tool then don't you think I'll be more inclined to learn how to use it better? You guys are so freaking nit-picky... oh and on top of how I do like how the Sony "feels", it's a damn good camera! So, why do YOU like what YOU like? Do you want me to be just like everyone else for the sake of being like everyone else... Another thing is that the Photographer who did my wedding used Sony, and I remember talking with her about it. It was several years ago, but she is very successful and her choice of Sony was right for her. I don't buy that whole "Professionals don't use Sony" crap because it's just not true. She is very talented and it hasn't held her back from being published and keeping her schedule booked.

 

[FireKitten]

Ok...The only time a flash is going to produce a flat, washed out, red eye, etc type of photo is when it is pointed directly at the subject from the camera axis...hence the reason for recommending a flash that can swivel and tilt...aka bounce flash..

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.

Are you implying that I'm lazy because I don't want to sit and read for 2 hours on the computer? Give me a break. P.S.- I'm pregnant and throwing up multiple times a day, sitting at the computer for long periods of time is just not feasible. I sure hope I mis-interpreted that comment because if not... some people need to get over themselves. I've already bought 3 very comprehensive books about Photography and if I'm so lazy then I sure wouldn't be reading them either.

 

[Kerbouchard]

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.

Are you implying that I'm lazy because I don't want to sit and read for 2 hours on the computer? Give me a break. P.S.- I'm pregnant and throwing up multiple times a day, sitting at the computer for long periods of time is just not feasible. I sure hope I mis-interpreted that comment because if not... some people need to get over themselves. I've already bought 3 very comprehensive books about Photography and if I'm so lazy then I sure wouldn't be reading them either.

I don't imply anything. If I think you are lazy, I will tell you. As far as my previous post, that was directed at skieur and his posts saying that most beginners use flash improperly. Nothing to do with you...

Back to you, now. Most of us don't have much experience with Sony gear. I know Nikon gear in and out, and am very familiar with most of the Canon line up. Pentax, Sony, Olympus, etc are fringe. Most of us aren't going to have specialized knowledge in those brands.

I would suggest a Sony specific forum to get better answers.

 

[skieur]

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.

Are you implying that I'm lazy because I don't want to sit and read for 2 hours on the computer? Give me a break. P.S.- I'm pregnant and throwing up multiple times a day, sitting at the computer for long periods of time is just not feasible. I sure hope I mis-interpreted that comment because if not... some people need to get over themselves. I've already bought 3 very comprehensive books about Photography and if I'm so lazy then I sure wouldn't be reading them either.

I don't imply anything. If I think you are lazy, I will tell you. As far as my previous post, that was directed at skieur and his posts saying that most beginners use flash improperly. Nothing to do with you...

Back to you, now. Most of us don't have much experience with Sony gear. I know Nikon gear in and out, and am very familiar with most of the Canon line up. Pentax, Sony, Olympus, etc are fringe. Most of us aren't going to have specialized knowledge in those brands.

I would suggest a Sony specific forum to get better answers.

The advantage to Sony for many is a built-in flash on most of their DSLRs and other cameras. Surprisingly enough, it works quite well without red eye on either a wide angle or telephoto zoom.

skieur

 

[kassad]

dyxum.com is a excellent resource. For indoor shots I use a Sigma 30mm f1.4. I'm not 100% if it is compatible with the a55. While the SLTs have the same mount as the SLRs there some issues with some sigma lens working with the SLTs. For a flash look for the HVL-F42 it's being replace by the F43 so it can be picked up cheap.

 

[jkzo]

I'm going to be purchasing the Sony A55, and I want to know if I should start with the kit lense or don't bother and get something more appropriate for my intended usage. I'd say that in the next few months I'm going to be practicing during the Holiday Family gatherings (indoors), and we are taking a trip to Frankenmuth right before Christmas so I definately want to practice as much as I can there.

Will the kit lens suit these purposes for a beginner such as myself? If not, please list any suggestions. (Since they are 2 totally different situations, do I need 2 different lenses? I really want to get some good pictures at Frankenmuth)

Please, I don't need to hear any snide Sony remarks. I'm really happy with my decision, I've played around with Canon and Nikon and the Sony feels right for me, unlike the others. I've just always been drawn to Sony, I like the way they feel in my small hands, and I've researched the A55 to find that it suits me best at this time. So, that's what I'm going with....

in my view save money purchase body only and have fast zoom lenses

 

[belial]

I just asked because I came out of Sony point and shoots which I liked and moved to a canon dslr because it's canon m. I was actually asking your decision because I'll probably always doubt my own. Oh well as they tell me there are only 2 company choices until Sony spends time actually making lenses

 

[kassad]

I just asked because I came out of Sony point and shoots which I liked and moved to a canon dslr because it's canon m. I was actually asking your decision because I'll probably always doubt my own. Oh well as they tell me there are only 2 company choices until Sony spends time actually making lenses

Are you saying that from experience or just repeating what you have heard? What lens can't you find for the A mount. There are currently 365 current and discontinued lenses that are fully compatible with the a mount, there are 95 current production lenses available, and 35 lenses sold by Sony. The only major lens they don't make is the 400mm f2.8 and rumor has it that it will be announced in the next year.

I will never say Sony is superior to any other company. They admittedly are a bit lacking in the pro and enthusiast areas, but their consumer grade cameras offer incredible products for the price.

 

[Nikon_Josh]

I'm going to be purchasing the Sony A55, and I want to know if I should start with the kit lense or don't bother and get something more appropriate for my intended usage. I'd say that in the next few months I'm going to be practicing during the Holiday Family gatherings (indoors), and we are taking a trip to Frankenmuth right before Christmas so I definately want to practice as much as I can there.

Will the kit lens suit these purposes for a beginner such as myself? If not, please list any suggestions. (Since they are 2 totally different situations, do I need 2 different lenses? I really want to get some good pictures at Frankenmuth)

Please, I don't need to hear any snide Sony remarks. I'm really happy with my decision, I've played around with Canon and Nikon and the Sony feels right for me, unlike the others. I've just always been drawn to Sony, I like the way they feel in my small hands, and I've researched the A55 to find that it suits me best at this time. So, that's what I'm going with....

No Snide remarks about Sony??? Errrr OKKK I have nothing to contribute then!! Count me out!

Also count me out of your rudeness towards other members who have tried to help you.

 

[skieur]

dd A

Un uh, and bounce flash for beginners usually produces uneven lighting and shadows around the eyes, under the nose etc.

skieur

It takes about two hours to read most of the articles on http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

It's an incredible resource on flash photography...I guess, if people are too lazy to read a free source of info that will make a huge difference in the way they think about photography, than they probably wouldn't learn how to effectively use a fast prime, either.

Honestly, my learning style is different than many others...I know that, but, IMO, the greatest leap I have taken in photography was when I learned to effectively use flash. More than buying a DSLR, more than buying a fast prime, and more than buying pro lenses.

I know, for me, what the major breakthrough was. That is why I recommend it. Obviously, each person should make up their own mind about how to spend their money.

I just offer my opinion.

Are you implying that I'm lazy because I don't want to sit and read for 2 hours on the computer? Give me a break. P.S.- I'm pregnant and throwing up multiple times a day, sitting at the computer for long periods of time is just not feasible. I sure hope I mis-interpreted that comment because if not... some people need to get over themselves. I've already bought 3 very comprehensive books about Photography and if I'm so lazy then I sure wouldn't be reading them either.

Chill. A rather sloppy generalization, reflecting on photos I have seen. No implication even considered or intended.

skieur