noob lens question.

shoes210 · Feb 22, 2011

what do i need to look for when selecting a lens.
55-200mm
70-300mm
and fish eye?

someone learn me something please lol

Catherine4483 · Feb 22, 2011

What do you want to shoot?

ulrichsd · Feb 22, 2011

Catherine4483 said:
What do you want to shoot?

And what lenses do you currently have? 18-55mm kit lens? a bit more info would be helpful.

subscuck · Feb 22, 2011

Budget? Brand?

bigtwinky · Feb 22, 2011

Step 1 - establish your need
What do you wish you could do that you can't with your current lenses?
Q: I want to shoot things that are further, I can't I only have an 18-55
A: Get a telephoto

Q: I do alot of urban shooting and would love something wider
A: Get a wide angle

Q: I'm shooting shows and like, my ISO sucks and makes things icky. I want a nicer image!!
A: Get an lens that opens up wide. ie a 2.8 zoom or 1.4/1.8 prime

Q: I want one lens that can do everything amazingly cuz my images sucks now!
A: Find a new hobby. Seriously, there isn't one magical lens for everything. Jack of all trades, master of none.
Image quality (generally speeking) goes like this: prime 50mm > zoom 24-70 at 50mm > 18-200 at 50mm

Q: I have the kit 18-55, I love the range, but want better quality
A: Look at the 17-55mm if you have a crop camera, the 24-70 is you have a full frame, the 17-40 as well.

Step 2 - establish your budget
the more you spend, the better you get (usually). 55-250 ($300) < 70-300 ($800) < 70-200 f/2.8 ($2000)
Lenses are the most critical component in getting a nice image. I'd prefer having a cheap body with kick ass lens, then a kick ass body with a crap lens

Only YOU know what YOU need. So give more info

lee3 · Feb 22, 2011

Ok I can use help here too. I have a Sony a380 that I want to master before moving on to a Canon or Nikon. I am looking for a lens to shoot outdoor spirts for my kids. Tball and cheerleading/football for types. I can get pretty close but only have the kit 18-55 and 55-200. i want something fast to catch clear crisp action shots.

bigtwinky · Feb 22, 2011

I dont know sony lenses, so you'll have to do some leg work.

For the crisp and clear shots, you need a fast shutter speed (on top of proper focusing and such, but lets just discuss lenses).
To get that fast shutter (I'm talking 1/320 - 1/500), you will need a fast lens, one that opens wide. You will also need a camera that does decent high iso.

So if you like the range of your 50-200 and it allows you to get in nice and close, then you need a better quality version. Long high quality lenses are unfortunately the most expensive lenses to get. So look for a lens that has an f/2.8 constant aperture and is in the focal range you need.

To take it a step further, you said you plan on moving to Canon or Nikon but want to "learn" on your Sony? I would highly suggest making the switch sooner rather than later if that is your plan and investing money in good high end glass for Canon or Nikon that you can keep for 10 years. No point investing in Sony stuff if you aren't planning on staying there.

enzodm · Feb 22, 2011

bigtwinky said:
To take it a step further, you said you plan on moving to Canon or Nikon but want to "learn" on your Sony? I would highly suggest making the switch sooner rather than later if that is your plan and investing money in good high end glass for Canon or Nikon that you can keep for 10 years. No point investing in Sony stuff if you aren't planning on staying there.

I agree with this. Furthermore, it will be a step further only if you go with semi-pro or pro, since performance of entry level cameras is almost the same for any brand.