stupid question!

Simonch · Sep 13, 2006

hi there, im looking into getting a Dslr, not becuase i need one, or have the skills which require one, but because im getting a back-dated pay raise, and money just burns a hole in my pocket, so a new camera it is! so here is the stupid question, you dont need digital specific lenses for a Dslr, do you!? and how much am i looking at paying for a lens? cheers guys

simon

JDP · Sep 13, 2006

Simonch said:
hi there, im looking into getting a Dslr, not becuase i need one, or have the skills which require one, but because im getting a back-dated pay raise, and money just burns a hole in my pocket, so a new camera it is! so here is the stupid question, you dont need digital specific lenses for a Dslr, do you!? and how much am i looking at paying for a lens? cheers guys

simon

Correct, if you have a Nikon, you can (For the most part) use any lens Nikon ever made. I believe Canon is partially like this too, though if I recall correctly the really old canon lenses won't work ( But if I'm wrong I shall be corrected virtually immediately, and by 12 people hehe).
Paying for a lens? Well, that all depends. I can pay anywhere from $69.95 for a Tamron 28-80mm lens all the way up to $9000 for a Nikon 600mm f/4 ED-IF II lens.
And that's brand new - you can score all sorts of deals by looking around eBay and such. Trust me, lenses are one area you don't want to skimp on!

Hope that helps!

Big Mike · Sep 13, 2006

No, you do not need a digital specific lens.

There are some lenses that are specific to some digital SLR cameras. The reason for this is because most DSLR cameras have a sensor that is smaller than 35mm film, which most existing lenses were designed for. The smaller sensor made it hard to get a wide view so they made lenses with a smaller image circle. An example of this is Canon's EF-S lenses. They will only work on the Digital Rebel (300D, 350D, 400D) and the 20D & 30D. Those cameras, however, will accept any of Canon's EF lenses.

Digital Matt · Sep 13, 2006

If you are a beginner when it comes to photography, I would look at getting one of the cheaper DSLRs, and just get the kit lens, which usually sells for $100 with the camera. If you want, you can also purchase a 50mm f/1.8 lens for under $100, which is a great lens to have. Unless you can tell us specifically what types of shooting you'll be doing, there's not much more advice to give.

Mihai · Sep 13, 2006

I just ordered my DSLR yesterday (Rebel XTi), so I'm about as noob as you, but for me, I don't like to buy EF-S lenses that work only on digital cameras, as one day I may graduate to a full-size sensor body and I'll have to sell all of them and buy new ones. Just something to consider when you want to invest in lenses.

M.

Simonch · Sep 14, 2006

Well, im not a complete Noob, if you do a search for my username, you can see a few pics i have taken. I like to play about with DOF more than landscapes etc... But i have noticed most the lenses provided with a cheaper SLR seem to have a pretty minimal aperture range! i have been using my dads DMC-FZ5 up until now, but as i say this money will burn a hole, and i fancy spending it on something have decent, my dad will use it as well (if he asks nicely) lol! Probably gonna do a bit of shooting photos for sports etc... as well!

Infact, just had a thought, forgot about this! http://simonch.deviantart.com/ but if you check that out, it will give you a better idea of what kind of stuff i take, as i said, not a complete noob! any further advice will be greatfully recieved
Thanks Guys

P.S. i hope its nicer where you all are than it is here Scotland!