HELP with a new Lens!

[ditchdoc1017]

Ok, I have my Canon 50D, and I'm not happy with ALOT of the shots! Yes I am still learning, but I think even though I'm learning there shouldn't be so many just 'ok 'shots ??
Here is a list of my lens, can anyone advise me on a good one I dont have?

28-135 1:3.5-5.6
18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6
28-105mm 1:3.8-5.4
70-300mm 1:4-5.4

Easy on me here, I'm still new...but is my aperature a problem? Will a different aperature help with better shots? Anyone want to explain what the aperature actually does?
Please recommend me a good aperature for all around shooting..My son is going to the prom and I'd love some great shots ...

Thanks so much for any advice...

 

[ukcatfan]

Ok, I have my Canon 50D, and I'm not happy with ALOT of the shots! Yes I am still learning, but I think even though I'm learning there shouldn't be so many just 'ok 'shots ??
Here is a list of my lens, can anyone advise me on a good one I dont have?

28-135 1:3.5-5.6
18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6
28-105mm 1:3.8-5.4
70-300mm 1:4-5.4

Easy on me here, I'm still new...but is my aperature a problem? Will a different aperature help with better shots? Anyone want to explain what the aperature actually does?
Please recommend me a good aperature for all around shooting..My son is going to the prom and I'd love some great shots ...

Thanks so much for any advice...

The "everyday" aperture is typically around f/8-10. That is kind of the generic area, but where the lens will probably be the sharpest. Try that out to see if you get better results. You do not want to just stick with that though. The aperture allows for a lot of creative control. I suggest picking up a book or doing a little research on the net. I recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson for a book. It is not written in a complicated way. There are a lot of other good books, but I think it is a must read for anyone new to DSLRs that are having trouble.

You also might try going with Program mode (typically P on the dial) because it picks the shutter and aperture for you. Pay attention to what it is picking and learn from it.

 

[DizzyV6P]

It would be a lot easier to help you if you post some sample pictures of what you deem, as "just ok" shots.

The 28-135 and 18-55 are capable of some very good shots if you know what you're doing. If you are taking prom pictures, consider a shoe flash instead of relying on the on-camera flash. Also check out Canon's DSLR section for some great tutorials on how to use your camera and how to take better pictures.

 

[C&B Young]

Ok, I have my Canon 50D, and I'm not happy with ALOT of the shots! Yes I am still learning, but I think even though I'm learning there shouldn't be so many just 'ok 'shots ??
Here is a list of my lens, can anyone advise me on a good one I dont have?

28-135 1:3.5-5.6
18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6
28-105mm 1:3.8-5.4
70-300mm 1:4-5.4

I notice you don't have any prime lenses on your list. Most Canon owners get started with the 50mm f/1.8, it's only around $100 and is a good way to get your feet wet into the wonderful world of low-light shooting and bokeh!

 

[saturndb]

Like the others have said, posting a picture would be helpful.

 

[pjacobi]

Anyone want to explain what the aperature actually does?

Aperture or f/stop is an important fundamental of photography.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F_stop

See also Bryan Peterson's, "Understanding Exposure".


-Paul

 

[VVFF]

I'm going to go with that you're letting the camera focus on auto mode instead of choosing a focus point. Coming from a P&S, many people have never cared about focusing on a subject properly before taking a picture. Moving to a camera with less depth of focus makes errors in focusing all the more apparent.

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm going to go with that you're letting the camera focus on auto mode instead of choosing a focus point. Coming from a P&S, many people have never cared about focusing on a subject properly before taking a picture. Moving to a camera with less depth of focus makes errors in focusing all the more apparent.

Very good point. This fact alone is probably responsible for 25% or more of the DSLRs for sale on Cragslist and the like.

 

[Golf4food]

Not happy... better shots... all too vague to offer any help at all without knowing WHAT you aren't happy about.

Are the photos blurry? Is the focus off? Too bright? Too dark?