Question about types of lenses (zoom)

[jdb0822]

shopping for a DSLR camera, and would like to get another lens other than the kit lens. Not too familar with camera lingo/specs (yet), what type of lens would be needed to say, stand in front of Expedition Everest and want to zoom in to get a picture of the train approaching the top of the mountain? Would a 75-300mm be the correct lens choice?

 

[jfinke]

That is kind of an open ended question.

But, to answer the second part (partly), the larger the number is in mm, the further away the lens elements are from the sensor, which provides more reach.

A 600mm lens will allow you to get a closer shot than an 18-55mm. However, it is a prime, it does not zoom. The 18-55 is a zoom lens, but its reach is minimal.

Did that help or just confuse more?

Usually you want to complement your lenses. So, if you have a kit lens that is wide, you would complement it with something that is long.

 

[jdb0822]

I grabbed a Canon Rebel XS, that comes with the 18-55mm lense kit. I also orderd the 75-300mm canon lens for it as well. Is this good to start with?

 

[handicap18]

I grabbed a Canon Rebel XS, that comes with the 18-55mm lense kit. I also orderd the 75-300mm canon lens for it as well. Is this good to start with?

That is a good place to start. Many of us with SLR's and/or dSLR's started with a similar setup.

Once you start shooting and discover what you like and don't like to shoot you can move up from there, but you have to start someplace. Be careful though, once you start into the world of the dSLR you will find that your pockets will empty quickly and you'll always want to find the latest and greats accessory to upgrade to.

Luckily for you though, you have us, your fellow DISboard photographers. We will certainly help you spend your money.

 

[jfinke]

It is a decent start. You may also want to consider the nifty fifty - 50mm f/1.8. It is usally somewhere around $80. It is another cheaper lens. However, it is very sharp optically.

 

[Technosavant]

300mm focal length on a DSLR will give you all kinds of zoom. My telephoto maxes out at 200mm and I haven't been disappointed with lack of zoom.

 

[Groucho]

FWIW, you don't need a lot of zoom to get the cars on top of Expedition Everest. Here's a shot taken at 150mm with minimal cropping (just a little off the lower left.)

 

[wdwwishes]

It seems to me that a 75-300mm lens while great, isn't really a "kit lens". Most "kit lenses" have a shorter focal length but as long as the shop you're dealing with is to willing to package that lens as part of a package and you're willing to go with that price, it's probably a good thing. I have 3 lenses that I use. My "kit lens" I swapped out for a 17--85mm. My "everyday" lens is an 18-200mm. I also have a "super wide" 12-24mm. One thing to consider with lenses is their overall length and weight, is it image stabilized, is made by the same company that made your camera, what you're shooting etc. I like the 18--200mm a lot because it gives me some true wide angles as well as some great close ups. It just seems to cover a good range of shots. If you're getting a SLR, you'll probably end up with more than one lens though so start with what you truly want, see how it works for you and go from there.

 

[safetymom]

I use an 18-200 VR lens on my Nikon and I love it. No need to carry several lenses since I have this one.

 

[Tom Dibble]

300mm is as long as you'll get without forking over "real" money (as though several hundred dollars weren't "real" ). Do watch out, though, when shooting at that kind of a zoom. For most people, shooting at 300mm requires a 300-500th second shutter speed. If shooting "up", your stability decreases, so the average Joe needs to up that to a 1/640 or so to keep a steady shot. This might not be a problem in the bright Florida sunshine, but keep it in mind. If you can't get that kind of a shutter speed, you'll likely need to seek other methods of stabilization (a tripod, or bracing against a large metal structure ...)