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More money

2007.07.22

New toys for me!

My first flower shot with the new lens. wide open at f1.8

A test of f22

No one ever said it was cheap to learn photography. Yesterday I went to my local camera shop and strolled around. I had a list of things I'd like to own and a fixed lens was one of those items, along with a remote. Unfortunately, I also had a fixed budget. Ha. Anyway, I tried out this 50mm lens and I thought it seemed like a good purchase for $80. All of my other lenses can not go below f3.5 and I really wanted something that would open up wide. Since I've been home playing with this guy, I really like him. All the reviews I read on-line talked about how it was great glass but the encasing was cheap plastic. Obviously, that worried me some. Since I've had it home I can't really say that I think the plastic for the lens is any cheaper than any other Canon lens I own. The only complaint I have is that it's really noisy when it's focusing. So much so that I wondered if I had a dud until I recalled reading that complaint in some of the reviews.

I really think this lens is a great investment for anyone who is trying to learn the technical side of photography. With all the money I saved by checking the books out of the library versus buying them, I can certainly afford this guy! (Yeah, that's my argument and I'm sticking to it!) Since it's fixed, it is so much easier to take shots at different f stops and compare. My plan is to get well acquainted with my AV mode and once I've got that mastered move to TV mode. Then I hope to move to manual eventually. I can't seem to get all my facts straight in manual mode right now so I'm hoping this method will help me train my brain. Another great thing about this lens is that if you are not fond of indoor flash, you have a wider range for no flash photographs with a wider aperature.

Today I plan to see if I can get a mother/daughter shot with my new remote.

6 Comments

Not bad. It will be interesting to see how it pans out. I bought myself a new Nikon D40 camera this week but no pictures to post yet. It works beautifully as other son the blog have indicated and naturally helped me decide (price was a factor too!). I had this urgent need to get back to looking through a viewfinder in order to FEEL I was composing and part of the picture.

Sevendipity · 2007-07-22: 10:20

I have a wired remote for my Nikon, and it is one of my favorite accessories. One of these days I'll invest in wireless, but there are just too many extra toys I want to get them all right away. I'm trying to pace myself.

I'm giving serious though to investing in some fixed focal length lenses, too. I look forward to watching you progress with yours.

dweiskir · 2007-07-22: 15:51

that second pic is beautiful! it's good to see that you're learning so much and saving money at the same time! thanks for your tips and explaining what you learn. it's really helpful for me in picking out my big fancy camera and accessories. keep up the great work :D

jwideman · 2007-07-22: 18:17

Congrats on the new toys! A 50mm lens is a great buy and it takes a sharp photo. :) Fixed focal length lenses really make you work for your shot and can be a lot of fun. I think we get spoiled with zooms. But I probably won't be giving mine up any time soon! Have fun!

vollenda · 2007-07-23: 00:03

Very nice flower shots!! WOW you are quite the study bug aren't you.. You are doing great keep up the great work!!

SheriJ · 2007-07-23: 09:50

ah! I want a remote too!!!
I am glad you foud me!
the flowers are beautiful!

abbeyh13 · 2007-07-24: 11:58

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