Lenses

Hi everyone!

Firstly I would like to thank everyone on here for their helpful responses to my last (and 1st) post. I really appreciated it.

As I've mentioned before, I am a beginner and I have come to learn that the general consensus regarding cameras and lenses, is that lenses are what makes the real difference in quality of pictures, and that the camera is simply a 'light box'. I may have missed the mark on this, but this is what I have been told by many people.

So anyway after much research and debate I have got the camera part of the equation out of the way, and have decided to purchase the new Canon Elan 7ne. This leads me to my next dilemma- I know absolutely nothing about lenses!

I was wondering if anyone knew of any good online resources that explain everything (or at least a lot) of what there is to know about lenses? Or if anyone has the time and could explain to me here, the basic terminology and concepts surrounding lenses. As I am buying the camera body alone, I need to make a decision on which lens/es will give me best value for money...I have tried to read various reviews on different lenses, but have so far been confused by the lingo :confused:

I would again be extremely grateful for any help! Thanks guys!

I don't know how much I agree with the idea that a camera is just a light box. Back in the days of manual/mechanical everything, that idea was a little more valid. Now most 35mm SLR's have a couple of autofocus modes as well as an electronic rangefinder for manual focusing, as well as a couple of metering and auto exposure modes. TTL auto flash is also determined by the camera. Between different models of cameras, there are big differences in the features they have and how they work. You can get excellent shots thru simple cameras with good lenses - but AF SLR's aren't simple cameras.

Two schools of thoughts on lenses - a 50mm prime or a medium zoom. Both are good choices, actually having both might be a good idea. A prime (non-zoom) lens will make you think more about your composition; instead of turning a zoom ring you have to move around to change it. Because you're thinking about it more, your composition skills will improve. You can get there with a zoom as well, but it seems like most people starting out think more about what they're shooting if they have to take a few steps instead of turning a ring on the lens.

Primes are usually sharper, faster, lighter and cheaper (yes, expensive zooms can be just about as sharp, but we're not talking about that yet! :) ). Either Canon or Nikon's 50mm f1.8 AF lens can be had for under $100 brand new, is a few stops faster than most zooms, and is one of the sharpest lenses either company offers regardless of price. Can't make a specific recommendation on a Canon zoom though - I'm not a Canon user.

I cannot agree that the lens is the most important. I know people with zillions of dollars in Canon "L" lenses, yet they never even place in our photo club monthly competitions. The key item is attached approximately one inch directly behind the viewfinder.

A good lens, coupled with understanding of the relationship of shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and their combined effect on motion control, depth of field, and sharpness, can give you sharp, properly exposed, completely uninteresting photographs. Unfortunately, without the complete understanding of those things, the art is harder to come by. I suggest finding a local source of continuing education. Here in the 'states, most cities have community colleges and even night courses offered in public shool facilities. Such classes are usually inexpensive, and by going to a class, rather than just reading online, you get to interact with other students and an instructor.

Another source of information and education is local photo clubs. I belong to two local clubs. Both have monthly competitions--slides and digital treated separately. They also have workshops, guest presenters, and photo outings. This is an excellent way to get to know others with your interests and compare notes. Entering the competitions, while scary at first, is also a good way to push yourself along to greater achievements. Clubs will usually have monthly assigned subjects, and this can help you to broaden your photographic horizons as well.

Now, you finally get an answer to one question. I think the single most versatile lens in the Canon line is the 28-135IS. This lens is really sharp. If they charged a little more and painted it white, Canon could have added the "L" designation, and the lens would have much more respect. Remember, Henri Cartier-Bresson never published a photo taken wider or longer than that of the 28-135mm zoom. At around $400 (US) it is a pretty good value, too (at least, for a Canon lens.) One complaint. You have to buy the lens shade separately.