more importantly - what do you have with you?

can't recommend anything without knowing what you already have. perhaps you should ask in Nikon thread.

hi all sifuss,

Nice tips!! Really clear my mind alot after reading it!

btw, can anyone help me out about this:
whats the difference between 17-50mm f2.8 portrait lens; and
50mm f1.8 portrait lens?

In which situation do we most use?

Thanks alot^^

It depends on what you prefer shooting more with?
The 17-50mm F2.8 is a zoom lens whereas the 50mm F1.8 is a prime lens.
If you like to shoot portraits, the prime lens will be better (its cheap and sharp), and also performing better under low-light conditions..

If you want versatility, then the zoom lens is generally better

Just my 2 cents~

When you are asking regarding the 17-50mm lens I am assuming that you have a crop sensor body. So I am basing my reply on that.

First of all, the 17-50mm is not specifically a 'portrait' lens. You can use it for portrait of course but it's more a multi-purpose walk-around lens. The 50mm is also not specifically a 'portrait' lens. 50mm works great as a all-rounder general purpose lens if you are on a full frame. On a crop, it's a little tight.

The difference between the 17-50mm and the 50mm is that the 50mm is a prime lens and aperture rating wise, the 50mm f1.8 can afford you a brighter aperture at f1.8 compared to f2.8

Using a prime lens you have to 'zoom' with your legs and I must say that the 50mm on a crop body is tight for most situations when shooting portraits. It will give a FOV almost like the 85mm on a full frame but not quite there. I tend to use my 85mm when I'm going for a full face shot and want things to be cropped tightly.

The 17-50mm will give you more 'room' to work with. Anything from 17mm to 30mm will be great for full body / half body shots. If you want closer you can still zoom up to 50mm. It's easier or I should say more convenient to use but I have been shooting all prime lenses for quite a while now so I will prefer primes but that's just me.

Thanks for the tips...

Im going to buy a dslr as my start up camera and if lets say if i buy d3200, should i just buy a normal 18-55 lens or go for 18-105 lens? and i mostly go for landscape.. =)

If you have the money, get the 18-105mm, more versatile~
Otherwise the 18-55mm is good enough

for landscape, considering buying the following first after ur DSLR kit purchase

1) tripod <- enable to have narrower aperture for bigger DOF + lower ISO so ur pic not so grainy...
2) remote trigger <- prevent camera shake when lower shutter speed...
3) hard GND filters (0.6 & 0.9) <- useful for horizon shots where the upper portion is much brighter than the lower portion (and vice versa).. like sunset shots..
4) ND filters (0.6 & 0.9) <- u need this for silky water on a sunny day...
5) Polarizing filters <- for blueish sky or to cut the reflections in ponds..

there are more uses for the stuff above.. i am just listing the most obvious uses for landscapes

that is most useful then buying the latest and greatest lens...

last time i bring D800E + 14-24 f2.8 combo to shoot waterfall in the afternoon.. but forgot to bring ND filter.. so malu .. need to pinjam from fren n hold it..

This post has been edited by seather: Sep 24 2013, 04:00 PM

thanks for the extra info but wat is 0.6 and 0.9 represent of?

2x = ND.3 (exposure adjustment = 1 stop, reduces ISO 1/2)
4x = ND.6 (exposure adjustment = 2 stops, reduces ISO 1/4)
8x = ND.9 (exposure adjustment = 3 stops, reduces ISO 1/8)

Just come across this thread, wow!! Thanks for all the information. I'm currently using Canon 40D and has been using this since I start learning photographing. I bought this 2nd hand as I think 40D can serve me quite a long time as there is plenty of things to learn, no point to go for a whole new and expensive body.

I have been shooting around with Sigma 30mm f1.4. I feel this is a great walkaround lens and also, I took a lot of kids picture. I went for holiday last month and used Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. Found out that my 30mm just sit in the bag as zoom is much more versatile. So, I'm thinking of getting a used 28-70 f2.8 (trade with my 30mm). I search online for user reviews, much of the positive feedback on this lens.

My concern is, since this lens is used and quite old, will there be any issue in the later days? And also Canon is no longer service this lens while only those experienced shop will do the service. I like the 30mm, and need some opinions form you all on this lens. Anyone experienced on this lens? Is it worth to move on to this zoon lens?

Thank you.


Regards,
full

As ex owner of 28-70 f2.8L, i can said that is damn wonderful and great lens. I get a great sharp copy and previously i had some minor financial problem and I sold to our Miss Frutie. The only CON is the weight, it's not walkaround lens for me. However I believe canon don't have any spare part of it anymore but that one wonderful lens. I used it with my old 40D. If photography is a hobby for you then you may get it but if you working photographer like myself, i would suggest NO to you. Working photographer will tend do treat their lens as workhorse, as you know it the lens no more in service and spare hard to find, if anything happen on it, you may find yourself in deep shit

upgrade ur lense...
just get a 2nd hand powerful body..
ignore about shutter count coz its make u invest more money for new body but cannot give u benefit for output..
u can see today, many people sell their new camera body... for what? upgrade?
how about shutter count? just for 1++ clicks? membazir kan beli yang baru dan jual balik.
think back what i say... price for body can drop but not for lense...

This post has been edited by seindah_suria: Oct 17 2013, 03:34 PM

100% agree...
nowadays, many "new" photographers just bought the camera coz follow the technology, want have like people have...
but not thinking about what their want to use that camera...
for example, a new landscape photographer bought the expensive camera but dont have tripod.
a new portait photographer bought fullframe camera body but just have fish eye lens and dont have speedlite...



make some research b4 buy something...

Yes, very true, I saw many of them buy new lens and body then keep in the cupboard and take out to shoot once in a while. First thing to upgrade no doubt is speedlight. With sufficient and controlled light, life is wonderful! Lol....

I just bought the 28-70 f2.8l, hopefully this will serve me well and hassle free. I'm just take it as hobby, not as working tools. And do you all know any shops around that is experience enough to service this lens if it really has problem in the future?

Thank you.


Regards,
full

Canon still providing the service however repair is hard. Go canon service center to service to service your lens.. Once broken only got another shop.

I search online and those unfortunate users said that Canon straight away tell them cannot. Maybe as you said service still ok but repair is no more. And the bad thing really happened to me. The lens has problem. One of the lens inside is blur, like fog.I asked some professional and they said need to change the problematic lens. Since Canon so not repair this lens anymore, I think shops won't have the parts too.

Luckily the seller is willing to refund. Until I got back my money then I only feel safe. Haih.... donno where can I find this lens again..

Thank you.


Regards,
full

You should buy from me last time.. ... try lyn garage.. maybe someone sell it affordable price

But that time I did not plan to upgrade my lens... I saw your thread, that's a steal price!! Aiya... timing not right. Hope will have the luck that someone is letting go their unit.

Thank you.


Regards,
full

i m using 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 kit lens and since i need to shoot in low light conditions (christmas is coming ), im thinking to get a 50mm f1.8G.

What i have in mind: bokeh of christmas tree lightings, candle lights, romantic dinner, night scenery, etc

Comments?