• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Film SLR Users: Need Recommendation

2

2canSAM

Diamond Member
OK I have settled on what camera I will be getting to get back into film but have a question about lenses. I will be doing mostly nature and sports/action photography. The camera I am looking at I can get in one of three packages for the amount I have budgeted for this. Which one will be better in terms of convenience and quality? Also any good sites to check out that cover the basics, like when to use what lenses, What Fstop and Aperture settings to use/when, ISO speeds and all that good stuff. Although the camera I am getting can be set for auto everything I will use manual everything mostly to really learn the in's and out's.

Package #1

35mm SLR Camera Body
28-80 f4.0-5.6 AF Lens
80-200 f4.5-5.6 AF Lens

Package #2

35mm SLR Camera Body
28-105 f4.0-5.6 AF Lens


Package #3
35mm SLR Camera Body
28-105 f4.0-5.6 AF Lens
100-300 F4.5-5.6 AF Lens


Now the Camera that I am looking at is the Minolta Maxxum 5 and all lenses are Minolta Lenses, I checked out the Nikon N65 and Canon Rebels and best bang for the buck is the Minolta. Plus I like how the camera feels and operates better. Another option would be a Sigma 28-300mm Compact Zoom Lens. Should I consider this for the ultimate convenience? It is a little more pricey but having 28-300mm in one lens would be nice as long as I do not sacrafice alot of quality.
 
The only think to make sure is that the lenses have glass objectives. I know the cheap Canon 28-80 lenses have plastic objectives whereas almost all of the others are glass. With that in mind, the package with the 28-105 is good. That lens provides the most useful range IMHO. Don't buy a telephoto unless you know you'll use it.
Can you link to the specific lenses and such?
 
It's hard to say which lens to get. Focal length has nothing to do with quality. When selecting a lens for my Canon, I did a lot of Googling under "Canon lens review". I just followed the links and sorted through the fluff.

As NB said, links to specific lenses would be good.

As far as film goes, 400 ASA print film for sports.

Nature shots? I do slides and usually favor Fuji film specifically Velvia, although it depends on the situation.

You also need a good tripod. I have a Bogen that works great.
 
I would take package three assuming the body in question can handle the full F range. 100-300 is going to be more useful as a zoom than 80-200. I'd modify package three though, if there is a higher quality 28-80 or 28-70 available. You're not really going to need full coverage through the zoom range. You can always take a step forward or back.

I feel though that I should point out that a Nikon camera + lens(s) are a far better investment. Nikon's are mostly metal + mechanical, and the lenses are interchangable. Have been for decades and will be for years to come.

I can literally take the new 80-300 lens off my N60 and snap it onto my mother's ~25 year old FE that lacks autofocus and automatic film advance. Likewise, I can take the 50mm off it and snap it onto my N60. No AF support, no metering, but it works.
 
How bout get just the body, and a nicer 28-105 lens? With the ability to go lower in F stops, especialy in sports i'm guessing...
The lens in package 2, and 3 (28-105) is that the same lens?
why not just put the details on here. Your like asking us to judge. i can get two cars, car a have 250 hp, and car b have 250 hp... well, what else???
 
Get the 28-300 lense you will not regret it 😀 Personally I am a Nikon man but the Canon AE2 is a pretty sweet camera 😀

Cheers,
Aquaman
 
find a 50 mm prime lens and learn that way. zoom is just one more thing to worry about and those lenses are slow
 
Originally posted by: Aquaman
Get the 28-300 lense you will not regret it 😀 Personally I am a Nikon man but the Canon AE2 is a pretty sweet camera 😀

Cheers,
Aquaman
Click to expand...

Canon pwnz j00!!!😛
 
1. i don't think any of the lenses are particulary fast for sports / fast action. the above lenses would be great for nature. nature doesn't move, so having a slower lens doesn't make a huge difference.

2. i'd never ever buy a 28 - 300. that's gotta be one of the worst tele lenses ever.

3. Optics before Body. If you're gonna spend more money on either, spend more money on quality lenses.

4. i'd take option 1.
 
I'd seriously stay away from a 28-300 or something with that much of a zoom. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the zoom factor, the worse the lens will be in terms of optical quality.

If you're doing sports/action type photography, you're going to need the widest apertures you can get to maximize light and use faster shutter speeds to "freeze the action". I don't know the conditions you'll be shooting in but for indoor sports or maybe overcast conditions, the f4.0-5.6 of the zooms you mentioned may not be fast enough.
 
what?s the price diff between package 2 and 3??

the 28-105 lens is an extremely versatile lens and will cove most if not all of your needs if your just getting into it
and the 100-300 will also be decent but not great. but it really depends on what you are looking for

Persioanlly id but the body and a really good 28-80 lens. its the standard started lens and its useful

I have one for my Nikon N80 I also have a 70-300. its not the best but it works for what i use it for. ill upgrade to a better similar range telephoto when i have funds. Using telephoto is a whole nother area if you new stick to the smaller zooms.

also if you can find a 50mm lens they are great and most people enjoy starting with one. there is no zoom but that means that the quality is sooo much better. im gonna get teh Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D AF lens. it is extreamly fast and takes amazing photos

basic things to remember
1) bigger the range of zoom typically lower quality unless you pay a fortune for it
2) 400 speed Film works for just about everything
3) shutter speed and F stop depend on shooting conditions
4) expensive lenses are worth the money. you can skimp on teh body but not the lens
5) don?t use auto focus and auto F unless you have to ( ie sports or other fast things) learn to do it manually you will end up taking better pics this way
 
Originally posted by: Aquaman
Get the 28-300 lense you will not regret it 😀 Personally I am a Nikon man but the Canon AE2 is a pretty sweet camera 😀

Cheers,
Aquaman
Click to expand...

Maybe I should preface the large zoom recommendations............ it's good for travelling when space is an issue but re-reading the initial post I would not recommend it for action shots. I never regreted buying the 28-300 😀 It beats lugging around 3+ lenses on vacation 😉

Cheers,
Aquaman
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
Originally posted by: Aquaman
Get the 28-300 lense you will not regret it 😀 Personally I am a Nikon man but the Canon AE2 is a pretty sweet camera 😀

Cheers,
Aquaman
Click to expand...

Canon pwnz j00!!!😛
Click to expand...

In your opinion but it's a fact that I pwnz j00!!!!!!! 😛 😀 😉

Cheers,
Aquaman
 
Typically, 28-80mm lenses are no better than similar range point and click. 28-105mm lens are constructed better and they cost a lot more. The 28-105mm are often non-rotating front element too, so you can use things like polarizer, which you'll soon use to avoid water reflection.
 
Thanks guys for all the tips, I will probably go with the 28-105 lens. Anubis, thanks for the link checking out that site now.
Any recommendations on a good starter book?
Links to what I am looking at. They don't give really give any more info on the lenses though.

PACKAGE 1

PACKAGE 2

PACKAGE 3



 
if you ever have a bout 3 months spare time. take an intro to photography course at a community college. great stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top