Using just one lens, what would it be?

Dazb

5

27 Oct 2006 - 8:34 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Hi All,

I've been looking at the forum with great interest for the past month or so and found some great info. But now i thought it best to say hello and post for the first time.

I'm no photographer but have been working with them for 2 years now. I'm Dep Art Editor for a national car mag and have gained an interest in photography, particularly in shooting cars. I have the eye, but am lacking experience with the technical side of the photographic world, which I'm sure this forum will help me with.

On my very limited budget I got myself a Canon 350D with the standard 18-55mm lens, which I've since read isn't the best lens to have. My question is, what would be the one lens you would use that would be most useful in the majority of situations? Basically if you had one lens what would it be? I love the wider angles so I'm thinking maybe 10-35mm??

I want to build up equipment as I learn more and as i can afford it, so I'm looking at getting the very best value for money. The problem is working for a mag doesn't pay that well, so money IS an issue.

I'm also looking at portable lighting strong enough to shoot cars, but I'll save that thread for the lighting section.

Any advice and options are most welcome.

thanks

Daz

ZenTog

10

27 Oct 2006 - 8:43 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

the lens is not too dear, I ve just picked a used one up for £450 , didnt even cost me that as I part exe something else in as well

portable lighting will cost you a lot of money, have alook on ebay there is a portable ring flash available from china for a good price fully self contained, would work well on cars and people, ring flash is being used by a lot of commercianl people now

ZenTog

10

27 Oct 2006 - 9:02 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

on a 350 d you get cropping, not magnification, but a smaller angle of view

ZenTog

10

27 Oct 2006 - 9:09 PM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

it does give the different view, but the image in the frame will be no bigger despite what some say, I have tested it on my 600 against a film camera, the surfer stays the same size in the frame but you get less picture either side etc

sk8mk

5

1 Nov 2006 - 12:07 AM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

why not try and buy the lens you are thinking of buying, but adding a wide angle converter or a fish eye converter for to wide shots? Its probably a cheaper way of having a non distorted lens but the option of a wide angle shot. But the twist is, i dont know what the best converter is.

Maybe someone else will have a better idea!

But to conclude, your better of buying that sigma lens, with possibly some converters/filters for those different lens effects for a fraction of the price.

Hope this comes to some help for you, and i bet you never thought a 14yr old would be trying to help

Good Luck finding the perfect lens..

Tom

riprap007

7

1 Nov 2006 - 10:01 AM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

For Nikons then the 17/55mm f2.8 a cracker!

theredbaron

5

1 Nov 2006 - 11:03 AM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Hi Daz
I work for a large motor corp and can use some of my photography at work.
I used to have a 300D Rebel with 18-55mm, and now use a 30D with 17-85 IS USM.
I like the lens. I also use fisheye and other lenses on cars.
Let me know what you decide or how you get on. Good luck!
Does you publication have photo competitions?
I might have another one to go for after the GM Mirror!
Chris Brown (Herts)

strawman

8

1 Nov 2006 - 11:10 AM

• Options
  • Report Error / Abuse

0

Quote: Canon do a nice 10-22mm but its quite expensive. I don't know i theres a Sigma equivalent anyone? Chris Brown (Herts)

Yes Sigma 10-20 EX @ £300 and in all the reviews I have seen you can spit on the difference in terms of sharpness etc.