Perennial PH Pickle - Need to Spend Money
Discussion
I've got the Canon 1200D and I love it to bits. It came with the stock 18-55mm, but also the 75-300mm lens. I've used it to take pictures of absolutely everything, and, because the camera far exceeds my skills, I'm reasonably happy with the existing two lens.
My question is; what could be my next buy?
If I wanted to upgrade the body I see no point in going for anything less than a full frame, which I can't really afford and would, in all likelihood, see no real benefit from (at my level) Ditto a prime lens (this is where my knowledge of lens falls off a cliff) as it'll do what the 18-55 does, just with a shallower depth of field? Where I could just learn how to better use the existing 18-55.
A macro would be great, but I'm struggling to find one on a budget. Also, would a macro make for a wide angle? (lens have me all confused)
So, basically, if you had a 1200D and a burning need to buy something for it, what would you do?
Thanks in advance!
My question is; what could be my next buy?
If I wanted to upgrade the body I see no point in going for anything less than a full frame, which I can't really afford and would, in all likelihood, see no real benefit from (at my level) Ditto a prime lens (this is where my knowledge of lens falls off a cliff) as it'll do what the 18-55 does, just with a shallower depth of field? Where I could just learn how to better use the existing 18-55.
A macro would be great, but I'm struggling to find one on a budget. Also, would a macro make for a wide angle? (lens have me all confused)
So, basically, if you had a 1200D and a burning need to buy something for it, what would you do?
Thanks in advance!
Until you get to the point where your body isn't doing what you need of it, which tends to be when you specialise, eg need high ISO for weddings, or greater dynamic range for landscapes, you're always better off spending on lenses rather than bodies.
Have you a flash? A decent flash opens up far more capabilities than the inbuilt pop up job, plus a set of cheap triggers means you can get it off camera which opens up even more capabilities. A decent tripod? Your landscapes will improve loads for being slowed down using a tripod and will let you use slower shutter speeds for more creativity.
Have you a flash? A decent flash opens up far more capabilities than the inbuilt pop up job, plus a set of cheap triggers means you can get it off camera which opens up even more capabilities. A decent tripod? Your landscapes will improve loads for being slowed down using a tripod and will let you use slower shutter speeds for more creativity.
If you can't think of anything you want then, unfortunately, you don't need anything. If/when you hit a particular limit, the piece of kit required to break through it will be self-evident. You say the camera far exceeds your skills, which is honest, so in fact you've identified what you need to work on.
Macro (close-up) photography would certainly open up a new world to try - if a true macro lens is too much you could try a set of close-up lenses or an extension tube. You could try ultra-wide angle (eg 10-20mm) - but that won't be pennies. Or as Mark says, a big flashgun, or a tripod (ueful for macro work) might help to thin your wallet. Or perhaps a tabletop 'studio' lighting setup so you can practice lighting small objects.
Consider s/h kit from eBay - not only will you save money, but if you decide you don't want it after all you can resell it for little or no loss.
Macro (close-up) photography would certainly open up a new world to try - if a true macro lens is too much you could try a set of close-up lenses or an extension tube. You could try ultra-wide angle (eg 10-20mm) - but that won't be pennies. Or as Mark says, a big flashgun, or a tripod (ueful for macro work) might help to thin your wallet. Or perhaps a tabletop 'studio' lighting setup so you can practice lighting small objects.
Consider s/h kit from eBay - not only will you save money, but if you decide you don't want it after all you can resell it for little or no loss.
HewManHeMan said:
...Ditto a prime lens (this is where my knowledge of lens falls off a cliff) as it'll do what the 18-55 does, just with a shallower depth of field? ....
Not quite. Primes are sharper and allow shallow depth of field, but the biggest difference with a prime lens is the amount of light it is able to let in. Even a cheap prime will let in up to 8 times as much light as your kit-lens does, which lets you shoot in much lower light without flash and freeze motion in places where you couldn't before (e.g. children playing indoors).Of course whether this is useful to you or not depends on what you shoot
I agree with Mr Will.
I'd go so far as saying beginning to use a prime lens was probably one of the most productive steps when I started, both in terms of learning the ropes, but also producing better pictures.
You could go for a 24mm f2.8, a 40mm f2.8 or a 50mm f1.8 at all around £100. There's even a cash back deal from Canon on the first two (and possibly the third).
To give you an idea of the image quality of these £100 lenses, I have the 40mm and the IQ is identical (if not slightly sharper) than my Tamron 28-70 which was £700.
I'd go so far as saying beginning to use a prime lens was probably one of the most productive steps when I started, both in terms of learning the ropes, but also producing better pictures.
You could go for a 24mm f2.8, a 40mm f2.8 or a 50mm f1.8 at all around £100. There's even a cash back deal from Canon on the first two (and possibly the third).
To give you an idea of the image quality of these £100 lenses, I have the 40mm and the IQ is identical (if not slightly sharper) than my Tamron 28-70 which was £700.
Cheers for the replies!
I have a tripod, but rarely use the stock flash. In terms of abilities I may sell myself a little short... I've had the camera nearly a year and I've really enjoyed learning, so better equipment may come in handy!
Macro lens interest me massively. And if a prime is really as good as suggested (and as easy on the budget) could be a good buy.
In terms of budget, depends on usability. If a full-frame is going to be an amazing investment I was just looking at some reviews on-line, but that's a very naughty amount of money to spend on one little thing! Then again, I couldn't really justify an equal amount on a lens... which would probably be a better investment. Don't worry, I know my reasoning is bats
t.
Being sensible (booooo) a nice prime for circa £100 could be worth a look.
I have a tripod, but rarely use the stock flash. In terms of abilities I may sell myself a little short... I've had the camera nearly a year and I've really enjoyed learning, so better equipment may come in handy!
Macro lens interest me massively. And if a prime is really as good as suggested (and as easy on the budget) could be a good buy.
In terms of budget, depends on usability. If a full-frame is going to be an amazing investment I was just looking at some reviews on-line, but that's a very naughty amount of money to spend on one little thing! Then again, I couldn't really justify an equal amount on a lens... which would probably be a better investment. Don't worry, I know my reasoning is bats
t. Being sensible (booooo) a nice prime for circa £100 could be worth a look.
Edited by HewManHeMan on Tuesday 3rd November 17:05
JustinP1 said:
To give you an idea of the image quality of these £100 lenses, I have the 40mm and the IQ is identical (if not slightly sharper) than my Tamron 28-70 which was £700.
A mate of mine has a nifty little digital camera and the point and shoot shots he's captured from that far out shine my DSLR... pre photoshop, I mean.Is it just that the fixed lens in the point and shoot works better for every day (portraits, for example) photos?
HewManHeMan said:
JustinP1 said:
To give you an idea of the image quality of these £100 lenses, I have the 40mm and the IQ is identical (if not slightly sharper) than my Tamron 28-70 which was £700.
A mate of mine has a nifty little digital camera and the point and shoot shots he's captured from that far out shine my DSLR... pre photoshop, I mean.Is it just that the fixed lens in the point and shoot works better for every day (portraits, for example) photos?
Mr Will said:
HewManHeMan said:
JustinP1 said:
To give you an idea of the image quality of these £100 lenses, I have the 40mm and the IQ is identical (if not slightly sharper) than my Tamron 28-70 which was £700.
A mate of mine has a nifty little digital camera and the point and shoot shots he's captured from that far out shine my DSLR... pre photoshop, I mean.Is it just that the fixed lens in the point and shoot works better for every day (portraits, for example) photos?
Macro is fun stuff and can be cheap to get into.
You can add a reverse ring for a 50mm prime for about £10, extension tubes ( but for canon they need to be the more expensive ones with electronic contacts), or a cheap macro lens.
My Tamron 90/2.8 macro cost me about £150 (but in NZ), its a great lens, you should also be able to pick up a cosina 90mmf3.5 macro for £50 or less on ebay I think, make sure it has the 1:1 filter tho.
You dont get wide angle and macro together very often, as macro is all about MFD (minimum focus distance) and magnification (1:1 is the size of the object is the same size on the sensor), 50-60mm is the low end and ok for product etc, bugs and stuff really need 90-100mm otherwise you are too close.
The 'crop factor' really doesnt count in macro apart from the pixel density does help.
Also for macro lighting is key, factor in a cheap manual proper flash ( yongnuo etc) with a home made diffuser, and possibly a cable or set of triggers to get it off the camera.
As for the rest, you have identified its skill you are lacking not gear, honestly thats a big thing, because even your low end 1200d and 18-55 is such a competent camera you are right, skill is always the limiting thing.
Saying that a better camera will give you better results but only with decreasing margins, on its own it will do nothing.
Its time to look at your pictures, and look at similar ones other better photographers have taken and try figure out what you need to work on, do research, ask, do workshops, learn, experiment and grow!
You can add a reverse ring for a 50mm prime for about £10, extension tubes ( but for canon they need to be the more expensive ones with electronic contacts), or a cheap macro lens.
My Tamron 90/2.8 macro cost me about £150 (but in NZ), its a great lens, you should also be able to pick up a cosina 90mmf3.5 macro for £50 or less on ebay I think, make sure it has the 1:1 filter tho.
You dont get wide angle and macro together very often, as macro is all about MFD (minimum focus distance) and magnification (1:1 is the size of the object is the same size on the sensor), 50-60mm is the low end and ok for product etc, bugs and stuff really need 90-100mm otherwise you are too close.
The 'crop factor' really doesnt count in macro apart from the pixel density does help.
Also for macro lighting is key, factor in a cheap manual proper flash ( yongnuo etc) with a home made diffuser, and possibly a cable or set of triggers to get it off the camera.
As for the rest, you have identified its skill you are lacking not gear, honestly thats a big thing, because even your low end 1200d and 18-55 is such a competent camera you are right, skill is always the limiting thing.
Saying that a better camera will give you better results but only with decreasing margins, on its own it will do nothing.
Its time to look at your pictures, and look at similar ones other better photographers have taken and try figure out what you need to work on, do research, ask, do workshops, learn, experiment and grow!
HewManHeMan said:
- I'm looking at lighting now.
Absolutely key to good macro - do some Googling on 'home made macro flash diffuser' or some such, you can do great things with a basic cheapo flash + DIY on the diffuser. Good luck! PS - oh and there's a macro thread where you can ask for advice
You've really got me started now...
What do you guys think of this?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yongnuo-YN-14EX-Macro-Flas...
What do you guys think of this?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yongnuo-YN-14EX-Macro-Flas...
Message Board | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff