Nikon DX lenses

[_dobbo_]

As I wind down the path towards DSLR ownership, I inevitably find myself with lots of questions, and for the first time in my life can't easily find the answers on google!

So I turn to the font of knowledge that is Pistonheads!

Am I correct in thinking that when referring to Nikon DX lenses you don't need to apply the x1.6 multiplier to find the focal length? Because the "DX" signifies a digital lens?

[simpo two]

_dobbo_ said:

Am I correct in thinking that when referring to Nikon DX lenses you don't need to apply the x1.6 multiplier to find the focal length? Because the "DX" signifies a digital lens?

Nope - DX means that the image projected by the lens only covers the CCD and is not large enough to be used with a 35mm film SLR. The 1.5x factor (not 1.6) applies to all lenses when on the D70 and is a handy way of expressing the cropping that the smaller image area gives, manifesting itself as magnification or a 'longer' focal length.

[_dobbo_]

Ah ok that makes sense, thanks!

I'm finding the variety of lenses available a bit impenetrable at the moment. Lots of reading to do!

[trooperiziz]

_dobbo_ said:

I'm finding the variety of lenses available a bit impenetrable at the moment. Lots of reading to do!

Tell me about it! I'm looking for a 70-300mm lens for my 300D. Not easy to know which ones are any good, how much I should pay and whether they have had the software update in some cases of the Sigma lenses...

Add to that USM, AF, EF, f-stops etc... It's a bit tricky to say the least
I've got a good idea what the differences are, but I don't know which lenses are actually good and how much I should be paying second hand.

[Bee_Jay]

trooperiziz said:

Tell me about it! I'm looking for a 70-300mm lens for my 300D. Not easy to know which ones are any good, how much I should pay and whether they have had the software update in some cases of the Sigma lenses... Add to that USM, AF, EF, f-stops etc... It's a bit tricky to say the least I've got a good idea what the differences are, but I don't know which lenses are actually good and how much I should be paying second hand.

Canon 70-300 DO IS USM is a stunning lens - I love it. Yes it's pricey, but you get what you pay for. Yes it flares sometimes, but it's really very useful...

Either that or get a second hand Canon 75-300 IS (not as bad as people make out.

Less than that, get the Canon 75-300 III, about £175 in Jessops etc, and excellent for the price.

There are excellent lens reviews on: www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ - comparing the 70-300 to 75-300 IS: www.photo.net/equipment/canon/70-300do/

[bilko2]

trooperiziz said:

_dobbo_ said: I'm finding the variety of lenses available a bit impenetrable at the moment. Lots of reading to do! Tell me about it! I'm looking for a 70-300mm lens for my 300D. Not easy to know which ones are any good, how much I should pay and whether they have had the software update in some cases of the Sigma lenses... Add to that USM, AF, EF, f-stops etc... It's a bit tricky to say the least I've got a good idea what the differences are, but I don't know which lenses are actually good and how much I should be paying second hand.

This MAY help mate http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1029
forums/canon/lens talk
I havn't looked myself yet as work it keeping me busy but you may find some answers
Ian
Also, to see what you can do with a particular lense, i look at pbase for that lense and check out the examples. I have a 75-300 which i wasn't impressed with untill i saw some good pics taken with it on pbase. Then lets just say that i realised i was not mis-sold
EDIT>>>>
What Bee Jay said whilst i was typing

>> Edited by bilko2 on Tuesday 21st December 12:29

[bilko2]

_dobbo_ said:

Ah ok that makes sense, thanks! I'm finding the variety of lenses available a bit impenetrable at the moment. Lots of reading to do!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1030

[trooperiziz]

bilko2 said:

This MAY help mate <a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1029">http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1029</a> forums/canon/lens talk I havn't looked myself yet as work it keeping me busy but you may find some answers Ian Also, to see what you can do with a particular lense, i look at pbase for that lense and check out the examples. I have a 75-300 which i wasn't impressed with untill i saw some good pics taken with it on pbase. Then lets just say that i realised i was not mis-sold

Cheers, that forum has dropped another piece of the jigsaw into my tiny brain, so it is much appreciated.
I was having a little trouble understanding why you would want to f-stop down, but it suddenly clicked that it's all to do with sharpness and the quality of the lens. With that in mind, I think I'll look for a 70-200ish lens, as it is more likely to be sharper at a lower f-stop? (depending on the lens and price of course)

[simpo two]

Never mind chaps, that's what this forum is for

I don't know about Canon lenses but I would apply the following sentiments:
1) You get what you pay for. Expensive lenses are expensive for a reason.
2) You will probably keep them longer than your camera body.
3) I don't think you can really judge the quality of a lens by looking at an 800x600 image on a monitor.

If you have a choice between Cheap and Good, it's worth going the extra mile for Good, because you will be stuck with it afterwards!

[luca brazzi]

simpo two said:

If you have a choice between Cheap and Good, it's worth going the extra mile for Good, because you will be stuck with it afterwards!

so true.
LB

[Bee_Jay]

Indeed, skimping on lenses is like spending big wedge on a nice fast sports car, then putting 155R13 Steel wheels with crappy tyres on them...

It is all in the lenses. Pros used to call bodies "film holders" for a reason...