Lenses Overview part one

Two-part tutorial introducing newcomers to the world of SLR photography to the range of lenses available, explaining the differences.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• photography
• len
• camera
• tutorial

[TheBenchmarkSociety]

Around 3:48 you mentioned that 50mm lens is ideal for portrait. I thought you want a larger focal length lens for portrait though...

[MPTutor]

@TheBenchmarkSociety A lot depends on how close you are to your subject. In a large studio I would certainly move further back and use a longer lens, maybe 80-100mm but for many people, this won't be possible. 50mm should give natural features and so is good for portraits but if you use wider than that you start to get problems. A face taken with a 24mm lens will tend to look narrow but with a big nose! So longer, yes if you can. Wider, no as you'll get distortion of facial features.

[slyfoxdigitalhd]

your 50mm is it the plasic or metal one ...?...

[MPTutor]

@slyfoxdigitalhd Mine is the MkII which is the plastic version. Whilst I would have liked the MkI, keep in mind that the optics are identical in quality so they both produce clear sharp images. MkI's are getting harder to find but if you can get one, go for it if you don't mind spending a touch more. Otherwise go for the MkII and you'll be fine :o)

[jjoshua99]

hi mp, i'm buying a dslr this month, but i can't decide what to buy, i have 2 dslr choices, nikon d300 or 50d, please help me what to get so that i won't have regrets after buying. Thanks and more power.

[MPTutor]

Hi jjoshua, I am always loathe to recommend as they always have pros and cons but in this case I can safely say you will simply not be disappointed whichever one you choose, they are both stunningly good cameras.

If you are starting out, Nikon can get a bit expensive later on as lenses etc are often much more whereas Canon will give you top quality at a better price.

Other than that, choose either as these are two of the best cameras around right now, no chance of regrets! Cheers, Rob

[hibylittle8]

My teachers used this for school and it was super helpful thanks

[WVBoy25401]

In addition to being IS, one of the nicest things about the 100-400 is that fast USM focusing motor. That coupled with the long reach makes it an ideal aviation lens :)

[offbeatuniverse]

Photography is my new passion! I like to read thephotographyclinic (.) com thanks for posting.

[TH3xM3DIC]

hi there! i just got a 1985 Vintage Minolta XG1 SLR 35 mm and im brand new to photography. I had to ge it for a course in school but im extremely eager to start right away cause its summer break!!! and i dont know if my course will be first or second semester! so i was wondering, what lenses do you recommend for this??? THANK YOU!

[chrissiem4]

Great tutorial, very easy to understand. Thank you!

[Dakdizzy]

Capt. Jack Sparrow

[posiview]

Cheers, MPTutor at last I understand lenses!!

[TheBenchmarkSociety]

@MPTutor Ah understood. Thank you for the explanation!