Canon 17-55mm Lens

Once you have decided on the right Canon EOS camera, your decision making process is not over. Now you must choose the right Canon Digital SLR lens.

It was probably a research and decision process just to decide on the correct Canon EOS camera, right? As you consider the situation, you perceive that there is a vast potpourri of lenses, literally hundreds of them. And you are not limited to just Canon lenses, there are others who create lenses for Canon EOS cameras as well.

You have to pick one.

It’s possible to avoid this whole issue and go with the package deal that includes the kit lens. And, yes, there are even package deals that have two or more kit lenses. Then there would be no choice to make.

But getting the lenses for your digital SLR is half of the excitement of owning a camera like this.

There are those who make a science out of this piece of the selection process, taking long periods of time to research and evaluate. If you go online to some of the camera forums, you will see how totally involved some photographers are in lens selection. Sometimes it is a bit extreme.

At the end of the day, you want this decision to be the right one. The one that gets just the right lens onto your camera.

This brings up the question, “Why not just go for the kit lens?” The answer is a simple one. You could purchase the kit lens and be quite satisfied with it. Lot’s of do that. But it just is not best lens manufactured for a Canon EOS digital SLR camera. Its purpose is to get a lens on that camera so you can get started taking pictures right out of the box. You may want to consider what lots of new camera owners do. Get the camera body only, without the kit lens. Then you have the freedom to get a lens of your own choice separate from the kit lens.

Here are some questions that will aid you narrow the field.

1. What’s in your wallet?

Once you answer this one, you may not have to answer any of the ones that follow. If your budget simply includes the camera and a kit lens, then you are done. If, however, there is some cash allocated for a lens, you can think about the remaining questions. A limited budget of $500 or less will put you in one area, whereas $1000 will give you much more flexibility in your final decision.

2. What is your favored photographic category?

Tamron 17-50mm lens for Canon

Most photographers tend to move toward a particular favored genre. Most photographers establish a favorite style even before they buys to their first digital SLR. For shooting photos of family and friends or vacation, the focal range of 18-70mm (or something within those parameters) will be perfect. You will have to regard a different main lens if your photographic focus is on nature, or sports, or even portraits.

3. Will you be purchasing more than one lens for this new Canon Digital SLR camera?

Buying more than one DSLR lens is really the second reason why most photographers move into Digital SLR photography, the first reason being their desire to get a more sophisticated camera. If you budget allows for another lens or two, then the first lens choice can focus more on getting the best image in the 17-75mm range. Your second lens should be one of the 70-200mm or 70-300mm lenses.

4. The final question is this: Which Canon EOS camera did you decide on?

Depending on your answer, you may not be able to get some of the Canon or third party lenses simply because they will not work on your camera. Oddly, there are more choices for the cheaper, entry level digital SLRs. All of the Canon lenses and third party lenses will fit on your camera. If, on the other hand, you buy a more professional “full frame” camera, you can not get any of the lenses that are designated at EF-S lenses, as they are for only the crop frame models such as the Rebel series.

The choice to move to a DSLR camera is an exciting one, but it is not without its exploration and challenges. You really need to do your homework before making this buying decision.

The worst case scenario is that you have a low budget, and you make the wrong choice for your first Canon camera lens.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help you decide which Canon digital SLR lens is right for you.

Go to www.canoneoslenses.org to continue your quest for the best lens for your Canon EOS camera.

Sigma 150mm Macro Lens

Something happens when you use a macro lens on your digital SLR camera. You witness things you never suspected were in the photo when you were setting it up.

You have to really experience this to know the feeling, but when it happens, it’s very cool.

This article is about Canon EOS cameras using a Sigma macro lens, but if you are a Nikon or Pentax user, the same lenses are available to you.

Why would you use a Sigma macro lens? Wouldn’t it just be better to get a Canon macro lens? Another question, can’t you just use any lens for macro photography?

Good questions, indeed, and they have some very definitive answers.

Magnolia Flower - Sigma 150mm Macro with Canon EOS Camera

A macro lens gets these close up photos with much better quality than any “conventional” lens. Dedicated macro lenses have only one focal length, such as 105mm. Those lenses that actually include the word “macro” in their title, but they are zoom lenses, are not going to give you the high quality image you desire in your macro photography.

Next, consider using a Sigma macro lens versus a Canon macro lens. Some photo enthusiasts won’t even consider it. If you are one of these, you may as well move on. However, there may be a valid reason to think about it… dinero (money).

Usually Sigma Macro lenses for Canon digital SLRs are less money than Canon macro lenses. Photo quality is really good with either choice. Most likely, you can’t tell the difference in image quality between the two. It would take a forensic scientist to tell which is which.

Third party manufacturers like Sigma have made a commitment. They understand that if they don’t get the quality right in their macro lenses, they will not get any of the buyers. They put lots of time and research into getting it right. What they ended up with are great engineering and great lenses.

There are four dedicated macro lenses if you decide on Sigma. The focal lengths are 50mm, 70mm, 105mm, and 150mm. The 105mm macro lens is the lens of choice to start with.

Sigma 105mm - Portrait Lens

Sigma macro ratings are very high. You actually should check ratings before buying any piece of camera equipment. In this case, you will discover that many consider Sigma an equal to Canon in the macro category.

Close up photography is really rewarding. The beauty and intricacies of nature make you realize that there is a Creator, and He did not hold back, even in the most minute details.

More about these great macro lenses at www.canoneoslenses.org/sigma-macro-for-canon/.

Currently, Sigma offers a 70-200 f/2.8 without Optical Stabilization at about $800. This new lens promises to rival the Canon version with the same specs. Users will have to decide.

SIGMA APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

This just in from Sigma:

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX DG OS HSM.
This large aperture telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s original Optical Stabilizer function. The lens covers focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm and has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. Two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberration. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range and an optimum optical power layout provides superior optical quality in all shooting ranges from close-up to infinity. The OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an image sensor shift anti-shake system. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghost. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focus capability. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 140cm(55.1″) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:8. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images. This lens is equipped with a Petal-type hood. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, a dedicated hood adapter, which expands the length of the lens hood, is supplied.

Specifications:

* Lens Construction 22 Elements in 17 Groups
* Maximum Magnification 1:8
* Angle of View 34.3-12.3 degrees
* Filter Size Diameter 77mm
* Number of blades 9pcs (Rounded diaphragm)
* Lens Hood Petal-type hood (LH850-02) supplied
* Minimum Aperture F22
* Dimensions f86.4mm×197.6mm / 3.4in. × 7.8in.
* Minimum Focusing Distance 140cm / 55.1in.
* Weight 1430g / 50.4oz

Price

About $ 1699

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L for Canon EOS Digital Cameras

Canon is in the Digital SLR market in a huge way. Their commitment to quality has produced many fantastic photography products, including cameras and lenses. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L lens may possibly be one of their highest quality products to date. This rather bold statement is based on the reception of this lens by the photographic community, including expert reviews and reviews by professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. They are practically unanimous in their praise.

This remark is typical of the users’ comments about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 lens for Canon EOS cameras: “…since I got the 85 prime, I haven’t looked back. The 85 1.2L simply smokes the zoom..” The “zoom” he was referring to is the 70-200 f/2.8, which may be the most popular (at least in the top 2 or 3) Canon lens on the market.

When you first see this lens, especially if you are comparing it to a similar one of the same focal length, your first impression would definitely be “Wow”, this is quite a piece of equipment. It is massive and impressive at the same time. You can tell that you hold quality in your hand.

Then, after attaching it to your digital SLR, you will know that your first impression was an accurate one. It truly handles like a professional lens. Your other lenses will feel like toys by comparison.

So, what is it good for – what type of shots are best taken with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L?

Start with the most popular shots taken by all photographers – people. People in all settings. Family shots will turn out better than you could have imagined. Portraits will have the wow factor that you had always hoped for. Street photography or photojournalism will get better.

Weddings? A huge YES. Reports from wedding photographers have widely praised the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L lens for two reasons.

First, the sharp, high quality images are so much better than the ones from their other lenses. Second, the f/1.2 aperture allows shooting in low light settings better than nearly any other lens available on the market.

Video – Oh my, Yes. The video quality produced by this dynamic lens will give your video a new level of professional.

A Couple of Guys Opening Their New Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L Lens

But sports? Not so much. You will want to stick with a longer, quicker focusing lens for sports. Even though this lens has HSM, it is not quite fast enough to capture shots with the speed you need for sports.

This comment is really great: “I know it is crazy expensive. But go ahead and buy it, cry for 5 minutes, and don’t tell your wife the price. She will love the pictures at the end!!!”

Is it the best choice for every type of shot? Of course not. There is no one lens that can cover the entire gamut of picture taking scenarios.

And price may be an issue for you. But this is one lens that you might consider trading in your teenage son for. It’s that good.
Take a look at the ratings, specs, and a few sample pictures at www.canoneoslenses.org. I think you will agree with all the others who are so impressed with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L lens.

One more thing. It is compatible with all current Canon EOS digital SLR cameras, including Full Frame and APS-C formats. Just one more plus for this amazing lens.

visit canoneoslenses.org

Which Canon EOS Lenses are the best choice?

This is an important question for Canon Digital SLR camera owners. Especially if you are fairly new in the digital SLR photography arena.

You can spend hours, no -days, looking for your next Canon EOS lens.

And one of the biggest questions about Canon EOS Lenses is still, “Is a third party lens as good as a Canon lens?”

The answer to that question is that sometimes they are and sometimes they are not. You need to know which Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina lenses are good and which ones are snoozers.

Don’t buy a lens based on price alone. The first qualification for ANY digital SLR purchase, whether it’s a camera or a lens should be the overall quality of that piece of equipment. Yes, there are some really good lenses that don’t cost much, but that is not usually the case. You can find out which ones are good and which ones are great at this new website -> http://canoneoslenses.org/ <-

That’s it.  I just wanted to pass along this little site that has a list of the highest rated Canon EOS Lenses available. You don’t have to wade through lists of specifications to find out which ones are good… If it is listed on this website, it is one of the best – as rated by photography geeks and photographers alike.

In order to get on this list, the lens must have attained excellent ratings from camera review websites AND online camera sales sites as submitted by buyers of the Canon EOS lenses in review.

Check it out HERE -> http://canoneoslenses.org <-

The Canon Powershot S90 does very well in low light settings.

While digital SLR cameras receive the Lion’s share of consideration on camera and consumer review web pages because of their recent lower prices and professional camera controls, there is nevertheless a demand from customers for high-end “point and shoot” cameras.

Say hello to the Canon Powershot S90, a fully compact camera with nearly all the control of a digital slr camera. It is an alternate to several high end compact models that have a tendency to look similar to professional models in line and design. This exceptional camera was designed to be the comprehensive pocket or purse model.

Two groups of photography enthusiasts will be interested in the Canon Powershot S90.

First, there is the photography enthusiast who is just about ready for the Digital SLR. She wants to experience camera features that are unavailable on lower end models to develop an understanding of what these controls can do and the way the work.

The second group is the DSLR owner, either an advanced amateur or a pro photographer, who is looking for a perfect pocket model. These are men and women who under no circumstances want to skip a photographic experience, even though their digital slr camera is not easily available.

Here it is - Canon Powershot S90!

The Canon Powershot S90 has the look and feel of a truly compact camera, the kind that most folks carry around in their pocket or purse. Nevertheless, it is anything but a typical digital compact.

Included in the main features of Canon Powershot S90:

*New 10-megapixel High Sensitivity System; DIGIC 4 Image Processor

*Improved low-light image performance, plus a Low Light scene mode for ISO settings up to 12,800

*Customizable control ring for easy access and operation of manual or other creative shooting settings

*Wide-angle 3.8x optical zoom with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer; bright f/2.0 lens

But that’s not all! Here is the “goods” that really sets the Canon Powershot S90 so far above the pack of “regular” digital compacts.

1. Extensive photographic feature set – more professional than typical point and shoot cameras

2. New Function Ring for easy access of the advanced manual controls

3. Usable, fast RAW mode with excellent software supplied (RAW, an alternative to JPEG, is the choice of all advanced photographers)

4. Highly customizable – normal digital cameras have single creative selections, but the S90 is customizable in the same sense as high end DSLR cameras.

Need more to convince you? Here is a typical quote from one of the many satisfied Canon Powershot S90 owners: “You get what you pay for and if you want the best pocket size camera on the market, look no further than the S90.”

You can get a Canon PowerShot S90 10MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-inch LCD from Amazon now.

Or… There is more about prosumer compact digital cameras HERE.

The letters are quite meaningful:

• SP = High performance specifications (I know, pretty vague)
• AF = auto focus
• F/2 = the widest aperture is F/2.0
• Di II = digital images only, not film images
• LD = Low Dispersion glass
• IF = Internal focusing

Those letters deal with a wide range of technical information. Are they important to this discussion? Oh, Yeah!

The features available in the Tamron 60mm Macro lens are what make it a fantastic lens.

If VC and USD were in the list, this lens would be even better. VC stands for Vibration Compensation, and USD stands for Ultrasonic Silent Drive. This would add something similar to Image Stabilization and Fast Focus. Even though they would add great value to this lens, they would also add a lot to the price. Unfortunately, they would push the price of the lens beyond a reasonable limit and make it unavailable for its intended users. Leaving them out made the Tamron 60mm Macro Lens more available to the average digital SLR consumer.

Who are the intended users? It is only good for use on APC-C cameras… I know, more letters. APS-C cameras are digital SLR cameras with a smaller than “full frame” image sensor. Cameras in the APS-C category are the Digital Rebels in the Canon line and the D5000 in the Nikon line.

The fabulous part about being for APS-C cameras is that those cameras now have a really GREAT macro lens available to them.

Here are two of the most outstanding features of the Tamron 60mm Macro Lens.

1. Image quality is superior. All reviewers agreed that the image quality was beyond their expectations. Just a short aside here – prime lenses, that is those lenses with only one focal length, tend to produce the very best image quality, typically much better than zoom lenses.
2. Depth of Field. Bokeh is a term bandied about by photographers referring to the blurring of the background of a photograph. It happens when the depth of the focal plane is not very deep. This is true of this macro lens. It has a very shallow focal plane allowing for a nice blurring effect that helps the main part of the photo stand out even more.

This declaration by the manufacturer is significant: “The Tamron 60mm Macro lens is the only lens in the World that can boast an F/2.0 aperture at that focal length (60mm).” The closest rival has as its largest aperture F/2.8.

Still another advantage is that this lens is not merely for close up photography, although it is very good in that category. Portraits are also produced with excellent results using the Tamron 60mm Macro lens. Many photographers use a 50mm lens for portraits, but this one performed admirably for taking sharp portraits.

What about the cons?

Most of the reviews have agreed that there is one negative factor that they discovered in their use of the lens. The lens has auto focus with a manual override. That means that you can use the camera to get the focus automatically, but if you feel that you can tweak the focus manually to get it sharper, you can do that. The complaint is that the reviewing photographers had trouble with this feature, because the lens tended to try to revert back to auto focus.

This is not an uncommon problem with macro photo lenses. The problem is due to the closeness of the camera lens to the actual subject of the photo and the very narrow depth of field. The lens tries to “search” for the right focus. With the Tamron 60mm Macro lens, the testers agreed that they were able to master this problem, but it was somewhat of a negative in their evaluation.

All in all this is a really great lens for entry level to mid level digital slr cameras. This lens offers photographers a affordable macro lens that provides great image quality.

The Tamron 60mm macro lens has gotten this comment from every reviewer, “This lens produces great images.”

Find out more at http://digital-photographic-resources.com.

Is it a Canon Rebel T2i? If not, wouldn’t you like to own one?

What exactly are you looking for in your next digital SLR camera? The Canon Rebel T2i will have whatever it is that you want in a digital SLR.

With each succeeding release in the Rebel line, Canon has set higher standards for entry level digital single lens reflex cameras. Now that the Canon Rebel T2i has been available for a few months, the other camera makers must be hunkered down in their “secret places” trying to discover how they can be competitive with this awesome camera. This is good news for photographers everyplace, because photography equipment will be rising to new levels.

Back to the question at hand. What are you looking for? Here are just a few questions that may be on your mind. Each one has the exact same answer, and that answer is the Canon Rebel T2i.

How about a top rated camera for less than $1000? Is that what is driving your camera buying decision?

Although personal opinions are just that, opinions, the technical reviews at online photography sites and photo magazines alike are pretty much unified in acclaiming the Canon T2i as the “Best Rebel Yet”. Sub $1000 price is a huge bargain for this awesome digital SLR camera. Even though it is considered an entry level Digital SLR, it has the features set of cameras that cost much, much more.

Is great image quality your top priority?

Former models have all had excellent image quality, but this one has raised the level to a higher notch, almost equal to cameras that are more than twice as much money. Even when bumping the ISO setting to the greatest levels, where image quality has been questionable in the past, this one delivers really high quality prints.

Is attaching the very best lenses available the thing that draws you to a digital SLR?

We’re talkin’ SLR here. Choosing your lens is one of the reasons a photographer chooses this type of camera. With this unit, almost all Canon lenses will be suitable to attach, and many manufacturers such as Tamron and Sigma make lenses for it as well.

What about HD video? Is that your top dog?

This is the feature that first drew all the attention. HD video at 1024p and 24 or 30 frames per second is tops in the field, no matter how much money you invest in a digital SLR camera.

What about Live View? Is that what you want in a digital SLR?

The version of Live View in the Canon Rebel T2i is new and improved. You can use it for superior composition and control functions on the fly.

Bottom line: The Canon Rebel T2i absolutely has each and every feature covered.

So again I ask, “What’s in your camera bag?” If you are still not convinced, check out the Canon Rebel T2i at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

By Wayne Rasku

You bought that DSLR for the versatility and ability to change equipment to handle any and all situations. There is one piece of equipment you don’t want to leave on the shelf. It is the Canon 70-200mm L lens.

There are actually four of these critters, and there is plenty of discussion about which is the best. But the truth is that any one of the four is an excellent choice. There are two differences which make up the four variations. First, there is an f/4 version and an f/2.8 version. Add to that the IS version of each, and the total is four.

Canon 70-200mm F/4.0

Another plus for the Canon 70-200mm lenses is the non-rotating front elements. This feature is important for maintaining focal quality, but it is also important if you are using certain filters, such as circular polarizers.

With the high range of focal length, having either f/4 or f/2.8 allows you, the photographer, to have relatively low light photos without the danger of poor quality that comes with higher apertures. Obviously, the f/2.8 will allow faster shutter speeds than the f/4, making it a better choice if you are doing indoor sports where you will need the fastest possible setup.

Each of these models is also equipped with an ultrasonic motor, making the focus time almost instant. There is no searching as with other lesser quality products. The non-rotating barrel is also an asset when it is focusing. Auto focus is also present in conjunction with the ultrasonic motor.

The differences among the four Canon 70-200mm lenses are in the aperture (f/4 or f/2.8) and the inclusion or exclusion of IS (image stabilization).

Starting with a non-IS f/4, you get two advantages. First you will pay the least $$$ of the four, in fact, you will pay quite a bit less – about one-third the price of the most expensive one. The second advantage is the weight. Because there is less glass, the f/4 is much smaller and lighter than the f/2.8. This factor alone has been the deciding one for many photographers. The extra weight of an f/2.8 lens can cause fatigue much quicker.

As you add IS and wider aperture range, you increase the price and the weight with each addition. But as mentioned earlier, any one of these Canon 70-200mm Lenses will make a welcome addition to your camera bag. Due to the zoom range, there is so much versatility. You can shoot portraits, modified landscapes (not enough wide angle to use for dedicated landscape photography), sports, nature, and almost anything you can think to shoot.

You may want to see some additional information along with graphic representations of all four Canon 70-200mm lenses. To do that, Click Here. Happy Shooting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku
http://EzineArticles.com/?Canon-70-200-L-Lens-Review&id=3454474

I mean, there are sooo many to choose from, and new ones keep coming out all the time.

Canon Rebel T2i vs Canon EOS 50D

Maybe you have looked at the Canon EOS Rebel T2i compared to the Canon EOS 50D ? Now there is an interesting comparison.

Let’s begin with price, because that is a great starting point.

Keeping the comparison simple, let’s consider the body only (no lens included), you will get Canon’s Rebel T2i ($875) for about $125 less than a Canon EOS 50D ($999). Really, since the development of the Canon EOS 7D, the price tag on the 50D has dropped significantly, however, there is more for you to consider.

Although the canon EOS Rebel T2i is touted as a “basic” dslr, the features rival and also exceed the 50D in several areas. It is sort of difficult to consider the T2i being a camera just for beginners within the SLR photography marketplace. There are lots of advanced photographers who definitely are acquiring one for a back-up to their more advanced model.

The primary benefits of the Canon Rebel T2i vs EOS 50D:

1. Video – this feature is totally missing on the 50D. And also the T2i has improved considerably over it’s elder sibling (T1i). The recording is pretty darn excellent, although it isn’t quite just like a dedicated video camera. But it truly is an advantage to have both still and movie in the exact same camera.

2. Resolution – The Canon EOS Rebel T2i is a full 3-megapixels over the EOS 50D. The image quality is improving as well, compared to older Rebel versions.

3. Exposure Compensation – The Canon Rebel T2i sports a +/- 5. full stops while the EOS 50D can only range +/- 2. stops.

4. Zone Metering – The Canon 50D has 35 point evaluative metering which is not bad, but the T2i comes with an all new 63 point evaluative metering system.

Now, as a new photographer, you might not get too excited about such things as exposure compensation and zone metering. Maybe you don’t have any idea what they are, and that is the precise point of the comment above that the Canon Rebel T2i really should not be regarded as a camera only for novices. With this camera, Canon has “raised the bar” for entry level digital SLRs.

Let’s have a fast look at the positive aspects of the EOS 50D vs the Canon Rebel T2i:

1. Build quality – It has the “feel” of a much more professional camera.

2. AF system – Quicker, more precise auto focus, using a micro-focus adjustment.

3. Quick Control Dial – This dial on the back of the camera enables owners to get rapidly to most camera controls.

4. Continuous Shooting – Considerably faster burst rate at 6.3 frames per second versus 3.7.

5. Shutter speed - 1/8000th of a second is twice as fast vs 1/4000th.

Main point here – The digital SLR playing field is getting more compact. What I mean by that is that the differences between some camera models are becoming harder to evaluate because there is not much in the way of technical capabilities separating them.

When choosing a digital slr camera, you really should look at the features to evaluate each camera model in terms of your personal needs. A lot of photography lovers have discovered that even the entry level cameras are totally perfect for giving them a good image similar to the higher end, considerably more costly cameras.

The Canon Rebel T2i is a remarkable digital SLR which can compete with the big boys in a few very significant areas. It is well worth considering getting a T2i rather than an EOS 50D. In fact, it is almost a given that the engineers at Canon are hard at work coming up with an EOS 60D to make camera buying even more interesting.

More about the Canon EOS 50D at http://digital-photographic-resources.com/cameras/mid-dslr.html.