Calling All Canon Users!!!

[AquaticReeferMan]

Hello everybody,

i have been looking at the canon SLR cameras for a while already. but my question is whats more important when it comes to taking pictures? im guessing the lens and knowing which lens to use correct and what features to use on the camera correct? Also can all lens be comparable with the different types of canon SLR cameras? for example im planning on ordering the Canon EOS Rebel T3 12MP Digital SLR Camera can this particular camera is capable of using all the different types lens for canon?

 

[cparka23]

generally, any lens you buy for canon cameras will be suitable for that model. There are two current types: EF and EF-S. The EF is used for cameras with "full-frame" sensors and EF-S are designed for cameras with APS-C sensors, which is what the T3 has. As a T3 user, you can use EF and EF-S without any issue whatsoever.

If you see old lenses, mid 80s or earlier, it'll be an FD mount, which isn't compatible unless you get an adapter. They're not something you'll find regularly anyway...

 

[STL]

Yes, the lens quality is more important than the camera body.

I personally do not buy EF-S lenses even though my 7D is not a full frame body. I see lenses as long term investments and don't want to limit my options.

 

[AquaticReeferMan]

generally, any lens you buy for canon cameras will be suitable for that model. There are two current types: EF and EF-S. The EF is used for cameras with "full-frame" sensors and EF-S are designed for cameras with APS-C sensors, which is what the T3 has. As a T3 user, you can use EF and EF-S without any issue whatsoever.

If you see old lenses, mid 80s or earlier, it'll be an FD mount, which isn't compatible unless you get an adapter. They're not something you'll find regularly anyway...

thanks for the info =)


do you have sample picture of you using your camera?

 

[acan lord]

Lenses are the most important thing. You will hear this time and time again. The older lenses will be MF, which might be fun to play with but i would not recommend getting your main lens MF. Not if you are new anyway, you would probably miss a few shots. The adapters can be found. If you do decide to get one, get one with auto focus confirm. it will let you know when you are in focus. Remember, you can use a ff lens on a crop sensor body, but not always the other way around. Sometimes the mirror will hit and sometimes you will catch the edge of the inside of the lens in the corners of your frame. I catch the corners with my 10-20 on my 1d. You can see here 14.jpg picture by szeth13 - Photobucket the simple solution would be to either crop or zoom out a tad. Hope you find this helpful.

 

[ReeFreshing]

I own a T2i and for lenses, particularly for aquariums, I like the macro 50mm, its fairly inexpensive and does the job just fine for a lense under $300... however if money is not the issue, go with the 100mm canon EfS f1.8. its phenomenal for aquarium style pics but is gonna run you in the $1000 range. good luck with the camera, heard great things about the t3i body, its a fairly good dlsr for the price...but I agree with all the above, lenses are the most important aspect of photography!

 

[STL]

If you haven't encountered these yet, the "L" lenses are the pro line from Canon - they generally have sharper/better optics and better build quality. They're also considerably more expensive than the non-L lenses.

For aquarium photos, I use a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM. These macros were all shot with my 7D and the 100:
Macros - a set on Flickr

The other lenses I've got are the 17-40 f/4L, which is a great walk-around lens, but not nearly as sharp as the 100mm.

And the nifty-fifty 50mm f1.8 - this is a cheap and fun lens. Beware it's made of plastic and uses a mechanical motor for focusing. But it is surprisingly sharp!

I had a 28-135mm IS zoom, but sold it. I found that after getting the 17-40L, I no longer used the 28-135 due to the inferior optics. This is also about the time I realized lenses were long term investments and the L glass was worth the cost.

There are sites on the 'net that rent lenses. That's a decent way to test drive a lens - I rented a 18-40L for a week for $40 (including shipping both ways) before buying one. They rent camera bodies too, so if you're really on the fence it's not a bad investment to give the gear you're considering a try.

One more recommendation - Scott Kelby's digital photography books... cheap and effective

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Santa brought me Canon 24-70mm f2.8L lens. I was taking pictures tonight and I seriously wanted to cry the lens was so purdy. I use a Canon 5D Mark II camera. I've always used a canon, besides a quick stint with a cool pix, but I've had the 3e, 7e, the first Rebel model, the 20D, the 40D and finally the 5d mark II. I'm happy with that. I don't even look at cameras anymore. It was more expensive to keep buying the lower models.

I also use the Canon 100mm f2.8 and the 50mm 1.4. I'm pretty content with those 2 lenses to cover most of my needs. If I get another, it will be a 50mm 1.2L.