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Photography Question

FinallyMrs.BFinallyMrs.B
in Success after IF

I know that so many of you are mom-ographers and know alot about cameras and lenses, so I was hoping someone could help me.  I posted this on 12-24, but figured I'd post here too.  I have no clue why this paragraph is bold or how to unbold it- so sorry. 

I have a Canon XSi that I'm learning how to use.  I have a 18-55mm IS Lens (the kit lens)  and I also purchased a 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens.  I was told I'd grow into the 55-250mm lens, and for an extra $99, I figured it was worth it.  I'm planning on taking an intro to DSLR photography class as soon as its available in my area, but for the time being, I'm just taking eveything in automatic with the 18-55mm lens, and playing around.  I'm kind of scared to even attempt the 55-250mm lens at this point. 

I'm hearing all this talk about the "nifty fifty" and I have no clue what lens this is.  Can anyone tell me?  Are there any other lenses you recomend? 

And what's the difference between the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens I have and the 50mm f/1.4?  I'm used to point and shoot photography and am having a hard time understanding the DSLR.  I really wish I could get in a class now!!!

 Thanks

 

 

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Re: Photography Question

  • DavezWifeDavezWife member

    loaded post ;-)

    the "nifty fifty" is aka 50/1.8 (cheaper)  or 1.4 (nice) It's a "prime lense" so it won't zoom in and out. You will, lol. It takes pretty pictures of faces up close with fuzzy gaussy backgrounds out of focus. (basically). The other lense you have does more zoom. (I don't know much about that one, still learning myself)

    NO sense buying more lenses until you get off that auto mode. Seriously. Best thing you can EVER do is turn OFF that auto stuff and shoot manual. Everyday for 10 minutes. It's digital, why not? Fool around with different times of day, light, subjects close and far. fast and slow. just shoot. ABC... whatever. Pick up some 101 books from the library, and just play around with it and learn your camera. It'll start to make sense soon enough.

    You can rent lenses for $10 a day or by the week or month. A nice way to try things out. You can buy Sigma or Tamron built for Canon for lesser money, and there's always used or refirb. But put that aside and work with what you have, which is some decent stuff.... have fun, RELAX, and just play around with it! You'll be surprised how quick it starts to make some sense. Then you can learn all the technical crap (I have yet to get)!

    HTH!

    Join us - Commit Random Acts of Kindness, and say "I did it for Cricket" Cricket's Cadence
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  • MrsJeffsWife2BMrsJeffsWife2B

    Oh my goodness, don't be scared! What's the worst that can happen LOL?

    The best thing I can do is refer you to this post I did a while ago about the different numbers on lenses, I think that should help clear up some of your confusion:

    https://www.becoming-mom.net/2009/07/09/lenses-understanding-the-numbers/

    The nifty 50 is a relatively cheap lens that has pretty good quality, excellent quality for the cost. The advantage to it over the lenses you have is that the maximum aperture is 1.8, MUCH wider than the lenses you currently own and therefore you can take pictures in lower light conditions.

    Read the link and I think it will start to make sense!

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  • DavezWifeDavezWife member
    JeffsWife - did you ever do a tutorial on how to get your pretty B&W siggie pik look? I just LURVE it... can't seem to mimick it... I would  love your tips!
    Join us - Commit Random Acts of Kindness, and say "I did it for Cricket" Cricket's Cadence
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  • FinallyMrs.BFinallyMrs.B
    imageMrsJeffsWife2B:

    https://www.becoming-mom.net/2009/07/09/lenses-understanding-the-numbers/

    Thanks so much for all of the advice - the site was a huge help.   

    Thanks everyone else for all of your help too! 

    I think I understand it a bit more, and I think I'm a sucker for buying the 55-250 mm lens.  It looks like its primarily for when DD is playing sports outside and I'm not on top of her.  Considering we're years away from that, I probably didn't need to get it, but for $99 I couldn't help myself.  (Yes I was always the sucker that bought the matching socks at the gap). 

     

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  • DavezWifeDavezWife member
    the lens won't "go bad"... you'll love it later. she'll move quick some day! ;-)
    Join us - Commit Random Acts of Kindness, and say "I did it for Cricket" Cricket's Cadence
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  • MrsJeffsWife2BMrsJeffsWife2B

    imageDavezWife:
    the lens won't "go bad"... you'll love it later. she'll move quick some day! ;-)

    LOL, yes, someday VERY VERY soon!

    Davez, 

    the pioneer woman's PW B&W action is awesome, have you tried that one? My siggy pic is actually color, albeit slightly faded :)

    Here are two links for you:

    https://www.becoming-mom.net/2009/04/03/photoshop-tutorial-black-and-white-the-old-fashioned-way/

    https://www.becoming-mom.net/2009/03/27/photoshop-tutorial-actions/

     

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