Beginner bargains

[magicaxeman]

[Gina]

Re: Beginner bargains

I have had the Canon 50mm F1.8 for about 9 months and it's my main portrait lens. Well worth the money and reliability, not to mention the pin sharp results. I agree that this is an essential lens for portrait work and lightweight. 10/10

[StuartR]

Re: Beginner bargains

My experience of the 50mm f/1.8 is that it's a pretty good lens (especially for the price) but not that good wide-open which is a shame as the fast maximum aperture is probably the main reason for buying it. Perhaps I got a Friday afternoon model...

I also bought the (optional extra) lens hood (a weird 2-piece affair) but I don't think it's really necessary as the front element of the lens is well recessed.

It does feel slightly odd, but somehow liberating, being restricted to a fixed focal length. Reminds me of going out with my old Zenit with its 52 (or was it 58?) mm f/2. Took some good shots with that combination back in the day - although on an APS-C body the 50mm is circa 80mm in 35mm equivalent terms so it's slightly more restrictive for standard shots (if there is such a thing!).

[ash]

Re: Beginner bargains

Hi there, I can see where you were coming from with this thread but judging by the response not sure others did
I think its because you were requesting to much specific information, thread was good idea though.
A little confusing was the fact that you said that the so called bargain had to be available now for less than 100 quid, most bargains are just that and mostly are only available for a short period or purchases of sites like ebay which are one off's!
If i might make a sugestion in saying that it could be better for the beginners to read what essential equipment they need and don't need if they are starting out and leave the price point out of it as bargains very rarely stay around for long.

As for the 50mili, absolutely, if i was on a budget it would be the only lens Ide have honestly, as a beginner it might not seem it because it does not ZOOM!
Lets let the beginners into a secret, use your feet to zoom, its free

So for my input, forget the dslr body kits, just get the body & a 50mili, the quality and sharpness of your shotts will be shed loads better than any kit lens.
A second battery, uv filter, good quality memory card and a good quality case, what more do you need
Now what are you waiting for, get out there and take some shots!
Ash.

[Pops]

Re: Beginner bargains

Good points Ash and your certainly fighting the corner of the 50mm but however good the lens is it would be totally useless for wildlife photography.
Using your feet to zoom is a smashing tip for some shots but it won't help with wildlife shots.
I would say that for wildlife an absolute minimum of 200mm would be required.

[ash]

Re: Beginner bargains

I here what ya saying pop's but I would not expect a beginner to be diving into taking wildlife shots

[Pops]

Re: Beginner bargains

I here what ya saying pop's but I would not expect a beginner to be diving into taking wildlife shots

Fair comment but.......
it could easily be the motivation for taking up photography ...