Got my Cannon 350d

[SteveC047]

Well finally got my camera went to Jessops with a few prices from the web and got the 350d Silver with 18-55 USM Lense, Case and 512MB Memory.

I understand that i will need to invest in a better lense, but that will have to wait (need to save the pennies first) I am aslo aware that i will need lots more memory which i will be getting very soon.

I have never used a SLR before and TBH all the termonology that is involved has got me really confused. I have finally got my head around ISO and sort of understand how this works on the camera, but thats a far as i have got.

Do any of you guys know of any good sites, books or magazines that are worth while looking at, as i am looking to self teach myself until i have the confidence to take it further and take some classes.

My main plans are to purchase a good qualtiy Macro lense as i want to do some close up shots, and at a later date something like a 75-300mm lense for motorsport.

Any advice would be great, I have been so use to a normal point a short and all these extra features and buttons have got me all confused:S

 

[ukaskew]

As you are new to it I wouldn't run out and spend a load of money on lenses etc, it's not really going to get you anywhere. Practice your arse off with the kit lens and try and find a solution to every limitation you come across.

For what it's worth, the 18-55mm will do a fine job for Macro with a cheap close-up filter attached to it. I've also used the lens on its own for landscapes, motorsport, portraits etc, basically everything I need from it.

This is with the Nikon D50 18-55mm and a £15 Hoya +4 Close Up Adaptor, probably about a week after I bought the D50 which is my first DSLR...

Whilst you could get much closer still with dedicated equipment, it's pretty damn good as a starting point and you learn much quicker if you don't have too much technology floating around to think about as well. Above all just play around, don't be afraid to fire off 100s of shots of complete rubbish, just change the settings and see what happens, you can always delete them after. I take about 5,000 shots a month, every one of them helps me learn but I only keep maybe 100 of them.

As for help, we are always happy to help here so don't be afraid. I buy Practical Photography and Digital Camera magazine each month, and get specialist stuff from my local library (which is massively underused but has some great stuff, all free of course), mine stocks many of Lee Frost's books, he is my favourite photography writer by far, very easy to understand.

 

[raf182]

Try this http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1861084250/?tag=cliospnet01-21

It is by no means exhaustive but as Im currently in the same situation as you i.e clueless!! it is certainly giving me a better understanding of terminology and how to apply the basic principle's.

Hope this helps

 

[SteveC047]

Cheers UKASKEW That is excellant, never even thought about the Libary, last time i went there was 2 1/2 years ago when i was doing my degree.

Cheers Raf182 for the headsup on Amazon, theres a couple of Christmas and Birthday pressie's in the bag.

In terms of the macro extension, where do i go looking for one and what are the differences between an extension and a full blown macro lense. Sorry to keep hauling all these questions at you.

Steve

 

[furry_cup]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

good for advice and for comments on your own photos, very helpful on there.

 

[SteveC047]

Cheers for that will have a look

 

[ukaskew]

In terms of the macro extension, where do i go looking for one and what are the differences between an extension and a full blown macro lense. Sorry to keep hauling all these questions at you.

Basically there are 3 main ways of going about macro photography...

Close Up Filter
A thin circular filter that screws onto the front of your lens, essentially it's a magnifying glass. Good because they are very cheap, stackable (in simple terms, buy more than one, increase magnification) and can be attached to any lens. Downside is a slight loss in quality compared to dedicated macro kit.

Extension Tubes
These sit between the lens and the camera, all they do is distance the lens from the camera. You don't lose any quality with them but you ideally need a prime lens for it. Fortunately one of the sharpest prime lens money can buy (the 50mm f1.8) is only around £80, and with a set of tubes you will get full 1:1 (lifesize) macro shots.

Macro Lens
Essentially a telephoto lens that will focus much closer than a normal lens normally would. Good because you can use it as a normal lens as well, and a really good one will offer 1:1 reproduction straight from the box.

I personally would head down the 50mm f1.8 and extension tube route. The 50mm is unbelievably good, and also unbelievably cheap. Without tubes it's the best portrait lens you will likely ever own, with tubes it offers full 1:1 reproduction. Of course you can combine more than one of the above for spectacular close shots, I imagine that is very hard work though, nailing a shot at 1:1 is hard enough, as you can see from my spider shot only the eyes and a very small surrounding area is focus...you get very very limited depth of field when in close so you have to work hard to get the exact bit you want nice and sharp.

 

[Adam111]

I have a 350D too. A site i use is:
http://www.ephotozine.com/
I find it very helpful, you can add your photo's to the gallery and get comments and advice on how to improve your pics.
Add photographs to the 'critique gallery' and get advice from members on how to improve.
There is a forum aswell to get help from members on anything you can't find on the site.

This is how close i managed to get with the standard lens on it's own:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a151/mccartney111/IMG_0026.jpg
I'm hoping to invest in extension tubes soon.
http://www.jessops.com/Store/s18289...F/details.aspx?&IsSearch=y&pageindex=1&comp=n

 

[unofficialPete]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ is a must to be on.

My galleries on http://pete-eos.deviantart.com/ its a bit arty farty but just surf around and see what can be done.

The best thing you can do is read the manual and get off the auto modes as soon as possible and learn M, Tv, Av and P.

As for what to buy next, don't rush into anything but see what you like to shoot. However the next best lens you can buy is the Canon 50mm f/1.8, it'll teach you loads about depth of field and aperture. It's also the best bang for the buck and combines well with extension tubes (see bug picture in my dA gallery). When you do want more reach I've not read anything good about the 75-300, its about as good as the kit lens, you'll want to look at the 70-300 IS or 70-200 F4L..


Also the Jessops extension tubes are very good but be prepared to use Manual Focus and get V.v close to those bugs, also using the kit lens they only work from 50mm+


edit: and always check here before you buy gear! http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/ has a 10% off jessops code..

 

[SteveC047]

Cheers you lot that is really helpfull. Its good to get some feedback from other SLR users.

I have taken everything on board and the old wish list is growing very quickly. Once i have got use to all the features and settings i am sure some of the items will drop off the list and others will stay until i have the funds (Oh and if my other half will let me)