What are you getting for Christmas?

Tarmack said:
Get a good prime. The 50mm 1.8f is just about the best glass/$ ratio that Canon and can usually be found for under $100. Very fast prime, great portrait lens, good in low light and very low form factor.
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Oh wow, I was thinking of opening a new thread for this but it seems I don't need to! You really seem to know what you're talking about - because I don't understand half the things you say :D What I do understand sounds very good though. Now here comes a total noob question: The fact that this is fixed to 50mm, does that mean it doesn't zoom? Just trying to understand.

AmbossTV said:
Or maybe I should get a new flat! Where the sun always shines and lighting is always perfect...
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Haha, I'd like that too please. I've pretty much given up on shooting in daylight this winter. By the time I've set everything up, the light is gone. (Maybe I should get brighter Christmas lights?...)
 
Sabrina Dot Kom said:
Oh wow, I was thinking of opening a new thread for this but it seems I don't need to! You really seem to know what you're talking about - because I don't understand half the things you say :D What I do understand sounds very good though. Now here comes a total noob question: The fact that this is fixed to 50mm, does that mean it doesn't zoom? Just trying to understand.
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Prime lenses have a manual zoom. ie. your legs.

The general application is that a prime lens is designed exactly for a set focal length. So they are infinitely superior than any zoom lens at that focal length. A zoom lens is not nearly as precise because it's designed to be "good" over many different focal lengths. Zoom lens more often value versatility over precision.

The f1.8 refers to the aperture, more specifically how much light the lens lets in. You'll see anywhere from f1.2 to f5.6 and higher. The smaller the number, the more light. Some lenses will show a range of f stops, which means that the faster you want the lens to be (for photographing moving objects for example), the less light will make it through.

If you're buying the 700D and can get it without any lenses, you should be able to find the standard kit lens (18-55 mm) on kijiji for a very small amount which is a standard short distance zoom lens. Just check both ends before buying to make sure there are no scratches or dust inside. You could also ask the owner if you can attach it to your camera to take some test pictures and make sure you're happy with the result. Another good lens is

Last but not least, any Canon lens that doesn't have "IS" in the title is one you will often need a tripod for. IS is image stabilization which accounts for your hands shaking, etc and is more a problem at long range than anywhere else.
 
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