Just bought my first SLR today...

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 12:52 AM

so I went a lil photo crazy tonight. I just bought a Rebel XT from work for $275, so I couldn't pass that deal up. Here's some of the pics I too along with a link to all of them.

Of the car:

Misc:

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 06:11 AM

not bad. What lenses or other accessories did you get with the XT?

the photos need some work (processing wise, not composition wise) but that's not hard to learn.

Actually composition wise, if it's a scenic shot like your second to last one, make sure the horizon is straight. The car shots I like, but just a tip, for car shots try to stay low to the ground or just shoot sections of the vehicle.

the shot of the bridge I like. That might be cool as a B&W.

TE · 08/08/2008, 08:21 AM

BW is ghey, its the 21st century, not the 19th

SlowRyd · 08/08/2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TE

BW is ghey, its the 21st century, not the 19th

Black and white is a photography standard most people practice for 15-20 years man and still don't get right.

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TE

BW is ghey, its the 21st century, not the 19th

stay out of out forum!!!

FLiPMaRC · 08/08/2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anus!

stay out of out forum!!!

I swear Rick, your posts are getting worse and worse

Congrats on the new camera.

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 10:36 AM

I'm doing 5 things at the same time now. Before I only had one job to do...post on here.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anus!

not bad. What lenses or other accessories did you get with the XT?

the photos need some work (processing wise, not composition wise) but that's not hard to learn.

Actually composition wise, if it's a scenic shot like your second to last one, make sure the horizon is straight. The car shots I like, but just a tip, for car shots try to stay low to the ground or just shoot sections of the vehicle.

the shot of the bridge I like. That might be cool as a B&W.

thanks anus. i didn't get any other lenses as of right now because of $$. but i'll be trying to get another lens before the end of the month. what lens should i get for like car shows and taking scenery and zoo pics?

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 11:02 AM

Depends on your budget.

I'd probably shoot for either the 28-135IS or the 70-300IS.

If those are too much budget wise then there is a 28-105 and a non IS 70-300.

If you are leaning more towards car show and zoo pics then go for the 70-300 and if you lean more towards scenery then go for the 28-135 or 105. Those two would give you the wider angle for the scenic shots.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anus!

Depends on your budget.

I'd probably shoot for either the 28-135IS or the 70-300IS.

If those are too much budget wise then there is a 28-105 and a non IS 70-300.

If you are leaning more towards car show and zoo pics then go for the 70-300 and if you lean more towards scenery then go for the 28-135 or 105. Those two would give you the wider angle for the scenic shots.

well i'm just trying to decide because i'll be going to a car shows every now and then but i'll also be going to stl for my aniv. at the end of the month and we'll be going to the botanical gardens, the zoo, and other places like the arch, etc.

Damian · 08/08/2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TE

BW is ghey, its the 21st century, not the 19th

If you disparage B&W photography again in this forum, I will ban you.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian

If you disparage B&W photography again in this forum, I will ban you.

i'm suprised i didn't try b&w last night. i think that and sepia looks pretty nice.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 11:19 AM

what type of processing work do i need on my photos?

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

well i'm just trying to decide because i'll be going to a car shows every now and then but i'll also be going to stl for my aniv. at the end of the month and we'll be going to the botanical gardens, the zoo, and other places like the arch, etc.

I would probably go with the 28-105 then and maybe if you can save up some more then get the 70-300. Each lens is right at or just under $200.

the 28-105 will give you better shots of things like the arch and that sort of thing. You can also use that for the car show with no problem as well. The 70-300 will be better at the zoo since you can't exactly get close to a tiger.

FLiPMaRC · 08/08/2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

well i'm just trying to decide because i'll be going to a car shows every now and then but i'll also be going to stl for my aniv. at the end of the month and we'll be going to the botanical gardens, the zoo, and other places like the arch, etc.

Along with Anus' recommendations I would also suggest the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens. I just love the wide end of the lens (18mm x 1.6 is actually 28.8mm) for scenic shots. You do loose the range of 105mm but you gain the IS.

If you do decide on the EF 28-135mm IS, I suggest you also consider the Sigma 18-200mm OS. Prices are comparable.

IS = Canon for Image Stabilizer; OS = Sigma for Optical Stabilizer; VC = Tamron for Vibration Compensation; VR = Nikon for Vibration Reduction. Different term for basically the same thing

Canon BCTV Lenses: What is Optical Image Stabilizer?

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

what type of processing work do i need on my photos?

well for starts, all RAW shots will always need processing.

As for yours, I always add some sharpening at the end of the process.
You could use some contrast boost. Specifically by upping the blacks.
And the ones of the bridge can def use some saturation. Not a lot, but some...

scoliosis · 08/08/2008, 11:48 AM

I'm actually selling my 28-105 II USM. Since you're a member here, let me know if you're interested and we'll work something out.

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 11:51 AM

ZAM!!!

TE · 08/08/2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian

If you disparage B&W photography again in this forum, I will ban you.

You cant ban me.

I can post my opinion about B&W whenever I want, this is the correct forum to do so

Damian · 08/08/2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TE

You cant ban me.

I can post my opinion about B&W whenever I want, this is the correct forum to do so

Try me.

TE · 08/08/2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damian

Try me.

Already voiced my opinion, perhaps in another thread some other day I will again

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 12:32 PM

If I were still in charge here i'd have banned you 3 hours ago.

lilmatt13579 · 08/08/2008, 12:38 PM

Night shots are pretty good.
The third image has really really good lighting to it. Too sharp of an angle for my likes though.
Make sure you don't let your own shadow ruin a picture(#2)

SlowRyd · 08/08/2008, 01:18 PM

275 eh? sounds like somone bought a camera from canon loyalty program....

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLiPMaRC

Along with Anus' recommendations I would also suggest the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens. I just love the wide end of the lens (18mm x 1.6 is actually 28.8mm) for scenic shots. You do loose the range of 105mm but you gain the IS.

If you do decide on the EF 28-135mm IS, I suggest you also consider the Sigma 18-200mm OS. Prices are comparable.

IS = Canon for Image Stabilizer; OS = Sigma for Optical Stabilizer; VC = Tamron for Vibration Compensation; VR = Nikon for Vibration Reduction. Different term for basically the same thing

Canon BCTV Lenses: What is Optical Image Stabilizer?

i know about the stablizers, since i used to preach until i was blue in the face to customers when i was a sales person at circuit city in decatur.

so you're saying get the IS version of the stock lens?

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anus!

well for starts, all RAW shots will always need processing.

As for yours, I always add some sharpening at the end of the process.
You could use some contrast boost. Specifically by upping the blacks.
And the ones of the bridge can def use some saturation. Not a lot, but some...

well all the photos i posted were the jpeg version. i didn't take many raw photos. i still need to learn a lil about the raw version and how to process them.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilmatt13579

Night shots are pretty good.
The third image has really really good lighting to it. Too sharp of an angle for my likes though.
Make sure you don't let your own shadow ruin a picture(#2)

yeah i was trying not to get my shadow in any of the pics. and thanks for the comment. the night ones were my favs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowRyd

275 eh? sounds like somone bought a camera from canon loyalty program....

nope, the lowest model they have is the xsi available to us in the vendor accommodations. i got the former display model.

SlowRyd · 08/08/2008, 01:40 PM

Thats still not bad. 275 is a great price besides lenses make the picture not the camera.

Anus! · 08/08/2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

i know about the stablizers, since i used to preach until i was blue in the face to customers when i was a sales person at circuit city in decatur.

so you're saying get the IS version of the stock lens?

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

well all the photos i posted were the jpeg version. i didn't take many raw photos. i still need to learn a lil about the raw version and how to process them.

Canon | EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens | 2042B002
How in the hell is that lens so cheap?

anyway, that lens is ok for the wide stuff but if you need to zoom in at all, you're SOL. 55mm is squat when you are trying to get some reach.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anus!

Canon | EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens | 2042B002
How in the hell is that lens so cheap?

anyway, that lens is ok for the wide stuff but if you need to zoom in at all, you're SOL. 55mm is squat when you are trying to get some reach.

yeah i found that out last night trying to take some pics of ducks on the water

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 02:01 PM

what about this lens?
Zoom Telephoto AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS

FLiPMaRC · 08/08/2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

what about this lens?
Zoom Telephoto AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS

I would go and spend the extra $30 on the Canon.

Canon | 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Autofocus Lens | 6473A003 | B&H

It looks like they have it out of stock, but you can get the used ones for $119

Adorama has a Canon factory refurb ... http://www.adorama.com/CA75300AFR.html And a whole bunch of used ones.

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 02:28 PM

should i do the 75-300 or the 28-135?

SlowRyd · 08/08/2008, 03:06 PM

28-135. It isnt fun carrying big lenses man.

SlowRyd · 08/08/2008, 03:06 PM

Btw Canon refurbs don't have warranties with Canon unless you buy direct.

scoliosis · 08/08/2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

should i do the 75-300 or the 28-135?

If you need a good cheap sharp zoom, get the EF-S 55-250 IS. It's got IS and it's image quality is excellent. I have that and I love it for the IS and price.

scoliosis · 08/08/2008, 04:30 PM

BTW, the Canon 75-300 is not a good lens. The 70-300 - EOS (SLR) Camera Systems - Telephoto Zoom - Telephoto Zoom Lens - EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - Canon USA Consumer Products is the good one

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 04:51 PM

ok. i'm probably going to go with the 28-135 lens in a few weeks. just hopefully i can get it prior to me going to stl for my aniv

fliegendaffe · 08/08/2008, 11:31 PM

ok so i'm having an issue. when it's darker out it doesn't always let me take photos when it focuses i think due to lighting. like when i go to take photos and the lighting is good, it beeps after it focuses then i can take the pic. is there a way to get rid of this issue or could someone tell me what it is/does?

Anus! · 08/11/2008, 04:19 AM

when it's dark the camera can have issues focusing. There only two ways of correcting that is to buy a faster lens (light something f2.8) or to pop the flash up so it can use the flash to assist in focusing.

Neither of those will fix the problem every time but both can help. Obviously the flash is the cheaper way to go.

JoesInBoston · 08/11/2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

ok so i'm having an issue. when it's darker out it doesn't always let me take photos when it focuses i think due to lighting. like when i go to take photos and the lighting is good, it beeps after it focuses then i can take the pic. is there a way to get rid of this issue or could someone tell me what it is/does?

Manual focus?

Oh, and +1 for the Canon 28-135 lens. I've only had my 40D for about a week now and that's what came with it. I have zero complaints so far.

Anus! · 08/11/2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoliosis

BTW, the Canon 75-300 is not a good lens. The 70-300 - EOS (SLR) Camera Systems - Telephoto Zoom - Telephoto Zoom Lens - EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - Canon USA Consumer Products is the good one

no $200 lens is going to be a "good" lens. But for the price, and for someone on a budget it's a fine lens.

Just like the 50mm f1.8. the lens sucks compared to a 35mm L lens but it's also only $70 and does a great job in very low light. does it focus quickly? hell no, I can eat dinner while the damn thing focuses but as long as you're not shooing sports you're fine.

The best thing to do is to buy those cheaper lenses that will hold you over until you save up enough to buy the good stuff.

fliegendaffe · 08/11/2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoesInBoston

Manual focus?

Oh, and +1 for the Canon 28-135 lens. I've only had my 40D for about a week now and that's what came with it. I have zero complaints so far.

still does it in manual mode

JoesInBoston · 08/12/2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fliegendaffe

still does it in manual mode

are you referring to manual focus or the manual "mode" on the turn knob of the camera? There is a difference.

Anus! · 08/12/2008, 08:05 AM

when it's in manual focus it should just take a picture no matter what. even if it's completely out of focus.

JoesInBoston · 08/12/2008, 09:28 AM

Exactly, which is why I think he wasn't using manual focus (MF) and I think he was just in manual mode (M) on the turn knob.

fliegendaffe · 08/12/2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoesInBoston

are you referring to manual focus or the manual "mode" on the turn knob of the camera? There is a difference.

both. it takes the picture, but a lot of the time, you can't see anything @ night.

scoliosis · 08/12/2008, 11:15 AM

You'll need to pay attention to the light meter in the view finder. Adjust the shutter speed and aperture to try and keep that needle in the center to get a "proper" exposure. If you snap in the dark and don't see anything, you're either not exposing long enough or it's really so dark there's nothing to take

fliegendaffe · 08/12/2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoliosis

You'll need to pay attention to the light meter in the view finder. Adjust the shutter speed and aperture to try and keep that needle in the center to get a "proper" exposure. If you snap in the dark and don't see anything, you're either not exposing long enough or it's really so dark there's nothing to take

i'll try tinkering with stuff like that this weekend when i take some more pics. i took some more this past weekend that turned out really nice and also some of a custom job we did in a 2007 Monte Carlo SS at work.

Anus! · 08/12/2008, 11:50 AM

and read this.

Photography basics.

08/08/2008, 12:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
fliegendaffe Geek Squad Autotech Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Vehicle: 1999 Galant ES V6 Posts: 1,202	Just bought my first SLR today... so I went a lil photo crazy tonight. I just bought a Rebel XT from work for $275, so I couldn't pass that deal up. Here's some of the pics I too along with a link to all of them. Of the car: Misc: __________________

08/08/2008, 11:19 AM	#13 (permalink)
fliegendaffe Geek Squad Autotech Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Vehicle: 1999 Galant ES V6 Posts: 1,202	what type of processing work do i need on my photos? __________________

08/08/2008, 11:48 AM	#17 (permalink)
scoliosis &quot;I dunno&quot; guy Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 2009 BMW 328i Coupe Posts: 1,268	I'm actually selling my 28-105 II USM. Since you're a member here, let me know if you're interested and we'll work something out. __________________ My Blog

08/08/2008, 02:01 PM	#31 (permalink)
fliegendaffe Geek Squad Autotech Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Vehicle: 1999 Galant ES V6 Posts: 1,202	what about this lens? Zoom Telephoto AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS __________________

08/08/2008, 02:28 PM	#33 (permalink)
fliegendaffe Geek Squad Autotech Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Vehicle: 1999 Galant ES V6 Posts: 1,202	should i do the 75-300 or the 28-135? __________________

08/08/2008, 06:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	not bad. What lenses or other accessories did you get with the XT? the photos need some work (processing wise, not composition wise) but that's not hard to learn. Actually composition wise, if it's a scenic shot like your second to last one, make sure the horizon is straight. The car shots I like, but just a tip, for car shots try to stay low to the ground or just shoot sections of the vehicle. the shot of the bridge I like. That might be cool as a B&W.

08/08/2008, 08:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
TE Bday threads=GHEY Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Long Nosland, NY Vehicle: 00 PPR GT sporty Posts: 33,783	BW is ghey, its the 21st century, not the 19th

08/08/2008, 10:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	I'm doing 5 things at the same time now. Before I only had one job to do...post on here.

08/08/2008, 11:02 AM	#9 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	Depends on your budget. I'd probably shoot for either the 28-135IS or the 70-300IS. If those are too much budget wise then there is a 28-105 and a non IS 70-300. If you are leaning more towards car show and zoo pics then go for the 70-300 and if you lean more towards scenery then go for the 28-135 or 105. Those two would give you the wider angle for the scenic shots.

08/08/2008, 11:51 AM	#18 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	ZAM!!!

08/08/2008, 12:32 PM	#22 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	If I were still in charge here i'd have banned you 3 hours ago.

08/08/2008, 12:38 PM	#23 (permalink)
lilmatt13579 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ohio =/ Posts: 595	Night shots are pretty good. The third image has really really good lighting to it. Too sharp of an angle for my likes though. Make sure you don't let your own shadow ruin a picture(#2)

08/08/2008, 04:30 PM	#37 (permalink)
scoliosis &quot;I dunno&quot; guy Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 2009 BMW 328i Coupe Posts: 1,268	BTW, the Canon 75-300 is not a good lens. The 70-300 - EOS (SLR) Camera Systems - Telephoto Zoom - Telephoto Zoom Lens - EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - Canon USA Consumer Products is the good one __________________ My Blog

08/08/2008, 04:51 PM	#38 (permalink)
fliegendaffe Geek Squad Autotech Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Vehicle: 1999 Galant ES V6 Posts: 1,202	ok. i'm probably going to go with the 28-135 lens in a few weeks. just hopefully i can get it prior to me going to stl for my aniv __________________

08/08/2008, 11:31 PM	#39 (permalink)
fliegendaffe Geek Squad Autotech Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Vehicle: 1999 Galant ES V6 Posts: 1,202	ok so i'm having an issue. when it's darker out it doesn't always let me take photos when it focuses i think due to lighting. like when i go to take photos and the lighting is good, it beeps after it focuses then i can take the pic. is there a way to get rid of this issue or could someone tell me what it is/does? __________________

08/11/2008, 04:19 AM	#40 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	when it's dark the camera can have issues focusing. There only two ways of correcting that is to buy a faster lens (light something f2.8) or to pop the flash up so it can use the flash to assist in focusing. Neither of those will fix the problem every time but both can help. Obviously the flash is the cheaper way to go.

08/12/2008, 08:05 AM	#45 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	when it's in manual focus it should just take a picture no matter what. even if it's completely out of focus.

08/12/2008, 09:28 AM	#46 (permalink)
JoesInBoston I think too much Join Date: May 2004 Location: Brockton, MA Posts: 1,144	Exactly, which is why I think he wasn't using manual focus (MF) and I think he was just in manual mode (M) on the turn knob.

08/12/2008, 11:15 AM	#48 (permalink)
scoliosis &quot;I dunno&quot; guy Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Seattle Vehicle: 2009 BMW 328i Coupe Posts: 1,268	You'll need to pay attention to the light meter in the view finder. Adjust the shutter speed and aperture to try and keep that needle in the center to get a "proper" exposure. If you snap in the dark and don't see anything, you're either not exposing long enough or it's really so dark there's nothing to take __________________ My Blog

08/12/2008, 11:50 AM	#50 (permalink)
Anus! I Wangs Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 1-888-9-ASSHOLE Vehicle: duh Posts: 34,620	and read this. Photography basics.