I have been inspired (or is it mildly depressed?) by the many brilliant photographers in this bloggy world of ours, and especially with their brilliant photos. Upon further research, I found that many of them use a fixed 50mm lens and they also 'get' apertures, ISO's, shutter speeds in practice, not only theory. My small brain can't seem to get a decent grasp on any of that stuff, but I thought I could check out the 50mm lens. Those cool photographers have the cooler and more expensive 50mm f/1.4 lens, but my budget only allowed for the 50mm f/1.8 lens which was really really cheap as far as lenses go - ($125).
It arrived in the mail about 36 hours after I went late night online shopping, and I had a go. These were my first three photos in order as they were taken, and straight out of the camera. Think I'm pretty happy with my little acquisition. Amelia has just got out of the pool and I snapped her, telling her I needed to experiment with my new lens. She had come first in the running race at the athletics carnival that day, and wanted me to take the photo of her '1st' sticker in the palm of her hand. You can make out the wrinkly water logged pool fingers.
Minutes after we went for a barbecue with the extended family at a local park to celebrate eldest girls 11th birthday! Photos included a hug with Grandad,
yet another standard cousins shot (hey they're only young and willing once!)
and the equally standard photo of the birthday cake, which was cupcakes, cause they're easier than cutting a cake on location. Paper patty cake things are from IKEA! Happy Birthday big girl!
This lens was my Christmas pressie last year and I love it! I think that you get great results for a cheap little plastic lens. It does take a little while to get used to the lack of zoom but I love it for pictures of the kids - it makes their eyes pop!
ReplyDeleteHave fun :-)
lets do a lens play date...liv and her puppy will be great subjects :)
ReplyDeleteI too have the same lens and love it. perfect for any sort of close work! Agree with Amy, you have to re adjust HOW you take your photos...Try this - put your setting on AV, and dial the number right down - the 1/something, try taking photos and varying the number and you will see a huge difference in how much area is focused.
ReplyDeleteAlso a great lens for low light. Well worth the money!
Yes the "nifty fifty" as it's sometimes called is definately bang for your buck. It is fantastic although I do get frustrated about how little will fit into the picture without standing 100 miles away. You will definately notice an improvement in your photos and particularly indoors because it's what's known as a "fast lens". You will definately have fun playing with that baby.
ReplyDeleteHave fun, it's one of the few lenses that I could afford!
ReplyDeleteBTW...your info on your Girl #2 cracked me up at the last sentence, "...and a little nuts."
I hear you on that one :)
I got that same lens a few years ago as a Christmas present to myself :-) Just love the feeling of taking pretty great photos with not a whole lot of effort (I also don't 'get' aperture etc!)
ReplyDeleteWow, loving these shots - I'm due a new camera - my first dSLR, with which I can get some good lenses - but after seeing my credit card bill today (ulp!) I think it'll be waiting till Christmas now...
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