Camera Lens

[civilspouse]

I didn't want to hijak Vishenka's thread, but I was wondering what kinds of lenses do you have for your DSLR. I just have a couple kit lenses and they have been fine for what I've used them for so far, but I'd like to invest in a better lens for portaits of ds. I'd also be interested to hear what, if anything, you all do for editing. I'm thinking about trying to start using gimp for editing, but would love any tips.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I have a Tamron 90mm macro that I also use for portraits. I do a lot of marco stuff, though. My next two on the wants list would be a nice 50mm for just portraits and something with a bit more range than my 18-55mm kit.

[Ladybug]

Do you want a fixed or zoom lens? Are you shooting in auto or manual mode?

I liked fixed lenses, but you have to move and adjust your position so it creates some limitations in certain situations. If you need to learn to shoot in manual there are some great online classes at clickinmoms.com Most people start learning on the nifty fifty. 50mm/1.8. You can get a decent learning 50mm for a little over a hundred bucks. I would recommend taking a class to learn how to shoot inm

I'm sure others will chime in with zoom experience and info.

I would just edit on something like picnik.com until you mastered the shooting stuff. Editing is a whole other beast to learn.

[MarissaNicole]

I'm a total amature, and use the automatic settings on my camera, but I love my 50-200 mm lens. It's meant for more distance, but I like to use for portraits because it will focus on the subject and kind of blur the background.

[Thirteen]

I need to learn more about such things. Our camera is outdated, and sucks.

[civilspouse]

I think a fixed lens would be fine for what I want to use it for. I do some things in manual mode, but I'm not very confident so I usually default to auto. I'll have to check out clickinmoms.com.

[Ladybug]

Yay!! Totally start with a 50mm/1.8. It's a reasonable, practical next step. I spent a year in AP mode, and then took the online class to learn manual. Manual is so much fun once you get a taste. You'll can control your focus and get those yummy, blurry (bokeh) backgrounds.

Have fun and definitely check out CM.