topic Newbie question on fix aperture lens in EF & RF Lenses

Newbie question on fix aperture lens

Kolourl3lind — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:35:22 GMT

I have not had the chance to try a fix aperture lens yet. I just wanted to know if you can still change the aperture from like say f/2.8 to f/8 or higher.? Or is the only aperture you can f/2.8. HOw does this work?

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ebiggs1 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:10:04 GMT

What lens?

If it is truly a "fixed" aperture lens, it can not be changed with out a ND filter.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

Kolourl3lind — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:13:19 GMT

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_24_70mm_f_2_8l_ii_usm

Something like this. The aperture cannot be changed can it? It is always at f/2.8 right?

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ebiggs1 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:51:24 GMT

That is not a "fixed" aperture in that it can not be changed. It means it is not a "varible" aperture which changes as the focal length changes. This lens maintains it's f2.8 through out it's focal range. It can and does have all the f-stops from f2.8 to f22.

This lens is, BTW, the best 24-70mm made today. There is none better.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ebiggs1 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:58:26 GMT

If you are interested in lenses of this type and are not scared away by the several zeros in the price tag, the three lenses in my sig (EF 24-70mm f2.8 L, EF 70-200mm f2.8 L, Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 EX APO) are the best that are available. There are none better.

Personally, I prefer fixed aperture lenses and tend to shy away from varible aperture lenses.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

Kolourl3lind — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:19:40 GMT

Unfortunely those lenses are out of my price range for now. However, being a new photographer I never realized that was the case because I have never had the chance to use one of those lenses. Now that I know, I will save up my pocket money. I was about to get the new 24-105mm stm lens that canon came out with.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ebiggs1 — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 15:29:22 GMT

The EF 24-105mm f4 L IS is a very fine lens. It is the best buy in the Canon line. You can find "white box" versions in the $650 to $750 range. Brand new! They are the exact same Canon lens with full Canon USA warranty. They have just been removed from a camera and lens combo and the buyer didn't want or already had the lens.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

Kolourl3lind — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 16:46:03 GMT

Ok you got me paying attention. Where can I get these whitebox lenses?

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

RobertTheFat — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 18:05:39 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
If you are interested in lenses of this type and are not scared away by the several zeros in the price tag, the three lenses in my sig (EF 24-70mm f2.8 L, EF 70-200mm f2.8 L, Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 EX APO) are the best that are available. There are none better.

Personally, I prefer fixed aperture lenses and tend to shy away from varible aperture lenses.

Don't you mean to say that you prefer "constant aperture" (zoom) lenses? (As do I, FWIW.) My understanding is that a "fixed aperture" lens is a (prime) lens that lacks any provision for changing the aperture. Like, for example, an astronomical telescope adapted to be mounted on a camera.

Or are there competing definitions of these terms of which I'm not aware?

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

cale_kat — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 01:36:53 GMT

kolourl3ind (you're kidding, right?), Any time a manufacturer creates a product, whether it be a lens or camera bundled with a lens, they assign it a product code. If a retailer/dealer were to sell only the camera body from a bundled camera, the lens must be sold as a "white box" item. (I'm not sure if eligibility for the full warranty applies.)

I suppose in many shops the seller would assist the buyer by "buying back the lens".

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ScottyP — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:21:00 GMT

Constant aperture = zoom lens can achieve its widest aperture throughout its entire focal range.

Variable aperture = zoom lens cannot maintain its widest aperture throughout its focal range and stops itself down to a narrower aperture when you zoom in.

Fixed focal length = a prime lens. Does not zoom, so issue of aperture changing as you zoom is irrelevant.

A better zoom such as a 24-105 f/4 would be a nice addition to your kit. Personally I think I might make that my second acquisition, right after buying a nice bright sharp prime lens. A 50mm if you do portrait shots on a crop sensor. A 35mm if you want a good multipurpose lens on a crop sensor camera. Possibly even a 24mm if you want a bit wider walk around. You can use your existing zoom lens at these lengths to decide which one you'd want if your lens only did one length.

Primes are smaller and they work with a fraction (approx 1/4 to 1/8) of the light due to being 2 - 3 stops wider aperture than zoom lenses at approx f/ 1.4. They are also (almost always) sharper due to a simpler optical design that does not have to make optical design compromises to look good at any different zoom lengths. They are also cheaper than any zoom of equivalent sharpness. (Unless they say "Zeiss" on the label).

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

Kolourl3lind — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 12:08:15 GMT

Yes I understand the concept of the whitebox but where would you buy whitebox lenses. I never heard of such a thing before and I am all for saving a buck.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ebiggs1 — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 13:57:01 GMT

Take most of what was just posted with a grain of salt. Especially the nonsense of a "whie box" not having a full Canon USA warranty. If it is a Canon USA lens bought new and you have the warranty card it is covered. But even if it wasn't, you are only talking one year of warranty. Big deal? You are saving several hundred bucks.

The reason I used the term "fixed" 'was because you did. Only trying to keep the conversation level.

You will have to do some searching to find a store or an individual that has a white box lens for sale. Both B&H and Adorama have them from time to time. The web site, Fred Miranda, has them quite often in the 'For Sale' area. There are likely some on ebay right now.

The 24-105mm f4 will be many, many times more useful to you than any prime lens will ever be. Look around for one.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

Kolourl3lind — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 14:23:17 GMT

Hey guys please no flame wars in my post. I am just looking to increase my knowledge of photography and save a buck at the same time. Everyone has their own opinions, and they have the right to it. In my case, I am open to whatever anyone has to say. That being said, I find prime lenses to be awesome especially for the low light photography I do in venues where flash is not allowed and for general photography when there are no crowds of people and space is not an issue. Those times are rare, so looking for a nice zoom is a priority for me.

Ok now, Fred Miranda? Ok I will check it out.

Re: Newbie question on fix aperture lens

ScottyP — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:18:09 GMT

You sound like an unusual species of "newbie" if you are already shooting dim venues using primes, etc... What lenses are you already using?