topic Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7 in EF & RF Lenses

Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

brenden_div — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:12:38 GMT

I'm relatively new to the camera game and find it a bit overwhelming when looking for new pieces of gear to buy. I want to find a lens that would work well with lego stop motion. I don't have the highest of budget but just getting an idea of where to start looking would help a lot. I use an EOS Rebel T7.

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion

deebatman316 — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:03:39 GMT

What lens do you currently have. It should be one of the many variants of the EF-S 18-55mm lenses. If so please post the full model name of the lens. Also what is your budget for a new lens. Are you doing your work indoors or outdoors. If your doing your work indoors it will be challenging with your current lens to freeze action. Due to the lens having a slow aperture. All versions of the EF-S 18-55mm are variable aperture lenses. The widest open aperture is usually F/3.5-5.6 with most versions. The newest STM variant (version 2) is even slower at F/4-5.6 which allows less light to the camera. With variable aperture lenses the more you zoom in the less light enters in the camera. For instance at 18mm the widest available aperture is F/3.5 but at the longest focal length of 55mm the widest available aperture is F/5.6 which is slow for indoor shooting.

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

rs-eos — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:15:18 GMT

Stop motion work can be done with any lens. It will depend upon how you want to frame things and what depth of field you'd desire for each scene of your animation.

Did you create storyboards for your idea? Have you experimented with your current lens? If so, what haven't you been able to do with it to reach your vision?

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

shadowsports — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:43:11 GMT

Greetings,

Without an actual budget, its hard to suggest something that is right for you.

EF-S 17-55 f2.8 would likely be my first choice. (of course others exist)

Please provide your budget?

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

ebiggs1 — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:00:13 GMT

"Stop motion work can be done with any lens."

This is the correct answer. The kit lens you got with the T7 will do it. Stop action is more a camera thing than a lens.

"It will depend upon how you want to frame things and what depth of field you'd desire ..."

However to clarify DOF will mostly just be a matter if you want a very shallow DOF. Again your kit lens has the ability to achieve bigger DOF scenes.

"EF-S 17-55 f2.8 would likely be my first choice."

Mine two, I love that lens and if shallow DOF is desired it will provide a bit more than the kit lens.

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

Tintype_18 — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 22:20:37 GMT

I have a T7 and use it for stop action. See my grandson's baseball photo in Share Your Photos. Stop action of ball coming off the bat. Suggestion: download the manual, have the camera in hand and start with some of the basics and go the index for specifics.

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

rs-eos — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 23:10:31 GMT

Note: not freezing action, but stop motion. i.e. with objects, position them, take an image, reposition them, take another image, and repeat. The images will then make up frames of a movie/animation.

Re: Looking for camera lens that works well for stop motion with a Rebel T7

Waddizzle — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 23:40:50 GMT

Almost any lens can work.

First and foremost, you will want a tripod and head combination that is as robust as a tree trunk. A tripod with 90 degree lateral arm might also be useful. Here is an example of a lateral center column, but NOT a product recommendation.