topic Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise in EF & RF Lenses

Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

GRAYWOLF69 — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:42:38 GMT

I have used various P&C digital cameras, but I have minimal experience with a DSLR. I am going on a cruise to Alaska in a few months.
I am looking to rent a Rebel T7i. I am wanting to try to get some shots of wildlife and other interesting sights from the ship. Basically looking for how to pick the right telephoto lens. I do not understand how the numbers translate into anything meaningful.

*I did try to search, but only got a post about matching lens and camera, not about decoding lens labels.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

stevet1 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 03:03:20 GMT

GRAYWOLFF69,

If you are going to rent the T7i, you may as well rent the lens as well.

I'd say anything in the 400-500-600 range would probably work. If you're going to be on a ship, you're probably going to be photographing things that will be far away from you. A 100-400 or 100-500 would let you photograph things close-up as well.

Just be aware that these are big, heavy lenses.

A smaller lens like a 55-250 will be a lot easier to carry around, but you won't get as much reach as the others.

Steve Thomas

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

ebiggs1 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:20:25 GMT

First I am surprised you can even rent a Rebel T7i. I would very much prefer you buy a good used one. They are around $400 bucks used and you can sell it on after your trip if you don't want to keep it. I think if you do end up using a T7i, I think you will be disappointed if you don't have a 600mm lens. That leaves two choices really either the Sigma or Tamron.

You may want to rent the lens but again I would prefer to buy one and sell it afterwards. Consider all rent fees and shipping is lost. So even if you lose money on buying and selling it will most likely be less than the rent.

So my recommendation is to get this gear right now and practice with it. Using a big tele super zoom is not something you want to learn on the job. Do it at your leisure and that's the best reason for not renting. The Rebel T7i comes with a nice general purpose lens ef-s17-55mm. The addition of either the Sigma 150-600mm C lens or the Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens should do the job.

Practice, practice and practice. Use raw format and get a good photo editor and you will get great photos to remember your trip.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

shadowsports — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:45:33 GMT

Greetings,

Any investment should be in mirrorless, not DSLR. You have zero invested in this technology now and mirrorless is the future. I was in Alaska for 2 weeks the summer before last. You could get by nicely with two lenses on a budget.

You will definitely need 2 lenses for the trip. A zoom is good, but you are going to need a lens with a shorter focal length when you step off the boat. Maybe you could consider stepping up? Let's talk about your budget. What is that? What's the goal here? A one time rental for your trip or owning something?

Entry level cameras are a lot less expensive than you might think. You just missed one of the biggest sales of the year. Not to worry though, because Christmas is coming and you aren't leaving for a few months.

If you don't want to buy or own, renting gear is fine, but don't rent a DSLR. Rent an R series body. There's no reason not to. Here's an example. The R50

Want to step up. R6 mkII, R5 even the R5 mkII can be rented.

How about a lens or two

Want to keep costs down further. Buy a camera and rent some dream lenses that will make your trip special.

The sales will be coming again which means you have options. Ebiggs1's advice about buying gear now and practicing is a good one. Then rent some exceptional lenses for the trip. Just something to consider. There are several ways you can approach this.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

GRAYWOLF69 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 21:53:18 GMT

Thank you for all of the responses.

Yes, the plan is to rent body & lens(es)...renting as a test run for the idea of buying (if it goes well, start looking to buy one)
I am good with my P&C cameras for close shots, My main " focus" of this adventure was around possibly getting some good distance shots. I get really good shots with my P&C, but when I crop to zoom in on the subject it loses clarity.
As a purchase, I would definitely want a short/med range lens, as well as telephoto.
The rental of the T7i and lens and insurance looks like it will be about $300 for 2 weeks. (little easier to swallow than $1000+ on an uncertain purchase).

My looking at DSLR is mostly due to my ignorance. I am old enough that I started taking pictures on a 110 (while they were still in production)! The top of the line cameras were SLR. I have been using digital since they have been available and DSLR was top of the line (as far as I know)...I just assumed that was the route to go...Now that you have mentioned it, SLR/DSLR is only really useful for when you are using the viewfinder, right...not really for using the screen? If that is what you are saying, I guess I don't really need the SLR function...I just really want the swappable lens function. What are the pros/cons?

Is the mirror the only difference between the T7 & R50? is the R $50 worth an extra $150?

I had not considered, buying the body and renting the lens....more to consider.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

shadowsports — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:25:14 GMT

Greetings,

Is the mirror the only difference? Not even close.

😂. Here's a side by side.

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-R50-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7i

If you have questions, just ask. We're all happy to help.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

stevet1 — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 01:26:23 GMT

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

Ron888 — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 11:57:22 GMT

"SLR/DSLR is only really useful for when you are using the viewfinder, right...not really for using the screen?"
While they are built differently,both the Rebel T7 and R50 can be used with live view on the rear screen or through their viewfinders.
As for the pros and cons of DSLR i best leave that to others! I havent owned a DSLR for some years.

By the way,the Rebel T7 you just mentioned is very different from the Rebel T7i from your first comment.The T7i is similar in spec to an R100 ,with the R50 another step up from that.
The T7 is a base model which is well below the T7i (half the frames/sec for example)

FWIW, if i had to choose for you i'd suggest the R50. You get more advanced features than DSLR,access to both RF *and* EF lenses (you cant do that with the DSLR),and it has decent enthusiast specs.It has better tracking focus than the R100 and much higher frame rates.It will cope decently with moving subjects (sports,pets,kids) where the R100 would struggle.
All the best! I don't much envy the job in front of you. It will take some time to understand all your options😲

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

Ron888 — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:07:50 GMT

I just noticed the tele lens query from your original post.Maybe it will help to use an online angle of view calculator?
Try this out-
https://www.pointsinfocus.com/tools/depth-of-field-and-equivalent-lens-calculator/#{%22c%22:[{%22f%22:9,%22av%22:%228%22,%22fl%22:600,%22d%22:67666,%22cm%22:%220%22}],%22m%22:0}

In the first box choose Canon APS-C
Then fill the focal length and distance boxes. It will show you what angle of view the lens has -both vertical and horizontal.
It can also work the other way.Enter the lens size then hit one of the buttons lower down(face head and shoulders etc) and it will show what distance you need
Does that help?

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

GRAYWOLF69 — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:36:17 GMT

For anyone still watching this thread...Ready for the plot twist?

To keep this brief, it might seem a bit disjointed...
I am in possession of my mother's old DSLR. I had not looked at it in a few years and remembered it being an old nonfunctional Nikon.

After the discussion here, I decided to find it to check out the lenses to see if they would work with either of the potential rentals.

Finding the camera I, realize it is a Canon 20D, but still thinking it is nonfunctional. I start researching the lenses, however you all probably already know that the lenses are EF, not RF.

Both batteries are dead and no charger. Thanks to Amazon I get a CF card reader and batteries and charger for a few bucks.

It has an 8MB CF card in it. and is flashing "CF Full" on the top screen. I am able to view the pictures (of my now grown) daughter as a young child, as well as a couple of pictures of my late mother. I get the pictures downloaded and use the camera to format the card..."CF Full", still!

I find a 4GB (type II) card in my stash and pop that in the camera and find a small treasure trove of more pictures of my kids from when they were young, as well as more pictures of my mother...but still getting CF Full..

Card reader only worked for Type I, so I could not access the card to pull the pictures. Went by a camera shop today to have them take look...Dude pops in a 1GB card and it works perfectly!

That said (so much for keeping it short)...I have a functioning 20D with a pair of Tamron lenses (28-80 & 75-300)!

Is this 75-300 going to have adequate reach, or do I need to get my hands on something like 100-400 or 100-600, etc?

Bad new is, the 75-300 was stored in the camera bag without lens caps. There is dust on the lens (end that attaches to the camera). Camera guy said to use a q-tip to clean it, but in the excitement of finding out I have a working camera, I forgot to ask if I should use some kind of cleaner, or just the dry Q-tip?

also, the rubber around the mode knob (portrait/scenery/action) is leaving a black goo on my fingers when I touch it. Is there a way to clean it, or replace the rubber?

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

ebiggs1 — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:03:27 GMT

Nice find and very cool you got some old family photos back as a bonus. First 300mm is still going to be too short for my liking but it may do all you want. That's your decision.

"There is dust on the lens ..."

Never rub a lens any lens with something totally dry. No matter if it your eyeglasses or a camera lens. Get a real lens cleaning solution.

"is leaving a black goo on my fingers when I touch it. Is there a way to clean it, or replace the rubber?"

I doubt it but you can try 90% alcohol on a Q-tip. You might be able to completely remove the rubber coating.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

ebiggs1 — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:06:07 GMT

BTW, this find is much better than renting. Plus make sure you have some extra 1GB CF cards for your trip. I would get five at least. One a day is a good idea.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

GRAYWOLF69 — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:30:29 GMT

I have a 256GB card on order. Not sure how many pictures it will hold, but I am hoping it will be enough...at least a day's worth so I can move them off to the laptop to clean it up.

@$75, it is the best $/GB card I found.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question

GRAYWOLF69 — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:31:48 GMT

Thanks for everyone's help.
Now, time to start playing with the camera to get used to using it!

Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

GRAYWOLF69 — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:08:32 GMT

This seems like a "too good to be true" deal...What am I missing?
Amazon has this lense for $140:

Ultimaxx 650-1300mm (w/ 2X Teleconverter 1300-2600mm) Telephoto Zoom Lens Set for Canon

Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

Ron888 — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 03:17:53 GMT

Be aware these are about the worst possible lenses you can buy!!
Image quality is extremely bad - https://www.flickr.com/groups/2855541@N25/pool/with/51208759821/
They also lie about retaining 'full automation' .It's true your camera can meter with this lens, but focus and aperture are fully manual.Actually this one looks like it has no aperture?!

In the past i tried many cheap tele lenses.In my opinion the only usable ones were the old 'preset' types.They came in many different brand names and were either 400mm f6.3 or 500mm f8 designs. You may want to try those?

The image below was taken with a 500/8 lens and is unprocessed so can be sharpened somewhat.Click on the download link to see full size

The next one is from a 400/6.3 lens,also unprocessed. Notice the gentle contrast which is typical of these lenses.

Note- avoid anything sold as new or looks like it was made in the last,say 20 years.There were many slightly inferior designs selling on ebay about 17 years ago.They weren't terrible but you'll be much happier with the older ones.
Here's an example of what to look for on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356282054767?_skw=500mm+lens&itmmeta=01JF1H6WY5YJK7V0WT28AGRSMX&hash=item52f410b86f:g:bBEAAOSwQaBnPWI5&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKmyIigh10wurBp%2FU8V%2FgOBkkcAErtW%2Bn0KEWzU2Gangg7eDOlsSU5vncWENe6DNQYBAZzsIdDKAxGXW9qaOygTJzoRU2xTcYgGtDPOAIOSzcktQYa3gafWOGlc%2BrwzySsqbZimUfplHAEqjuubmlMR5Pael2SvrJGajJhgrav39gQACaKymD8OB7EYWLZ%2BFcGbufoYPlBZ04wYI6tLw4oz36j6J%2FuntAb9%2FyXj9TxkRa6XkZDqF23KxgtKNBhssNdFSq--vBYPHm9AI4mvvSro%2B%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5jPm7H4ZA
Be sure to buy one with clean optics. Some dust specs are acceptable, fungus or lens separation are not.
Also,these are all "T mount" lenses.The mount unscrews from the back and can be swapped to suit any camera.
A minor note: when buying a mount get the "T2" type which has rotation adjustment

Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

ebiggs1 — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 16:09:45 GMT

I would not buy that lens but it is what you want and not any of us. The IQ will be in the toilet and it will be a totally manual lens. Some Rebel models will not even know the lens is attached. There is a setting that allows releasing the shutter without a lens and that is what you will need to do. Consult the manual.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

GRAYWOLF69 — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:58:11 GMT

Thanks (again) guys...Like I said...it seemed it was "too good to be true"...

Well, I broke down today and bought a used T5i (came with 2 Canon lenses 18-55 & 75-300) for $350. I figure, if I get in to this and want to get a higher level camera I can sell this for most of what I paid for it (or give it to one of the kids) and upgrade.

Took this tonight just playing around with it. cropped it and cleaned it up a little.

Comparing it to Ron888's image, I really want a lot higher power lens, now.

Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

Ron888 — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 08:07:22 GMT

You can actually get close to my example shot with your kit 😀 .All you need are some minor tweaks.
Zoom the lens to 300mm.Set aperture between f8 to f11 for best sharpness.
Set ISO to a low number for lowest noise.From memory i think i used ISO200 or 400?The moon is quite bright so no need to use a high ISO.
Now set the shutter speed for best exposure.Your photo above is way too bright and has blown out the detail.To get this right,take a shot then magnify the image so you can see the result.Keep adjusting shutter speed until it looks good.
Now set the camera on a tripod.If you don't have one,hold the camera against a solid object(with padding obviously).
Now fire away.Take many shots! Refocus occasionally.Some will be affected by slight motion blur and some will be slightly missfocused.This is normal
You have to do all these things to get the clearest image possible.
One last hint.A half moon looks far sharper on screen than full moon!

Re: Total Noob Lens Question: EF lens recos for Alaska cruise

ebiggs1 — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 15:58:02 GMT

"The moon is quite bright so no need to use a high ISO."

It is always daylight on the Moon. You can use the Looney Rule as a base.