Wide angle lens??

[sdg75]

For those of you that use a 35mm SLR. When taking photographs of landscapes do you prefer a wide angle lens less than 28mm? I am looking into purchasing a new camera and was wondering if it is worth it to purchase a wide angle lens. Thanks.

[Wildernessphoto]

Wide angle lense.

Hi Seth,
28mm is a good wide-angle lens to use. If you get under 28mm, you tend to get some distortion.
I've gone to 28-200mm zooms to give me the versatility to frame my shots, as I like, from where I happen to be. I find that I often can't position myself in the right place with fixed lenses.

I've found that the bigger issue is the "f" stop. The lower the f, the better. If you shoot sunsets, or in low light situations, you will wish you had a low f stop.

So what kind of camera where you thinking about purchasing?

-Gary-

The Photography of Gary F. Dean

[sdg75]

Gary,

Thanks for the info. I am looking at getting the Canon EOS Rebel GII or the Rebel TI. Do you have any experience with either? I have found a package deal with the following lenses. Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 mini zoom macro and Sigma 100-300mm f/4.5-6.7 DL macro. Any info on the lenses would be appreciated also. Thanks.

Seth

[Wildernessphoto]

Choosing a Camera

Hi Seth,
I know 3 people who have Rebel cameras.
There are advantages, and disadvantages to the 35mm rebel series. I guess it depends on what you want to do with it. One of the big advantages is the weight. For a SLR it's very light weight, which is good for backpacking, when you have to climb with it! The disadvantage is that it's a plastic body, which Canon went to in their "T" series in '82. The plastic isn't as tough as the metal bodies of the mid '70's "A" and "F-1" series Canon cameras.
On one shoot I was on a few years back, one of the people I was with had a EOS Rebel G and it got wet from the rain we were in and it quit working. That's a big problem for backpackers. Don't let it get wet!
That range of lenses you are looking at is good. I would see if they would give you a 2.8-f in the 28-80mm lens.

The auto-wind, auto-focus, features are not real important for shooting nature photography. The auto-focus can sometimes create a problem, by focusing where you don't want it too. Most shots are crafted, by adjusting shutter-speed, aperture, and focus, for a specific effect. These other electronic features use up valuable battery life, so plan on bringing extras.

I would suggest one other thing to you on 35mm cameras, if you haven't made the purchase yet, do some research on the web, and check Ebay. Take a look at some older, higher end, professional cameras. You can pick up some real deals on Canon A-1's, and F-1's for pennies on the dollar. Look over Nikon's too. The older metal body cameras have steel gears, and are still real performers. Lenses have dropped quit a bit on these cameras since everyone is going digital…

If you are looking to just grab some quick snapshots on the trail. A small, weatherproof, high res. digital, with some extra memory sticks is light to carry, and easy to use.

I'm still using 35mm when I'm crafting a shot. I love the versatility it gives me. When choosing a camera, you need to figure out how you're going to use it, what your going to shoot, and remember how the weather will effect it, if your going to take it in the woods.

I hope this helps,
-Gary-

The Photography of Gary F. Dean

[sdg75]

Gary,

Thanks for all the help. I am still researching which camera to purchase. I have been looking on ebay for deals and reading consumer reviews on several models. I would also like to go with a 35mm due to the versatility that they give.

I will be using the camera for all around purposes including backpacking so I am leaning towards a newer plastic body. Hopefully I will not drop it or get it wet.

Seth

[Wildernessphoto]

Hi Seth,
If you want a camera for all-round use, your heading in the right direction. Canon's will serve you well. and the light weight Eos will be a joy to carry...My pack usually tops out at about 70lbs when I'm hiking in for a week. A Rebel would shave about 3 lbs off my pack! ...Now you've got me thinking......
-Gary-

The Photography of Gary F. Dean