Zoom

[Duinchlfc]

Hi i'm new to Dslr terms and i'd like to find out how many mm would a 12x zoom from a normal digital camera be? I've already decided on what kind of lense for my potrait needs,i'd like to get
a prime lense for the long distance shots..anyone can help?

[spartacus.ret]

the magnification of a zoom is just the max focal length divided by the min focal length.

so if you've got a 100-400mm lens, then the magnification is 400/100=4x. thus, it is a 4x zoom. get it?

[Duinchlfc]

Hmmmm so for example i wanna get close up shots of animals at the zoo.What lense should i get in terms of mm?? I'm using a EOS 30 d if that makes a difference?

[dan_1337]

maybe look at either the 24-70, 24-105 or 70-200.

[Duinchlfc]

Aight thanks!

[calebk]

Originally Posted by dan_1337 maybe look at either the 24-70, 24-105 or 70-200.

You just recommended him redrings.

[raptor84]

Actaully If you are on a bugdet you can try Sigma's 70-300. All the reccomened stuff mentioed costs at least 1k-2K new.

[dan_1337]

Originally Posted by calebk You just recommended him redrings.

he's gonna want them sooner or later

[spartacus.ret]

Originally Posted by dan_1337 maybe look at either the 24-70, 24-105 or 70-200.

he wants to use it at the zoo! dude!

you need a telephoto - what's your budget.
if you're tight - sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6, canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5, 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6
if you can spend a bit more - sigma 70-200mm f/2.8, canon 70-200mm f/4, canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS
if you can splurge - sigma 100-300mm (this is heavy!), canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS

[calebk]

If you can find, magic drainpipe.

Canon EF 80-200 f/2.8L USM. Can find for under 1k IIRC.

[Duinchlfc]

Originally Posted by spartacus.ret he wants to use it at the zoo! dude! you need a telephoto - what's your budget. if you're tight - sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6, canon 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5, 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 if you can spend a bit more - sigma 70-200mm f/2.8, canon 70-200mm f/4, canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS if you can splurge - sigma 100-300mm (this is heavy!), canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS

Well my budget max is 1500...won't want to spend as much as the price of the camera...so?

[raptor84]

Problabl 70-300 IS or a 70-200 f/4 with a 1.4x TC .

[Denosha]

How about a 2nd hand Sigma 50-500mm? Should be around $1000-1200 depending on the condition. More range. Flexible 10x zoom range. Amazingly sharp for the range even wide open. Only downside is that it's a dog to carry around and use (you'll need at least a monopod).

Still, it's a very nice lens for zoo/bird park/nature shooting. Some of my humble takes: http://www.sgl.per.sg/users/denosha/gallery/zoo2
Most were taken with the above mentioned lens IIRC.

[megaweb]

Originally Posted by Duinchlfc Hmmmm so for example i wanna get close up shots of animals at the zoo.What lense should i get in terms of mm?? I'm using a EOS 30 d if that makes a difference?

recommended a lens with focal length from 200mm to 400mm

btw, what is your budget ? if got $, get 100-400L

[calebk]

Originally Posted by megaweb recommended a lens with focal length from 200mm to 400mm btw, what is your budget ? if got $, get 100-400L

He mentioned $1500 or so.

Anyway, to the TS, in the SLR system many people pay more for their lenses than their camera. The lens prices would gradually supercede the camera's price.

[Duinchlfc]

thanks for the advice guys,guess photography is a lifetime hobby and a pretty costly one but well worth it! Thanks again!

[Rashkae]

12x is usualy 432mm equivalent...

[spartacus.ret]

sigma 100-300mm f/4. i think its probably around $1500 new (i don't know!). but its heavy though.

[Kachui]

Spend $300 or so more on top of the budget and get...

70-200 F4 L IS USM...

Claimed by a reliable review to be the best tele zoom on the market today...

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len..._4is/index.htm