The Chosen Lens

Could it be true? Is this really the last lens post of this series? God, I hope so. But all my whining aside, I am glad we got down to this kind of nitty gritty because it's layed a little more of a foundation for some of lingo we throw around in the photo world and that's cool. Knowledge is always a good thing. And it's actually going to lead me into some stuff I want to share about choosing the proper ISO on your camera for what you are shooting and all that jazz. Now that you understand what a lens can do for you, I'll be piecing that together with other things like the ISO and using low light (some of the on going themes I can never escape from). As a matter of fact, my next post (come back on Thursday) will cover exactly that. See, Kristen at The Mom Trap just had her cutie-pie son Drew and she needs to get a baby announcement out. Stat. So, guess who's going to walk her through getting some good shots of the babe?? Yours truly. Oh yes. Newborn photos. Challenging indeed, but OH SO WORTH IT! You  won't want to miss it!

But today, back to lenses. More importantly, back to my most favorite lens in the whole wide world. My Compact Macro 50mm 2.5. I know many of you already have and love 50mm lenses because you've mentioned them here and again and you love them from what I can tell. The 50mm lens pretty much shoots how your eye sees things (like an equivalent focal length). So, it's natural and easy to use if that makes sense. But, but, but...my little darling is ALSO a Macro. As in it lets me get really really close to my subject and it'll do it's thing (all by itself) and focus in a la macro style. So, it's pulling double duty. And for the record, it flippin' ROCKS! But don't take my word for it. Just go visit the Canon website (see link above) and click on their cute little button that says 'using macro lenses for better photos'. What an enticing little montage. I'd say it's targeted toward us mother types. Way to do it Canon! It'll make you drool and run out and buy this gem. Now, if you're looking for a Nikon equivalent, I'm not exactly sure where to guide you. Try this maybe. Any Nikon people want to shed a little light?

For sake of consistency, here again, is the fascinating shot of my mantle.

50mm

then, after I walk up to the mantle and lean down really really close to the tiny glass box underneath the bird painting it's contents are revealed...

Now, is anyone going to argue that this is the most incredible option a fixed and pretty fast lens can offer?  Seriously. And it's affordable. Nothing can be beat when it comes to taking photos of babies. Nothing. Because it's those precious tiny details that us moms love so much and try to hold onto forever. Sigh.

Comments

[Alissa]

This is going to make me try the 50 more. Really. I looked at those images on the Canon site and I am inspired. Thanks!

[MyMomtra]

Tracey...you are making me drool. That's it! I have got to get an SLR. I'm going to bite the bullet and just do it. Thank you for bringing me to the "other" side. Don't tell my Casio Exelim 750. I do love that camera. I suppose it will still have to be my "purse" camera. I'm just sitting here dreaming of the endless possibilities lying ahead. Thanks!

[MyMomtra]

AND...as for the Nikon info I can add. My brother purchased the Nikon D80 in December. Not having any children...this has been an interesting replacement. He LOVES every facet of this camera. He just added the 18-135 lens. Forget the gorgeous outside photos he's taken...the vast learnings and options of this machine has made him so happy.

[maile]

Thanks Tracey!

[Paige]

WANT IT!

[megan]

thanks for all your great lens posts. they've been really helpful!

[Chris]

I love my 50mm, but my macro is on my 75-300 and I just love what it can do. I used my macro for the very last picture in this tabblo:
http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/view/155499/. You can even see my reflection! lol

[Dee Dee]

I have a 50mm f1.4 on my wish list. Would you recommend the 50mm 2.5 instead?

[melody]

My question is same as Dee Dee...do you recommend the Canon 50mm 2.5 over the Canon 50mm f/1.4? And like Chris I have the 75-300mm with macro but it is not 1:1, but 2:1 (am I putting that correctly?)

Anyhow, looking to purchase a 50mm and value your opinion between the two mentioned. Thanks.

[tracey]

It all depends on which one is a Compact Macro. I'm not sure if the 1.4 is a macro or not. I love the fastest lenses possible (1.4 is fast!) but the macro capability is KEY as far as I'm concerned. Unless that's not what you need or want. It's so hard for me to tell you what I think is best because I'm not exactly sure. Sorry I can't be more help! Try the camera store peeps. Maybe they can shed a little light. And be sure to report back to us!

[melody]

Thanks Tracey.