Sunday 13 November 2011

DSLR Camera Lenses and Their Abbreviations

!±8± DSLR Camera Lenses and Their Abbreviations

For those of you who want to learn what these abbreviations are about, I have compiled a list of the terms used, what it stands for and of course what it will actually do for you or avoid.

General Abbreviations.

Before we get into the nitty gritty of why they are all different, let's look at the commonalities. There are three common terms to describe SLR lenses and these are simple to grasp and relate purely to more creative and performance functions.

Focal length: - The scope of the scene captured example 16-35mm. A lens which covers an area of 16mm (relatively wide) zooming in to 35mm.

Maximum aperture:- The maximum speed at which the lens can let in light. eg f/2.8 or f3.5 - 5.6

If the lens has only one number then that is the maximum aperture possible.

If the lens has 2 numbers then these are the maximum apertures possible dependent upon the focal length the lens is set to.

The lower the number the wider the lens aperture and the faster it lets in light. (see my forthcoming article on the law of reciprocity)

AF/MF: Switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus

Canon Lens Abbreviations

Terms to describe Canon lenses

Canon produce an extremely wide range of lenses for their EOS cameras. This married with the ranges produced by Sigma, Tamron and Tokina gives Canon owners an enormous range of Canon Fit SLR Lenses. The abbreviations used by Canon are as below.

EF: Electronic Focus. Lens mount fits the entire Canon EOS DSLR range.

EF-S: As above but only fitting the APS-C sensor digital SLR such as the 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D and 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D. The S stands for "short back focus," meaning that the back of the lens is much closer to the CMOS (CCD if you like) than with EF lenses.

USM: Ultrasonic autofocus motor. Two types. USM micro-a direct replacement for the systems on older FD motors and 'Ring USM' with manual override.

DO: Diffractive optics. A technology allowing Canon to produce shorter physical length lenses.

TS-E: Tilt-shift lens used for perspective correction in photography, usually in architectural work to alter converging lines and depth of field. Similar to 'Sinar' camera.

L Lenses: Canon professional with higher optical quality and not specifically functionality. Usually white in colour. All L series lenses have a red ring on the outside..

MP-E: Macro Photo Electronic. Lenses designed for macro with an electronic aperture control function.

IS: Image Stabilisation, A system designed to reduce hand shake. Nikon version is called VR (Vibration Reduction) and Sigma one is OS (Optical Stabilisation).

Nikon Lens Abbreviations

Describing Nikon Lenses

Nikon produce a large range of lenses with their own specific acronyms. Sigma, Tamron and Tokina also make Nikon Fit SLR Lenses making the selection almost equally as wide

AF DC_ Nikkor Lenses:Defocus-image Control adjusting spherical aberration and thus the blur giving rounded blur effect used for portraits.

CRC (Close-Range Correction): Fot fisheye, wide-angle, Micro, and limited medium telephoto, offering higher quality at closer distances.

DX Nikkor: optimised for bodies with smaller sensors.

ED: Extra-low Dispersion glass. Superior sharpness and colour, correcting blue and red light travel.

IF: Internal Focusing. Lens length remains unchanged

Macro: suitable for close up focusing.

G: Aperture adjusted by the camera body.

Nano Crystal Coat: non-reflective coating for clearer images.

VR: Vibration Reduction: Nikon's version Image Stabilisation to cur down the effects of hand shake.

PC-E: Perspective Control for architectural photography.

RF: Rear Focusing for smoother auto focus..

Silent Wave Motor: Silent AF

Sigma Lens Abbreviations

Acronyms for Sigma lenses

EX: Sigma's professional lenses.

DG: For full frame bodies

DC: For APS-C bodies.

ASP: Aspherical lens.

APO: Apochromatic lens. Unique to Sigma and for chromatic aberration.

OS: Optical Stabilisation.

HSM: Hypersonic Motor. Silent AF.

RF: Rear focus..

IF: Inner focus so lens physical length is fixed reducing hand shake on longer focus shots.

DF: Dual focus. Does not rotate during AF.

Conv: Used with Sigma teleconverters.

Tamron Lens Abbreviations

Tamron Lenses described

ASL: Aspherical

AD: Reduces chromatic aberration..

Di : Full frame

Di II: Cropped Frame.

IF: Internal focus.

LD: Low Dispersion Glass to reduce chromatic abberation

Macro: Designed to focus on closer subjects

SP : Super Performance.

XR: Extra Refractive Glass for improved optical results.

VC: Vibration Control as Canon's IS, Sigma's OS and Nikon's VR.

For more information on lens acronyms and lens applications visit Park Cameras. A pro dealer who provide full UK warranty SLR Lenses.


DSLR Camera Lenses and Their Abbreviations

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Friday 4 November 2011

Canon Portrait Lens On a Budget - How To Choose A Portrait Lens

!±8± Canon Portrait Lens On a Budget - How To Choose A Portrait Lens

Getting a good portrait lens is not difficult, but knowing which ones qualify is important. Before you go out and make a purchase, you should take a look into your camera bag to see if you may have a Canon portrait lens in there cleverly disguised as.. let's say a Macro lens or maybe a sports action lens.

The first issue is to determine what the qualifications of a good Canon portrait lens actually are. But in the process, keep in mind that you want to save money.

I hope this does not burst your bubble. I mean, photographers are kind of like fishermen and golfers. We are always under the impression that we need the next new camera or lens that comes out. Or, like my mother-in-law used to say, "If you don't have it, you need it." While the grass may be greener on the other side of the fence where your neighbor has a Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 portrait lens that she paid 00 for, it's possible that you can get by with something that you either already own or that costs just a tad bit less.

OK, real quick, the qualifications:

1. Image quality - this has to be really good. You do not want a lens that has poor image quality. After all, you will be shooting people, and most people are very vain about their appearance. It's not like taking a picture of a monkey or bear at the zoo. Those animals don't care what their picture looks like.

To find out whether the lens in question will qualify as a Canon portrait lens with respect to image quality, check some expert sites. But keep in mind that these guys are going to be very technical. You might just want to go to the Amazon or B & H Photo website and check user reviews. In that case, look for reviews from advanced amateurs or professionals. They will also be fairly reliable.

2. Focal length - Portraits can be taken with a lens that is as short as 50mm or as long as 300mm. Some of the pros use the extra long length to get the great bokeh, but normal portrait shooters use a lens of about 85mm to 135mm. The good news is that if you have an entry-level or mid-level digital SLR, you have what is known as a crop factor, which simply means that your camera multiplies the focal length of the lens by either 1.5 or 1.6 depending on the make of the camera. So if you have a 100mm lens, multiply it by the crop factor of, say 1.6, and you have an effective focal length of 160mm. And a 50mm lens becomes an effective focal length of 85mm. Of course, the shorter the focal length, the closer you will be to your subject. That's why a wide angle lens of 28mm will not be your best bet for a portrait lens.

3. Aperture - The aperture is really important. The wider the aperture, the better your chances for getting the nice blurry background that is desirable in this type of photography. You want a minimum of f/4.0 for longer length lenses, such as a 180mm lens, and at least an f/2.8 for the shorter lenses, such as 50mm. The larger the aperture, the better your background will be. But you also need a good sharp focus on the eyes because there is a very shallow depth of field with the wider apertures.

Generally, single focal length lenses are preferred for portraits, but that is not a hard and fast rule. Some photographers use their Canon 70-200 mm lens for this and are very happy with it.

OK, so there is a wide range of possibilities here. Going back to the first suggestion, look into your camera bag and see which, if any, of your current lenses fit the qualifications. If you still need to purchase a Canon portrait lens, proceed with patience. Getting a lens that can do two or three types of images is also a viable option.

One last thing. Third party lenses, like Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina are also great ways to save a few bucks. There are some excellent lenses made by these manufacturers, but make sure you check what the experts and others who have used them say in forums and online comment areas.


Canon Portrait Lens On a Budget - How To Choose A Portrait Lens

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Monday 17 October 2011

Canon EF 70-200 F4 L IS Lens Review

!±8± Canon EF 70-200 F4 L IS Lens Review

Canon EF 70-200 F4 L IS, one of famous telephoto lenses of the photography world today, is comprised of 4 main important parts which are lens construction, a lens body, IS (Image Stabilizer system) and an aperture. I have been using this lens for awhile and I would like to share my review into 4 important parts as listed below.

Firstly, the lens construction is composed of 15 lens groups and 20 lens elements with a filter diameter of 67 mm and it has a focal length range from 70 mm to 200 mm. Moreover, there are 2 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens elements and 1 fluorite lens element which help dramatically light dispersion, color balance, image sharpness and a vignette while minimizing ghosting and flare. It has the closet focusing distance of 1.2 m and the maximum magnification of 0.21 m. It is used for dispersing light reflected from objects into an image sensor in a camera.

Secondly, with a total weight of 760 gram, the lens body has a diameter of 76 mm and a length of 172. It has a strong white magnesium alloy case with black rubber cover at a zoom ring and a focal ring and a red ring showing as the Canon professional lens, called L-series lens, around a front part of the lens. It is used to protect the lens elements, the aperture, dust and moisture from outside.

Thirdly, the aperture is made of 8 circular diaphragm blades. Its maximum aperture (F-Stop number) is 4 and its minimum aperture (F-Stop number) is 32 throughout all focal length. Moreover, there is no an aperture ring at the back of the lens so the aperture must be adjusted by the camera only. Its functions are for controlling the amount of lighting coming into the image sensor and depth of field.

Finally, IS (Image Stabilizer system) contains a special gyro system which shifts lens in the gyro system in the opposite direction of hand shaking both x-axis and y-axis in order to compensate vertical and lateral movement of hands while taking photos. Consequently, the motion of IS will cancel out hand shaking directions and the light coming into the image sensor will be steady. It is very useful when photographers would like to take photographs in low shutter speed condition and it gives an equivalent effect of shutter speed approximately 4 stops. With the IS, it helps considerably photographers get sharp images in low shutter speed condition.

In conclusion, the 4 main important parts of the Canon EF 70-200 F4 L IS lens which are the construction, the lens body, the IS (Image Stabilizer system) and the aperture make this lens as the outstanding professional telephoto lens.


Canon EF 70-200 F4 L IS Lens Review

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Thursday 13 October 2011

Canon's D60 Digital Cameras

!±8± Canon's D60 Digital Cameras

Nick Muskovac, PPSA Palm Harbor, FL wrote very interesting article about Canon`s D60 digital camera. His article is inspired by individual experience and observation.

Author is active user of canon digital cameras. First one he had was Canon D 30. Comparing the canon D30 with D60 Mr. Muskovac finds than, the major difference is that the D60 has much more pixles - 6.3 million pixels which beats the D30 with 3.25 million pixels.

He emphasis that D60 is using the CMOS which draws less power and therefore the camera can shoot more pictures on one battery than most Point-and-Shoot cameras without the loss of image quality.

The major specifications in Mr. Muskovacx` are:

D60 Specifications:

Type: Single Lens Reflex; 36 bit full color; CMOS direct imaging sensor

Compatible lenses: All Canon EF lenses

Lens focal length: 1.6 X indicated lens focal length

Imaging element: High sensitivity high resolution large single plate CMOS sensor

Effective sensor size: 22.7 X 15.1mm

Effective pixels: 6.29 million pixels (3072 X 2048)

Aspect ratio: 3:2

LCD monitor: TFT type color LCD monitor

Picture size: 1.8 inch

Recording method: Media--CF card (type I or II)

Formats: JPEG, RAW

Auto focus type--AF

Focusing points: 3 point (1 + 1)

AF working range: EV0.5 to EV18 (ISO 100)--This is a big improvement over the D30 with a range of EV2 to EV 18.

Focusing modes:

(1) One shot AF: AF locks when focus is achieved

(2) A1 servo AF: Tracks subject movement until the actual start of metering

(3) A1 focus AF: Automatically switches between one-shot AF mode and A1 servo AF.

(4) Manual focus: Manual focusing can be used when focusing mode switch on lens is set to manual focus (M)

Exposure control: 35-zone SPC and TTL open Metering

(1) Evaluative metering

(2) Center partial metering (approx. 9.5% of viewfinder area)

(3) Center weighted average value metering

Exposure modes:

(1) tv (time value) Shutter speed priority

(2) av (aperture value) Aperture-priority

(3) Auto depth of field priority

(4) Full Auto mode

(5) Manual mode

ISO speed range: Equivalent to 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000

Exposure compensation:

(1) AEB +/- 2 stops in 1/2 or 1/3 stop increments.

(2) Manual compensation +/- 2 stops in 1/2 or 1/3 stop increments.

Shutter type: Vertical travel focal plane shutter with all speeds controlled electronically.

Speeds: 1/4000 to 30 seconds. Bulb, and X-sync at 1/200 second.

Self-Timer: Electronically controlled, 10-second delay.

Drive modes:

(1) Single shot

(2) Continuous

(3) Self-timer (10 sec)

Number of continuous images:

Approximately 3 images/second; In One Shot AF mode at 1/250 second or faster, to a maximum of 8 images.

Built-in flash type:

Retractable E-TTL autoflash and auto popup flash.

Guide No. 39 at ISO 100 (ft.)

Recycling time: approximately 3 seconds.

Power Supply: operates from one BP-511 Battery Pack (lithium ion battery)

Number of images that can be taken with a fully charged battery:

540 (50% flash, normal temp.)

Camera Body

Flash contacts:

(1) Accessory shoe: X-sync contacts

(2) Sync terminal (with locking thread) on lower corner of camera body.

External flash system compatibility: Compatible with E-TTL auto sync.

In my opinion, the D60 camera's most valuable specification and feature is, that it will take all of Canon's EF (auto focus) lenses.

This was a very important consideration for me since I already own Canon EOS equipment and the following EF lenses:

20mm 2.8 28-135 IS 4.5/5.6

100mm 2.8 macro 75-300 IS 5.6

70-200mm2.8 100-400 IS 5.6 300mm 2.8

Putting the camera in action he took few shots and analyzed the quality of the pictures. He used the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens. Then he explains "Its focal length is 160 mm when mounted on the D60, an ideal macro lens. I use a twin macro flash, which I have been using for years with my EOS 1N. I shoot in the manual mode with this flash, using the guide number to gauge the distance. The shutter speed of the camera is set to 1/200 sec. I vary the f-stop depending on the distance of the butterfly from the imaginary film plane. The f-stop is generally varied between f16 and f25. When the distance to the subject exceeds 1 1/2 feet, I change the ISO setting from ISO100 to ISO200 instead of opening up the aperture. In this manner I could still use a small aperture value and maintain a good depth of field. With the D60 and 6.3 million pixels, I was able to make a very good 10 X 15 inch print using the largest jpeg image storage mode. Figure 1 shows a Coolie Butterfly taken at ISO200, 1/200 sec, f22, and a distance of about 2 feet".

When he used evaluative metering on the snowy egrets against a green background, the egrets were overexposed. Then he concludes that "the same is true to a lesser extent when using Center Partial Metering and Center Weighted Average. To get the proper exposure on the White Egrets, an exposure compensation of -2/3 to -1 stop was used in the evaluative metering mode. I shoot most all my pictures using the evaluative metering mode".

He pays attention to file numbering systems. We may choose from: (1)Continuous. (2) Auto reset. In the Continuous mode the numbering is continuous between cards. Then he points that Canon software assigns the folder numbers. The image number in each successive folder picks up where the previous folder left off, thereby providing consecutive numbering of images. The time/date is also permanently stored with each image file. Convenient storage functions allows to place Images in folders in groups of 100.

In the Auto reset mode the number resets to 0001 each time you insert a new card.

The D60 image numbering system only goes to 9900. It would have been nice to allow for 100,000 images. Heavy shooters will shoot more than 10,000 images in a year.

Here is an example of how the folder and image numbers work:

Folder Image Range

CANON100 IMG_0001 to IMG_0100

CANON101 IMG_0101 to IMG_0200

CANON102 IMG_0201 to IMG_0300

CANON198 IMG_9801 to IMG_9900

CANON200 IMG_0001 to IMG_0100

CANON201 IMG_0101 to IMG_0200

By keeping images in different folders, duplicate image file names can be identified and then renamed if necessary.

The D60's has nice 1.8 inch TFT color LCD monitor, It allows us to review your images right away.

Important is his comment about the battery life Usualy with 50% flash use and review mode on, he usually can perform between 350 and 400 images on one fully charged battery. He concludes "Reviewing the images does use a significant amount of battery power".

According to the author following features of the D60 that I consider important:

1. D60 can use all Canon EF lenses.

2. Changing ISO settings in mid-roll.

3. Review your picture :immediately after making the exposure.

4. Having a built in 1.6 X extender.

5. Shooting 3 images per second and up to eight continuous images.

He gives the D60 a good grade. Most of all he is impressed with the image quality. According to him "the camera has interchangeable Electronic Focus lens capability, and multiplies your long lenses by a factor of 1.6X. Overall it looks that the D60 is a great camera


Canon's D60 Digital Cameras

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Tuesday 27 September 2011

Canon Rebel Portrait Lens - Which goal is better for portraits Canon Rebel?

!±8± Canon Rebel Portrait Lens - Which goal is better for portraits Canon Rebel?

Suppose you have only your first DSLR and a Canon Rebel. Now you are a professional, or at least a semi-pro. This is what everyone around you thinks.

And what about pictures? What are the requirements for a portrait lens Canon Rebel?

Each photographer is a portrait photographer at some point. Your family is assumed to have a large portrait shooters. Even more important for them to be as cheap labor.

It 'just a fact. When people see that the monsterCamera, they just assume that you are a professional and you can take any kind of image excellence.

Do not tell them they are just the beginning. Hold the camera against your face and awesome to let you think you are great your chosen hobby.

Here are the two most important things to consider for a decent head shot to maintain.

First, you want to stay away from the subject from any point 6-20 feet. Closer than 6 meters, and you will see some distortion inthe body.

Secondly, you should choose the widest aperture possible as possible, as of f/2.8 / 4 A grand opening will result in a reduced depth of field, which means that the level of focus a few inches (hit the face in the event of a head) in front of and behind the lens of the area is limited. The object of a shallow depth of field is a blurred background.

Choose a goal that can achieve this simply means looking in the camera bag or camera, because you can alreadyhave a good goal.

Your Canon Rebel has a sensor that the lens focal length multiplied by a factor of 1.6. So if you have a 100mm portrait lens Canon, actually taking a picture with an effective focal length of 160mm (which is 100 x 1.6).

A head shot with a photographic surface usually about 3 to 4 feet tall. Taking pictures with a 100 mm lens would be set at about 15 meters from the subject ... perfect.

At a minimum, the focal length could be used to achieve the sameStrike would be a 50 mm lens with you about 6 feet away from the position of the subject. A Canon EF-S 60 mm macro lens will do the job, too, and is made specifically for a rebel.

The perfect portrait lens Canon Rebel could be a longer focal length. In particular, a 70-200mm zoom works very well because of how totally awesome are the pictures. It's actually what many consider the Canon lens "flagship". If you are one of the 70-200mm lenses (and there are five of them now), itdetermined.

However, many photographers think that a fixed focal length of the best portraits (one has only one main lens focal length and not as a zoom) is done. There is no argument that a great head shot with a 100 mm or 135 mm fixed focal length can first be taken. These are excellent lenses. But they are also more expensive than others.

Assuming the budget to play a role in his decision, remember that the focal length can be anywhere between 50 mm and above. It 'really your position (distancethe subject), the prospect of recording, and the quality of the lens, making the shot.

If you are under a lot of portraits, then a high quality lens with the right focal length and the opening will be a good investment. However, if you have no intention of head shots that you want the most important form of photography, you could have a lens that meets your needs for any images that you plan to leave twice as large and a dress Canon lens Rebel Portrait. get


Canon Rebel Portrait Lens - Which goal is better for portraits Canon Rebel?

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