I recently bought some new accessories for my camera - and I'm learning {sort of} how to use them!
I have been thinking about getting a 50mm lens for a couple months now. After much consideration and research, I decided on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens. It is the lower end model, but everything I read on it said it's the best bang for the buck. And let's face it, I am completely 'photography' clueless with what I am doing still, so the 'bang for the buck' 50mm seemed like the way to go. It did get rave reviews online as well! I got it last week and I am still trying to get used to it since it's totally different than my normal kit lens that my T2i came with. I am trying to get used to the wide open aperture and the focus. It does seem to be very fast & sharp! I thought this was a macro lens but I found out it is missing something and is not considered a true macro lens. I am also considering a "Macro extension tube kit" which are very inexpensive and seem to work well from what I am reading. Does anyone out there have any experience in using the Macro tube? Is it even worth it to buy? (It's only 12.99).
My other toy I got is a "Flash Scoop". I will apologize right now because one of my blog mom friends told me about it - and I just can't recall who it was! (Mommy brain!). This is a very cheap & convenient alternative to a the speedlite I really want. I hope Santa will bring me the speedlite for Christmas, but until then, this scoop will do just fine. I have to tell you, I am more than impressed with this Flash Scoop - and for $30 - who can argue! It redirects the light and bounces it off the ceiling. It does a fairly outstanding job for the price! This is a great find for anyone on a budget that is looking for an alternative to pop-up flash! I haven't actually taken any 'good' shots with either of these things yet... but will be taking plenty of pictures on vacation - so you know I'll be posting those! Oh wait - I lied. I took a portrait of Elmo since he is our newest 'family member' and a few others.
Here you go:
i don't have a clue what to do with my 50mm f/1.8 either, but i know i love it. i rarely use my kit lens now unless i need to physically get closer than the 50mm allows. and i am dying for a light scoop too. good to know you love it. i'm putting it on my list. elmo looks very handsome ;)
ReplyDeleteRachel - You should get the light scoop - I have to say I love it - very good replacement for a speedlite! Elmo is growing on me - he is a pretty cute dude, and Julianna just adores him!! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, her hair is so curly!
ReplyDeleteMelissa- Oh yes! You should see her when she gets out of the bath - Super curls!! LOL :)
ReplyDeleteYour shots with the 50 are awesome! I had a hard time at first with it too. One thing you can do is switch your camera to Av mode and set your aperture around 2.8 and you will get more in focus. Wide open at 1.8 it's super easy to miss focus! 2.8 will still give you lots of pretty background blur and then when you get more comfortable, dial it back down to 1.8. That helped me a lot. :) Great job!
ReplyDeletethanks ashley - that means alot coming from you ;)
ReplyDeleteI had that exact issue on vacation where a lot of shots I thought would be in focus were not - and yeah I was wide open at 1.8 - bummer. I am gonna try AV mode- I guess I have been so set on shooting in manual mode so I can learn that I ignored all other modes! Good idea! :)