newbie questions

[ep82]

Hi all.

I have just joined so I am a newbie and I am also a newbie when it comes to photography.

I have just bought myself a Cannon 400D with the standard lens kit.

I just have a quick question.
I have seen some lens add on parts on ebay. (All screws on the end of the lens like a filter) one is a fish eye, and the other is macro/close ups 1x, 2x, 4x and 10x. kit. I'm sure someone have seen these before.

So can someone tell me if they are any good?? I know it's best to get proper lens but I dont have much money left from buying the camera. They cost between £12-£50 which is alot of difference to new lens so I was tempted but I thought I will ask first.

Thanks

P.S. This is a really great site. as I am a newbie. I might be asking alot of questions so I wouldlike to say sorry in advance. oh and where is the best place to ask questions?? I'm sure I will get alot of expert advice on here

 

[chouglez]

Hi ep82

&

No need to apologize. There are only stupid answers

Hope U will find all UR answers here..........

 

[RobertP]

Ask away!

You are right to be sceptical. There are a lot of add on lenses and cheap plastic creations advertised on ebay and I would think they are mostly junk. Quality of glass is what is important and that does not come cheap.

The only thing that might be worth taking a chance on is the close up type filter lens which can give you a cheap route to macro - but you will still end up wanting a proper macro lens.

Welcome to the forums.

 

[W.Smith]

Add-on lenses are crap, ep. They'll ruin your images. What do you expect when you put a piece of practically window glass in front of your thousand dollar camera/lens combo?

Save up and wait until you can afford proper lenses. You will hit yourself if you don't.

Have fun!

 

[chouglez]

Also keep an eye on the "For Sale" section of TPF.

 

[ep82]

Thanks for the replies guys.

yeah, I know I should go for real lens but I spent all the money

Hmmm can someone tell me where is a good place to get a good lens?? something like 70-200?? I have been reading abit on these. every one wants them and I think it will be a good lens cos I need more zoom.

Is the wide angle / fish eye lens expensive??

 

[Glen]

Welcome

If this is your first dslr camera, just take step back and enjoy your kit lens first, get used to the camera/settings etc. Experiment with different styles ie Nature, Landscapes, Portraits etc., find out what you may use the camera for the most. This will then help you decide what your next lens purchase would be. Trust me I've spent a few hundred quid rushing in thinking 'that' new lens would be great, only to find you don't end up using it that much

The likes of London Camera Exchange/Jaccobs/Calumet have second hand stock with warrenty, so this may be a good starting point as you would be able to try before you buy.

If you do need a decent zoom, my 70-300mm Sigma APO, is a good lens for the money, you can get this for around £120 new if not cheaper.

one with the sigma....

 

[BRASH]

Welcome ep82. I have used both screw in lens attachment macro lenses and cheap tubes. They do work but as stated they will not provide the best quality. The tubes don't have the electrical links in them, so you are limited to how you can use the lens' settings, though the screw ins do allow the lens to function. You'll also find you have to be extremely close to the subject and any sort of movement (ie wind on spiders webs, flowers or shake) knackers the focus.

I am about to buy a Sigma 150mm APO EX DG Macro lens and I can let you have the screw ins if you want them. They cost me about £20 off eBay including P+P. You can have them free for the price of posting. The only thing is I think they are a smaller thread size than the kit lens. Gimme a private message and I'll get back to you, I don't have my kit bag handy and I need to get to work now. I gave the extension tubes away or you could have had those as well.