New camera, I have a lot to learn!!!
- Thread starter LowCel
- Start date
I would highly recommend the Canon 50mm 1.8 lens
http://www.jr.com/canon/pe/CAN_50MM_SL_1_dot_8/
It's not a macro lens, but opening up the fstop to 1.8 on a lens allows a lot of light in. Then just turn up your ISO to 800-1600 and you should get some very well lit shots without a flash. Also, I found my fish prefer it if I'm back a little as opposed to pushing the lens right up to the glass like I do with a macro lens sometimes.
I have Sigma EF-500 DG Super flash. It's not as blingy as the canon 580 speedlight, but I think it does just as well for anything I've ever used it for and its far cheaper. You might want to look into an off camera flash cable too, so you can aim the flash at other areas, other than just what you're pointing the camera at - makes for nice shadows on things and backlighting.
Took this one yesterday with my Canon 20D at ISO1600 and the 50mm, f/1.8 at 1/500, no flash
http://www.jr.com/canon/pe/CAN_50MM_SL_1_dot_8/
It's not a macro lens, but opening up the fstop to 1.8 on a lens allows a lot of light in. Then just turn up your ISO to 800-1600 and you should get some very well lit shots without a flash. Also, I found my fish prefer it if I'm back a little as opposed to pushing the lens right up to the glass like I do with a macro lens sometimes.
I have Sigma EF-500 DG Super flash. It's not as blingy as the canon 580 speedlight, but I think it does just as well for anything I've ever used it for and its far cheaper. You might want to look into an off camera flash cable too, so you can aim the flash at other areas, other than just what you're pointing the camera at - makes for nice shadows on things and backlighting.
Took this one yesterday with my Canon 20D at ISO1600 and the 50mm, f/1.8 at 1/500, no flash
ST-E2 is the wireless transmitter to fire the flash remotely- (canon brand that is)
And I would recommend the same flash I use as well-The 430EX...The 580EX would be nicer-But alot more exspensive.....
And I would recommend the same flash I use as well-The 430EX...The 580EX would be nicer-But alot more exspensive.....
AS far as a macro lense goes-I really like my 100mm F2.8 but would kill for a 180mm
lookinto the 50 like recommended or a 60mm macro lense-
lookinto the 50 like recommended or a 60mm macro lense-
Thanks everyone. I'm placing a "starter order". 
I'm getting a 430 EX II flash and a Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Autofocus Lens.
Right now I am just waiting for a credit to go through from B&H so I can place another order with them. My first order was for a used 430 EX flash and the lens, I decided for $40 extra it is worth going with a new II flash.
I am still trying to decide on a good (affordable) lens for macro shots such as fish, insects and flowers. That is going to have to wait until after pay day though.
I'm getting a 430 EX II flash and a Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III Autofocus Lens. Right now I am just waiting for a credit to go through from B&H so I can place another order with them. My first order was for a used 430 EX flash and the lens, I decided for $40 extra it is worth going with a new II flash.
I am still trying to decide on a good (affordable) lens for macro shots such as fish, insects and flowers. That is going to have to wait until after pay day though.
Good luck to you, trying to learn your DSLR and photoshop at the same time, both are beasts.
I got my first DSLR a while ago and I'm still no way an expert(in fact not even close).
My advise is, spend time taking the same shot over and over again, with different isos and f-stops. If you've got a newer version of photoshop then bridge it the place to be to learn, all the info you'll need is stored in the metadata so you can easily compair them. I still haven't fully got my head around it all but this is a good place to start.
Get a tripod and remote release before you get anything else, it will be a huge help, I'm not sure if your camera has liveview or not, forgive me I'm still learning mine but if it does setup the shot using it before you make any adjustments, if using a tripod.
Trust your eye over the camera, it's better.
As for photshop, I wouldn't bother with books, there is millions of tutorials all over the internet to show you how to use it. If possible use a second computer or second screen and watch and follow as many video tuturials as you can find. I'll dig up some links to get you started.
I got my first DSLR a while ago and I'm still no way an expert(in fact not even close).
My advise is, spend time taking the same shot over and over again, with different isos and f-stops. If you've got a newer version of photoshop then bridge it the place to be to learn, all the info you'll need is stored in the metadata so you can easily compair them. I still haven't fully got my head around it all but this is a good place to start.
Get a tripod and remote release before you get anything else, it will be a huge help, I'm not sure if your camera has liveview or not, forgive me I'm still learning mine but if it does setup the shot using it before you make any adjustments, if using a tripod.
Trust your eye over the camera, it's better.
As for photshop, I wouldn't bother with books, there is millions of tutorials all over the internet to show you how to use it. If possible use a second computer or second screen and watch and follow as many video tuturials as you can find. I'll dig up some links to get you started.
Thank you very much. I just ordered a photoshop for dummies and a Canon XS for dummies books. Total was only $33 so even if I only get a little out of them it will be worth it.
I let a buddy of mine borrow my tripod so I should probably pick up a new one. I've had his nail gun for a couple of months now so I really don't think it would be right for me to ask for the tripod back.
I let a buddy of mine borrow my tripod so I should probably pick up a new one. I've had his nail gun for a couple of months now so I really don't think it would be right for me to ask for the tripod back.
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials.html
http://home.zonnet.nl/epragt/tutorials/photoshop/index.jsp.htm
http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Photoshop/1
I thought I had the site I was thinking about bookmarked but no.
Above is selection of googled results, there is so much out there, I'll try to find the link for you
http://home.zonnet.nl/epragt/tutorials/photoshop/index.jsp.htm
http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Photoshop/1
I thought I had the site I was thinking about bookmarked but no.
Above is selection of googled results, there is so much out there, I'll try to find the link for you
I find these videos to be hilarious and very informative at the same time...
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=you+suck+at+photoshop&aq=f
Also, you may want to check out adobe light room - I hardly even use photoshop anymore because light room covers about 99% of what I need to do with my photos.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=you+suck+at+photoshop&aq=f
Also, you may want to check out adobe light room - I hardly even use photoshop anymore because light room covers about 99% of what I need to do with my photos.
