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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II

I

IDontBeatGames

Member
Hey guys,

I'm looking into investing into my first camera. I don't really know what's perfect for a beginner and what would be affordable or worth in a price range of up to like 350. I would like multiple choices (to choose from), and hopefully something that I can obviously add parts onto. I would like to use it to not only take photos and such, but to be able to also have the option incase I ever wanted to record videos using it. Along with that, the main use of it would be to use it on vacations or take photos while I'm in the city (I'm from New York). I'm not trying to start off heavy or anything, so what would be your best beginner friendly option(s) that I could look into?
 
J

JadedWriter

Member
IDontBeatGames said:
Hey guys,

I'm looking into investing into my first camera. I don't really know what's perfect for a beginner and what would be affordable or worth in a price range of up to like 350. I would like multiple choices (to choose from), and hopefully something that I can obviously add parts onto. I would like to use it to not only take photos and such, but to be able to also have the option incase I ever wanted to record videos using it. Along with that, the main use of it would be to use it on vacations or take photos while I'm in the city (I'm from New York). I'm not trying to start off heavy or anything, so what would be your best beginner friendly option(s) that I could look into?
Click to expand...
Is video that important to you? Cause whatever I recommend you at that price point will have shit video. There's also the fact there's no camera that's great at everything and with that budget you're not going to get anything too good or current.
You could get a Nikon D5200 and a cheap kit lens for a little bit more than that used. If you can save a little bit more you can actually pick up a Panasonic G7 for about $600. There's also the Sony A5100 for around that or one of the NEX 6-7 cameras might be close that. You might also be able to spring for a Fuji XT-10.
 
I

IDontBeatGames

Member
JadedWriter said:
Is video that important to you? Cause whatever I recommend you at that price point will have shit video. There's also the fact there's no camera that's great at everything and with that budget you're not going to get anything too good or current.
You could get a Nikon D5200 and a cheap kit lens for a little bit more than that used. If you can save a little bit more you can actually pick up a Panasonic G7 for about $600. There's also the Sony A5100 for around that or one of the NEX 6-7 cameras might be close that. You might also be able to spring for a Fuji XT-10.
Click to expand...


Is video all that necessary? Not really. However, I'm willing to save up for a camera up to around that price point, but considering this would probably my first main camera to legitimately use and bringing around with me, I didn't want to put up a price point I don't think I couldn't legitimately match (at this current time).
 
C

Chumley

Banned
IDontBeatGames said:
Is video all that necessary? Not really. However, I'm willing to save up for a camera up to around that price point, but considering this would probably my first main camera to legitimately use and bringing around with me, I didn't want to put up a price point I don't think I couldn't legitimately match (at this current time).
Click to expand...

I'd recommend starting with a T5i or something in that range with the starter lens to get familiarized with DSLR's and stuff, if you love it and get good with it, you can upgrade to a Panasonic GH4 or GH5 if you want to prioritize in video, or a Canon 5d Mk. III or 7d if you want to prioritize in photos.
 
T

theepicoftyler

Member
Atenhaus said:
Yoooo, where my FilmGAF bros and broettes at? I recently decided to dive back into medium format film photography and picked up a Mamiya RB67 with a 127mm f/3.8. I ran a couple rolls of film through it last week and these are the results:



The color shots are Fuji Pro 400H and the B&W ones are T-Max 400.
Click to expand...

Do you have a light leak issue or is the banding from the scans? Either way, the photos themselves are great. You're a brave dude doing long exposure with film, haha.

I really want to get an RB67 :(

I have a grandiose vision of going hiking through the mountains and taking incredible landscape photos with one.
 
L

Lys Skygge

Member
I've had an RZ67 for a few years. But something is currently wrong with it so I need to send it in for repairs. RZ/RB67s are fantastic cameras. The 110mm 2.8 lens is the best portrait lens I have ever used.
 
L

Lasthope106

Member
Finally was able to snag a Tokina 90mm macro lens for my Sony a6000. I paid more than I wanted but the lens is in good enough condition that I decided to pull the trigger. It was either the Tokina or the Sony 90mm but that thing is way too expensive, especially considering that I do macro with a tripod and with manual focus.

Can't wait to try the Tokina. I will post pics once I have it.

In the meantime, here is my gear so far:

17818451_625580660966085_8824646505957687296_n.jpg
 
A

Astral/H3X

Member
So, I guess I'm getting an Android phone (The OnePlus 3T) since MS has unofficially signalled that they've given up on WP10. So, I was looking into it and I guess there's Lightroom mobile now? I was thinking for random portraits on the street/conventions and cosplay, it would be really sweet to be able to get one of those Wifi SD cards, and be able to just quickly edit a "rough draft" photo and send it out in 5 minutes or so.

Anyone ever try that flow out? Does it work? Or am I insane?
 
A

Atenhaus

Member
theepicoftyler said:
Do you have a light leak issue or is the banding from the scans? Either way, the photos themselves are great. You're a brave dude doing long exposure with film, haha.

I really want to get an RB67 :(

I have a grandiose vision of going hiking through the mountains and taking incredible landscape photos with one.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure it's just banding from the scanner. I haven't had time to go back and re-scan them properly, but I will once I'm done with midterms.

You absolutely should! You can throw together a really good set of kit for ~$500USD. That's my plan this spring and summer - to go up into the Cascades and hike all over with this beast and a bunch of film.
 
Rentahamster

Rentahamster

Rodent Whores
Astral/H3X said:
So, I guess I'm getting an Android phone (The OnePlus 3T) since MS has unofficially signalled that they've given up on WP10. So, I was looking into it and I guess there's Lightroom mobile now? I was thinking for random portraits on the street/conventions and cosplay, it would be really sweet to be able to get one of those Wifi SD cards, and be able to just quickly edit a "rough draft" photo and send it out in 5 minutes or so.

Anyone ever try that flow out? Does it work? Or am I insane?
Click to expand...

Depends on what kind of workflow "editing a rough draft" means. For speed, you're probably better off just sending a small JPG to your phone, and editing it in some other program.
 
U

UnObtainium17

Member
Lasthope106 said:
God I love those green colors mmm. Awesome pics.



I also recommend the Rokinon/Samyang 12mm. You can find the silver version for a lot cheaper than the black one. I got mine for $290 on ebay. Overall, it is worth the investment. The next closest wide angle lens is $600+ used.

The kit lens can give you acceptable pictures if you know what you are doing. But it will struggle in low light.

edit: Actually the black Samyang 12mm is $330 at B&H.
Click to expand...

Astral/H3X said:
Ahaha, yeah looks like the Samyang branded one is $329 and the Rokinon branded one is $399. Which, of course, it's literally the exact same lens, so ya

As for the colors, lasthope, IIRC I turned down Saturation and turned up Luminosity on the greens, if I'm not mixing that up somehow. It's how I process almost all of my green grass. (Though, that doesn't happen a lot since I don't do too much involving grass haha)
Click to expand...

Fox1304 said:
I can also vouch for the Samyang 12mm. Love using it on my Fuji.
Click to expand...

A bit late but thank you for the responses. Gonna shed a little tear for my credit and get the Samyang 12mm silver from bh. Gonna have a few days to practice with ith before i go on a long trip.
 
L

Lasthope106

Member
Don't know if people here will be able to help me but I'm trying to find a lens for my a6000 that would fulfill the role a 35mm lens does on a full-frame. Because of the crop factor on E-mount the 35mm f1.8 is not really a "35mm lens" The math says that I need a 24mm lens, but the native Sony option is crazy expensive. I'm trying to determine what to get. So far here are the options I'm considering:

  • Canon FDn 24mm f2.8
  • Sigma 19mm f2.8
  • Rokinon 21mm f1.4

The Canon is the cheapest but it's a very old lens and for a little more I could get the Sigma which has AF. The information I've come across about the Canon varies with some people praising it, while others pointing a lot of issues using it on a modern crop sensor camera. Mainly that it isn't sharp until f8 or f11. The other two aren't ideal because they are a little wider, and I'm not sure if they can get that "street photography" lens I want.

I guess this is one of those scenarios where the E-mount system for APS-C clearly lacks. Does anyone here have some input about this? Or recommendations about other lenses that I should be considering?
 
A

Astral/H3X

Member
Lasthope106 said:
Don't know if people here will be able to help me but I'm trying to find a lens for my a6000 that would fulfill the role a 35mm lens does on a full-frame. Because of the crop factor on E-mount the 35mm f1.8 is not really a "35mm lens" The math says that I need a 24mm lens, but the native Sony option is crazy expensive. I'm trying to determine what to get. So far here are the options I'm considering:

  • Canon FDn 24mm f2.8
  • Sigma 19mm f2.8
  • Rokinon 21mm f1.4

The Canon is the cheapest but it's a very old lens and for a little more I could get the Sigma which has AF. The information I've come across about the Canon varies with some people praising it, while others pointing a lot of issues using it on a modern crop sensor camera. Mainly that it isn't sharp until f8 or f11. The other two aren't ideal because they are a little wider, and I'm not sure if they can get that "street photography" lens I want.

I guess this is one of those scenarios where the E-mount system for APS-C clearly lacks. Does anyone here have some input about this? Or recommendations about other lenses that I should be considering?
Click to expand...

Lenses designed for full frame cameras/old vintage cameras are less "sharp" in the sense that they have a lower "ppi", if that helps you visualize it (Think of how a 66" 4k TV can have a lower pixel density than a 1080p 5" phone, as an example), so that might explain the sharpness issue on the FD lens.

Samyang/Rokinon makes good lenses, as are the Sigma E Mount lenses. Which you get is almost entirely based on if you want to use manual focus or auto focus. That being said, the 21mm goes to f1.4, which is WAAAAAAY brighter than 2.8, so that can be a factor.
 
A

Art Teitlebaum

Member
Lasthope106 said:
Don't know if people here will be able to help me but I'm trying to find a lens for my a6000 that would fulfill the role a 35mm lens does on a full-frame. Because of the crop factor on E-mount the 35mm f1.8 is not really a "35mm lens" The math says that I need a 24mm lens, but the native Sony option is crazy expensive. I'm trying to determine what to get. So far here are the options I'm considering:

  • Canon FDn 24mm f2.8
  • Sigma 19mm f2.8
  • Rokinon 21mm f1.4

I guess this is one of those scenarios where the E-mount system for APS-C clearly lacks. Does anyone here have some input about this? Or recommendations about other lenses that I should be considering?
Click to expand...

Outdoor street? Get the Sigma. Cheap and great sharpness.
If you have to shoot indoors and need the light then the Rokinon makes most sense if you have no problems with the manual focusing.
Newcomer on the market that sounds interesting:
Iberit 24mm
Didn't see a review for that yet, but it might be worth a look, I guess.
 
J

JadedWriter

Member
Rentahamster said:
lol

I'm glad you figured it out. That happened to me too, once.
Click to expand...
It's always nice to find out shit like this happens to other people as well. I was getting pissed trying to figure out why people I was photographing looked like video game characters when all the texture assets didn't finish loading in yet. My last lens did not have that at all but I think this new lens actually focuses faster close in because of that. It's just something extra to pay attention to, but not bad at all. The build quality is a definite step up from my Sigma lens. I think the Tamron pulls a cleaner looking shot out of my D810 with nicer looking bokeh. For some odd reason it sort of looked like my D810 was straining the Sigma while pulling a shot out of it cause the bokeh looked pretty harsh if that makes any sense.
SOOC JPEGS being compressed by Facebook:
18033540_10156026635007195_3963477573802135051_n.jpg

18033516_10156026638702195_178760102769668787_n.jpg

17951772_10156026645932195_4545432438564467310_n.jpg
 
A

Astral/H3X

Member
So, since someone had mentioned it, I did give it a try to use my Canon FD 50mm 1.4 on my macro extension (which is for the 50mm Macro f3.5) for some photos.

The result was sort of unexpected! Oddly enough, though with the extension, the 50mm Macro lens can focus further away, it turns out that putting it on my 50 1.4 ended up giving it a closer maximum focus distance (though not a closer minimum). I had to get in real close just to get it in focus at all, and this was at maximum focus distance, f2:

Magician's Dream by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
Kind of wild! I wanted to use the f1.4 version of this shot, but sadly it was just a touch too soft -- the 50 1.4 is not a macro lens, after all.
 
J

JadedWriter

Member
I will buy Sony when somebody makes a Nikon to Sony adapter that keeps the AF and VR for the lens. Then again I have a enough big glass to the point where I don't want the lens to rip the mount off my camera. It's weird I have read instances of this happening yet when I do a google search for this I find nothing.
 
T

Thraktor

Member
JadedWriter said:
I will buy Sony when somebody makes a Nikon to Sony adapter that keeps the AF and VR for the lens. Then again I have a enough big glass to the point where I don't want the lens to rip the mount off my camera. It's weird I have read instances of this happening yet when I do a google search for this I find nothing.
Click to expand...

If they are announcing a camera aimed at photojournalists I honestly wonder if they're going to demo it with adapted Canon/Nikon lenses. The only way I can see any sports photographers making the move to Sony is if they can keep their lenses (and it's not like Sony has much in the way of native telephoto primes anyway), so the big question will be how well the camera works with adapted lenses.
 
J

JadedWriter

Member
Thraktor said:
If they are announcing a camera aimed at photojournalists I honestly wonder if they're going to demo it with adapted Canon/Nikon lenses. The only way I can see any sports photographers making the move to Sony is if they can keep their lenses (and it's not like Sony has much in the way of native telephoto primes anyway), so the big question will be how well the camera works with adapted lenses.
Click to expand...
I honestly think Sony should just make a damn reliable adapter for their bodies. I get that they don't want to cannibalize their lens sales but at the same time if they want to move some bodies it'll actually be easier instead of pretty much forcing a photographer to sell off their entire ecosystem to transition over. I'd buy a Sony...would've bought a Fuji already, but the adapter situation if you shoot Nikon is horrendous unless you want to main dumb adapters...which doesn't exactly work for what I always find myself shooting. Buildings? Yeah fine, randomly moving people? Completely different story for me.
 
A

Astral/H3X

Member
JadedWriter said:
I honestly think Sony should just make a damn reliable adapter for their bodies. I get that they don't want to cannibalize their lens sales but at the same time if they want to move some bodies it'll actually be easier instead of pretty much forcing a photographer to sell off their entire ecosystem to transition over. I'd buy a Sony...would've bought a Fuji already, but the adapter situation if you shoot Nikon is horrendous unless you want to main dumb adapters...which doesn't exactly work for what I always find myself shooting. Buildings? Yeah fine, randomly moving people? Completely different story for me.
Click to expand...

To be fair, with Nikon, no one has any adapters, as opposed to Canon lenses having adapters, so I think it's safe to say it's something with the F Mount than it is anything Sony can do anything about.

Really Sony needs to make sure that 3rd parties have easy access to how the PDAF and such works without having to reverse engineer it (though this was a while ago, maybe they've fixed that).
 
A

Astral/H3X

Member
Gimme an A7iii with the a6500 IBIS in the a7i body and full sensor sampling focus peaking, and phase detect focus peaking.

Also let me make vintage/manual lens profiles on it.

Basically make it the world's greatest camera for MF.
 
J

JadedWriter

Member
Astral/H3X said:
To be fair, with Nikon, no one has any adapters, as opposed to Canon lenses having adapters, so I think it's safe to say it's something with the F Mount than it is anything Sony can do anything about.

Really Sony needs to make sure that 3rd parties have easy access to how the PDAF and such works without having to reverse engineer it (though this was a while ago, maybe they've fixed that).
Click to expand...
The F mount lenses have mechanical aperture controls instead of electronic if I'm remembering the explanation right. It's something that Canon switched over to a couple of years ago that makes making adapters for the lenses easier. It can be done for Nikon lenses I believe, but it's not something that's easy I assume. Fotodiox did do it, but it's not an adapter I'd throw on a camera I own cause I don't want to run the risk of it crashing my camera.
 
T

the better twin

Member
A9 announced
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sonys-new-a9-announced/

Details:
Groundbreaking Full-frame Mirrorless Camera Delivers Unmatched Speed, Versatility and Usability

World's first full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, 24.2 MP[ii] resolution
Blackout-Free Continuous Shooting[iii] at up to 20fps[iv] for up to 241 RAW[v]/ 362 JPEG[vi] images
Silent[vii], Vibration-free shooting at speeds up to 1/32,000 sec[viii]
693 point focal plane phase detection AF points with 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second
Extensive professional features including Ethernet port for file transfer, Dual SD card slots and extended battery life
5-axis in-body image stabilisation with a 5.0 step[ix]shutter speed advantage
Click to expand...
 
J

jongkookie

Member
Holy fnck that thing is almost 6 grand USD!!!!!

I'm out then lol.

Everything about it sounds so good but I have no justification for that price tag lol. Looks like I'll just be picking up an A7RII instead.
 
F

f0lken

Member
I am finally going to upgrade my first gen A7... *checks A9 price...

On second thought my A7 is still a great camera n_n'
 
J

JadedWriter

Member
jongkookie said:
Holy fnck that thing is almost 6 grand USD!!!!!

I'm out then lol.

Everything about it sounds so good but I have no justification for that price tag lol. Looks like I'll just be picking up an A7RII instead.
Click to expand...
Yeah I'm hoping this craters A7RII prices...granted glass is a problem for me as well since I'd have to start looking at Canon glass to adapt...
sechsterangriff said:
A true Pro camera with a true pro price tag. Still cheaper than Cannon and Nikon direct competing models.
Click to expand...
Anybody with a D5 or 1DX already has a shit ton of lenses for those cameras already so it's less of a problem or will just sell their D4S on ebay to invest in it. I'm not sure a Sony pro has that same luxury.
 
R

RoKKeR

Member
Wow at the A9. Absolutely nuts.

Still looking to hop over to a Sony FF after I graduate, not sure where to start, though.
 
A

Astral/H3X

Member
Jason Lanier is probably ecstatic about this. Dude has the money and is willing to pay for top shelf Sony gear, and looooooves the mirrorless world more than I do haha.

RoKKeR said:
Wow at the A9. Absolutely nuts.

Still looking to hop over to a Sony FF after I graduate, not sure where to start, though.
Click to expand...

Pretty much all of them are great -- it's really just a question of what price point you're aiming at.
 
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