Mayne
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I come from a long line of sinners like me
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Cameras
Nov 29, 2012 19:52:55 GMT -8
Post by Mayne on Nov 29, 2012 19:52:55 GMT -8
I have decided to buy my self a new toy. I am going to up grade from my Nikon D30 and was looking at a D5200. I was wondering what other people in the forum are shooting with, and what there opinions are of what they have shot with in past.
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Cameras
Nov 29, 2012 20:04:46 GMT -8
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Nov 29, 2012 20:04:46 GMT -8
The D5200 is an excellent choice, mayne!
As for myself, I originally shot with a Nikon D50. However, from November 2010 on, my main body is a Nikon D7000.
My pocket camera that I have with me at all times is a Canon S95.
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Cameras
Nov 29, 2012 20:52:12 GMT -8
Post by WettCoast on Nov 29, 2012 20:52:12 GMT -8
If you already have a bag full of Nikon lenses & other Nikon-specific accessories then it makes sence to stick with Nikon. If you don't, then you have many, many options.
I might recommend that you consider a somewhat smaller camera on the grounds that they are lighter, less bulky and generally more likely to get taken with you and actually used. Having said that, smaller cameras usually have smaller sensors, sometimes much smaller sensors. Generally, the smaller the sensor the lower the image quality. This is more of an issue in low-light situations when the camera chooses a high ISO setting, especially anything exceeding 800.
If what you are looking for is to be able to post photos on websites such as this, then having crystal clear high res photos at 4000 x 3000 (or more) pixels is probably not needed.
I have several Pentax DSLR's the newest of which is the K5. This is a very similar in specifications to Scott's Nikon D7000. It takes very good photos and I have half a dozen lenses for it (not to mention other accessories). It is a great camera, but, I am hardly using it now.
Last summer I spent seven weeks in Europe and I wanted a camera that would 'do it all', but was light, portable and above all else, not bulky. The closest camera to what I wanted was what they call a 'super zoom'. I bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ-150 which delivered almost all that I wanted. The one necessary evil is its very small sensor which is unavoidable in a camera that delivers so much in such a small footprint. I was very pleased with how it worked for me in Europe, and I continue to use it now as my 'main camera'. The reduced image quality is not a huge drawback from my perspective.
Panasonic has already replaced my camera model with what they call the FZ-200. The main difference is the lens now has a maximum aperture of F2.8 across the entire zoom range which equates to 25 to 600 mm in terms of 35 mm camera lenses. In other words the lens goes from a decently wide 'wide-angle' setting right up to a high reach telephoto. To do this with a DSLR camera of any make you would need at least 3 lenses (which you find yourself constantly changing). Those lenses will set you back at least $1000. If they were to approach the light-gathering capabilities of F2.8 at all focal lengths, they will cost ~ $2500 or more.
My recommendation, therefore is to consider a 'high-end' super-zoom like the FZ-200. You could also consider something 'in between' such as a smaller sized DSLR. A good bet would be the mirrorless 'micro four thirds' cameras with electronic view finders made by Olympus & Panasonic.
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Deleted
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Nov 29, 2012 21:04:24 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2012 21:04:24 GMT -8
I would have to agree with WCK (White Coast) with a small cameras that can do it all in one camera.
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Mayne
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I come from a long line of sinners like me
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Cameras
Nov 29, 2012 21:10:53 GMT -8
Post by Mayne on Nov 29, 2012 21:10:53 GMT -8
Thanks so much for the in put WCK but I am defiantly Stuck with a Nikon, my wife just bought me a 18-105mm wide for my birthday. (my present, but for her so I can take her portraits of the kids) And my father in law has just bought him self a few new lenses ( a 17- 35mm and a 18- 200mm) that I plan on borrowing (thank you black Friday deals in the US.) My Father is also huge in to the Nikons and if I bought anything else I might be out of the family.
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Nov 29, 2012 21:18:00 GMT -8
Post by Ferryman on Nov 29, 2012 21:18:00 GMT -8
I've always been a Nikon user myself. I started in 2005 with a Nikon Coolpix L1, but it lasted only about two years when I accidently let get too wet while I was taking pictures of the Coastal Renaissance arriving in BC from Germany while I was standing on the deck of the Lions Gate Bridge. That was a miserable and wet day typical BC type of day, and I ended up getting completely drenched too. That was a bit of a tough camera to work with though. it always hda really good photos, and also really bad photos. Could have been the photographer though. Here's a photo that one took Queen of Vancouver at Horseshoe Bay by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr It wasn't until the Spring of 2008 when I bought its replacement, the Nikon D60 and have been using it ever since, although it spends more time in its case collecting dust these days. I'm still happy with it though, and I'm still learning alot about the camera too so it's hard for me to justify upgrading at the moment still. Here's a photo it takes Howe Sound Queen by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr In 2010 I decided I wanted a point and shoot camera again that was similar to the Coolpix I had gotten 5 years before. That was the Nikon Coolpix S3000. Here is a photo that it takes. Spirit of British Columbia by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr Most recently though, I've been getting lazy and have only been using the camera on my cellphone, the iPhone 5. For a cell phone, it takes great photos for an on the spot capture. It of course only has a digital zoom, which is always pointless to use in my opinion since you always lose on the quality. Here's one of my recent ones from that phone, taken just the other day. Spirit of Vancouver Island and Coastal Celebration by Deck-dog SSI, on Flickr
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Mayne
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I come from a long line of sinners like me
Posts: 289
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Cameras
Nov 29, 2012 21:38:46 GMT -8
Post by Mayne on Nov 29, 2012 21:38:46 GMT -8
I as of late have been lazy also, most of my pictures are from my i-phone 4s, or my wife's (not so small) fuji S3000. When I do go on outings having my camera bag with me doesn't really bother me. I have been packing a dipper bag and the camera bag for the last 4 years. I really do like my D30 but its getting old, and comparing it to my father in laws D3100 it just doesn't stand up.
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Nov 29, 2012 22:01:03 GMT -8
Post by Mike on Nov 29, 2012 22:01:03 GMT -8
I currently use a Canon PowerShot SX110IS.
I am starting to save up for a Nikon DSLR, mainly because I'm interested in doing more low-light photography.
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Nov 30, 2012 0:10:34 GMT -8
Post by Mike C on Nov 30, 2012 0:10:34 GMT -8
When it comes to DSLRs, I say Nikon is the way to go - but I think Canon makes the best point-and-shoots. My first camera was a Canon PowerShot A430 - the Nokia of cameras. This camera is alive and well today, and I still use it when I go to the mountain. Here is a sample: In layover. Bowen Queen, Swartz Bay by MileagePhoto, on Flickr My next camera was another Canon, this one was a PowerShot S3, which was one of the first generations of high-zoom, higher-end point-and-shoots. Again, fantastic camera, still very functional, however it does not see much use these days, I am sad to say. Predecessor to the SX10. Here is a sample: Serenade of the Seas, Georgia Strait by MileagePhoto, on Flickr I currently use a Nikon D5000 (replacement for the D60) and it is fantastic, although I wish the functionality was a bit greater. The 5200 will have that functionality. Here is a recently taken sample, in the context of ferry nerding by night: Northern Adventure, Bella Bella by MileagePhoto, on Flickr
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Nov 30, 2012 16:24:54 GMT -8
Post by paulvanb on Nov 30, 2012 16:24:54 GMT -8
My weapons of choice for the past few years is has been the Olympus E620 and the E-PL1. (see Queen of Capilano and my Sicily trip) However, I just bought a Rebel T4i for work and am waiting to try it out! Futureshop has had it on sale the past while at fairly attractive prices.
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Dec 26, 2012 21:36:18 GMT -8
Post by Curtis on Dec 26, 2012 21:36:18 GMT -8
For the last 5 Years, I've used an Olympus Point-and-Shoot. It has served me well, but since I got an iPhone, it has become clear to me that it's time to Upgrade. I originally looked at the Nikon 1 cause it looked like a good middle ground between Point-and-Shoot and DSLR. However, mixed reviews turned me away from it, so I decided to go DSLR. Long story short, I found a Nikon D5100 under the tree.
Since I'm a beginner in the DSLR World, are there any tips or recommendations our current DSLR users can pass on to me?
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Mayne
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I come from a long line of sinners like me
Posts: 289
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Cameras
Dec 27, 2012 14:59:44 GMT -8
Post by Mayne on Dec 27, 2012 14:59:44 GMT -8
I also found a 5100 under the tree. I was really thinking of waiting for the 5200s to come out but my lovely wife decided for me, along with several gift cards. Now the great lens shop can begin.
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SolDuc
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Jan 13, 2013 15:43:46 GMT -8
Post by SolDuc on Jan 13, 2013 15:43:46 GMT -8
When it comes to DSLRs, I say Nikon is the way to go - but I think Canon makes the best point-and-shoots. I'd like to have a better explanation for this one, especially for the DSLR one. My family currently has a Canon Rebel T2i EOS 550D (I'm the main user) with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens (and also a number of Olympus (?) lenses that are manual focus and don't have light sensor). It works fine and takes great pictures with a good zoom and superb quality (18MP). I've been saving to buy a camera for me and I don't know whether I should get a Nikon or a Canon. I looked a little and the plus of Nikon is that their lens can go on Canon DSLRs with an adapter and that it does not work with Canon lens on a Nikon body. The plus of Canon is the IS lens (Image Stabilizer), which is great. Does Nikon lens also have IS? PS: AC, I looked at some pictures that you took and at the camera and I had a question: do you shoot using the screen (Point and Shoot) or the viewfinder (SLR)? Generally the viewfinder gets you more the shot that you want. Also try using different modes and reading the Instruction manual (once I read mine it all seemed crystal clear), it might get you even better pictures. --this is not to make fun of you, just to giving you advice to get excellent photos and to be the one that gives advice--
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Deleted
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Jan 13, 2013 15:51:02 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2013 15:51:02 GMT -8
PS: AC, I looked at some pictures that you took and at the camera and I had a question: do you shoot using the screen (Point and Shoot) or the viewfinder (SLR)? Generally the viewfinder gets you more the shot that you want. Also try using different modes and reading the Instruction manual (once I read mine it all seemed crystal clear), it might get you even better pictures. --this is not to make fun of you, just to giving you advice to get excellent photos and to be the one that gives advice-- I have no idea what I use. Thank you for the advice.
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SolDuc
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Jan 13, 2013 15:58:52 GMT -8
Post by SolDuc on Jan 13, 2013 15:58:52 GMT -8
PS: AC, I looked at some pictures that you took and at the camera and I had a question: do you shoot using the screen (Point and Shoot) or the viewfinder (SLR)? Generally the viewfinder gets you more the shot that you want. Also try using different modes and reading the Instruction manual (once I read mine it all seemed crystal clear), it might get you even better pictures. --this is not to make fun of you, just to giving you advice to get excellent photos and to be the one that gives advice-- I have no idea what I use. Thank you for the advice. You can either use the screen (you see what your camera sees on the screen) or the viewfinder (above the screen, that kind or hole you look through to see what the camera is seeing).
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Deleted
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Jan 13, 2013 16:09:11 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2013 16:09:11 GMT -8
I have no idea what I use. Thank you for the advice. You can either use the screen (you see what your camera sees on the screen) or the viewfinder (above the screen, that kind or hole you look through to see what the camera is seeing). I use the screen because I find the viewfinder is to small for me.
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Jan 13, 2013 18:05:56 GMT -8
Post by Steve Rosenow on Jan 13, 2013 18:05:56 GMT -8
I currently shoot with the Nikon D5100. As a professional photographer, I wouldn't shoot with anything else.
The Nikon D5100 and Nikon D7000 bested Canon's 5D MkII in benchmark tests with low-light and noise reduction and at 16mp, they have better color reproduction than the 18mp Canons. The D5200 and the D3200, likewise, are also performing better than the Canons.
That, and Nikons have a much better ergonomics design and operating interface than Canons do.
When the D3200 came out, it was the first entry-level SLR with ultra-high resolution and they are the first true HD SLR. The best thing about Nikon, is that with Nikon, you can use any F-mount Nikon glass - even third party lenses - regardless if the lens was built for a DSLR or an analog. As long as it's a Nikon F-mount lens, it'll work. On older ones, you'll just have to control the aperture opening.
For instance, not do I only shoot with a Nikon D5100, I also have two Nikon Nikkormat FTn 35mm SLR bodies that I also use. In addition to those film bodies, I have five lenses that came with those film bodies, that I often interchange lenses with my Nikon D5100. It gives me a wider range of control. When we did that impromptu gathering/crossing on the Salish, I often was using a 35-year-old 200mm zoom lens for most of my long-range work, on a D5100 I bought a year ago.
And any professional photographer does not use the LiveView screen unless they're doing it for quality review after the shot. LiveView screens on a DSLR, when used consistently over the prism viewfinder, will drain the battery life in a heartbeat.
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Jan 13, 2013 18:24:47 GMT -8
Post by Steve Rosenow on Jan 13, 2013 18:24:47 GMT -8
I use the screen because I find the viewfinder is to small for me. The viewfinder isn't used the same way as the backscreen. I've taken alot of pictures and have never used the screen on the back of the camera except for a quick review. To use the viewfinder you need to have the camera right up against your face. It will show exactly what the camera lens sees and I go that route for precision in taking pictures. If you have the camera right up against your face and eye and look throught viewfinder you will see through it a wide peripheral view with sight marks to position your pictures. It looks small now because it isn't being used the way it should be. But I'm "old school" as the Panasonic SLR I have now is the first digital camera I've had. The previous ones I had were film, one was a very good Asai Pentax Spotmatic with standard lens and a 70/200 telephoto. Before that a very spiffy Olympus 35 that travelled everywhere by motorcycle from Kamloops to El Paso Texas. It was very light and could handle taking pictures with just one hand. Before that was a Kodak Instamatic. The only exception is taking pictures with my Samsung Smartie phone, which has a digital viewfinder which I use on occasion. Someone I know always uses the backscreen to position his pictures, he extends the camera almost out to extended arm length and the pictures he takes don't look very good (he's lousy at taking pictures anyway). Thankfully I don't get many pictures from him that I have to use. Guess it is more of what you're comfortable with. Scott here is a good resource for photography. My train of thought, is if you have a camera with a viewfinder and a liveview preview screen, the viewfinder should be the one to use, if it's anything in the DSLR sector. In a DSLR, if you have the LiveView screen turned on, it locks the mirror up to the focusing screen. If you have dust particles on the backside of your lens, that mirror being locked up for extended periods of time can cause the dust to deposit onto the imaging sensor, causing ill side effects to show up on the photograph. It happens to me when I do deep sky astrophotography. I have to have the mirror locked up for long exposures and I have to take what they call "flat frames" to eliminate dust specs that show up on the light frames (the actual photos), that fall onto the sensor.
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SolDuc
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Jan 13, 2013 18:50:03 GMT -8
Post by SolDuc on Jan 13, 2013 18:50:03 GMT -8
The Nikon D5100 and Nikon D7000 bested Canon's 5D MkII in benchmark tests with low-light and noise reduction and at 16mp, they have better color reproduction than the 18mp Canons. The D5200 and the D3200, likewise, are also performing better than the Canons. That, and Nikons have a much better ergonomics design and operating interface than Canons do. When the D3200 came out, it was the first entry-level SLR with ultra-high resolution and they are the first true HD SLR. The best thing about Nikon, is that with Nikon, you can use any F-mount Nikon glass - even third party lenses - regardless if the lens was built for a DSLR or an analog. As long as it's a Nikon F-mount lens, it'll work. On older ones, you'll just have to control the aperture opening. For instance, not do I only shoot with a Nikon D5100, I also have two Nikon Nikkormat FTn 35mm SLR bodies that I also use. In addition to those film bodies, I have five lenses that came with those film bodies, that I often interchange lenses with my Nikon D5100. It gives me a wider range of control. When we did that impromptu gathering/crossing on the Salish, I often was using a 35-year-old 200mm zoom lens for most of my long-range work, on a D5100 I bought a year ago. Thank you for the explanation about the difference really helped me. The fact that Nikon has that F-mount lens was a motivating factor into getting a Nikon, also including that Nikon lens do go into Canon bodies (with an adapter), so that it can be used with our Canon. So I'm thinking about either getting a D3200 or a D5200. Except for the price, I do not see the difference between the two, so if someone could explain it to me, it would be really nice! --edit-- Nevermind, the D5200's got one more frame per second in sport mode + more scene modes + ISO and the D3200 has 40 more shots per battery charge.-- Already got $110 saved for that!
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SolDuc
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SolDuc and SOBC - Photo by Scott
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Jan 13, 2013 19:21:44 GMT -8
Post by SolDuc on Jan 13, 2013 19:21:44 GMT -8
This kit of the D 3200 seems really good and includes everything you need for a super-low price (camera speaking).
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Mayne
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I come from a long line of sinners like me
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Cameras
Jan 13, 2013 20:43:40 GMT -8
Post by Mayne on Jan 13, 2013 20:43:40 GMT -8
I must say, when I found my wife had bought me a Nikon 5100 for Christmas I was a little disappointed as I was wanting to get a 5200. But now that I have been using the 5100 for a few weeks I love it. Lots of learning to still do, but after playing with it today at HSB I have nothing but good things to say about this camera!
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SolDuc
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West Coast Cyclist
SolDuc and SOBC - Photo by Scott
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Jan 15, 2013 16:35:43 GMT -8
Post by SolDuc on Jan 15, 2013 16:35:43 GMT -8
I guess this is the thread where this will go. Today I was looking around the house and I found my mother's old film camera - A Canon EOS 630, the two lens she had - 2 Sigma, 35-80mm (autofocus) and 70-210mm (manual focus) - and a flash. All in perfect running condition. The whole set I found: I guess this is the unusual photo. The lens I mostly use, taken with the 70-210mm lens on the Canon body: And then a group shot with the whole arsenal: The only thing that I hate with this is the fact that they have no light sensor, so they can only be used in indoor with flash. Steve, does your 200mm lens have a light sensor? If not, how do you do it?
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Jan 15, 2013 17:54:34 GMT -8
Post by Steve Rosenow on Jan 15, 2013 17:54:34 GMT -8
I use the Sunny16 rule. My 200mm zoom is an oldie. Manual everything. I gauge the exposure by the amount of light vs. what the aperture should be.
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Jan 15, 2013 18:01:25 GMT -8
Post by WettCoast on Jan 15, 2013 18:01:25 GMT -8
Lenses do not have light sensors in them; the camera does. Those older Canon lenses designed for use with a 35 mm film SLR camera should work with a Canon DSLR, indoors or out, but with reduced functionality as compared with new lenses designed to work with the Canon DSLR's. Exactly how you go about using them I do not know, but I could probably figure it out fairly quickly. I suspect that the 'new' camera can not 'know' what the aperture (aka F Stop) the old lens is set at due to lack of electronic contacts linking them. It may be possible to use these lenses with manual focus & with the aperture ring 'stopped down'. Another thing that you need to know is that the older lenses are designed to produce an image on a 35 mm film plane (36x24 mm). When used on a Canon DSLR the image will be 'cropped' by a factor of 1.6 times. Your digital sensor 'film' plane is 22.3 x 14.9 mm, considerably smaller than 36x24. That means your 70 to 210 lens has a focal length range of 44 to 131 mm actual when used with the Canon Rebel T2i EOS 550D. After doing a bit of a Google search re old lenses used with new Canon DSLR's, it looks as if you have a no go. I will do more research. forums.cnet.com/7723-7593_102-305184/which-dslr-will-work-with-older-canon-lenses/Edit: Have done some more research; there appears to be an adapter. See the following link: www.t2iforum.com/general-discussion/older-canon-lenses/
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SolDuc
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Jan 15, 2013 18:36:09 GMT -8
Post by SolDuc on Jan 15, 2013 18:36:09 GMT -8
I use the Sunny16 rule. My 200mm zoom is an oldie. Manual everything. I gauge the exposure by the amount of light vs. what the aperture should be. Thank you Steve. So I guess if I want to take pictures I should use the Tv mode... Lenses do not have light sensors in them; the camera does. Those older Canon lenses designed for use with a 35 mm film SLR camera should work with a Canon DSLR, indoors or out, but with reduced functionality as compared with new lenses designed to work with the Canon DSLR's. Exactly how you go about using them I do not know, but I could probably figure it out fairly quickly. I suspect that the 'new' camera can not 'know' what the aperture (aka F Stop) the old lens is set at due to lack of electronic contacts linking them. It may be possible to use these lenses with manual focus & with the aperture ring 'stopped down'. Another thing that you need to know is that the older lenses are designed to produce an image on a 35 mm film plane (36x24 mm). When used on a Canon DSLR the image will be 'cropped' by a factor of 1.6 times. Your digital sensor 'film' plane is 22.3 x 14.9 mm, considerably smaller than 36x24. That means your 70 to 210 lens actual has a focal length range of 44 to 131 mm actual when used with the Canon Rebel T2i EOS 550D. After doing a bit of a Google search re old lenses used with new Canon DSLR's, it looks as if you have a no go. I will do more research. forums.cnet.com/7723-7593_102-305184/which-dslr-will-work-with-older-canon-lenses/maybe unable to Thank you for the research WCK, it helps a lot, especially the fact that the it has a smaller zoom basically makes it useless, as I have 135mm lens and am looking for bigger zoom. My mom explained basically the same about how it can be used inside and not outside... I guess if I want to use the lens I'll have to use them with the film camera... this would be an interesting experience but I'm motivated . I guess she'll be happy if I can (and her too) reuse that "dinosaur" (for me). I tried a couple shots with the flash and it works great, and is way more powerful than the built-in camera one .
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