Photography - Technique and Equipment considerations

[CJ]

Sorry. My fault. What's 5mm between friends No the Nikon lens linked to above the one that if you stretch to it is possibly the best lens of it's type to exist.

[Taryn]

Sorry. My fault. What's 5mm between friends No the Nikon lens linked to above the one that if you stretch to it is possibly the best lens of it's type to exist.

Yeah, it looks brilliant and that is the lens I wanted originally but I can't afford it now.

[CJ]

Well it's a toss up between the Tamron 90mm and the Sigma 105mm. The Sigma is reviewed above and here is a review on the Tamron http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Tamro ... Macro-4267

I'd take the Sigma based on the reviews.

[SnowLeopard]

When I read the reviews before purchase the Tamron came out on top over the Sigma and the Canon

[CJ]

When I read the reviews before purchase the Tamron came out on top over the Sigma and the Canon

Is yours the digitally coated or the film version?

[SnowLeopard]

I think its DI? is that right. I dont pay much attention.

[CJ]

I think its DI? is that right. I dont pay much attention.

DI is the new one with digital coating so it's the one reviewed.

[Taryn]

I don't know which one now, they both sound good. Since the car broke I will have to save up for it all over again so I have a bit more time to make up my mind.

[CJ]

I don't know which one now, they both sound good. Since the car broke I will have to save up for it all over again so I have a bit more time to make up my mind.

In reality we are not talking about a bad lens vs a good lens, we are arguing a couple of percentage points on two excellent lenses, both of which will give you excellent results. They will exceed your capabilities to use them for a good while until your techniques have been refined. So it probably boils down to price and take the cheaper one.

[SnowLeopard]

[CJ]

[Taryn]

I don't know which one now, they both sound good. Since the car broke I will have to save up for it all over again so I have a bit more time to make up my mind.

In reality we are not talking about a bad lens vs a good lens, we are arguing a couple of percentage points on two excellent lenses, both of which will give you excellent results. They will exceed your capabilities to use them for a good while until your techniques have been refined. So it probably boils down to price and take the cheaper one.

Everything I have already exceeds my capabilities.
I understand what you mean though and I probably will go for the cheaper option.............then I can start saving up for my ring flash.

[FBM]

I'm fishin' for advice on how to get the most out of this situation:

http://api.photoshop.com/home_dbb96af8e ... 2e79df42e5[/imgc]

I had already taken quite a few other interior shots when I turned around and saw this. I wasn't sure how to get the best interior/exterior detail balance, so I decided to take several at different settings. But...batteries died after second shot. The good news is that I had a long, pleasant tea with the senior monk afterwards and I can go back anytime and try again. How can I make this amazing scene into an amazing exposure? Difficulty: no flash. (Also, I think the monk could be persuaded to pose for a few. )

[Xamonas Chegwé]

I'm fishin' for advice on how to get the most out of this situation:

http://api.photoshop.com/home_dbb96af8e ... 2e79df42e5[/imgc]

I had already taken quite a few other interior shots when I turned around and saw this. I wasn't sure how to get the best interior/exterior detail balance, so I decided to take several at different settings. But...batteries died after second shot. The good news is that I had a long, pleasant tea with the senior monk afterwards and I can go back anytime and try again. How can I make this amazing scene into an amazing exposure? Difficulty: no flash. (Also, I think the monk could be persuaded to pose for a few. )

Looks like your biggest difficulty - especially without a flash - is the contrast between the inner darkness and outer light which caused the overexposure.

First of all - why no flash? Will the monks not allow it or something? Or haven't you got one?

Second - why not wait until dusk when the light outside is dimmer? Especially if a few interior lights or candles could be lit? Would that be a possibility?

[FBM]

Looks like your biggest difficulty - especially without a flash - is the contrast between the inner darkness and outer light which caused the overexposure.

First of all - why no flash? Will the monks not allow it or something? Or haven't you got one?

Second - why not wait until dusk when the light outside is dimmer? Especially if a few interior lights or candles could be lit? Would that be a possibility?

Yeah, the extreme lighting contrast was what I meant. This camera is a cast-off from a pro photographer, and she sent it without a flash. I thought about waiting until dusk or even going in early morning, depending on where the sun would be. They have morning and evening chanting, though, so I'd have to check on the times. They do have a couple of interior lights (fluorescent) and candles. That might be enough. I was just hoping for some tips on f-stop and shutter speed, etc. I remember once reading that it's possible to take a few shots at different exposure settings (bracketing) and then overlay them in Photoshop, but I've never tried it.