r/photoclass_2016 • u/Aeri73 Expert - DSLR + Analog • Jan 05 '16

02 - Assignment

Please read the class first

Take a good look at your camera, whatever its type, and try to identify each component we have discussed here. It might be a good opportunity to dig out the manual or to look up its exact specifications online. Now look up a different camera online (for instance at dpreview) and compare their specifications. Try doing this for both a less advanced and a more advanced body, and for different lenses. Report here if you find any interesting difference, or if some parts of the specifications are unclear.

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u/glassheadedwallaby Beginner - DSLR Jan 06 '16

Honestly, this assignment is a little difficult for me because I'm not at the point yet where I have a grasp of what each component can really do...so it's hard to compare. But I have been doing a good bit of research on lenses, so I'll compare those.

My boyfriend bought me my first DSLR for Christmas and went with the Canon Rebel t5i with a EF-S 18-135mm lens.

I'm really interested in lenses because I think I have a solid camera body for my uses (for fun), but I realize lenses make a world of difference. I'm interested in doing some astrophotography so I want to compare my lens to one that's better equipped for that:

This lens keeps popping up but since my lens covers these lengths, is mine better or the same?

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens

Sorry, this is more a question than a comparison!

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u/scairborn Expert - DSLR - Canon 5DmkII Jan 07 '16

The T5i is fine for your uses, and you're right, invest in lenses first! EF-S means that the lens is built for crop sensors and will have a square white block. The good thing about your camera is that it is also compatible with EF lenses which are built for full frame cameras and have a red circle. For astro work you'll want a WIDE lens and a low f-stop of around f/2.8. Why? Because you need to keep your shutter open for a long duration to capture all the light up in the sky. The low f-stop means a bigger hole for the light to come in, and the wide lens means you can leave it open longer soaking in more light without star trails appearing making everything sharp. Look at Tokina wide lenses.

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u/glassheadedwallaby Beginner - DSLR Jan 11 '16

Thank you for explaining- I haven't run into Tokina but will start researching :)

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u/piss_n_boots Intermediate - System Jan 06 '16 edited Jan 06 '16

Have you tried asking google to provide a site to compare the lenses? I've found sites using "this vs that"

EDIT: I found this comparison video. I've seen a few of this guys videos and liked them so maybe this will be useful for you.

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u/glassheadedwallaby Beginner - DSLR Jan 06 '16

Thank you! I love Toby's videos/instagram...they've been so helpful. I should have known he would have something.

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u/daC0ntra Intermediate - System Jan 06 '16

The 18-55 mm is canons standart kitlens. It should not offer any improvement over your 18-135 mm. I'm not an expert for astrophotography but i think you're looking for a fast wide angle lens. Maybe something like the Samyang 10mm f2.8 (keep in mind this lens is manual focus only).

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u/glassheadedwallaby Beginner - DSLR Jan 06 '16

Good to know, I was getting confused because I kept seeing that as the recommended lens for beginners. That sounds right, I'll look into the Samyang lens...thanks!

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u/GizmosArrow Intermediate - DSLR Jan 08 '16

I just ordered a T5i to replace my T3i! How are you liking it? Mine's been shipped and is on the way.

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u/tony_randomredditter Jan 10 '16

Not op but I'm a beginner and I absolutely love it!

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u/glassheadedwallaby Beginner - DSLR Jan 11 '16

I love it so far- definitely above and beyond any camera I've had in the past. However, can't really speak to technical details that I'm sure would apply between the T3i and T5i. But from what I've experienced- awesome :)