AF vs EF lenses

[timmyquest]

What does AF refer to

What does EF refer to

As i've stated a few times already i'm going to get a 10D. I currently have a rebel 2000 that came with two sigma lenses, the lens cap on the back says "AF" on it.

Will it work :-\

[robertwgross]

"AF" means Autofocus.

"EF" is the series of Canon lenses that fit the EOS line of camera bodies. These nearly always have Autofocus as a main feature.

There are some Sigma lenses that are made to fit onto a Canon EOS camera, and apparently you have one or two.

---Bob Gross---

[timmyquest]

LOL...ok

i feel much better now, i knew they'd fit i just wasnt sure if there was a change in production at some point, sensors and such.

I feel much better now.

I'll still need to invest in some better lenses, and my wish to ahve a 600mm lens is way out of the question lol.

[JABACo]

Your Sigma lenseswill fit your soon to have 10D. However, you may have to contact Sigma and have these lenses re-chipped. Older Sigma lenses will fit and work in the manual focus mode but will not auto focus.

Just wanted to let you know before you wig out.

Also, some on this forum have stated that Sigma will not charge you for the re-chipping.

Good luck

Bradley

[robertwgross]

Typical Sigma lenses that came with a Rebel 2000 are fine for getting started.

Later on, if you get very serious about your photography, you may discover some limitations in those lenses. Then you can decide whether to invest in faster and longer lenses.

I've seen some beginning photographers who went out and spent an arm and a leg for top quality cameras and lenses and other equipment, and then they slowly discovered that they really needed to invest a couple of years of time into getting the necessary experience to really take advantage of all of that stuff.

Suggestion: Keep control on your investment of time or money and make sure that you are getting enough out of it.

---Bob Gross---

[JABACo]

robertwgross wrote:
Typical Sigma lenses that came with a Rebel 2000 are fine for getting started.

Later on, if you get very serious about your photography, you may discover some limitations in those lenses. Then you can decide whether to invest in faster and longer lenses.

I've seen some beginning photographers who went out and spent an arm and a leg for top quality cameras and lenses and other equipment, and then they slowly discovered that they really needed to invest a couple of years of time into getting the necessary experience to really take advantage of all of that stuff.

Suggestion: Keep control on your investment of time or money and make sure that you are getting enough out of it.

---Bob Gross---

Bob makes a good point here. I did exactly what he said not to do but fortunatley all of my equipment has paid for itself regardless of my experience. I guess I'm lucky.

To do it over again, I would heed to Bob's advise.

[robertwgross]

One person, who shall remain nameless, had photography as a hobby for many years. Then a few years ago this person decided to chuck his real career and go for broke as a professional wildlife photographer. Fine. He went out and purchased an expensive new SUV so that he could camp out in it wherever he was shooting. He got all of the finest Nikon cameras and long lenses. He really built up a first class wildlife photographic operation and blew $60K very quickly.

Then he discovered that it would take a few years to develop all of the necessary skills and experience and contacts to really make it a profitable deal. He discovered that his wildlife shots were pretty darn good, but not compelling. Everybody said that his shots were good, but nobody wanted to shell out any cash for them.

This guy stumbled around kind of aimlessly for a year or two and then gave up the whole deal. Sold the vehicle and equipment for a small fraction of what he had into it. I think he went back to being a programmer or something.

So, if you get into this photography mess and invest money and time into it, either make sure that you are getting cash profit out of it or else a lot of personal gratification.

---Bob Gross---

[timmyquest]

I've moved up from my AE-1 to my rebel 2000, the move to 10D is just so i dont have to pay for film and such...i think it'll also help me learn about what each function and canging it actually effects a picture.

For now i'll just use these crappy lenses i got with my rebel...i'll then move up to a nice 28-100-ish then when i feel it's time i'll drop the 1.5g's on a nice 400+mm lens.

All in time, right now it's just a hobby, i'm only 18 and i've got at least 4 years of college to build a port. If i'm still interested in going into that (which i suspect i will) then i'll make larger jumps at that time.

Two and a half weeks ago i was going to drop $400 on an ipod, at that time i had $200 to my name.

My goals have changed and i'm already at $700...when i set my mind to something i can be a very determained person. Oddly enough i'm learning the real value of money rather quick. $700 seems like alot, but when you hold it in your hand you quickly realize how soon it can be spent.

Thanks for the advice, i've been reading my rebel manual alot lately, do you have any general sites that would help me any?

[robertwgross]

Ahh, yes, the college days.

I had a decent SLR back in my college days. I even bought a decent strobe flash for it. Then one night the women at a local women's college went streaking. That is when I first learned to appreciate decent photo equipment.

The next morning, I dumped off my two rolls of Ektachrome for 2-hour E-6 processing, and then I went back a couple of hours later to pick up the slides. The counter man went into the back room to see if the slides were done. Then the lab guy came walking out with the boxes of slides in hand. He said "Did you shoot these?"

"Yes I did, last night" I admitted.

He continued, "If they're going to be out again tonight, let me know!"

Ahh, yes, the college days.

---Bob Gross---