EOS 350D / Rebel XT and Lenses

[Matatazela]

I am contemplating purchasing the EOS 350 D and have a few really basic questions;

I have read that there is a focal length conversion factor for film / digital lenses of approx. 1.6x indicated focal length. Do I multiply my film camera lens's focal length by 1.6 or the other way round?

Okay will my 300mm become 480 or 188mm?

I have the kit lenses (28 - 90 and 70 - 300mm) from my EOS 300. Should I buy a new lens or a speedlight first?

I know this is nebulous and vague, but I am pretty new to photography and still want to find exactly what type of subject I would like to move towards. I do a lot of scenery, landscapes, as well as macro. I also enjoy photographing people. Any help?

[robertwgross]

The 1.6 factor works in favor of the telephoto shooter. In other words, in some respects, the 100mm lens will help produce an image that looks like 160mm with a film camera.

There's only a zillion discussions about this on the forum.

---Bob Gross---

[Andy_T]

Matatazela,

especially if you want to do landscapes, I assume you'd appreciate having something similar to your 28 mm focal length on your film camera (your 28 mm lens will give the same field of view as a 45 mm lens on film)... that would be the 100$ 18-55 kit lens that can be ordered with the 350D.

It's really good value for money for a decent wide angle zoom lens.

For portraits, the 75$ 50/1.8 might be equally helpful, as it will help you in isolating your subjects from the background.

Other than that, take a million of photos and learn a lot. It's basically free with a digital camera.

Best regards,
Andy

[RAitch]

Get the XT/350 to get the wide lens (if you want) but I'd get a speedlight first. I got some lenses before the speedlight and figure I did it backwards. I mostly have been taking pictures of things (people) inside. The speedlight has made a huge difference so far.
The on camera flash, although WAY better than any other camera I've used, it pretty harsh and the useable range is extremely short. You'd be amazed what you can do with a speedlight in a totally dark room bounced off the ceiling.

[Matatazela]

Thanks for the advice. I have done the earch and found the "Crop Factor". This, I assume, means that a lens has 1,6 times greater apparent focal length when on a digital SLR than the same lens on afilm SLR.... I think I get it now... :p


The on camera flash, although WAY better than any other camera I've used, it pretty harsh and the useable range is extremely short. You'd be amazed what you can do with a speedlight in a totally dark room bounced off the ceiling.

RAitch - I found the EOS 300 (film) flash a bit harsh as well, especially on close subjects, when using a +1 diopter filter. I often dangle a sheet of white tissue or even wax paper in front of the flash and find that this has helped a lot in a tight spot. Gets some funny looks, though!

Thanks for all the advice. I can hardly wait to go digital!