Comments on: What gear to buy as a beginner (if you want to learn photography)?

By: Billy Joe Jim Bob

Billy Joe Jim Bob — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:45:26 +0000

I got myself a D70s kit, with a cheap Tamron 28-80 and the cheap Nikkor 70-300. Took a few months before I realized that the whole setup is too … gadgety. I was clicking away, taking thousands of photos, but I was never really in control. Didn’t really “get” what I was doing. I was lucky if 3-4 percent of the snaps were keepers.

Now I put all of that fancy glass and circuit board aside. Instead I’m rocking a Canon AE-1 from the early 80’s, with a 50mm f/1.8 and a 135mm f/2.8 macro lens. Now I’m really forced to work for my photos. I’m gonna stick with this ’til I feel that I start getting what I want.

Back to basic, bitches!

By: quirkyalone

quirkyalone — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:09:30 +0000

I went through the similar experience with canon 17-85. Anyway, I am not sure if the “start with prime” way is the best one for everyone. For example, I do photojournalism and documentary, and I learned that short-range zoom works best, since prime is not always versatile enough when the scene changes unpredictably.

By: photographyVoter.com

photographyVoter.com — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:04:48 +0000

What gear to buy as a beginner (if you want to learn photography)?…

I was wrong when decided on my first DSLR kit. Now I would do it differently.
My experience might be beneficial for beginners….

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:27:02 +0000

I completely agree with the 50mm f/1.8. I’ve learned more with that lens in the past year (6,000 photos) then any other piece of equipment and at $120 it’s the cheapest lens you’ll buy too.

Great post.