Used manual focus 28mm lens

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  • #7868
    Neal Osborn
    Member

    I need a little help with a new lens – Does anyone have example/stock photos with a 28mm lens?

    I got a used Cosina 28mm f2.8 prime lens for next to nothing – bargain basement (you know, under the glass, in the back, covered in dust).  Lots of scuff marks and obvious previous use.  It is probably a late 70’s build and manual focus only.  However, the lens is recognized as non-CPU on my D300 so at least the camera will set exposure in aperture mode and manual mode is no problem.  It is about 1 full stop off but I can compensate fine on exposure.  At 28mm the focal lenght is about 45mm on my sensor and I love the angle of view (see comment below)* it gives.  So far it appears very soft but that is likely because I was using it manual focus on people and/or handheld.

    Here is my question . . .

    What kinds of pictures would you take with this 28mm f2.8 lens?  It will likely have to be a staged or planned shot and on a tripod so I can precisely focus.  I am thinking about artsy-fartsy fly tying shots or something similar with a shallow depth of field.  Maybe an early morning or late evening landscape? ANY examples from your stock photos?

    *What is the correct terminology to describe “angle of view” or whatever you call it when discussing lenses on a DSLR cropped sensor vs Fx?  

    #66057
    Neal Osborn
    Member

    Here are two example shots with the 28mm f2.8 Cosina lens

    My brother with his new Hummingbird fish finder.  I guess you could title this one “Ice Fishing” in Iowa.

    Another – my brother (who is an electrician, ha) showing how we don’t always practice safety off-the-job.  Kids, don’t try this at home!  This is an honest candid shot.

    #66058
    Avatar photoBen Cochran
    Member

    *What is the correct terminology to describe “angle of view” or whatever you call it when discussing lenses on a DSLR cropped sensor vs Fx?  

    Love the shots Neal, and what a great purchase! Looks like you all had a beautiful white christmas there. Iowa though? Where are all of the corn fields ? 🙂 Guess your brother is also proving that he believes in your MD skill ;), don’t guess he would want to consider using that shot for his company logo 😀  

    The angle of view, rather picture view angle, is one of the three elements that comprise the “field of view”. I think that is what you were asking about, in relationship to the multiplier of focal length with crop factor.

    #66059

    Am I the only one who noticed he’s not wearing shoes in Iowa in winter ?

    www.dsaphoto.com

    A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.

    #66060
    Avatar photoBen Cochran
    Member

    Am I the only one who noticed he’s not wearing shoes in Iowa in winter ?  😮 😀

    LOL Nope sir… How-ever, you may be the only one that thought no one else noticed it ;D ;D

    #66061
    Neal Osborn
    Member

    Did you notice the purple hue to his feet?  LOL.  That is not photoshop!  Every since he was a kid my parents have been on him about wearing shoes and socks.  

    So I have been playing around with the 28mm lens and decided I really like this focal length for a cropped sensor DSLR.  It just feels natural.  Unfortunately, the lens I got is pretty battle worn and soft.

    #66062
    Avatar photoMike McKeown
    Member

    Firstly, whats with the first line in the link???
    Nikon 28mm f/1.4, blacked-out for national security purposes

    Secondly, oh my sack, thats a lot of ash for a second hand lens…

    #66063
    Neal Osborn
    Member

    Mike – that is why I got the used 28mm lens (it was only $25), ha.  Actually, that is basically why I started this thread.  I have always known the Nikon 28mm f1.4 was expensive so I jumped at the chance to get a cheap 28mm to play around with even if it is slower.

    Like I said, this focal length is really great on a non-FX DSLR body.  It feels like a 50mm would on an FX body.

    However, I have decided that even if Nikon comes out with a new 28mm prime f1.4 lens the better money would be spent on a pro-level zoom lens like the 24-70 f2.8.  So basically my question re-phrased is how often and why would you shoot at around 28mm but at f <2.8?  What would a fast prime 28mm get you that a pro-level zoom wouldn't?

    #66064
    Avatar photoMike McKeown
    Member

    Neil, as you know, I am still learning this thing, and thus, please explain what the difference is when you rate a lens with a lower f-stop?

    Two lenses, 20 – 100mm, one to an f2.2 and the other to f4.5. Why is the 2.2 better? Under what circumstances do you shoot at 2.2??? Not opening the aperture to get better DoF???

    I am also trying to understand this “prime lens” thing???

    #66065
    Neal Osborn
    Member

    Go here http://www.flickr.com/groups/426823@N23/.  Make sure to click “see more” and look at some of the great portrait and street/city shots at night.

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