Filters , Lenses and Tripods Query

[Viny]

Hi Friends,

I am new to photography and I am trying to learn my way up.
I have Panasonic FZ35 and I want to know what all could be considered as basic accessories for good startup photography. Few things that i figured out and would like you inputs are

1. Tripods
a. What should be the height range of tripod given my height as 5.11" for a comfortable shooting range.
b. Which brand to look for and what features I should look into for a tripod.
c. What could be a startup cost?

2. Filters
a. I heard polarization filter helps in getting good picture, When to use and when not to use? pros/cons
b. Since I can fit lenses etc on FZ35, I need to know which polarization filter would fit in for FZ35. I found few on web saying 46mm polarization filter etc.. Could someone give some gyan about how to go for polarization filter?
c. What other filters would come hand? I read about UV filter etc, not sure how much useful they are.
d. Cost of polarization filter and others in India or Abroad

3. Lenses
a. I am intersted in wide angle lenses, could someone suggest one for FZ35 and what would it cost?
b. What other lenses could come handy, kindly share your views.


I am currently interested in portrait and Natural Scenery photography, could you also suggest additional accessories that would be good to have.

And are the filters, lenses etc cross compatible? Like if i tomorrow move to DSLRs would i be able to use my current investments

I know I have posted too many questions, but your inputs will give me some clarity and would help me in gaining the needfull knowledge.

Thanks
Viny

[KrishnenduKes]

Discussion Approved

[hitanshu]

Learn composition yaar.

Then invest in a SLR.

Then go bankrupt on lenses.

Buy filters with what's left

[KrishnenduKes]

Learn composition yaar.

Then invest in a SLR.

Then go bankrupt on lenses.

Buy filters with what's left

Nice suggestion there. But always buy something like a skylight 1B filter for all your lenses!

[Viny]

Guys,

I am not going for DSLR/SLRs, I am asking for the simple addons for my FZ35. Surely I have long way to learn before i jump into arena of DSLRs. But given that i can have some of the basic addons similar to DSLRs on my FZ35, I am planning to invest in basics only, Like Tripod, I dont have very solid hands so tripod must be a good investment to start with. Next comes basic filters like polarization filter which helps in better quality of pictures in outdoor shots and with lots of lights and reflections. There are others like UV filter etc that i am yet to learn about. Finally comes wide angle lenses, which i would use to for capturing nature's beauty, thats last in line.

Details about FZ35 for those who dont know about it can be seen here http://www.dpreview.com/news/0907/09072704panafz38.asp

http://www.ubergizmo.com/photos/2009/7/panasonic-lumix-fz35.jpg

[robin234]

Well ,b+w is one the best filter company ,but that will cost you around $50 or more .you can look out for hoya etc .look out for multi coated filter that will prevent flare etc .A cheap polarizer filter can degrade image quality as well .

regarding wide angle lens query

see here

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=34364076

tripod can costs anything from hundereds to thousand .for a point and shoot you don't need a very costly tripod .

[Viny]

Hey guys, I saw this package/kit at Amazon, consisting of following items

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tuMPlQQrL._SS400_.jpg

Kit Includes:

* 1) .42x Macro Fisheye Lens -An essential tool for extreme sports and dramatic action shooters. The .42x Ultra Wide Angle Fisheye Converter Lens increases the versatility of your existing lens to provide breathtaking ultra wide angle views. And it's so easy to use! Additionally the built-in detachable macro lens allows you to take extreme high resolution close-up shots!

* 2) 0.5x Digital Wide Angle Macro Lens - When you've run out of room and your back's against the wall and you just can't seem to squeeze everything you want in the shot, just put on this wide angle lens attachment to get it all in the picture. The Wide Angle Lens's detachable Macro Lens enables you to photograph small objects up close. Great for jewelry, coins, stamps, flowers, and more.

* 3) 2x Digital Telephoto Lens - When your digital camera can't get you quite close enough to the action, this 2x telephoto accessory lens will bring the action twice as close to you. This is the ideal lens attachment for sports fans and parents whose kids play sports.

* 4) 3 Piece Filter Kit - Lens filters are translucent pieces of glass placed in front of a camera lens to alter or adjust the light entering the camera, and more importantly to protect the camera lens. This is a combination of the three essential filters no photographer should be without.

* 5) 6-Piece Cleaning Kit - This contains hurricane blower, lens cleaning tissues, lens cloth, lens cleaning liquid, blower brush and cotton swabs
* 6) Lens Pen - The perfect cleaning tool safe for all camera lenses
* 7) Deluxe Camera Case - Protect your valuable camera investment
* 8) Full Size Tripod - Tripod with Carrying Case
* 9) CapKeeper Lens Cap Strap - Never lose your cap again!
* 10) DB ROTH Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth - Eliminate dust and smudges


http://www.amazon.com/Telephoto-Professional-Cleaning-Accessory-Panasonic/dp/B002Q1R39W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1265860511&sr=1-4


What do you say, is it worth buying ?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

1.Tripods:
it depends upon how much money you want to invest.for starters vivitar series is good.if you have moolah then manfrotto is the name.the latter is costlier.

2.Filters:
B+W and Ray are the two series which run high on costs.you can start off with a CP polarization filter from hoya + a ND filter.

3.Lenses:

Ill advise again raynox here.they are one of THE best considering third party addon kits.

the whole series is here.

http://www.raynox.co.jp/english/digital/fz18/index.htm

ill advise that you buy wide instead of a tele converter since you have enough tele power.

Anvancy

[Technocrat]

Actually I am in a dilemma too.

I.e. whether I should get myself a lensmate adapter or not to be able to fit a filter/polarizer.

The results of filter as shown on their page (http://lensmateonline.com/newsite/SX10SX1.html) looks tempting.

Any suggestions?

[Viny]

Thanks Anvancy, I expected a detailed answer from you. Yes i will try to get hands on Raynox and Hoya's. I have a confusion on height of Tripod, whats normal method of using it, do people buy tripod, which brings there camera to there eye level or they buy a tripod which just holds camera at certian height and then the photographer reaches that height. I am asking in relate to normal photography and not any special positioning shots.

@Technocrat: Nice to see you with SX20IS, great cam in same league with FZ35. But I think lensmate adapter will only allow you to use filters but not any other lenses, as this model doesnt support addon lenses and lensmate itself cannot hold weights of some of the most commonly used lenses. I might be wrong, but thats what i came to know while surfing arround.
http://lensmateonline.com/newsite/SX10SX1.html really has a good demo of hoya polorization filter. Can someone explain what is that 52mm, 60mm etc mentioned against filters, is this the diameter or circumference of a filter

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Thanks Anvancy, I expected a detailed answer from you. Yes i will try to get hands on Raynox and Hoya's. I have a confusion on height of Tripod, whats normal method of using it, do people buy tripod, which brings there camera to there eye level or they buy a tripod which just holds camera at certian height and then the photographer reaches that height. I am asking in relate to normal photography and not any special positioning shots.



our main concern now is stability.i dont think you being in the primary stage will think of carbon fiber, ball head etc etc.they are important yes.but at a cost.we first have to take a tripod.so a vivitar tripod will be enough for starters.just go to your nearest photo dealer and ask him the tripods.preferably vivitar.sony will also do.but dont go for any of those flashy silky ones.they are total crap.

all the tripods are adjustable by adjusting the legs.generally when full extended they go little beyond eye level.the main concern right now is getting one.

for raynox specially ull have to order online.nobody in INDIA keeps it.though if you find one do tell us.

Anvancy

[Technocrat]

Viny, I am not looking at mounting any lenses on the SX20, the 20x is more than enough for me :)

I just want to know if the filters really have that impact on images as shown on their website or are they only for protecting the lens/sensor.

[Viny]

@avancy: I have seen sony tripods at Chroma there is this 1000mm and another with 5feet 7-8 inch, looked solid, and cost was 1500rs and 2000 respectively. I will look arround for others too like vivitar etc.

@technocrat: I think filters must be worth while to certian extent specially the polarization ones at least. Remember those polaroid sun glasses etc :D I think i will invest some amount in this filters like Hayo polarization and UV ones. Dont know if we can get them easily in india and furhter more i need to figure out those size issues like 50mm 60mm etc. Yes I know the camera like SX20 and FZ35's have lot many features already in it. Its just we need to make best use of all those in built features and use basic addons to enahnce them.

[Viny]

Can someone help in understanding how the telephoto lenses increases the range.
I am planning to buy Vivitar Series 1 High Definition 3.5X Telephoto Lens For The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Digital Cameras (http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-Definition-Telephoto-Panasonic-DMC-FZ35/dp/B002Q5T63Y/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1267538308&sr=8-19) , its a 3.5X Telephot Lens. Now my camera by default has 18x Zoom, by adding 3.5X would it become just 21.5x ? Some of newbies like tell me that it would be 18x * 3.5X that would be 63X approxmiately. I am not sure whats the right calculation, Could someone share some knowledge here?

Thanks for your help

[Cyclops]

Viny,

1) Tripods come in various sizes and strengths (build) and handle different capacity. As for FZ35 the best prosumer camera, you can do well with a Vivitar or Sony (1500/- price range forgot the serial numbers :( )

2) Lots of filters are available, best and widely used being Polarizer / ND / B&W / UV (for protection mostly against lens scratch). With FZ35, I would recommend polarized or ND ones, many brands & prices (best already mentioned by Anvancy.

3) Wide lens adapter is fine, but it can degrade the image quality. Best method is to keep on your toes. To get wide area in a shot, step few paces back (if possible) or to get closer, get ahead a few paces. This will also produce different compositions & image quality won't suffer. Raynox as mentioned by Anvancy is good (read, never used).

4) The calculation is approximately correct (63x, its like glass stacked on glass), not exactly the whole 63x range as lens glass construction plays a part. But, its definitely better than any digital zoom. Check the lens beforehand, for image or construction deterioration. 3rd party stuff doesn't have very stringent quality checks, so you can end up with a Lemon.

Hope this helps. :)

[Viny]

@cyclops: Thanks for detailed reply. I am still confused about the 4th point? Is it 21.5X or is it 63X approx.

i have finalized following
1. Hoya Polarization filter
2. Vivtar 4X telephoto lens
3. Sony Tripod

Considering following
1. Raynox DCR 250 Supper Macro Lens
2. Some good lens cleaner kit. I have got some spots and finger marks on the lens :( Kindly suggest some good and cost effective product for same.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@cyclops: Thanks for detailed reply. I am still confused about the 4th point? Is it 21.5X or is it 63X approx.

i have finalized following
1. Hoya Polarization filter
2. Vivtar 4X telephoto lens
3. Sony Tripod

Considering following
1. Raynox DCR 250 Supper Macro Lens
2. Some good lens cleaner kit. I have got some spots and finger marks on the lens :( Kindly suggest some good and cost effective product for same.

consider the entire CM2000 kit of the raynox for macro.sometimes it happens that you have to capture a flower where the 250 becomes too powerful.

Anvancy

[Viny]

Thanks Anvancy, I have ordered CM-2000a kit :)

Guys, does anyone knows about Sonica brand Tripods, i saw one at local store, it looked good, had lots of features, and legs could do literally 90 degree, that is a 67" max hight camera can come down to some 10-15inch if required by spreading its legs.

Any experinces or knowledge about Sonica brand tripods? Could not find anything on internet though :(

[ashishtamhane]

Anyone here has Slik Tripods? The range starts from 1200 for Monopods and looks good.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Anyone here has Slik Tripods? The range starts from 1200 for Monopods and looks good.

Whats your budget??

I will suggest wait-save make a budget.

Now if you have a Budget go for Benros which are mainly Manfrottos replicas.

If you have a real budget then the big names are waiting for you.

Why I suggested was,you buy those cheap tripods,they break anytime.(ask me.)

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Whats your budget??

I will suggest wait-save make a budget.

Now if you have a Budget go for Benros which are mainly Manfrottos replicas.

If you have a real budget then the big names are waiting for you.

Why I suggested was,you buy those cheap tripods,they break anytime.(ask me.)

Anvancy

I agree with this totally. A budget for a decent tripod is upwards of 5K I believe.

[ashishtamhane]

Initially I had a budget of 2k, but after chatting with Ken and getting other member's responses on Facebook, I think that waiting for a Sturdy tripod is better then buying a cheap one today.

Lets see, the research is still on.:)

[anirban]

I've been wanting to build a home-made tripod, instead of buying one. I've managed to procure a bolt with the matching thread for my camera's socket. I've seen plenty of DIY tutorials on the internet where they use a water bottle cap system, but I was hoping to make something with legs instead.

Ideally I would be using it while crouching or sitting on the floor, so height would be about 18 inches at maximum.

Does anyone here know how to build one for cheap, and using easily available materials (or has seen a link to it)?

[robin234]

@
anirban: which camera do you use ?

[surya@64]

I've been wanting to build a home-made tripod, instead of buying one. I've managed to procure a bolt with the matching thread for my camera's socket. I've seen plenty of DIY tutorials on the internet where they use a water bottle cap system, but I was hoping to make something with legs instead.

Ideally I would be using it while crouching or sitting on the floor, so height would be about 18 inches at maximum.

Does anyone here know how to build one for cheap, and using easily available materials (or has seen a link to it)?

I like you DIY attitude. There are umpteen ways you can do it...

Keep it proportionate to the weight of the cam...Do not make it look like a over kill....

I have an idea...sounds simple...if you can hook it up.

Go to the nearest sports store..grab 3 cricket stumps...These have a pointed ends so they sit firmly on the ground.

join the top ends to a circular plate and hinge each one of them so as to have freedom of movement....

The central bolt is a 1/4 inch thread bolt available at hardware store. you can use it to clamp the cam.

have a small chain connecting 3 stumps so that they do not spread out too much.

I have give you a rough idea...U can improvise on it...

Other wise you get plenty of them in stores if you dont want to get you hands dirty making one...

Good luck..if you make one share the pic. Regards.:)

[anirban]

Thanks a lot Prakash sir! Using wickets is a really good idea! I'll let you know as soon as I build one.

@Robin: I use a Canon A800

Finding the 1/4" thread bolt was the hardest part. I'm glad the initial hurdle is over!

[ashishtamhane]

I have an idea...sounds simple...if you can hook it up.

Go to the nearest sports store..grab 3 cricket stumps...These have a pointed ends so they sit firmly on the ground.



Excellent idea there. A single Wicket will make an excellent Monopod too. :)

Here is a link for an idea based on Stiff wire: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-Tripod/