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View Full Version : hunh? re lens for low light

crazymomof7
12-01-2006, 05:03 AM
I do not understand all this dslr stuff...but please tell me I do not need to buy a new lens for my camera to take better photos in semi dim incandesent (sp?) light? I have a sony lens that is .....18-200mm and 3.5-6.3(don't know what that number means!). Any advice?
MarshaZepeda
12-01-2006, 06:04 AM
The 3.5 - 6.3 is your f stop or aperature. That tells you how much light your camera is going to let in... The smaller the number the better... :) hth! (I have a 50mm 1.4 that I absolutely LOVE!)
Kathy Moore
12-01-2006, 06:09 AM
Yep, the 50mm is what I had suggested, too... It really makes a huge difference! In fact, there's another post here from someone else who just bought it and loves it.
Deanna
12-01-2006, 06:21 AM
I would think the only way you are going to to get a shot in candle light would be with a lens that has a lower aperture...like the 1.8 that was suggested...you may be able to compensate for the aperture, by upping your ISO...but then you gain grainess with that..
Hollie
12-01-2006, 06:53 AM
Yes, a lens with a wider aperature (lower F-number) will allow more light in so you can hold off on flash in more situations. People have mentioned the 50mm 1.8 (or 1.4 which is more expensive) but I don't know if there is one for the Sony. You have to look at what is available for your cam, and I am sure there is something you can find. That Canon 50mm 1.8 is only about $70 or so--a bargain! Don't know how much the Nikon is. The Sony is made to fit with Minolta lenses, right? Or am I thinking of another brand that starts with "M"????

ETA: Quick search and I only found a 1.4 for the Sony, but it appears there is a 1.7 lens too (saw a thread at dpreview)--I just couldn't find a listing to get a price :( Maybe someone else will be able to guide you to a place.
crazymomof7
12-01-2006, 08:50 AM
Can't thank you all enough!!!! I am beginning to understand a little! Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!
Tiff
Pachimac
12-03-2006, 08:46 AM
Can't thank you all enough!!!! I am beginning to understand a little! Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!
Tiff

People are great here, aren't they? I'm such a newbie right now and so many people are willing to help!!