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Prime Lens' for DSLR

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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
I do not know much about this subject, but I have read on NS and other blogs that for the money this is the way to go when filming.  I need a little input on what to purchase, how much to pay, what adapters are needed for a Canon EOS, and how old they can be? Thanks
Jun 7 2010 1:19PM
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1337
Posts: 31039 - Karma: 29,013
Helios primes are, from what i hear, the best bang for your buck. They are m42 screw mount (adapters can be found for like $10) and are russian copies of carl zeiss primes from the 70's. Search ebay for them, you can probably find something close to 50mm f/1.8 for like $30-60, and I think there are some 85 and 24/28 mm as well. They are unbelievably crisp

Make sure when you are looking at older, non eos mount primes that they have manual aperture blades, you don't want to get stuck with a lens that doesnt have much flexibility. It's a no brainer, but sometimes people forget
Jun 7 2010 1:40PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
Nice, thanks for the advice-ill check it out
Jun 7 2010 1:51PM
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mattytru
Posts: 2767 - Karma: 5,480
If you want to go the simple route, just pick up a Canon 50mm 1.8 for around 100$, it's a great first lens/prime, and is super easy for beginners to deal with and get the most out of.
Jun 7 2010 2:02PM
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BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
And if you'd like to bump up the quality of the 50mm, you can get the 50mm f/1.4 which has a higher aperture and a metal build.
Jun 7 2010 2:09PM
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Coalescent
Posts: 4871 - Karma: 2,063

Very true.  The 1.8 50mm canon has good quality images, but the lens build is crap!  all plastic pretty mcuh.

Jun 7 2010 2:23PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
I have owned the 50mm 1.8 for a while now and it does produce great images.  Was mostly curious to see what else was out there.
Jun 7 2010 2:35PM
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PBraunstein
Posts: 1448 - Karma: 3,804
if youre down to drop around $100, look for a Pentax SMC 1.4... amazing lens with incredible dof and great colors. for a little bit cheaper, you can find Pentax Super Takumar 1.4 with a radioactive coating (non-harmful) that has a great look and build, but a bit of a "sepia" tone to it.
Jun 7 2010 5:11PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
Will that work with a Canon DSLR or will you need an adapter for it?
Jun 7 2010 5:18PM
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Coalescent
Posts: 4871 - Karma: 2,063
Need a M42 to EOS adapter.  I actually just got mine in the mail.  I paid 7 bucks for it and it seems to be good quality.  Now just waiting on the 1.4 lens.
Jun 7 2010 5:59PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,842
My adapter from ebay is doing a great job with my old nikon prime.
Jun 7 2010 6:44PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
does the lens feel loose, or pretty stable?
Jun 15 2010 5:31PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,842
It's pretty stable to be honest. It can rotate a tiny bit if you put a ton of pressure on it, but so far it's great.
Jun 15 2010 6:37PM
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