[E92White]

Hey Guys.I'm new to the DSLR World and recently bought a Sony A55.

I was wondering if some of you could give me some suggestions on Lenses for doing some photoshoots of my car.

I currently have the Kit Lens(18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and a 50mm Prime Lens (f/1.8).


I'm going for those nice sexy photoshoots with dramatic colors for the background,etc. Similar to what you would see in a BMW Brochure.

[The1]

you're more likely to get those with a prime lens. a prime has less lens elements in it which usually means that you get better color and contrast in the image.

the 1.8 aperature will give you more dramatic changes in depth of field, however, it really depends what style you want.

for immidiate satisfaction, shoot the 50mm. maybe at a 2.8 or 3.2 just to get the car in focus, but get the background out, sample around with different aperature settings to see what you like, toss it on the computer, then see what works, then go back out and shoot it again, but keeping in mind what adjustments and things you liked, and apply it to more photos.

[enzeru]

with 1.8 aperture will likely to give you bokeh background and also will be difficult to focus the whole car. Anyway, it really depends on how you want it though...

[oneintheory]

it's good to have goals and all...but you're not going to get anything even close to what you'll see in the BMW brochures with a starter DSLR, kit lenses, and a minimal understanding of processing. a whole lot (and i mean a whole, whole lot) of automotive photography these days is either fully/partially rendered or wholly dependent upon photoshop.

that said, don't worry about the equipment. it won't do you any good unless you know how to use it. focus on your skills and all the technical aspects of pulling off good shots, then worry about what equipment you need. you shouldn't have to grow into equipment, you should grow out of it.

[The1]

Originally Posted by enzeru

with 1.8 aperture will likely to give you bokeh background and also will be difficult to focus the whole car. Anyway, it really depends on how you want it though...

this isn't a helpfull comment as a 1.8 aperature is only one of many aperature settings can be used, not just one, so i'm not sure how your comment applys.

a 1.8 can shoot at F22 for all it matters and have no bokeh in the picture at all, and that's why i recommended shooting at 2.8 or 3.2 to get the car in focus, but keep the background a little out of focus.

OP, also shoot all the way through to about F8 or F11 to get some background in focus if you have a nice background, but no matter what aperature setting you use, you'll get best colour and contrast with the 50mm prime.

go have fun, and don't worry about your equipment too much, it's all about learning from now, and one day you'll get your skills to where you want them to be with practice.

next step is post processing like was mentioned by oneintheory.

[enzeru]

Originally Posted by The1

this isn't a helpfull comment as a 1.8 aperature is only one of many aperature settings can be used, not just one, so i'm not sure how your comment applys.

a 1.8 can shoot at F22 for all it matters and have no bokeh in the picture at all, and that's why i recommended shooting at 2.8 or 3.2 to get the car in focus, but keep the background a little out of focus.

OP, also shoot all the way through to about F8 or F11 to get some background in focus if you have a nice background, but no matter what aperature setting you use, you'll get best colour and contrast with the 50mm prime.

go have fun, and don't worry about your equipment too much, it's all about learning from now, and one day you'll get your skills to where you want them to be with practice.

next step is post processing like was mentioned by oneintheory.

100% agreed and thats why i said 1.8 aperture not 1.8 lens.

[The1]

Originally Posted by enzeru

100% agreed and thats why i said 1.8 aperture not 1.8 lens.

touche

[E92White]

Thanks for the tips guys ! Sorry for the late response,been crazy busy. I've been taking plenty of pics and trying to learn as much as possible.

Here's what I've learned :

1. The kit lens is ok,but most of my pictures look like my Sony Cybershot point and shoot.

2. The 50mm Prime is a excellent lens,and has a nice bokeh,but I need to stand pretty far to get the whole car and at that point I can't seem to get any bokeh.

3. I've started to realize most pictures definitely have to have some photoshop processing in order to get the look they have.

[dcstep]

Back to the OP's question, I like a 70-200mm zoom, either f/4 or f/2.8 will do, since both throw great bokeh when needed. The perspective is much better than with a 35mm or 50mm, in general, IMHO.

[Inspired]

Get a Wide Angle..

[rollinstone157]

Originally Posted by twinturbo335

Get a Wide Angle..

Good ideas. Your complaint was that, with the 50 1.8, you had to step quite a bit back in order to get the entire car in the shot? Perhaps you should look at something a bit wider? 28mm or below?

[E90SoFlo]

get a 70-200 2.8 and a 17-24 2.8 and then buy lighting equipment and you can take pics like the pro's

[leemik]

Originally Posted by E92White

Hey Guys.I'm new to the DSLR World and recently bought a Sony A55.

I was wondering if some of you could give me some suggestions on Lenses for doing some photoshoots of my car.

I currently have the Kit Lens(18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and a 50mm Prime Lens (f/1.8).


I'm going for those nice sexy photoshoots with dramatic colors for the background,etc. Similar to what you would see in a BMW Brochure.

Whats wrong with just using what you have? I started out in car photography with a 17-50 and a 50 1.8 on a cropped body..

sexy photoshoots and what you would see in a BMW brochure is more a combination of photographer and graphic designer experience and skill .... and being at the right place at the right time than the equipment..

--mike

[1013mm]

you bmw brochure? then you must be born with some sort of artistic ability, apply, pay and graduate from top tier art college. score a job with an agency. shoot a car with a haselbach camera, then send it off to a team to retouch, add cgi background, and print...


realistically... you just need to first learn how to use your camera before you buy a new lens. everyone has their own lens preference. I myself like to shoot at 200mm f/2 as you can see all different types of lenses have been suggested, I would rent some lenses to see what works for you after you learn how to use your camera.

[khaye1]

^^^ 200 f/2 = baller lens! shit is price of a used honda!

[E90Mario]

Originally Posted by khaye1

^^^ 200 f/2 = baller lens! shit is price of a used honda!

[Slow_335i]

nice to see some one else with a sony!

Ive got a 70-200mm f/2.8 and its probably the best lens for shoots. it's well worth the money.