I've been mulling over buying a vintage 55 f3.5 macro because I'm getting it for a reasonable price. However, I already have the 18-55 VR kit zoom that came with my D3300. Does that make the vintage 55 largely redundant for me, or are there scenarios where having it would be a benefit over the kit zoom? Thanks in advance.
Need guidance before buying vintage 55 f3.5 macro
- Thread starter gustafson
- Start date
But of course there are such scenarios. At least two things you should consider in terms of the differences between these two lenses: 1) the 55mm macro is what it's name implies - MACRO, which means, you are able to get closer to your objects and still have them focused; 2) 55 mm should produce photos of somewhat higher quality than the kit lens set at 55 mm.
The only "drawback" is that with your camera model (3300) equipped with any "vintage" lens you'll have to focus and set the exposure parameters manually (lots of "auto" features wont be accessible). Check your camera's user manual.
The only "drawback" is that with your camera model (3300) equipped with any "vintage" lens you'll have to focus and set the exposure parameters manually (lots of "auto" features wont be accessible). Check your camera's user manual.
Thanks for the insights. As regards close focusing, it appears that the close focusing distance for the "compensating-type" 55mm f3.5 macro that I'm considering is 21cm (as opposed to 28cm for the 18-55), so good point there. As for the point about quality, I'm guessing the larger max aperture at 55 (f3.5 vs f5.6) will give more flexibility in composition? Manual metering will be a bear, I agree, but hopefully I'll learn a thing or two about photography from it.
One follow-up question is how does the "compensating type" 55mm f3.5 macro perform for objects further out and at infinity?
Max aperture will also give you the ability to blur the background more than with the kit lens (narrower depth of field), and you'll be having more light (higher values of exposure time/lower ISO values). No problem with focusing at "infinity". This lens is suitable for taking portraits, too (especially when used with APSC format camera, like yours)...
I'm about to go ahead and order this bad boy!
coolbus18
Senior Member
hi! I have the f/3.5 and the 2.8. The 3.5 is an excellent buyand can do lots. And if you wanna get closer then get the pk11 a ring. i love how it renders b7w. The f2.8 is fantabuolous! Sharp as heck, vividly clea krand without the pl11a lets one oh so very close hand held. Either way , to me. it's a more versatile carry around than a "normal" 50mm. Enjoy it.