[troymadison]

Recently did an impulse purchase for an open box Olympus Evolt E-500 DSLR body without the accessories for $50. I bought an Olympus strap, 4gb cf card, card reader, battery and charger for another $60. As for a lens, I got the 40-150mm f 4.0-5.6 Zukio lens for another $100. This is my first DSLR and I was wondering if the lens is sufficient for versicle use. I plan on doing many nature/street shots and I hope the minimum of 40mm isn't a big limitation on my photography since it seems like many DSLRs come with 14mm-52mm-ish lenses.

 

[mr_baseball_08]

You'll probably get a lot of different answers but here is my advice:

Take whatever equipment you have and SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT. Don't think about purchasing another lens for at least 2-3 months. After I got my first DSLR I immediately KNEW I wanted a 300mm or longer zoom. I didn't make any purchases and roughly 2 months later, I found out what I really wanted was a good 1:1 macro lens and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

So don't worry about buying more equipment now. Learn how to use what you have and as you do that, you'll learn what you need and what you want to photograph. Cheers and have fun!

 

[troymadison]

Is the main purpose for a macro lens is to be able to take a clear and very close shot?

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

Very close shots indeed. Macro shots go right up to the object.

 

[intoflatlines]

From my experience, while zoom lenses are cool, the most useful lens is a nice prime. I shot with a nice prime for years and got some beautiful shots. Combo zoom/macros are very useful too. If you want nature shots, it really depends on what kind. If you're talking about flowers/insects and such, a nice fixed macro would do perfectly. For birds/animals, you would want a zoom or tele lens. If I were you I would probably get a zoom/macro lens. They're big but they do the job.

 

[beerguy0]

For right now, shoot with what you have. You'll soon know what you really want (or need). Then you can expand your lens selection. A wide angle of some sort will probably be your next purchase. Dedicated macro lenses are more of a specialty item. If you like doing closeup work, then a macro lens is good to have. For now, though, just go out and take pictures. Lots of pictures.

Added comment: It's digital, so experimenting is essentially free. (Hard drive space aside I'm an old film guy, so it took me a while to learn that.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'll pitch in with those who recommend shooting like crazy. It's free, so get out and see what your camera does. Try anything that comes to mind and keep pushing the button. Visit the same place/subject over a few weeks and see how your interpretation changes over that time.

Then you'll know if you need another lens, if at all.

I've got three lenses, but get the most use out of a 50mm prime. It works great with all kinds of light and proportions are very natural. I don't mind scooting around to frame shots, either. But I didn't know that until I thoroughly wrung out the camera. And that's a lot of fun, too. I still put on the lens, go full auto, and just shoot anything interesting instead of being serious. Some of my favorites were taken that way.