Lense Questions

[Matthew]

One of the few things that is post-poning my move into the dslr realm is my understanding of lenses.

I'm having trouble understanding what makes a good quality lense, first of all. Secondly, I don't know which brands are considered to be of higher quality in general.

However, one thing I thought that I had picked up was that you could divide the mm range (for example 75 to 300mm lense = 4x zoom option). But it just doesn't seem right to me that a 17 to 85mm lense could have a higher zoom than a 75 to 300mm lense. What is the deal? Seriously?

So, give me some info, or some sources to look to, about lense brands and general rules :)


-edit-
I posted this in the wrong forum... and I'm going to get a Rebel or an eos-20d. So lense quality would be geared this direction.

[Clyde]

One of the few things that is post-poning my move into the dslr realm is my understanding of lenses.

I'm having trouble understanding what makes a good quality lense, first of all. Secondly, I don't know which brands are considered to be of higher quality in general.



A good place (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8089) to start. Most DSLR's come with a "kit" lens that is equivalent to the 3x zoom on most P&S cameras. The canon versions you are considering come with a less highly thought of lens than the Nikon D70-50. So, read rex's guide, and keep in mind what sorts of conditions you normally shoot under.

Good Luck,

Clyde

[theophilus]

What type of photography do you want to do? I.e. landscape, people, wildlife?

I own the Rebel XT and have extensively researched lenses, I could probably help you out if you provide some more info, like what your budget is. I am personally about to buy a 17-40 F4/L.

As far as the "zoom factor" as you computed it, it all has to do with how the lense is built, how much they want it to weigh, etc.