Steve'sDigicams

shoturtle · Jan 11, 2010, 10:49 PM

You may also get away with using a 50mm f1.8 and save some money that way also. I was lucky, I had a friend lend me a 50mm f1.4

shoturtle · Jan 11, 2010, 11:10 PM

PS

Also with which ever camera you decide on, do not use auto white balance in the cave. Set it for tungsten lighting or the lowest k level possible.

littlejohn · Jan 12, 2010, 1:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCav

I don't know how comfortable I'd be with changing lenses in a cave though.

Stupid question #47....what are you concerned about specifically? Moisture? Dust? or clumsy fingers??

I am so concerned my self but perhaps overly so...so I am asking

littlejohn · Jan 12, 2010, 1:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoturtle

PS

Also with which ever camera you decide on, do not use auto white balance in the cave. Set it for tungsten lighting or the lowest k level possible.

And the beauty of digital and preview.........really help one to 'notice' he forgot to change...

Good point...

TCav · Jan 12, 2010, 5:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlejohn

Stupid question #47....what are you concerned about specifically? Moisture? Dust? or clumsy fingers??

I am so concerned my self but perhaps overly so...so I am asking

The Answer: D - All of the above.

And more. Like maybe a bat flying around, startling me, and I drop something.

shoturtle · Jan 12, 2010, 4:59 PM

Littlejohn,

Actually dampness of a cave is not a big issue if you are going to caves to look at cave painting. If the cave can support the painting, it generally will not be that damp inside. If it was, the humidity would have destroyed the painting a long time ago. Bat could be a concern and loose rocks.

Biro · Jan 12, 2010, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCav

After some investigation, I've found that the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5 gets pretty dim pretty fast, and I think the OP will need all the aperture he or she can get. I think the Tamron 17-50/2.8 or Sigma 18-50/2.8 would be better choices than the Sigma 17-70/2.8-4.5.

Very true. Here is a link to an slrgear.com review of the Tamron:

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...uct/355/cat/23

It's available for $449 from B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._XR_Di_II.html

And here is a link to the slrgear.com summary of the new macro version of the Sigma (they haven't fully tested it but there are user reviews):

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...ct/1008/cat/31

It's available for $419 from B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...2_8_EX_DC.html

TCav · Jan 13, 2010, 7:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoturtle

... Bat could be a concern and loose rocks.

Yes, I would be a little concerned about loose rocks.

But it wouldn't make me think twice about changing lenses.

TCav · Jan 13, 2010, 7:39 AM

Biro,

Yes. Thanks for the Info. The Sigma's 1:3 magnification (vs. 1:4.5 for the Tamron) might be handy, but so might the extra 3° of angle of view of the Tamron, especially in cramped spaces.

rfortson · Jan 15, 2010, 4:50 PM

The current Pentax kit lenses (18-55 and 50-200) are water resistant, which might come in handy in a dark cave. I'd also get one of those small Gorillapods or a beanbag/pod. That can help offset the slow aperture of the kit lenses, though SR does a good job too, if you're steady to begin with.

Jan 12, 2010, 4:59 PM	#36
shoturtle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Frankfurt AM Posts: 11,348	Littlejohn, Actually dampness of a cave is not a big issue if you are going to caves to look at cave painting. If the cave can support the painting, it generally will not be that damp inside. If it was, the humidity would have destroyed the painting a long time ago. Bat could be a concern and loose rocks. Last edited by shoturtle; Jan 13, 2010 at 9:39 AM.

Jan 13, 2010, 7:39 AM	#39
TCav Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC, Metro Area, Maryland Posts: 13,826	Biro, Yes. Thanks for the Info. The Sigma's 1:3 magnification (vs. 1:4.5 for the Tamron) might be handy, but so might the extra 3° of angle of view of the Tamron, especially in cramped spaces. __________________ The lens is the thing. 'Full Frame' is the new 'Medium Format'. "One good test is worth a thousand expert opinions." - Tex Johnston, Boeing 707 test pilot.

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Jan 11, 2010, 10:49 PM	#31
shoturtle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Frankfurt AM Posts: 11,348	You may also get away with using a 50mm f1.8 and save some money that way also. I was lucky, I had a friend lend me a 50mm f1.4

Jan 11, 2010, 11:10 PM	#32
shoturtle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Frankfurt AM Posts: 11,348	PS Also with which ever camera you decide on, do not use auto white balance in the cave. Set it for tungsten lighting or the lowest k level possible.

Jan 15, 2010, 4:50 PM	#40
rfortson Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 349	The current Pentax kit lenses (18-55 and 50-200) are water resistant, which might come in handy in a dark cave. I'd also get one of those small Gorillapods or a beanbag/pod. That can help offset the slow aperture of the kit lenses, though SR does a good job too, if you're steady to begin with.