I'll just second this. The ZX-M is a neat camera, but that zoom is slow. Since it's not AF, maybe you should look for a used 50, even if you just go to the B&H used page. The only zooms really good at the beginning are the longer ones like "something to 300". They are not great lenses but the prime 300's are really expensive and it's better than doing without.
Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 07/30/02 10:56AM >>> For a school camera, I would definitely push him towards a 50mm prime lens over the 35-80 zoom. I have this 35-80, as well as a couple of prime lences (A-series 50mm f1.7, and an M-series 50mm f2.0), and the primes are MUCH more versatile. You get a minimum of two stops more light w/ the prime lens. If I had to do it again, I'd save the money and buy some faster prime lenses, or a good fast (read f2.8) zoom later. In summary, the zoom lens has the whiz-bang factor, but for a camera for learning photography techniques, it's not the right lens. I would go for the fastest 50mm lens he can afford, even if he buys the lens used. Your son will be amazed at what you can do with a simple 50mm lens. One of these days, I'll scan in the prints from my first photography class. Took every single one of them with the 50mm f2.0 lens. The ZX-M is a decent beginner's camera as well. But make sure your son learns how to put it into full manual mode. If he's taking a photography class, he'll probably have to do that at some point during the course. -Mat [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > My son is buying a camera for school and has > chosen the ZX-M with the 35-80 lens. I questioned > his choice of lens (suggested 50mm - but it's his > money and he wants a zoom). Any feedback on lens > or suggestions. Many thanks... > - > This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, > go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to > visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
