different lenses for 35mm adapters

[pernell91]

i know there is a sticky with a FAQ on different lenses but it didn't quite clarify things for me entirely and i didn't want to pollute the sticky with my questions

i am not from a photography background so hopefully you can help me with a couple basic questions

i have a 50mm lens and have a pretty good feel for what it can do

but the recommendations say to get a wider lens (28 mm or 30 mm etc)

and also a zoom lens (like 100-200 or so)

i had a couple questions

a... is a zoom lens the same as a macro lens? i have been left with that impression and its a bit confusing, using the same lens for "when you can't get close enough to your subject" and also to get right up on top of it an inch away

b... if i use a wide angle lens, isnt there generally speaking a really deep depth of field. is it possible to achieve a shallow one with this lens?

 

[Douglas Villalba]

Macro you can focus close to the subject. Usually within inches of the subject.
Zoom you can without moving adjust how far or close you want to see the subject.

 

[setarcos]

b....if i use a wide angle lens, isnt there generally speaking a really deep depth of field. is it possible to achieve a shallow one with this lens?

Yes, you get deep DOF when you close down the aperture (to say 8 or 11) and shallow when you open it as much as the lens allows ; 1.4 on some.
35/1.4 is one of the best candidates.