@Meysam - the blurred background is called "bokeh". we have lots of info here and on wikipedia about it. But a LARGE aperture such as f/.9 f/1.8 f/2.8 would all give you a similar effect
@Meysam I would certainly take a good look at the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. It is very reasonably price at around $120 and can achieve a very similar image to the one that you linked to.
You can also just use your kit lens at 55mm, and put it in aperture priority mode, and select your widest aperture possible such as f/3.5 or f/5.6. It won't be quite as nice as the 50mm f/1.8, but it still should give some OK bokeh/background blur
@Meysam It sounds like you are on the right path to get a lens like the 50mm f/1.8 . Once you understand the limitations of your current gear its a great time to upgrade.
if you really like wide angle wide apertures, full frame might be the only way. but if you do birds, then crop might be the only way!
@Meysam if you only have the kit 18-55 right now, the 50mm f/1.8 is going to seem like a HUGE jump. it is enough for most all people. the f/1.4 is just a BIT better, and better built for professional use.
it look me at least a few years to outgrow the 50mm f/1.8 and decide i wanted the f/1.4
I think I'll have to order a Panasonic GH3 for work, just to try it out. Looks like it have some nice video features. imaging-resource.com/news/2012/09/17/…
I am also interested in Macro photography. I know it might need an expensive lens, I am asking just to know. What aperture is more appropriate for macro photography?
@Meysam i'm not really sure. I dont do much macro. I have cheap extension tubes(around $20) that I use with my other lenses, i dont have a true macro lens
the minimum focus distance is related to the focal length, but not only that. But most macro lenses will include the MFD in the specifications, should be fairly easy to find
you should make up your own mind, but it's not too costly (at least for us living in Norway), it integrates well into iPhoto, Aperture and Lightroom, give you the ability to password protect areas +++
@HåkonK.Olafsen How is it not great? What sort of difficulty do you have with it? I am asking because manually focusing with my 18-55 lens is very easy.
@Meysam - the focus ring on the 50mm f/1.8 is really small, and situated at the end of the lens. It just isn't that great for manual focusing due to its construction
