Another camera (lens) question

[its hilly]

I have had a canon AE-1 program for years. Then bought a good compact digi for quick snaps, and so that I could put them on the computor.
Recently I was going through my photos and realised just how much my shots had deteriorated, so I used a tax rebate (yes they do exist, but I had to tell the tax office that I thought I was due one) to treat myself to a canon eos 450d.
I have been told that there are adaptors which would allow me to use my existing canon lenses. (I know that they would not be autofocus) I have canon macro, wide angle and 80-210 tele which are perfect for me. But others have said that because they are not digital I will get reduction in picture quality.
How much? Enough to make it worth selling my lenses and starting again? I also have some Nikon Zeiss lenses, not common ones so still worth money.

[lettucegrow!]

Afraid I don't know the answer but as we've just both bought similar spec cameras I will be watching the answers pop up here! The macro lens will be my first investment once I have a bit more knowledge and cash!

[zazen999]

Have you tried fitting the old Canon lenses onto your new Canon camera? The mounts should be the same.

[Two_Sheds]

The macro lens will be my first investment once I have a bit more knowledge and cash!

Like this one? 4x MACRO Conversion Lens for Canon EOS 450D

[Mrs Dobby]

The AE-1Program uses the Canon FD mount, the EOS range use the Canon EF or EF-S lens mounts, so are not directly compatible, but there are some good converters out there.

Bower Lens Adapter - FD (Manual Focus) System to Canon ABEOS B&H
Converter Adapter for Canon FD Lens to EOS Body Mount | Lens & Accessories | Linkdelight.com

Having said that, I havent tried using one, so I cant comment on the image quality of using an FD and converter, as when I had my A1 stolen (back in the early 90's) I lost everything, so used the insurance to move over to a full 35mm EOS system with EF lenses. When I finally moved over to an EOS digital system I still had my old EOS EF lenses that worked fine, but the picture quality on those lenses was much poorer than the picture quality on more recent EF lenses, so I ended up replacing all of mine.

Currently I am using Canon 50mm f1.8 (great image q and very useful for low light conditions), a Canon 28-135 AF f3.5/4.5 USM (which is fantastic), a Canon 75-300 AF f3.5/5.6 which is good and a 17-28mm f3.5 AF which is great for really wide shots. All purchased on ebay without any problems and all in great condition!

[zazen999]

There you go - simples.

I love that B&H superstore in NYC in the first link. <3

[lettucegrow!]

Like this one? 4x MACRO Conversion Lens for Canon EOS 450D

Oooh yes! Mines the 500d so I guess it'll be similar price range etc. Not as bad as I thought and might doa bit of ebaying. People dont seem to hang on to stuff long anymore which is ideal for those of us just starting out.

[its hilly]

Mrs D, Yes mine are the FD mounts. That looks like a good converter, but I wish you hadnt posted that link..it's too tempting in there I have got an EOS EF 35-80 as I was given an EOS 300, which I still have, but carried on using my old AE-1 instead, devil you know and all that.
Zazen..if it ain't 'simples' then creek and paddle would be where I'm at
I love my photography and have gradually learned enough technical stuff to manage, but going digital has just totally confused me. I need a course on how to read the manual
I will get there slowly...as always.
Must say though, I struggled to justify going from my little 6mp compact, but the difference in the picture quality is clearly visible to the naked eye. Quite a surprise. Although perhaps it shouldn't be.

[memphis]

Have you tried E-bay I know there can be a lot of bad press about them but I have bought several items from adapters, filters and remotes and never had any problems and always a good price, the only thing near to a problem was somthing taking a little longer than I thought it should so I contacted them by email, they appologised by email next day and said it would be followed up and sorted, the next day I recieved an email saying item had been reposted but in the post that day my goods came, I then appoligised and asked for address to return the extra goods and they just told me thank you for letting them know and enjoy my extra product as a gift from them. the second delivery came a couple of weeks later,

[Mrs Dobby]

Yup, same here for ebay, all our current camera gear came from ebay, 2 bodies, 6 lenses, tripod, 25 filters, spare batteries, even the camera bag to carry it all in, saved a fortune and no problems whatsoever.