The photo of this Blue Jay was taken with an Olympus 35mm-70mm manual lens connected to the Olympus MF-1 OM Adapter using the Olympus E-510 DSLR.

We're in a recession--but that doesn't mean that your photography has to suffer because you can't afford a new lens. Why not try an old lens? There's been a recent revival amongst photographers to go hunting through their closets in search of all those old lenses they may still have. Using them with your new D-SLR is very possible and a much different experience that is sure to give you results to put a smile on your face.

Recommendations after the jump.

First off, you're going to need an adapter to make your lens fit onto your D-SLR--in my case it's the Olympus MF-1 OM Adapter using the Olympus E-510 D-SLR. You're also going to have to keep in mind the fact that these lenses are image-stabilized. Having a D-SLR with image-stabilization on-camera will help you tremendously. Additionally, keep in mind that not all old lenses have Auto-Focus on them. That means that you're going to have to slow down in the split-second world of photography. It will take some getting used to, but you're going to be able to achieve some beautiful and exceptionally sharp shots.

Old lenses without Auto-Focus will work very well for portrait or macro photography. The fact that you may not be able to adjust the aperture of the lens, (because of the adapter) and that your D-SLR may not be activating the lenses shutter, will make it less than ideal for shots that require split second accuracy, such as the case with sports photography. The picture above was taken with an old lens, but I was able to take it because of pure luck. Birds move fast, and should be shot with an Auto-Focus lens instead of a manual.

Give it a try yourself, you may be able to achieve amazing results once you slow down.