what do you really enjoy most? - DPChallenge Forums

05/25/2005 03:14:00 PM · #1

My fiancÃ©â��s graduation was last night (congratulations prozac â�¦ thereâ��s a new RN in the world) and it got me thinking. I realize I have a decision to make regarding my photography. What do I want to do with it?

The only zoom lens I own is the kit lens for the rebel, which is generally slow and not so great for much of anything (although not terrible either, this post isnâ��t intended to debate the kit lens). So naturally, after last night I decided I need a 2.8 normal zoom.

Problem is, I donâ��t WANT one. I love using primes. I love low light/no flash photography. I want the 35L, the 85 1.8, and a long L prime â�� but these lenses arenâ��t that convenient for friends and family type stuff (which I donâ��t enjoy shooting, but is often what I end up shooting cuz Iâ��m the only photographer I know).

Choosing between the 35mm 1.4L and the 24-70mm 2.8L should be easy based on what you shoot â�¦ but for me, it isnâ��t easy at all. Itâ��s actually a very tough decision. Anyone else struggle with these philosophical questions?

Milo

Ps â�¦ the post is also not intended to ask for lens choice alternatives. Iâ��ve done much research and I want what I want â�¦ canâ��t explain why.

here's a great article, by the way

05/25/2005 03:22:11 PM · #2

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

05/25/2005 03:40:01 PM · #3

Yes, I do too.

Because I want to get into documentary photography, I decided that I would get my 16-35 instead of the 20, 24 and 35.

I would rather use my 50mm f/1.8 mkI any day, however...it's so much nicer/better...

But if I were you, I'd get the 24-70 for now...

coolhar

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

05/25/2005 04:07:36 PM · #4

I've got 3 primes and 4 zooms. About 75% of my shots are with 2 of the primes. Get the ones you want.

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

05/25/2005 04:16:34 PM · #5

What do i really enjoy most???

Naps!

DanSig

05/25/2005 04:16:46 PM · #6

I only have 2 zooms and 1 prime, the prime is used 90% indoor, the zooms 90% outdoor.

the lenses I use :
17-40L f4
70-200L f2.8 IS
50mm f1.4

so it all depends on what you want, a medium priced zoom is worse than a cheap prime, but when you have the topp class L lenses then they come really close to the best primes in quality, they only offer more options :)

Lensbaby 1.0 (The Original)

05/25/2005 04:22:56 PM · #7

Originally posted by DanSig:

a medium priced zoom is worse than a cheap prime, but when you have the topp class L lenses then they come really close to the best primes in quality, they only offer more options :)

except f1.4 ... so maybe it all depends on how much you go bigger (faster) than 2.8

alanbataar

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

05/25/2005 04:33:41 PM · #8

I have 3 zooms and one prime, and frankly, the prime makes me think like a better photographer. I'm about to buy a short prime so I can use it indoors. The extra speed will help -- the zooms (except one my Tokina 2.8) are really slow. I really like the look of images shot with my prime -- very smooth.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

05/25/2005 04:41:21 PM · #9

Primes are more fun, but the 50 f/1.4 I have now is way to tele.
I intend to purchase the new Sigma 30mm f/1.4 HSM (=AF-S or USM) DC if it is any good, but perhaps I'll just get it anyway. Perhaps something to consider, if it has good sharpness (from f/1.8 on), decent build etc it will be a bargain at EUR 400 compared to a f/1.4 Nikkor or Canon L. The only downside will be that is only suitable for APS-C/ DX formats and not 35mm. But I think APS-C and DX will last for another 10 to 20 years and Ipersonally don't see any (personal) need for 35mm format given Nikon's excellent wideangle DX lenses.

moodville

Nikon D100

05/25/2005 04:44:00 PM · #10

I guess I'm lucky. I know exactly what lenses I want and cant afford any of them. That really takes the struggle of deciding out of it :(