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09/20/2008 07:53:01 PM · #1 |
I know this has been talked about before.. I just have a few questions for everyone.
I currently have a 5D, 40D and 400D
70-200 2.8 (not IS)
85mm 1.8
24-70
50mm 1.4 and 1.8
I really love primes and I am seriously thinking of using all primes.. Has anyone done the change over and been 100% happy? If no, what has been the main issue.
I understand that my feet will now be the zoom and I am ok with that. I think my main thought is should I sell the 24-70 and 70-200 for primes..
One issue I have is I have VERY small shoulders and cant carry 2 bodies at once.. my handbag doesnt even stay on my shoulders half the time lol.
I am thinking of getting the 24mm, 135mm 2.0 and 200mm 2.8
Any advice would be awesome
Thanks!
Lisa |
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09/20/2008 08:09:57 PM · #2 |
i have a prime to zoom ratio of 3:1 (the other zoom listed is the crappy tele zoom i almost never use and going to sell it anyways), and i really love primes for the IQ they deliver and the ability to shoot in low-light conditions and /or shallow dof.
when i went on my 2 month long journey through eastern europe i only had primes with me (fisheye, 20mm, 85mm) and kinda regretted not bringing my 28-75, because when you travel you sometimes really don't have the chance to change lenses before your snap shot opportunity is gone in a second, so i actually lost quite a few cool shots i would have gotten if bringing that zoom.
what you need to take in account before deciding is what you gonna do. i.e. if you're shooting stills and studio mostly then yes, you should go for primes, cus the advantages are obvious, but if you're into sports or weddings then a good quality zoom is almost inevitable to have.
just my 2 cents tho...
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09/20/2008 08:19:06 PM · #3 |
| I do weddings and events mainly... I do love the 24-70 and the 70-200 but I think I love primes just that bit more... going to do some research :) |
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09/20/2008 08:22:43 PM · #4 |
Primes have their place, but don't forget that the image may only present its self only once, and not having the correct lens may make you miss opportunity.
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09/20/2008 08:24:42 PM · #5 |
yeah of course you do weddings, i should of remembered, but sorry it's late here ;)
anyways maybe before you decide just do your next wedding only with primes and then another one only with your two zoom's and see which method you felt more comfortable with...
and research wise i remember some thread(s) discussion that same thing a few weeks, maybe month ago. i'm sure you'll find some info in the forums. good luck (and good night) :)
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09/20/2008 08:31:39 PM · #6 |
Lisa, you are such a good photographer, I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what you decide.
In the meantime, bulk up at the gym! :) |
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09/20/2008 08:39:00 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by L2:
Lisa, you are such a good photographer, I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what you decide.
In the meantime, bulk up at the gym! :) |
lol you are funny! but how would bulking up at the gym actually add to the length of my shoulders lol |
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09/20/2008 08:45:39 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by lentil:
Originally posted by L2:
Lisa, you are such a good photographer, I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what you decide.
In the meantime, bulk up at the gym! :) |
lol you are funny! but how would bulking up at the gym actually add to the length of my shoulders lol |
I've got a vision: it involves a long pole strapped to your back with camera bags hanging off each end. Like those pictures of villages in third world countries carrying water jugs, only happier. |
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09/20/2008 08:48:44 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by L2:
Originally posted by lentil:
Originally posted by L2:
Lisa, you are such a good photographer, I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what you decide.
In the meantime, bulk up at the gym! :) |
lol you are funny! but how would bulking up at the gym actually add to the length of my shoulders lol |
I've got a vision: it involves a long pole strapped to your back with camera bags hanging off each end. Like those pictures of villages in third world countries carrying water jugs, only happier. |
ahh of course, why didnt I think of that?? may have to get guests to duck though so I dont knock them out huh lol..
Ok, looking at the 135mm and a cheapish 20mm...I like to have lenses with more reach than wide...
droooooool... 135 :D :D |
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09/20/2008 08:54:00 PM · #10 |
| Well, if guests got knocked out I can only imagine that they wouldn't be upset at all, once they saw the pix. :) |
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09/20/2008 08:57:08 PM · #11 |
| lol.. anyone selling a used 135mm or 20mm 2.8?? :D |
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09/20/2008 09:05:25 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by lentil:
Originally posted by L2:
Originally posted by lentil:
Originally posted by L2:
Lisa, you are such a good photographer, I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what you decide.
In the meantime, bulk up at the gym! :) |
lol you are funny! but how would bulking up at the gym actually add to the length of my shoulders lol |
I've got a vision: it involves a long pole strapped to your back with camera bags hanging off each end. Like those pictures of villages in third world countries carrying water jugs, only happier. |
ahh of course, why didnt I think of that?? may have to get guests to duck though so I dont knock them out huh lol.. |
How about a set of shoulder pads like football or hockey players wear? They'd provide a larger "platform" for the straps, while helping distribute the weight more evenly at the same time. |
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09/20/2008 09:14:14 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by lentil:
Originally posted by L2:
Originally posted by lentil:
Originally posted by L2:
Lisa, you are such a good photographer, I'm sure you'll be fine no matter what you decide.
In the meantime, bulk up at the gym! :) |
lol you are funny! but how would bulking up at the gym actually add to the length of my shoulders lol |
I've got a vision: it involves a long pole strapped to your back with camera bags hanging off each end. Like those pictures of villages in third world countries carrying water jugs, only happier. |
ahh of course, why didnt I think of that?? may have to get guests to duck though so I dont knock them out huh lol.. |
How about a set of shoulder pads like football or hockey players wear? They'd provide a larger "platform" for the straps, while helping distribute the weight more evenly at the same time. |
shoulder pads are sooooo 80's lol |
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09/20/2008 09:16:52 PM · #14 |
Hey, I've seen your music collection so no bagging on the 80's!  L1 wouldn't like it.
Back back to your question, I couldn't live without my zoom but then again, I'm not so talented. I do like the one prime I have (the 50mm) but sometimes when I force myself to use only that I kick myself for not having the 18-200.
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09/20/2008 09:19:02 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by L2:
Hey, I've seen your music collection so no bagging on the 80's! L1 wouldn't like it.
Back back to your question, I couldn't live without my zoom but then again, I'm not so talented. I do like the one prime I have (the 50mm) but sometimes when I force myself to use only that I kick myself for not having the 18-200. |
yeah my music collection consists of 80's music, doesnt mean the fashion was good though lol...even though it was at the time ;p
I think I will start with the 135mm and do some more weddings and see what I really need rather than what I really want.. I hate being practical lol |
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09/20/2008 09:44:03 PM · #16 |
i've owned many zooms, sold them, will probably buy more, will probably sell them
:)
it's a personal choice i think
i wish my abilities were specific enough and refined enough to own just one lens - and produce stunning results with it |
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09/20/2008 09:46:43 PM · #17 |
Lisa, I do hope you are feeling better, ansd I send you my love.
I agree that you take such awesome image, especially you wedding images, that I am sure what ever lens you use, you will get great results.....
Message edited by author 2008-09-20 21:47:11. |
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09/20/2008 11:03:53 PM · #18 |
I know many wedding shots are setup or you know an approximate position that you need to be in, but aren't just as many candids? I would think a zoom would provide for much more flexibility in quick situations (i.e. candids).
What about in a church setting; can't be up and moving around alot trying to get the correct distance for the fixed length lens you're using - or can you? |
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09/20/2008 11:06:09 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
I know many wedding shots are setup or you know an approximate position that you need to be in, but aren't just as many candids? I would think a zoom would provide for much more flexibility in quick situations (i.e. candids).
What about in a church setting; can't be up and moving around alot trying to get the correct distance for the fixed length lens you're using - or can you? |
in 3 yrs I have done 3 church weddings, they arent big here but when I have done them I basically use the 85mm or 50mm.
Most of my wedding shots arent set up and are candids.. I mainly use the 70-200 for those, usually at the 200 end..which is another reason I am considering the 200mm fixed too |
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09/21/2008 12:56:21 AM · #20 |
Depends on what you shoot, how you shoot. Tonight I shot a HS reunion. They wanted head shots (one person, couples, 3 and up to 5 in a group would walk up for a shot against a BG and I had studio lights set up). So the ability to zoom is critical - changing lenses and walking back and forth would be a nightmare. Same if you shoot something as simple as sports T&I. Proper framing in-camera is the key to productivity and zooms allow that.
I also was to take candid shots. I guess I could pick one lens and just walk up to a grip and grin, but I'm not the center of attention, the speaker/prize winner is - the ability to get the shot from a distance is key. Sometimes the speaker walked to the recipient's table, sometimes the recipient came up to the podium. I'd have needed track shoes to keep up without a zoom lens.
The 24-70 and 70-200 are key workhorse lenses. Keep them. Supplement with primes.
Now what primes? If you go mid line (85 1.8, 50 1.4, 28 1.8 - the USM non-L lenses basically) you'll not spend your kids inheritance. I hate the 50 1.8, the 1.4 is OK, but I love the 1.2. The 85 1.8 is really nice, but the 1.2 verion is spectacular (just like the price).
To have a wide range of L primes you'd need the 24 1.4, 50 1.2, 85 1.2, 135 2.0 and that's $500 plus the 200 2.0. And then a belt system or something to keep them handy.
If you can control your subject enough then primes are nice - for the speed, shallow DOF and sometimes focus speed (on a lens by lens basis).
Are they sharper, less CA, less flare, etc? Sometimes. Again, it's on a case by case basis. Part of why you buy a 1.2 lens is to shoot at 1.2, and most all lenses are a tad softer wide open than choked down. So to a degree a 1.2 lens at 2.8 will be sharper than a 2.8 lens at 2.8, but if you can focus and PP well you don't need all that sharp for people shots. Landscape or still life it may be an advantage, but then you've got complete control over where you're shooting.
For weddings you can use primes for get ready and posed shots like formals or romantic shots. I can't see it working well for most of the rest of the day. Yes, you can shoot a wedding with just a 50mm lens, but then all the shots when put together would look too similar and therefore boring. Having quick easy access to 10 to 200mm in 3 zooms give one a lot more latitude on how to frame. I often use the 24-70 because running to get the 28, 50 or 85 means I'll miss the shot.
I love what a lensbaby can do. I've not used it but 3 times this year at weddings. It takes time to use it and that is one thing I don't seem to have enough of. Will you change lenses as often as you could/should? Only YOU know what your tolerance and energy level is.
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09/21/2008 01:12:23 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by lentil:
I currently have a 5D, 40D and 400D |
Can you take 3D photos? |
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09/21/2008 01:21:34 AM · #22 |
I would think primes would be great for formals, but would probably be frustrating for the ceremony. That's just my feeling from owning primes, but not being a wedding photog. It just seems there are a limited number of places you can stand in a wedding and now you have to figure in the chances those places will mesh well with the prime length on your camera.
Maybe you are just thinking formals though, in which case I think you'd be grooving. |
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09/21/2008 01:36:08 AM · #23 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
I would think primes would be great for formals, but would probably be frustrating for the ceremony. That's just my feeling from owning primes, but not being a wedding photog. It just seems there are a limited number of places you can stand in a wedding and now you have to figure in the chances those places will mesh well with the prime length on your camera.
Maybe you are just thinking formals though, in which case I think you'd be grooving. |
Not limiting yourself on where you can stand, but imagine the bag you would have to carry. They make a prime for almost every spot in on the church floor.
8mmFisheye, 14mm, 15mm fish, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 30mm, 35mm, 45mm, 50mm, 60mm, 85mm, 90mm, 100mm, 105mm, 150mm, 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500MM, 600mm, 800mm, and for those really big jobs, 1200MM.
Matt
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09/21/2008 02:41:37 AM · #24 |
For the price of a handful of prime lenses, you can buy a butt kickin' zoom to cover the same ranges and give you plenty of aperture too.
I love shooting with my old manual prime Nikkor's, but I only shoot one wedding a year, ( no, it isn't the same one every year : ) ) The last wedding I shot, I used 18-70 f3.5-4.5 and bounce flash for most of the shoot, then to a manual 50mm f1.4 and no flash for the actual ceremony.
Primes rule, but there are times when you can get a lot more "keepers" with a good zoom.
I would try to get a few pals rounded up, and do a mock wedding just to see how it feels to be limited to one focal length while trying to get the shots. You can tape the zoom in one focal length to simulate any prime in it's range. This would give you a better feel about if you would be comfortable at one or two focal lengths before you get into an actual wedding and maybe have to say "Oops" later.
If I had to do a wedding with a prime lens, I think that I would choose 24, 28 or 35mm for my APC sensor, which would be like 35 or 50 mm for the 5D. There was good logic to why 35mm film cameras used to come with 50mm and optional 35mm prime lenses before they made zooms.
Good luck with the adventure, however it works out.
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09/21/2008 03:05:58 AM · #25 |
Made a decision and I am going to get the 135mm for now and see what I think after I do a few more weddings.. I can always borrow my husbands 12-24 on the 400 or 40d if I need wide..
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