Long Term Lens Philosophy - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/13/2007 01:51:55 PM · #1

After getting my first DSLR, I began buying prime lenses. It's a cheaper way to get good image quality (cheaper than L zooms, that is). I was happy with my prime collection, but as soon as I had the opportunity to get the 24-70L, I jumped on it. I knew the lens was heavy, but I also knew I was getting a 24, 28, 35, and 50 prime all wrapped into one. I sold all my primes to get the lens.

Insert Murphy's Law here - I've found that I hate the size and weight of the 24-70L much more than I thought I was going to, even to the point of bringing my digital elph to weddings of friends cuz I don't want to lug around the 2 pound brick.

So now, I freakin' know if I sell the zoom and buy primes again - the cycle may repeat itself. And to make matters worse (mentally), my favorite type of photography is low light people candids, BUT I very rarely do that type of photography.

Perhaps I should play the lotto ... 10 grand would make this problem go away.

Any thoughts? Anyone else been in this situation?

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

09/13/2007 01:55:38 PM · #2

Some little 5 pound dumbells? I know they look girlie, but it sounds like you need to build up some stamina there buddy... :)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

09/13/2007 01:57:29 PM · #3

it's sad, but it's true

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Some little 5 pound dumbells? I know they look girlie, but it sounds like you need to build up some stamina there buddy... :)

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/13/2007 02:06:23 PM · #4

Originally posted by hopper:

And to make matters worse (mentally), my favorite type of photography is low light people candids, BUT I very rarely do that type of photography.

So why do all this other photography that you don't love doing ? Just curious, in passing.

MattO

Nikon D4

09/13/2007 02:09:05 PM · #5

IMHO the weight of the lens isnt a factor that I even consider, its the image quality that I do consider. IMHO your primes are good(to a point) but they arent going to give you the flexibility of not changing lens and still get damn good images. If you want to buy one additional prime, that you used mostly for times when you dont want to carry the weight then do it. For me weight isnt an issue, I routinely carry this in my bag. 1DMKIIn, 10D, 27-70(with hood) 70-200, 85 1.8, 580EX, and a battery pack for the flash. My advice, keep the 24-70L and buy one prime that you like the length of, my personal preference would be the 50 1.8 on your camera, and on mine its the 85 1.8.

MattO

09/13/2007 02:12:41 PM · #6

An excellent question, and one I've been pondering. When I look over my dpc challange submissions, those images don't make me happy ... but, unlike many here, I treat this site like a game, not like my own personal portfolio ... so I can justify eye candy type shots here that I don't love.

But, to answer you question, I love all types of photography, but the candids are my favorite. I'm still having fun shooting macros (or whatever), but those aren't the shots I look at time and time again over the years.

I think courage has a lot to do with it. When with my friends just relaxing at home or whatever, I feel I'd be annoying if I was snapping away the whole time .. but it's what I want to be doing.

Originally posted by Gordon:

So why do all this other photography that you don't love doing ? Just curious, in passing.

Message edited by author 2007-09-13 14:15:37.

09/13/2007 02:14:55 PM · #7

most likely what I'll end up doing ... Good Advice Matt

i'm thinking it'll be the 28mm 1.8 for me

Originally posted by MattO:

My advice, keep the 24-70L and buy one prime that you like the length of,

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

09/13/2007 02:25:52 PM · #8

In a place like NYC, the 24-70mm is (for Canon users) without competition. Your 350XT is light. I have used the 24-70 on my 350XT and I like the combination. But for a change, try renting the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM. I bet that would fulfill many of your needs. But it is fairly heavy and over $1000. The The Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM is versatile and light. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS is lighter (and cheaper) than the 24-70.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/13/2007 02:29:59 PM · #9

Originally posted by hopper:

I think courage has a lot to do with it. When with my friends just relaxing at home or whatever, I feel I'd be annoying if I was snapping away the whole time .. but it's what I want to be doing.

Originally posted by Gordon:
So why do all this other photography that you don't love doing ? Just curious, in passing.

I wonder if you've tried asking them ? Or telling them that you enjoy it so much. Or gifting them with some of the images afterwards. I can understand all the fears you are alluding to and projecting on to other people. I do that all the time too.

But if it's what you love doing, you should be doing it, not being afraid. Some how, some way it'll work out, if you try to move towards it.

I have a stack of various lenses, L's, zooms, primes. 90% of the pictures I took in the last year were all shot with a 85 1.8

09/13/2007 02:37:14 PM · #10

excellent choices Andrew. I owned the 28-135, loved it, but wanted a bigger aperature. The 24-105 (actually all f/4 L zooms) is better suited to the full frame bodies which are much better at higher iso's in my opinion. I wouldn't feel like I was getting my thousand dollars worth only getting f/4.

Originally posted by pineapple:

09/13/2007 02:38:58 PM · #11

you're right Gordon ... it's a fear i've been skirting for too long

silliness really, but in the moment I always opt to not shoot

Originally posted by Gordon:

Originally posted by hopper:
I think courage has a lot to do with it. When with my friends just relaxing at home or whatever, I feel I'd be annoying if I was snapping away the whole time .. but it's what I want to be doing.

Originally posted by Gordon:
So why do all this other photography that you don't love doing ? Just curious, in passing.

I wonder if you've tried asking them ? Or telling them that you enjoy it so much. Or gifting them with some of the images afterwards. I can understand all the fears you are alluding to and projecting on to other people. I do that all the time too.

But if it's what you love doing, you should be doing it, not being afraid. Some how, some way it'll work out, if you try to move towards it.

I have a stack of various lenses, L's, zooms, primes. 90% of the pictures I took in the last year were all shot with a 85 1.8

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

09/13/2007 02:42:29 PM · #12

I think you're right. As someone said, keep that 24-70 and get the 85 f/1.8. I always think of the 24-70 as "the moneymaker." I don't like that it is a pump action lens (if only Canon would make it an internal focusing lens rather than one which protrudes when zooming into the wide end); and I think it can be a bit soft at the extremes of long and wide ends (but not as soft as the 28-135); in low light I trend to use the 50mm el cheapo Canon lens rather than the 24-70. No easy solution really.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

09/13/2007 03:04:26 PM · #13

Originally posted by hopper:

i'm thinking it'll be the 28mm 1.8 for me

Be very careful with that one. I bought two and ended up sending both back because they were so soft. At this point the 35mm f/2 is my 'standard' lens.

I had a workshop with a very successful wedding photographer that shot everything with two prime lenses, a 20mm (f/2.8 I think) and an 85mm f/1.8. If you like candid and/or photojournalistic style images, these two primes might make an interesting addition to your 24-70. They don't overlap the 24-70 yet between the two could cover a very wide variety of photography.

Message edited by author 2007-09-13 15:04:39.