Yeah, it seems people are using wider and wider focal lengths now, with 35 replacing 50 for many. I've tried 25 but preferred the more all round ability of the 35.
Zooms v Primes
- Thread starter ethan
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Yeah, it seems people are using wider and wider focal lengths now, with 35 replacing 50 for many. I've tried 25 but preferred the more all round ability of the 35.
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I like primes but to be honest I’ve never really owned a high quality zoom. I’m using the Sony/zeiss 55mm f1.8 and its a great little lens. Sharp and portable.
The problem with primes is when you out on a shoot they only good for Landscapes or Buildings. Whereas a Good f2.8 zoom gives you the best of both worlds and they save you cash.With today's cameras and Photo Programs it will not matter if you use high iso as that can be dealt with in program. NOT everyone buys a lens and shoots at f1.4/1.8/2.8 all day every day. f5.6/f8 is used mostly or f11..
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I’ve had zooms of various lengths on my canons over the years but found over time taking pictures dwindled and on being honest with myself it really came down to their bulk. If you’re out and about with others, something that’s bulky gets in the way.
I recently bought a pancake 28mm 2.8 prime for my canon RP and quite frankly it’s great. The combo is something that is easily carried , non obtrusive and even cropped ( to be the equivalent of other focal lengths , it takes decent photos of the moment… which to me is the point … the moment.
The old adage of the best camera is the one you have with you is so true … and for that primes win out. I’m just that much more likely to have the camera with me cause it’s small and lighter.
Of course it’s different if you’re setting out to do landscapes or the activity is photography first and foremost … carrying heavier bulky stuff is part of that, but where photography is second then the setup needs to fit in with what you’re doing and not control/limit it personally.
I recently bought a pancake 28mm 2.8 prime for my canon RP and quite frankly it’s great. The combo is something that is easily carried , non obtrusive and even cropped ( to be the equivalent of other focal lengths , it takes decent photos of the moment… which to me is the point … the moment.
The old adage of the best camera is the one you have with you is so true … and for that primes win out. I’m just that much more likely to have the camera with me cause it’s small and lighter.
Of course it’s different if you’re setting out to do landscapes or the activity is photography first and foremost … carrying heavier bulky stuff is part of that, but where photography is second then the setup needs to fit in with what you’re doing and not control/limit it personally.
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A lot depends on the quality of the zoom. I have a foot in both camps to be honest but that's more a personal shooting preference/style than an objective quality difference. I love the small primes for my Fujifilm X-T5 for walk around and small/light travel setup.
Conversely, I own three zooms for my GFX 100s and they are probably the three best lenses I've ever used (in terms of IQ). I tried a couple of GFX primes but personally never saw the benefit as they are, for the most part, big and bulky and some don't even offer much more in terms of aperture over the zooms - FWIW I find the f4 zooms on that format plenty fast when it comes to shallow depth of field etc.
Conversely, I own three zooms for my GFX 100s and they are probably the three best lenses I've ever used (in terms of IQ). I tried a couple of GFX primes but personally never saw the benefit as they are, for the most part, big and bulky and some don't even offer much more in terms of aperture over the zooms - FWIW I find the f4 zooms on that format plenty fast when it comes to shallow depth of field etc.
The trio of small f2 primes are great, I especially like the 50mm, compact with great reach.