If like me you find yourself constantly wanting just … one … more lens then Sherlock77 (James) over at the Utata flickr group points us to an interesting read. Curing Lens Envy.
Q: What fraction of photography contest winning photographs are taken with the normal lens?
A: Did you guess over 75%? Any guess less than 50% is a sign of being a lens-aholic
In a similar vein there is this, “Chasing Magic Bullets” linked by sweet distin in the same thread.
Here’s an analogy. Countless sets of golf clubs are sold with the implicit promise that they’ll make you a better golfer. Legions of frustrated weekenders in plaid pants ante up for the new magnesium WunderWand, when they really ought to be fixing their swing (these are great guys to know, by the way. You can often get their cast-off clubs for pennies on the dollar). Their enthusiasm to improve is sincere but misdirected. They will drop an obscene amount of money on a set of clubs that could (in theory), deliver a golf ball to the hole with pinpoint accuracy. Yet the perverse sphere still turns a right angle and disappears into the pond. Nice try, but Tiger Woods could beat you with a hockey stick. Blindfolded.
Well worth a read.
Unfortunately for me the arguments aren’t particularly persuasive as I clearly have a problem simple logic will not cure. I lust after quality sharp optics (despite favouring UNsharp in my heros work!) and specific features (like sub-2.8 “black cat in a coal cellar” f/ numbers).
Technorati Tags: photography, camera, lens, buying, news, tips
2 Comments
You say
How will a single good, sharp and fast normal lens not meet all of your requirements, then?
I should have added “in all my favoured focal lengths”. It is impractical and irrational but addictions usually are ;O)