As you will have read I am in the market for a new lense (or three) and have been debating if I should get a zoom that covers the whole range, a zoom plus a prime, a bunch of primes. Photodoto gave me an additional factor to consider with the new post Zooming with your feet
The ubiquity of the zoom on compact cameras and as part of SLR kits may have led some to believe that zooming in on a subject is the same as getting physically closer. But there is a big difference between zooming with your lens and “zooming” with your feet.
This distortion effect that he goes on to nicely demonstrate is an important consideration. In landscapes it is nice to have that wide field of view, practically compulsary it seems from the hung art I have seen (and wanted to purchase). Landscapes though important and enjoyable are probably the minority of my photography and something I can plan ahead for. Most of what I do spontaniously tends towards portrait and the like. Perhaps a really good zoom and one wide prime will suffice for my needs?
Technorati Tags: digital, photography, zoom, prime, lense, tips
3 Comments
That quote is spot on. I think too many people (mis)use the zoom. Walk people! Walk!
The eternal question
I generally travel with a zoom with a wide focal range (can’t wait til my 24-105 arrives) and a wider angle and fast prime (even a 50mm 1.8 can be handy). A wider prime would also be nice – but I gotta draw the line somewhere and stop feeding my habit.
I can’t wait until your 24-105mm arrives either Darren, of course my bank balance will take a hit if you recommend it too highly ;O)