gdanmitchell Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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A prime cannot exactly "replace" those other lenses, but you can still often make fine photographs with it, and sometimes there are alternate advantages that come from shooting in this different way with this single focal length lens.
I have a bunch of lenses and often carry many of them with me when I shoot. However, with some subjects I also do enjoy going out and shooting with just the 50mm prime on my FF camera body. I give up a certain kind of obvious flexibility and, to be honest, there are certain types of photographs that I simply will not be able to produce with this limited gear. On the other hand, I can work very quickly and intuitively since the number of decisions I have to make is reduced. Instead of asking "which lens would be best for this shot?" I have to answer a different questions: "how can I shoot this with the lens on my camera?"
The easiest answer to your question might be to simply get that 50mm lens - though a 35mm lens might well be a better choice with your bodies - and then leave the other lenses at home and go out with just the prime. See how you like it. Give it more than one chance. If you are like me, you might find that there are circumstances and subjects for which it can be a great alternative.
Dan
dortizphoto wrote:
Greetings everyone, and Happy Holidays!
I'm faced with a dilemma which I'm having a hard time coming to terms with. I'm certainly not for spending money unwarranted, but is this "really" one of those cases? That being said, here goes ....
I own a Canon 1D MK3 and 40D, and my focal range is simple ... two (2) lenses:
1. Canon 24-70 f/2.8L
2. Canon 70-200 f/2.8L
So there you have it - 24-200mm range between two lenses. My dilemma is I'm considering purchasing the Canon 50 f/1.4 prime. Not because I need a faster lens, or that range (you can see I have that focal range covered), but because it's SMALL and LIGHT.
I'm trying to force myself into shooting daily in an effort to sharpen my skills, but when I pull that 1D out with my "smaller" 24-70 lens it's just soooooo heavy and clumsy. Heck, the hood alone on that 24-70 is HUGE. I had the 50 f/1.4 prime and the 17-40 f/4L but sold them (here actually) to help fund my purchase of my 24-70, something I dearly regret.
However, what's done-is-done and that's history now. So moving forward, would anyone recommend re-buying the much smaller and LIGHTER Canon 50 f/1.4 prime for the reason mentioned above? I need something on this 1D beast I can pick-up and just shoot on a regular basis. As noted on the subject line, I value everyone's opinion and therefore am humbly asking for your advice in this regard.
In closing, can anyone recommend a really good filter for my lenses. I read somewhere that placing a $25.00 cheap piece of glass in front of a $1,500 lens nullifies its superior optics.
Thanks everyone (in advance) for your time in helping me reach a decision.
Cheers,
Dave
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