Walkaround Lens

[soydios]

Originally posted by: dug777
I've thought about getting something like the 17-55mm Nikkor, but I firmly suspect that it would have a negligable impact on my ability to take great photos at this stage. If I can't produce amazing stuff with my current lens, I can't see how having a faster, sharper, and less barrel-distorted lens will magically help with my shot composition and framing skills and understanding of how to work with light...

When I feel that I've got a firm grip on the skills that underpin taking excellent photos, and that I'm being held back by my current walkaround, then I'll make the move

I'm a gadget lover too, and I'm not for a moment suggesting that better lenses don't open up new opportunities, allow you to extend your skills, and make taking great photos easier, but the cynic in me somethimes thinks that some people on here care more about their equipment and its specifications than learning to take and taking great photos

aye, I know what you mean. when I first received my old AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8, I quickly realized that the lens was far more capable than I was at that stage of my photographic endeavors. the lens may have been a 20-year-old push-pull, but it was still the real deal: f/2.8 Nikkor pro glass. but I would like to say that I learned quickly; having the equipment in your hands to play with does speed up the learning process, although you are right in that it still isn't magic.

 

[kalster]

Originally posted by: dug777
Currently I only own the Nikkor 18-135mm, so I guess you could say it's my walk around lens

I love it, and basically shoot throughout the range in a typical photography trip

It's reasonably slow throughout the range (3.5-5.6), but since most of my shooting is done in bright Western Australian sunshine I've never found it particularly limiting.

I've thought about getting something like the 17-55mm Nikkor, but I firmly suspect that it would have a negligable impact on my ability to take great photos at this stage. If I can't produce amazing stuff with my current lens, I can't see how having a faster, sharper, and less barrel-distorted lens will magically help with my shot composition and framing skills and understanding of how to work with light...

When I feel that I've got a firm grip on the skills that underpin taking excellent photos, and that I'm being held back by my current walkaround, then I'll make the move

I'm a gadget lover too, and I'm not for a moment suggesting that better lenses don't open up new opportunities, allow you to extend your skills, and make taking great photos easier, but the cynic in me somethimes thinks that some people on here care more about their equipment and its specifications than learning to take and taking great photos



Not entirely sure how I ended up there, but anywho.

I'd suggest to the OP that he needs more wideangle cowbell in a walk around lens

3 words

LBA (lens buying addiction)


I agree with you completely though, good skill/technique is far more important than owning the best lens

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: Deadtrees
50mm f/1.4

That is a great lens. This photo was taken with that lens, on a 10D.

http://www.andrewstiff.com/images/bride.jpg

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: OdiN
Ultimate Walkaround Lens:

10-600mm F/1.0L IS the size and weight of one of those DO lenses.

C'Mon Canon...make one already!

It'd probably be like $25,000.

I was at least trying to be reasonble in my requirements! Who wouldn't love a lens that could do that? Where's the anti gravity device when you need it?

 

[callmesteve]

Originally posted by: dug777
... I'd suggest to the OP that he needs more wideangle cowbell in a walk around lens

I'm going to have to agree with you here, but I'm freaking broke. Lenses... its a love hate relationship haha

 

[ucdbiendog]

canon 24-70 f/2.8L lens on a canon 30D
I also pack the 70-200 f/2.8L and a tokina 12-24 f/4 among others.

 

[foghorn67]

17-55 2.8 IS.

 

[bondboy]

Sigma 200-500 f/2.8

Now there's a walkaround lens for you
http://youtube.com/watch?v=K77UvaiHii0

 

[callmesteve]

Originally posted by: bondboy
Sigma 200-500 f/2.8

Now there's a walkaround lens for you
http://youtube.com/watch?v=K77UvaiHii0

That lens is gangster!

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: bondboy
Sigma 200-500 f/2.8

Now there's a walkaround lens for you
http://youtube.com/watch?v=K77UvaiHii0

that thing doesn't need a tripod, it needs a gun carriage!

 

[GTaudiophile]

My opinion is that 28mm is too long for a walk-around on a APS-C/crop body. Even 24mm is pushing it. I would look at one of the many 16/17/18mm-XXmm zooms out there.

I personally use (and love) the Canon EFS 17-55 F2.8IS. I hear the new "plastic fantastic" EFS 18-50 IS lens is great.

If using a full-frame body, then I would go for the EF 24-70 F2.8L or EF 24-105 F4L IS.

 

[corkyg]

I just got back from a vacation in New Orleans, and decided to try the 50mm f/1.4 with my zero crop EOS 5D as a "walk around." It was great! I was able to handle a wide variety of shots indoors and out with a wide range of lighting conditions. It was not a load on my neck, and I could slip it under my jacket easily.

It was certainly easier to walk around with than my 24-105mm f/4 L IS lens.

Here's a sample:

NOLA1

And this was a store window rfeflecting what is happening now:

NOLA2

And available light in the River Walk shopping area:

NOLA3

Yeah - it's an easy lens to walk with. Just like my old 35mm Nikon F2AS.