Every lens does something different. It achieves something artistically different. The 85mm is known for it’s intimate feel and rich colors where as the 50mm is known for it’s creamy bokeh/background blur and is close to the human eye.
I have been tossing around the idea of purchasing a new lens. Granted I’ll be renting them before I make a final decision but it’s just so hard! I want them all. I may or may not be training a second shooter (ooooh more on that soon!) so I need to add another lens so that my SS can have a lens to themselves.
Where is the problem? Oh geez, this is where it gets super technical and confusing. So as a photographer you sometimes get into situations that are super small spaces.. This is where a zoom lens comes into play (What’s up 24-70L aka my babe). It gives you the flexibility to have not only your feet to back up with but the lens. So even in a really small space I am able to morph into the wall and make my lens go wide and still fit plenty into the frame. The lenses I’m gushing over? All prime lenses (besides the 70-200L) which means they are fixed focal length meaning your feet do all the zooming in and out. This would result in a problem if I’m in a small space have morphed into the wall and still can’t fit what I want in the frame.
Oh the dilemmas.. #WeddingPhotogProblems
So do I get something super wide like the
35mm f/1.4L that is super wide angle giving me the security of fitting everything in the frame? BUT also gives lens distortion and isn’t good or flattering for portrait lenses. That doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.
Do I get the
50mm f/1.2L that is close to the human eye (so flattering for portraits) and creamy bokeh/background blur. BUT is pretty middle of the road in a tight frame…Giving me a bit anxiety about what would happen if I had to shoot in a closet. Another plus? Fantastic in low light and one of the most admired lenses in the industry.
What about the
70-200 f/2.8L that is known for its beautiful portraits and butter-like focusing system (I am not kidding. I’ve tested it and it’s true) at all focal lengths but would be horrendous in a small room. But also giving me the flexibility or freedom to be “detached” and out of the way during ceremonies or a church with restrictions on where I can stand.
OR do get another 24-70 f/2.8? They released the new and improved model so I could currently chuck my current 24-70 at my SS and keep the new and improved model. Knowing that I can own that lens (the only lens I shoot with) and that it’s comfortable, dependable, and has been nothing but perfection for me. It’s so tempting to go the comfortable route. But part of me wants a more “artistic” lens so bad. & then the anxiety sits in and dependability doesn’t sound so bad after all.
And then don’t even get me started on the 85mm, or the 100mm macro. They all just have their own little “niche” that makes them so desirable. & realistically speaking I just need about $10,000 to make them all mine right now. Totally reasonable, right?
I’m sure every photographer out there understands my pickle and my predicament where as my mom is reading this going, “Ohhh here we go again”.. I talk about lenses A LOT.. It’s actually probably unhealthy and I want to thank my family for listening to me rant and rave and gush over all of these. Your support and open ears are so appreciated.
[all images of lenses were pulled from amazon.com]
