I'm saying that because a while back I bought a 17-55 and sold some
very good primes. Needless to say, I feel that it was the best
move that I made where lens purchases are concerned. To get what
the 17-55 offers for example you would need a 16mm, 20mm, 24mm,
28mm, 35mm, 45mm, 50mm and 55mm prime and you would be switching
lenses all the time. In my opinion the primes were no better than
the zoom, constant 2.8 on the zoom is great, and if I need that
much more light I just use a flash anyway or increase the ISO.
I am convinced that these days because of how well zooms are made,
primes are no more than just another way spend more money and
increase the weight of your camera bag and increase the chances of
getting your sensor dirty because you are changing lenses all the
time.
I will not be buying anymore primes the way I see it now unless for
whatever reason I need macro which you can get in a zoom anyway.
For general photography zooms are for me hands down. I will
probably never buy another prime.
Thoughts please
--
mrmacro
Dear lawnmower
I get your point and have read a few threads that also make a few
point. I think there are a few other ways to look at this issue. I
have to agree with my fellow Australian, Geoff that it pretty hard
to beat a prime macro in so many respects. They are often great
portrait lenses as well as being brilliant macro lenses. A few
additional points.
Prime lenses make you do more exercise as you have to move around
to get the picture you want. They help you 'find the angle.' People
with prime lenses are 'often' much fitter than people with high
powered zooms. (note I said often, as my anecdotal research is not
yet complete)
Prime lenses are also very cheap second hand these days because of
the preference of zooms. Because there are 'sometimes' fewer moving
parts in prime lenses, as they don't have to zoom, there is a good
chance that they are in better nick than second hand zoom lenses.
Again further research needs to be done here..but that's how we
learn. So, in terms of investment they are a good buy.
Prime lenses look better than zooms...I can't fully explain
this...but I am sure it is something to do with light
refraction...more research to be done. They do tend to be a little
thinner in circumference on the barrels. Again a personal
observation based on a sample of nearly 7.
In the last week I purchased one of those D70's that seem to be
popular on this forum. Although I feel I have an obligation to love
the nice little zoom that came with it (18-70) having read many
postings on this site, and at risk of getting big dark patches on
my ccd, also having read many articles on this, I took it off and
put on my very ancient 105mm manual lens. Sorry folks but it leaves
the kit lens for dead when it comes to sharpness. It also has a
beautiful shape.
With facts like these...and research currently being done on some
of those issues..what more can I say. Go PRIME, Go PRIME...
mrmacro
