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"L"s Do you really need one? An Observation

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Sils

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For those who ask "What lens should I ....."

There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one? I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
 
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
 
although, seems like you (and me) are just feeding the flames of a troll.

One needs to take things in perspective-- there are very good reasons for "L" glass as there are good reasons for consumer glass.

One needs to decide what equipment is best for the job at hand. There is no blanket statement as the original poster made that works for all.
Robert Vance said:
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
 
Sils said:
Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!
Click to expand...
If we all followed your reasoning we'd be driving Fords. There's nothing wrong with a Ford, as they work quite well, will get me from Point "A" to Point "B" just as quickly (here in the States), and will leave me with "a fatter bank balance."

However, I prefer BMWs and Mercedes, thank you very much.

Why would anyone spend over $5,000 for a 500mm Canon L IS lens when a much lighter, more versatile Sigma 50-500 is only $700?

Brendan
--
Equipment list in profile -- where it BELONGS!
----------
If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, I'm the world's most dangerous man!
 
Troponin said:
One needs to take things in perspective-- there are very good
reasons for "L" glass as there are good reasons for consumer glass.

One needs to decide what equipment is best for the job at hand.
There is no blanket statement as the original poster made that
works for all.
Robert Vance said:
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
Click to expand...
 
Robert Vance said:
Troponin said:
One needs to take things in perspective-- there are very good
reasons for "L" glass as there are good reasons for consumer glass.

One needs to decide what equipment is best for the job at hand.
There is no blanket statement as the original poster made that
works for all.
Robert Vance said:
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
 
I have Ls and non Ls. The Ls are heavier and better built and usually give better sharpness, contrast and faster apertures. However, it you don't want to spend that much or have such heavy lenses, there are many good consumer lenses as opposed to the Ls.
 
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
Translation..."I can't afford "L" glass so I will justify cheaper lenses"
 
Troponin said:
Robert Vance said:
Troponin said:
One needs to take things in perspective-- there are very good
reasons for "L" glass as there are good reasons for consumer glass.

One needs to decide what equipment is best for the job at hand.
There is no blanket statement as the original poster made that
works for all.
Robert Vance said:
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
Click to expand...
--
m i l e s
http://www.pbase.com/milest
 
to jump all up on this one (LoL).

Seems that we are all feeding this troll.

he he he.

I actually prefer the Acura Type S with that awesome V-Tec 260 hp engine.

now, I wouldn't want a punch buggy-- well unless it's the turbo punch buggy :-).
Group Idiot said:
Sils said:
Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!
Click to expand...
If we all followed your reasoning we'd be driving Fords. There's
nothing wrong wMith a Ford, as they work quite well, will get me
from Point "A" to Point "B" just as quickly (here in the States),
and will leave me with "a fatter bank balance."

However, I prefer BMWs and Mercedes, thank you very much.

would anyone spend over $5,000 for a 500mm Canon L IS lens when
a much lighter, more versatile Sigma 50-500 is only $700?

Brendan
--
Equipment list in profile -- where it BELONGS!
----------
If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, I'm the world's most
dangerous man!
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
 
I weighed it out. For me the 100-400L and 28-70L were worth the extra money in that focal lenght. In the wide angle length the Sigma fit the bill. When I buy a macro the Sigma 180 is my choice. The thing about it if you can afford the L glass then you know you have the best. If you have a good copy and your photos just aren't right the problem will be somewhere else.
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
--
Mike Morbach
I'm still learning
http://www.pbase.com/spike777
 
eyeDreamer said:
Troponin said:
Robert Vance said:
Troponin said:
One needs to take things in perspective-- there are very good
reasons for "L" glass as there are good reasons for consumer glass.

One needs to decide what equipment is best for the job at hand.
There is no blanket statement as the original poster made that
works for all.
Robert Vance said:
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
Click to expand...
--
m i l e s
http://www.pbase.com/milest
Click to expand...
--
Troponin (Trop)
I must admit, I gotta problem with typo's
 
Brendan -

I would not put BMW and Benz on the same pedestal as Canon L. Canon's Ls are RELIABLE, durable, work without failure, have few if any flaws etc.

Having had new BMWs and Benzes, following ownership of used Accords and Civics during my college days, I must say that neither German brand stands up even to the Civic. Yes, in an accident I'd prefer to be in the German car, but when it comes to reliability, accessories, flawlessness, a Civic will beat the others.

Now, as for Canon's Ls, they are certainly worthy of being put up on the pedestal, as they appear to stand up to all kinds of challenges. In a sense, with a Canon L, you get the strength and durability of a German car with the reliability of the Japanese.

Stefan
Group Idiot said:
Sils said:
Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!
Click to expand...
If we all followed your reasoning we'd be driving Fords. There's
nothing wrong with a Ford, as they work quite well, will get me
from Point "A" to Point "B" just as quickly (here in the States),
and will leave me with "a fatter bank balance."

However, I prefer BMWs and Mercedes, thank you very much.

Why would anyone spend over $5,000 for a 500mm Canon L IS lens when
a much lighter, more versatile Sigma 50-500 is only $700?

Brendan
--
Equipment list in profile -- where it BELONGS!
----------
If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, I'm the world's most
dangerous man!
Click to expand...
 
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!
Click to expand...
1. Only a small percentage of people NEED "L" lenses.

2. Most people cannot tell whether a picture was taken with a "L" lens.

3. The advantage of a "L" lens in terms of colour, contrast etc can to a large extent be "manufactured" in PS for a picture taken with a non-L lens.

4. For the masses, a "L" lens is a luxury item.

Having said all that, I think your comment - "I think it is just for your ego...." - was wholly unnecessary and provocative.

--
Arthur Li
http://www.pbase.com/akl

The camera is only one of the photographer's tools ....
 
My wife has driven a MB S class for over ten years. I have driven Honda's, Fords, Triumphs, Nissan's and who knows what else. When you get down to it a car is a car is a car. They all break down and they all drain your wallet for repairs and maintenance. Not so with my beloved L's.
Stefan Bruckel said:
I would not put BMW and Benz on the same pedestal as Canon L.
Canon's Ls are RELIABLE, durable, work without failure, have few if
any flaws etc.

Having had new BMWs and Benzes, following ownership of used Accords
and Civics during my college days, I must say that neither German
brand stands up even to the Civic. Yes, in an accident I'd prefer
to be in the German car, but when it comes to reliability,
accessories, flawlessness, a Civic will beat the others.

Now, as for Canon's Ls, they are certainly worthy of being put up
on the pedestal, as they appear to stand up to all kinds of
challenges. In a sense, with a Canon L, you get the strength and
durability of a German car with the reliability of the Japanese.

Stefan
Group Idiot said:
Sils said:
Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!
Click to expand...
If we all followed your reasoning we'd be driving Fords. There's
nothing wrong with a Ford, as they work quite well, will get me
from Point "A" to Point "B" just as quickly (here in the States),
and will leave me with "a fatter bank balance."

However, I prefer BMWs and Mercedes, thank you very much.

Why would anyone spend over $5,000 for a 500mm Canon L IS lens when
a much lighter, more versatile Sigma 50-500 is only $700?

Brendan
--
Equipment list in profile -- where it BELONGS!
----------
If a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, I'm the world's most
dangerous man!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Mike Morbach
I'm still learning
http://www.pbase.com/spike777
 
Provocative..maybe...It's just in my opine that most of these forum followers are techno/hardware freaks and its their "toys" they thrive on.Not the results as it should be.
Arthur Li said:
Sils said:
For those who ask "What lens should I ....."
There is lots of very good glass... by many makers... in all types
and sizes out there that are NOT "Ls". Anyone in these "digital
days" with a reasonably good working knowledge of PS or PS
Elements2 (or similar) can produce a finished product(photo) of
outstanding excellence.Most could not tell if the original shot was
taken through an "L" or a"CocaCola" bottle...for that matter.I
think it's just for your ego to say"I have an xxxxxx"L".The end in
this case does not justify the means.Soooo..Do you really need one?
I think not!! Use what you got and enjoy the end result...great
pics and a fatter bank balance!
Click to expand...
1. Only a small percentage of people NEED "L" lenses.

2. Most people cannot tell whether a picture was taken with a "L"
lens.

3. The advantage of a "L" lens in terms of colour, contrast etc can
to a large extent be "manufactured" in PS for a picture taken with
a non-L lens.

4. For the masses, a "L" lens is a luxury item.

Having said all that, I think your comment - "I think it is just
for your ego...." - was wholly unnecessary and provocative.

--
Arthur Li
http://www.pbase.com/akl

The camera is only one of the photographer's tools ....
Click to expand...
--
Sils...

Why are my thoughts worth 2 cents and yours only one?
 
Sils said:
Provocative..maybe...It's just in my opine that most of these forum
followers are techno/hardware freaks and its their "toys" they
thrive on.Not the results as it should be.
Click to expand...
It is one thing making an observation for the benefit of the newbies (so they don't get L fever too early), it is quite another to call most of the forum followers "techno/hardware freaks". I gave you the benefit of the doubt that you were not deliberately starting an argument but I am not too sure now....I follow this forum, I have very nice gear and I enjoy playing with my toys...but I also take nice pictures so you shouldn't tar most people with one brush...But I will defend to the death your right to say what you said.

--
Arthur Li
http://www.pbase.com/akl

The camera is only one of the photographer's tools ....
 
Sils said:
....The end in this case does not justify the means....
Click to expand...
If you'd said, "In my opinion, the end in this case does not justify the means," then I would have agreed with you, as your opinion is entirely subjective.

Since you didn't, I have to say that such a blanket statement is completely absurb.

Some people may not need them. For others, who're trying to get that last bit of quality, that last bit of speed, who want bigger and bigger prints, who require something that's not going to fall apart the first time its bumped... for those people, those lenses are ESSENTIAL.

I'll end by saying that PS is not a panacea. The detail you didn't capture can not be manufactured. If you didn't capture the edge, then no amount of contrast enhancement or sharpening is going to "improve" it.
 
Arthur Li said:
It is one thing making an observation for the benefit of the
newbies (so they don't get L fever too early), it is quite another
to call most of the forum followers "techno/hardware freaks". I
gave you the benefit of the doubt that you were not deliberately
starting an argument but I am not too sure now....I follow this
forum, I have very nice gear and I enjoy playing with my toys...but
I also take nice pictures so you shouldn't tar most people with one
brush...But I will defend to the death your right to say what you
said.
Click to expand...
.... I will defend your right to make observations about L lens, NOT your comments about other forum members.

--
Arthur Li
http://www.pbase.com/akl

The camera is only one of the photographer's tools ....
 
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