Could someone help me understand why I should get a fancy lens?

M

mattman1

Member
I understand, for the most part, the advantages of the nicer fast lenses but I'm not sure if they would apply in my particular case. I mostly shoot above f/4 so I don't really need a fast lens. And I have a Panasonic GH2 which I think is actually TOO sharp. I find myself preferring softer glass because I think it gives my stuff more of a cinematic feel. I'm shooting low budget narrative stuff.

Is there any reason I should get something beyond a couple old, slow canon FD or nikon zooms that cover the range of focal lengths I want? I don't even really care if they have a constant aperature because I don't like to zoom during shots anyway.

Is my thinking correct here or am I missing some aspect of what makes a good lens? Like how they handle color or something?
 
Shoot with lenses that please your eye.

I don't even really care if they have a constant aperature because I don't like to zoom during shots anyway.
Click to expand...

FWIW: Aperture has nothingto do with zooming. You mean "Focal length"
 
Last edited:
"I find myself preferring softer glass"
"I don't even really care if they have a constant aperature because I don't like to zoom during shots anyway."

Seems to me you are giving yourself the answers to your questions. If you don't care about sharpness and contrast, just buy the cheapest lenses you can find that fits your focal length requirements.
You may want to start with the pawn shops. Amazing what you can find in there...

L.


 
@novoluc I guess did kind of already know the answer. I was just wondering if there was some element I was overlooking here. I've never personally had access to a cream-of-the-crop lens so I don't know what I'm missing.
 
Zooms and cheap legacy lenses flare more, which can reduce general contrast and saturation as well as producing obvious flare shapes. Chromatic fringing can be noticeable. Only you will know if these will bother you, or simply add 'character'.
 
"I've never personally had access to a cream-of-the-crop lens so I don't know what I'm missing."

If you are in or close to a big city (possible also to get them by FedEx and such) you may want to consider renting one or two for a day. Check by yourself shooting the same scene with your lenses a the rental ones. Should give you an idea if it's worth it or not to pursue higher priced lenses that the ones you are thinking about.

My 2 cents...

L.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top