I’ve recently had a few inquiries about lenses that I use, and I figured I’d throw a few thoughts down. First and foremost, I’ve never been one that is all about gear. Don’t get me wrong, having good gear is important to our job and livelihood, but cameras/lenses are just tools to get us where we want creatively. I like to use the right lens or camera for the right job.
So many people put so much emphasis on what gear you are using, but most importantly is what you are putting in front of your camera. I have shots in my portfolio from a point and shoot.
That said, in the realm of digital, I use Canon gear because A: it’s great and B: I got into the photography game when they were a leg up ahead of Nikon. Started investing into the lenses/bodies and have had no need to switch. Since then, Nikon has definitely caught up so either are great. I wouldn’t buy anything else in the dSLR world besides either of those. (Leica is definitely awesome, but I don’t feel like they play in the same realm.)
On to lenses, I’ve posted a little before, but a few years ago. I’ve even simplified my shooting, and use less lenses in the lifestyle arena. I prefer the fixed focal length lenses for the most part. Since I’ve been shooting more film, I only have 2 lenses for my Contax G2’s, the 28mm and the 45mm, but I primarily only use the 45mm. Below are a couple samples(click here to see the whole shoot: http://nonk.it/dYyrrF):
In the Canon Digital world, Here’s an overview:
Canon 20mm f2.8
I love this lens for close dynamic type of shots or landscapes. It has a great dynamic to it that you can pull a lot of story into. It also has a natural vignette that I like. It does distort a bit, but if used in the right context it works to your advantage. Here are a couple of examples:
Canon 35mm f1.4L
This lens is great for shooting group lifestyle. You can fit a lot more into the frame, while still being in a close proximity to the subjects. The downside is it does distort when you get closer, and at certain angles. Something to be aware of. Samples below:
Canon 50mm f1.2L
I bought this lens a while back, used it for a bit, then shelved it for a while. I’ve recently started to shoot it a lot more because it has less distortion for shooting one person closer up. Great lens all around though. Samples below:
Canon 70-2oomm f2.8L ISII
I use this lens if I want to get a really compressed look. This leans more into the fashion lifestyle side. Samples below:
thanks man i really appreciate it!!!! have you ever used the 85 1.2? i do a lof of portraits.. http://www.spillphotography.com and ive read that that lens is the mac daddy for portrait work. This is awesome though, gives me some great insight. I think my next purchase is either an 85 or the 50, and then the 70-200 for fashion and rock climbing.
Nice write up. Simple yet informative. I mainly shoot with fixed/primes also. Gotta love the sharpness!
How do you process? and how long do you take to process each photo. I use both film and digital, but I love film for the fact that I don’t have to spend hours processing.
Great list of lenses and samples! Especially like the film samples thrown in.
Great list!! And beautiful, inspirational photos to accompany the info. A wonderful post.
Very informative post and beautiful photos.
As Omar asked – how long do you take to process each photo? How do you process?
Get at me about advertising. i like your brand.
The 35 and 50 love them.
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