I'm quite new to the world of proper digital photography having only bought my DSLR on January 2nd. It took me less than 3 months to buy and become obsessed with my new 50mm lens. Now I'm wondering whether I will ever use a different lens.
I'm curious to know if other people are equally obsessed with one particular lens, and if so, which one?
I used to have an old Leica and old, used 90mm lens. Really beautiful for soft portraits. That was my favorite so far. With all the other cameras (digital) I keep thinking that I have to get a camera that has a mount that would accommodate this oldie.
My current obsession is with my 16-35mm lens. I've been using it for everything under the sun, including street photography. I agree with you on the 50mm, though. That is one sweet lens. When I first got mine, it didn't come off my camera for a couple of months.
I agree that the 50mm is excellent. My current obsession is the Lensbaby Composer pro - It is a selective focus lens - Not only is it a 50mm but there are additions that make it a wide angle/tele-photo and optics that change its character. Also it is quite cheap (in photography terms).
A 50mm on a full frame sensor camera is equivalent to what most of the old masters had. On an APS-C camera it grows out to an angle of view somewhat close to 75-80mm full frame equivalent, which I find I would not be comfortable with as the only possibility. Somewhat like Juliette @sparkle if I only could have one lens, it would either be my 24-85 f/3.5-4.5, or probably better the (expensive!) Nikkor f/2.8 24-70, both on my APS-C D7100. But then what do I do beyond that? So I would have to pair it with either my absolute favorite go-to lens the Nikkor 70-200 f/4, or if I could stand the 4 pounds the (again expensive!) Nikkor f/2.8 70-200. Not the Sigma f/2.8, which I rented for a week and was sadly disappointed with, distortion and edge problems even on the cropped sensor. And then what about a true macro? My new 100mm Tokina opens up a lot of close up (less than 12 inches) besides being a pretty darn good portrait and general purpose mild telephoto prime. And then what to do for the super wide angle at 10-20mm or so?
I am so glad I don't have to restrict myself to one. I'd give up the hobby I think if I was so hobbled and shackled.
No contest.....for me it is my Sigma 150-500mm lens...I love birds and nature and trying to photograph them....but it's fun to have all the other possibilities as @frankhymus put it.
@lynnb A lens essential for the great shots you take. It's VR is quite excellent too, I find, something you must also rely on. I have it in my bag also, but it is one heavy m*tha to hand hold and whip around with. :)
@frankhymus haha Frank....that it is...and thank you for the compliment. I have a good strap that allows me to carry it easily as I go on my walks and so I am almost always using it freehand (can't get the hang of a tripod!)
I have several lens and use each for different situations ,but if I could keep only one lens it would be the 24-70 Canon L. It is the older version I do not have the new version.
I agree with @chewyteeth I got my 85mm f/1.8 for Christmas and it has rarely left my camera body since. I take a lot of photos of my boys and love this lens.
If it was just one it would be my 35mm macro lens. It does double duty and I tend to like to capture a bit more of the scene that I see that a higher number does not really get.
I use to have a SLR with a 35mm and 50mm but now i have a X100s which has a fixed 35mm lens equivalent. I feel i know the lens inside out now. I some time miss not having the ability to change lenses but that rare. having a fixed lens stops me wanting more lenses as well and forces my attention on actual photography
Honestly, my Sigma DC 18-200mm 1:3.5-6.3 is my all-round favourite. If I only could have one lens, that'd be one I'd keep. It cover almost every need, exempt macro, fisheye and artistic.
I would pick my Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 prime if I could only have one lens for my D3100. The combination rocks as it is light and very sharp. The world is an extremely fun place at f/1.8. This lens stays on my camera 90% of the time, the other 10%, I use my Nikkor 55-200 zoom.
When I first bought the 50mm, I was using a cropped sensor camera and I didn't like it much because it seemed so limited. I didn't know what all the fuss was about. I liked what it took, but it seemed so restricted. @vankrey bought the 35mm and I realized that he could capture so much more. Then when I bought a full frame camera, I realized why everyone loved the 50mm so much. Now, it's definitely a favorite. The surprise favorite is the pancake 40mm for my cropped sensor camera because then the whole package is so small I can tuck it into a purse and it's much more satisfying than my point and shoot.
I love all of mine. Honestly, my zoom 75-300 is my fav because I like distance from my subjects a lot of the time and I also love birds. I have just acquired a 35mm prime for a full-framed lens but it's a nifty fifty on cropped sensor. I also am in love with my wide angle. It's really about what you like to shoot. Having a range is best in my mind (to start), and I wouldn't get caught up in the brand unless you need to. I love having my kit, zoom, wide, and 50. I have a macro converter for the really upclose stuff too. Have fun with whatever you pick!
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I am so glad I don't have to restrict myself to one. I'd give up the hobby I think if I was so hobbled and shackled.
However, if i could ONLY have 1 lens.. it'd have to be a canon 24-70 f2.8 mk2, its just so versatile