Lens lineup: opinion?

[edwardkaraa]

Depends on how much you like to change lenses, really. If I have a zoom - I use it. If I'm shooting primes, I'm often too lazy to change lenses unless really necessary.

I think changing lenses frequently on a shoot isn't necessary. I often work with one lens only. I may bring everything with me, but once on the spot, I will decide which lens I want to use based on the subject matter and what I'm trying to achieve, and normally would stick with it all the way. If I know the spot well, I will take just one lens that i want to use and leave the rest at home.

 

[Godfrey]

I think changing lenses frequently on a shoot isn't necessary. I often work with one lens only. I may bring everything with me, but once on the spot, I will decide which lens I want to use based on the subject matter and what I'm trying to achieve, and normally would stick with it all the way. If I know the spot well, I will take just one lens that i want to use and leave the rest at home.

I only very very rarely regret not having a lens with me. I use one lens for the vast majority of all my shooting sessions ... often carry two, make the decision which to go with when I get to where or what it is I want to shoot, and never change for the remainder of the session.

This is particularly true when I'm using ultra-wides. I find swapping between an ultrawide and a normal generally produces poor work with both ... I guess I can't change mental fields of view very quickly. When I work with ultra wide in particular, it's the ONLY lens I have with me and I quickly come to see in what it sees, and nothing else.

G

 

[Double Negative]

I'm not suggesting that a 28+50 will substitute for a 35 if a 35 is what you need. John perhaps made the point clearer. Start with your main focal length; be it 35, 50 or whatever. Build out from there. Of course it depends on what and how you shoot. There's no rule about a spread as much as it is a collection of your favorite focal lengths, really. But if you have a limited budget, getting every focal length along the way isn't all that practical.

 

[iiiNelson]

But if you have a limited budget, getting every focal length along the way isn't all that practical.

No but a good kit is feasible on a budget with selective and smart purchasing. For instance getting a ZM 50 Planar (or 35 Biogon-C if you're a 35 person), a Biogon or older Leica for your wide, and a older Leica, CV 75 Color Heliar, or ZM 85/4 for your telephoto. That would net you a very good kit for under $2500 new and less if you're patient.