Is it a good idea to let go of lenses that do not get used a lot?

gqtuazon

Gear Head
But you can sell these and buy other lenses that you want more.

For now, I know that my itch to buy more lenses is caused by NAS. I know which lenses that I used the most based on my experience. They get less love once I get it. I'm not sure if this is typical with those who have more than two lenses.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
I'm down to four lenses and only yearn for a 24-70 for events. The only other change to my line-up will be an 18mm prime to replace the 18-35 once someone makes what I want. I like to keep it simple, five lenses will be my max and I think at that point they will each earn their keep.
 

piperbarb

Senior Member
I agree with Sam, don't get rid of those lenses. When you get your new camera body, no doubt, you'll regret not having the correct lens if you get rid of any of those.

If you really think you need to get rid of any of those lenses, I would suggest keeping the 105mm. If you have another macro lens, then it might be okay, but it is always good to keep a macro lens in your collection. You may not use it very often, but when you really do need it you will kick yourself if you don't have it. It's one of those corollaries of Murphy's Law: you never have the correct lens when you need it. :)

I have a couple of lenses I do not use often, but have kept them anyway, and have been glad I did. I seriously contemplated selling the f/2 35mm AF Nikkor lens because I figured I had the 18-55 mm AF zoom. A couple of times I needed the faster wide angle lens, and was glad I never parted with the f/2 35mm.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
Considering your awesome macro shots, I would really suggest keeping that 105mm lens! And I would also keep your wide angle lens too! But I would really suggest you think of the types of shots you got with each lens, and ask yourself if you can stand losing the ability that lens gives you. Because we all know you'll be getting another awesome Nikon, and I think you may regret not having some of those lenses later.

But if you do need to save space, I have plenty of room for them, and a place already saved for that 105mm micro! Lol :D
 

LensWork

Senior Member
Whether you keep or sell them, it is not good to let lenses sit unused for long periods of time. Apertures can become sticky and AF-S motors can become squeaky for non-use. Exercise them periodically to keep them in good working order.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
All I can say is that when I look at the breadth of what you're keeping, outside of the 28mm f1.8G and possibly the 105mm everything else exists outside the scope of your other lenses. Unless you're abandoning the idea that you'll ever need an ultrawide, or have plans on eventually completing the "Trinity" series, I'd hold onto the 16-35mm for sure, and having a 300mm around when you're shooting full frame is a huge plus.

So, if you need to sell them to fund the replacement of your D800 then I understand, as having glass is useless without a camera. But if you don't need to then I would hold onto them. At least the 16-35mm and the 300mm.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I guess I'm looking at it from a completely different point of view--if I had all those wonderful lenses at my disposal, I'd create the opportunities to use them to their fullest rather than to wait for an opportunity to arise to make use of them. ;)
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I will add one more thought to this...in case you are having trouble trying to create ways of using these lenses, it would be awesome if you would do several tutorials for your Nikonite comrades showing various ways of using these lenses to the max. ;)

Let's see if I can get you started. How are these for some suggestions? :confused:

1. Going for brokeh using a tele wide open (and here I thought I was making up the word brokeh). :rolleyes:
2. Going low with a wide angle lens--how to take great photos using a wide angle lens from a low perspective.

Of course you would be obligated to share some examples taken with those awesome lenses. :)
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
Whether you keep or sell them, it is not good to let lenses sit unused for long periods of time. Apertures can become sticky and AF-S motors can become squeaky for non-use. Exercise them periodically to keep them in good working order.

I would agree if you store them in a hot and humid storage space but they are all in a well controlled space (my house) and they are babied. The situation is no different to the lenses that are in the stores and not being used.

They do get used at least twice a year that that's about it so that they get to see some sunlight every now and then.
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
I will add one more thought to this...in case you are having trouble trying to create ways of using these lenses, it would be awesome if you would do several tutorials for your Nikonite comrades showing various ways of using these lenses to the max. ;)

Let's see if I can get you started. How are these for some suggestions? :confused:

1. Going for brokeh using a tele wide open (and here I thought I was making up the word brokeh). :rolleyes:
2. Going low with a wide angle lens--how to take great photos using a wide angle lens from a low perspective.

Of course you would be obligated to share some examples taken with those awesome lenses. :)

Excellent idea Hark. However my full time work has kept me very busy lately and have limited time to do my pleasure photo shoot.

I do have some paid gig next week but I will be donating half of my profits to charity to help the people in the Philippines.
 
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