Why do people laugh at itty bitty lenses?!
- Thread starter boofhead
- Start date
I'm a newbie to photography (on a level beyond setting it to AUTO and just clicking away, anyway) but even I know that a long telephoto lens is the wrong choice for taking photos of things that are within a few feet fo you. What's WRONG with people? OK, granted, my Tamzooka lens will focus in amazingly close, all things considered, but that doesn't make it the right lens for photographing what I'm standing on!
I honestly think some people just like to show off their biggest and most expensive lenses. Making great photographs is not what they're there for. I'm perfectly happy to use my tiny 35mm f/1.8 prime lens if it's the right lens for the photo. And if it's for a portrait at "in this room" distance, it probably IS the right lens to use.
I honestly think some people just like to show off their biggest and most expensive lenses. Making great photographs is not what they're there for. I'm perfectly happy to use my tiny 35mm f/1.8 prime lens if it's the right lens for the photo. And if it's for a portrait at "in this room" distance, it probably IS the right lens to use.
It seems to me, that some wealthy photogs are showing off their more expensive lens more than focusing on the needs for the event, from what I'm reading here! Lol But I believe in using a lens that makes the job of getting the shot you want easier, not harder!lol 
I'm building up a good collection of lenses, and I get teased by my buddies sometimes (in a friendly way)! But I admit I have never got teased by the size of the lens, nor the fact they are mostly af-d versions! Though that is here and I don't do crowds, so I have yet to run across another photog (to be honest)!lol
But what I really mean to say is, use the lens that best suit your needs, and tell yourself those snobs can shove it! Enjoy your passion, and don't let anybody spoil it for you! Just smile back, with the thought that they are the ones feeling insecure! Lol
I'm building up a good collection of lenses, and I get teased by my buddies sometimes (in a friendly way)! But I admit I have never got teased by the size of the lens, nor the fact they are mostly af-d versions! Though that is here and I don't do crowds, so I have yet to run across another photog (to be honest)!lol
But what I really mean to say is, use the lens that best suit your needs, and tell yourself those snobs can shove it! Enjoy your passion, and don't let anybody spoil it for you! Just smile back, with the thought that they are the ones feeling insecure! Lol
The cause and effect might be inverted from what you first perceive. The shooter might want a certain perspective, meaning he wants to shoot from afar. And to get enough magnification he needs long focal length.
I've shot butterflies with 600 mm and longer, with extension tubes and teleconverters. I don't feel it is an overkill at all because nothing else gives the same perspective. I have shot butterflies with a 16/2.8 fisheye with an extension ring too, to produce completely different perspective. It all depends on what is the purported end result. YMMV.
Some of my best flower shots come from a Nikon 70-300mm VR lens. Also if a beautiful butterfly lands on a nearby flower, will you be able to get close enough with your 35mm to it before it flies off?
I use what works best for me in a particular situation.
I've never had a kit lens but have seen amazing photos taken with them here on Nikonites.
As for the reply problem, if I am going to respond with a one-paragraph answer, I use the Quick Reply box, but if I am going to write more than one paragraph, I use the Go Advanced Reply option. I've had problems in the past while trying to upload photos when using the Quick Reply box for so most of what I write, I choose the latter option.
As for the reply problem, if I am going to respond with a one-paragraph answer, I use the Quick Reply box, but if I am going to write more than one paragraph, I use the Go Advanced Reply option. I've had problems in the past while trying to upload photos when using the Quick Reply box for so most of what I write, I choose the latter option.
Oh, I see the utility and versatility of a zoom lens that has a wide focus range, and if someone made a 10 to 1000mm F/1.2 zoom lens that was six inches long and was razor sharp from corner to corner across its full zoom range, without pincushion or barrel distortion, and focused as close as six inches away, it'd be the only lens anybody would ever buy. But I choose the lens I take with me for what I intend to be photographing. I would not take my tamzooka to a portrait shoot. I'd take my portrait lens.
Currently I believe in taking along a general purpose lens along with a specialty lens just in case something interesting crops up. I usually choose my Nikkor 18-55 VR lens as the general purpose lens, because it's GOOD and it is my widest field of view lens plus it covers a good general purpose range.
At the moment I'm still playing with the tamzooka a lot but it will soon spend most of its time on the lens shelf as a less extreme zoom lens is likely to be more practical on a daily basis. The 18-55 and my 55-300 make a perfect pair for daily use. The tamzooka will be used less often, for events at racetracks, space launches, and other distant work.
Currently I believe in taking along a general purpose lens along with a specialty lens just in case something interesting crops up. I usually choose my Nikkor 18-55 VR lens as the general purpose lens, because it's GOOD and it is my widest field of view lens plus it covers a good general purpose range.
At the moment I'm still playing with the tamzooka a lot but it will soon spend most of its time on the lens shelf as a less extreme zoom lens is likely to be more practical on a daily basis. The 18-55 and my 55-300 make a perfect pair for daily use. The tamzooka will be used less often, for events at racetracks, space launches, and other distant work.
singlerosa_RIP
Senior Member
Sometimes I don't want to look like a photographer, so I'll remove the grip, put on the 50 and travel light. Many times, people are less intimidated when you take their photo with minimal kit. It's kinda like you're taking a snapshot vs a photograph (to them). Anyone who might laugh at me doesn't know squat (at least about camera gear).
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
A couple of thought's on this... I carry a 70-200mm on my FX body pretty much all the time and with regularity on my DX body, because it's an amazingly versatile lens. Many times I wind up shooting in places an hour ago I had no idea I'd be shooting in and carrying a single lens is just really too convenient for me to move away from. Also, a big zoom gives me compression I can't get with shorter focal lengths.
I do agree that many people, "just like to show off their biggest and most expensive lenses"; absolutely. There's a certain ego-factor in all of this and it's not limited to photography; that's just human nature. Many people also believe they can buy their way into excellent photography, bypassing all the effort required that most of us around here know lead to good photography. Things like understanding composition and how to control exposure. I believe the current term for these people is, "Poser". Personally I have no time for such nonsense. Light changes quickly and when I'm shooting, I like to find my "zone" and stay there as much as possible, we can chat later... AFTER I get the shot.
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SkvLTD
Senior Member
I've done decent work work w/ my 5100, but in all honesty you do need bigger and better gear for adverse conditions. If you only ever shoot in sunny 16/good and even lighting and mostly still subjects you really don't need anything bigger aside from perhaps more MPs that help insanely when bumping up the ISO past 400/640 to retain the detail. And just extra controls alone can be a life saver if you have to deal with variable lighting every 90* you turn.
Biggest thing is bokeh though. Try to get that f/2 look with the 18-55..... and unless you're doing studio/landscapes, it DOES matter and make or break a look.
Bigger gear makes shooting easier, lenses are sharper at higher apertures, and basically get your back when the lighting gets tough.
Can I do what I do today with old 5100 (but current glass)? Yes, to a degree, but would I ever want to struggle with even controls again? Nooooooo.
Biggest thing is bokeh though. Try to get that f/2 look with the 18-55..... and unless you're doing studio/landscapes, it DOES matter and make or break a look.
Bigger gear makes shooting easier, lenses are sharper at higher apertures, and basically get your back when the lighting gets tough.
Can I do what I do today with old 5100 (but current glass)? Yes, to a degree, but would I ever want to struggle with even controls again? Nooooooo.
My biggest lens is a 70-300mm but I'm planning on getting the new Nikon 200-500mm or something similar. Do I want to have to pay a grand for a new lens that will be a lot heavier to carry around? No not really but until I can persuade wildlife to come within several meters its the only way to get the shots I want. If I could use my 35mm 1.8 or kit lens for everything I would! It's so much nicer carrying the camera with a little lens and I don't feel so self conscious. If people sneer at you for using a small yet perfectly adequate lens, it just shows their own insecurities and lack of knowledge up.
I'm sure that the Nikon 200-500mm lens is a freak on a leash, but before you commit to spending that kind of money on a lens, I would recommend you at least give the Tamron 150-600mm lens (aka TAMZOOKA) a try. It's very nice and with a street price of under a grand it's well worth looking into. Pardon the pun.
You may end up wanting the Nikon ANYWAY but get the Tamron as well just because, you know, lens collecting is fun!
You may end up wanting the Nikon ANYWAY but get the Tamron as well just because, you know, lens collecting is fun!
Tamron was on my hit list but focus freeze issues others have had has put me off it to some extent.
Still waiting to see more reviews of the Nikon but so far it looks sharper. If its sharper at 500mm then it's the one for me. Constant F/5.6 is also appealing and opens up the possibility of using a 1.4X TC. Don't get me wrong I'd love to try both but I've made the mistake of going for the cheaper option in the past and spent more buying twice.
I've heard a little about a focus freeze issue. In my limited experience with the 600, I've found that you can outsmart the autofocus if you try to change focusing scenarios too quickly when the lens is out at the 600 end of its range. It'll hunt, and go so far out of focus that it may take several seconds to figure it out.
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When i take my largest lens out, whether that be at airshows or birding, it always draws attention from other photogs and the general public alike. Tbh, I want a bag for my head as i can see people side glancing and i do feel embarrassed. Its always a conversation starter tho
Michael J.
Senior Member
I use my DX Nikon 55-300 as well as my other gears and I have to say I never ever felt embarrassed. I bought it-I paid it and I love it. It i snot my problem people if ppl are laughing about my gear. I think sometimes I make better photos than ppl using their expensive gear. And if ppl pay to much attention on my gear it means they are not satisfied with their gear.
Don't get me wrong, i love all my camera stuff. I don't really get too conscious carrying the 70-200 f2.8. But walking around with this is a different story
btw, i am resting the lens on the top of my kneecap!