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Need help switching to prime lenses
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Feb 22, 2016 08:16:02   #
Jim Bob
 
dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)


What camera?

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Feb 22, 2016 08:22:52   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)


I own the 28mm and the 50mm, not the 85mm. All go on a APS-C. The rest of my lenses are zoom which virtually makes my 28mm a sleeper now. As for myself, I would take the nifty fifty and one quality zoom like an 18- 200mm. Or up to 300mm

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Feb 22, 2016 08:29:36   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)


I scarcely think you'll be able to discern the difference in IQ between a good quality zoom and fixed focus lenses. Each FF lens may be less weight, but will the total of 3 lenses be less than a, let's say, 28~300 zoom? Do you like the idea of changing lenses for different photos of the same scene? As for faster, perhaps, but that can be compensated for by using a slightly higher ISO.
--Bob

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Feb 22, 2016 08:41:12   #
melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country
 
Stretch out your arms in front of you with thumbs touching and little fingers wide apart. If your proportions are anything like mine, you are spanning the view angle of a "normal " lens--50mm on full frame, or 35 on APS-C. One hand outstretched gives you about 100. For wide angles, stretch arms straight and parallel, thumbs about a hand-span apart. Works wonderfully when you get the hang of it.

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Feb 22, 2016 08:46:41   #
georgeretired Loc: Manitoba Canada
 
I have the Canon 10-22 and the Canon 24-70 that have become the everyday lens I carry with my Canon 70D. The 70-200 with an extender completes the package but also adds to the weight. Only have one prime that being a 50

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Feb 22, 2016 08:47:17   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)


Just my opinion. If you are using a crop sensor- 28mm is not wide enough, if you are using a full frame 85mm isn't long enough.

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Feb 22, 2016 09:05:33   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
I have the Canon EF 24 - 70 mm f/2.8 II lens. It's a fantastic lens. Since it almost covers the range, why not consider one like it.

Mark
Bozsik wrote:
I believe the filming industry uses the viewer more for compostion and framing the scene.

The more you use your lens, the better you get at predicting which focal length you will choose. With today's higher quality zooms, I would go with a 24-70 2.8 lens. It will provide you with both the image quality you want, and the focal lengths you want to cover. It will also provider you with a bit more at the wider end for shots inside of buildings and tighter situations. It will also save you the weight of having to carry around three separate lenses and having to swap them all of the time. But it is up to you.

Just practice with whatever you buy, that will be your best tool. If you buy the zoom, you won't require the previewer or the two extra lenses to tote around.
I believe the filming industry uses the viewer mor... (show quote)


:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

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Feb 22, 2016 09:06:45   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
billnikon wrote:
...take a medium zoom and enjoy yourself.

:thumbup:

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Feb 22, 2016 09:29:50   #
StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY
 
billnikon wrote:
Look, your going to Europe to enjoy and take pictures of your trip to have for years to come. Are you a professional? Are you going to sell your photographs to travel companies? Are you going for pleasure or as a professional photographer? If you answered NO to these questions then take a medium zoom and enjoy yourself. I take a 10-20 and a 18-300, the 18-300 is used about 90% of the time. You are over thinking this whole thing, number one, enjoy yourself, two, take some snapshots of the things you want and three, make sure you get a lot of shots of you or you and your partner with those things you like in the back ground. SO, go, enjoy yourself and have a good time, and remember, it's not the equipment stupid, it's the experience.
Look, your going to Europe to enjoy and take pictu... (show quote)



:thumbup: :thumbup:

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Feb 22, 2016 09:46:35   #
olddog Loc: louisville ky
 
dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)


dck45
The easiest way to get an idea of frame to lens mm is to put your zoom on 28,50,and 85 and check area of each. Some of the guys are giving good advice. Modern zooms are very good. I shot the interior of a church and you can tell that the screws in the pews are Phillips head. That was with an 18-300 Nikon on my d7100. I am very happy with it. $530.00 from Nikon refurbished during their 10% off sale. Good luck on your trip and show us some of your shots over there.

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Feb 22, 2016 09:57:46   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Bozsik wrote:
Good suggestions as well since the poster is traveling in Europe, most likely taking photos of architecture, the tilt-shift is a good suggestion.


Thanks!

These three albums of a recent trip to the UK and Ireland were done entirely with Nikon's PC-E lenses on a D800

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157661645548904
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157663995224105
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums/72157663611393645

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Feb 22, 2016 10:46:48   #
Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California
 
jerryc41 wrote:
http://nofilmschool.com/2011/08/directors-viewfinder
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Directors-Accessories/ci/5724/N/4028759376

This is why I prefer to use zoom lenses. You get the lens and the viewfinder all in one.


:thumbup: :thumbup:

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Feb 22, 2016 11:02:07   #
jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska
 
dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

I have good quality 24-70 and 70-200 lenses for my full frame camera. I cannot believe any prime lens can be "much sharper" than these lenses. And, because you can do all the framing in camera rather than cropping the image in PP, you can usually end up with a better final image. By using good zooms, you do not have to sacrifice the best perspective by backing up or going forward.

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Feb 22, 2016 11:04:35   #
jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ
 
If all you need is a preview of what the end results will be at a certain focal length, then just use one of your zooms and set it for 28,50, and 85mm to see what you get. But if you want to compare physical lenses mounted to your camera to see what they feel like, then just visit your local camera store and ask to see each lens you are interested in.

Personally, I would not buy 3 primes of those sizes just to go on a trip. One zoom lens is way more convenient. Besides, I've seen and used a 85mm prime lens and it was very slow to focus and it wasn't very light either. Primes are usually higher quality pieces, therefore made of more durable materials and glass making them larger and heavier that less expensive zooms.

dck45 wrote:
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to primes for an upcoming trip to Europe. 3 prime lenses (28,50 and 85) should be much faster,sharper and lighter than the zooms they replace. What I want is some sort of 'preview' device to use to determine what each focal length will look like without mounting it on the camera. In the past, I've found I wind up mounting each lens to preview the shot. This results in much lens fumbling, etc. I think I've seen film directors with a small lens around their neck which I assume is for that purpose, but I can't find anything offered for sale. Any ideas?
I'm considering switching from zoom lenses to prim... (show quote)

Reply
Feb 22, 2016 11:05:36   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
I have the same Canon L lenses. Agreed!!
Mark
jackm1943 wrote:
I have good quality 24-70 and 70-200 lenses for my full frame camera. I cannot believe any prime lens can be "much sharper" than these lenses. And, because you can do all the framing in camera rather than cropping the image in PP, you can usually end up with a better final image. By using good zooms, you do not have to sacrifice the best perspective by backing up or going forward.


:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

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