olcoach Loc: Oregon

I have some really nice lenses and I'm not really sure what lens to use where. I know I use my big zooms on wildlife and sports but I don't know why I would use a 50mm rather than an 85mm. Does anyone know of a book or ? that explains what lens to use when. There is a ton of info on the cameras but I can't find good advice about lens use. Thanks for any and all help. Mike

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

The following site includes an Adorama Digital Photography One-on-One video by Mark Wallace on that very subject:

http://fstoppers.com/how-to-choose-the-right-lens-for-the-shot

UPDATE: Here is the direct link to that video:

http://www.adorama.com/alc/0013016/article/Choosing-the-Right-Lens-AdoramaTV

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Stick each lens you own on the camera for at least a month and go out and shoot. Don't take any other lens with you, just the one attached to the camera. You will learn so Much more than asking this question

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Try google

http://www.cameralabs.com/lens_guide/Lens_buying_guide.shtml

twowindsbear

Pick a lens - frame your image. IF you don't like the field of view AND you can't physically move - forward or backward to change the view - THEN choose a different lens. Kinda like 'zooming' but ya have to change the lens to change the focal length.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Take a look at Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Photography, Field Guide". He discusses the use and effects of different lenses. There are pictures, examples, and exercises. I learned a lot from this little book. One, I didn't know I could take close-ups using a ultra wide angle lens (10-22mm) The book also broaches all aspects of necessary
items for the photographers bag, including light meters, flashes, and other equipment besides lenses.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

I agree with Fstop22. Practice and the more practice.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Without reading all the other replies, I would say to practice with each lens, and come up with your own style. You are the artist so to speak... take advice sparingly when it comes to your creative ability. Sure, some lenses work better than others in certain situations, but you will quickly learn what looks good to you.

To challenge myself, I sometimes put on an arbitrary lens and then go out shooting. What I come home with are some pretty terrible shots and a few wonderful shots that I had not expected to be wonderful. Pros have way more experience, so it's easier for them to know what tools to use for a particular situation. However, sometimes it's good to branch outside the norm and experiment. For example, there is a member on this forum who sometimes uses a 24mm lens for portrait photography. That would not be my first choice, but his work is stunning.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

:thumbup:

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

It is actually a lot of fun just having one lens with you and trying different perspectives. You will even get good ideas for future photos when you use another lens. fstop22...great suggestion.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Thank you all for your great advice and help. I am glad I asked the question so I am off to put your ideas into action. Thanks again. Mike