Do Heavier (metal) lenses - provide GREATER stability, or do they actually create instability?
Feb 20, 2019 00:51:07 #
It's an age-old argument, isn't it? … Buy plastic lenses, and then you don't have to worry about the weight - carrying them. But, when a rough wind blows, that lens, the camera it's attached to, and you - are gonna take a trip - kinda like Dorothy did - huh? … And, then, all you'll be shooting is lions, scarecrows, tin men, and yellow brick roads. But, use a heavy lens - sure it'll break your back, going up the hill - but, when you are holding the camera, about to shoot, and a rough wind suddenly appears - you're not going anywhere - are you? …. So - what's YOUR vote? … Metal, or Plastic? …
Feb 20, 2019 01:07:08 #
You may want to check the answers in this thread where you asked a similar question.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510655-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510655-1.html
Feb 20, 2019 01:25:37 #
RichardTaylor wrote:
You may want to check the answers in this thread where you asked a similar question.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510655-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510655-1.html
Well, Richard ... I'm pretty sure most of the Topics I've posted of late, were done by me - in another way - a year ago. But, that doesn't make them any less germane, today. I'm pretty sure I've never used the Wizard of Oz analogy, before, and that - alone - makes this post a little different than ones I may've done in the past. I am concerned about the stability issue, and I'm sure it matters to a few other readers, here, too. So, I don't think it matters, if this subject (or any other, for that matter) is returned to - sometime, later.
Feb 20, 2019 01:35:49 #
Chris T wrote:
Yeah, there is just no question about that, heavier lenses are easier to handle and provide a lot more stability, there is of course a limit to everything, one is not going to shoot BIF with a Sigma 500/2.8 handheld all day long!It's an age-old argument, isn't it? … Buy plastic ... (show quote)
Feb 20, 2019 01:36:43 #
RichardTaylor wrote:
You may want to check the answers in this thread where you asked a similar question.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510655-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510655-1.html
It does kinda start out the same, doesn't it, Richard? … But, this one has another direction. This one actually asks for a VOTE - on plastic or metal. And, in that way - this one's just a little bit different, and worthier ….
Feb 20, 2019 01:41:11 #
speters wrote:
Yeah, there is just no question about that, heavier lenses are easier to handle and provide a lot more stability, there is of course a limit to everything, one is not going to shoot BIF with a Sigma 500/2.8 handheld all day long!
How about a Sigma 50-500, though, S?
Tell me - how is a heavier lens - easier to handle?
Do you think THIS one is ???
NIKKOR 1200-1700
Feb 20, 2019 01:43:44 #
I do not let the lens construction material be a major influence my decision on what lens to buy. All the lenses I now use are metal.
And heavier lenses are more stable, especially when using a monopod, howver if the wind is howling, and blowing rain straight into the front of the lens then it is almost time to pack up.
And heavier lenses are more stable, especially when using a monopod, howver if the wind is howling, and blowing rain straight into the front of the lens then it is almost time to pack up.
Feb 20, 2019 02:02:38 #
RichardTaylor wrote:
I do not let the lens construction material be a major influence my decision on what lens to buy. All the lenses I now use are metal.
Well - that sounds to me, Richard … as though the lens construction WAS critical in your purchase decisions.
Doesn't it to you?
Feb 20, 2019 02:05:52 #
Chris T wrote:
Well - that sounds to me, Richard … as though the lens construction WAS critical in your purchase decisions.
Doesn't it to you?
Doesn't it to you?
No.
Maximum aperture, focal length (range if a zoom), focussing speed and IQ were the most important things for my last lens purchases. They all happen to be metal lenses.
Feb 20, 2019 02:05:57 #
RichardTaylor wrote:
I do not let the lens construction material be a major influence my decision on what lens to buy. All the lenses I now use are metal.
And heavier lenses are more stable, especially when using a monopod, howver if the wind is howling, and blowing rain straight into the front of the lens then it is almost time to pack up.
And heavier lenses are more stable, especially when using a monopod, howver if the wind is howling, and blowing rain straight into the front of the lens then it is almost time to pack up.
Unless the whole kit is waterproof, and you're wearing some rain gear …
Then - it comes down to the subject matter …
Does it deserve you staying out in inclement weather, or not?
After all - your Pulitzer - could be waiting ...
Feb 20, 2019 02:07:51 #
RichardTaylor wrote:
No.
Maximum aperture, focal length (range if a zoom), focussing speed and IQ were the most important things for my last lens purchases. They all happen to be metal lenses.
Maximum aperture, focal length (range if a zoom), focussing speed and IQ were the most important things for my last lens purchases. They all happen to be metal lenses.
EXACTLY!!! … And - you're not likely to get all those things in one zoom, UNLESS it were metal!!!!
Feb 20, 2019 02:08:04 #
Chris T wrote:
Unless the whole kit is waterproof, and you're wearing a windbreaker …
Then - it comes down to the subject matter …
Does it deserve you staying out in increment weather, or not?
After all - your Pulitzer - could be waiting ...
Then - it comes down to the subject matter …
Does it deserve you staying out in increment weather, or not?
After all - your Pulitzer - could be waiting ...
Not a windbreaker - wet weather gear.
If you are shooting for a "client" it matters.
I love shooting some subjects in the rain.
Feb 20, 2019 02:08:30 #
Chris T wrote:
But, when a rough wind blows, that lens, the camera it's attached to, and you - are gonna take a trip
Really ?
Is this more heresay and guesswork from you or do you have any factual evidence and examples to support this?
Feb 20, 2019 02:10:19 #
Chris T wrote:
EXACTLY!!! … And - you're not likely to get all those things in one zoom, UNLESS it were metal!!!!
They were not all zooms.
Feb 20, 2019 02:16:08 #
Grahame wrote:
Really ?
Is this more heresay and guesswork from you or do you have any factual evidence and examples to support this?
Is this more heresay and guesswork from you or do you have any factual evidence and examples to support this?
Actually, Grahame … I know this from my own experiences. If you use a plastic long lens in bad weather, and a wind comes along … you will go flying … 's the nature of the beast …
Use a metal one - you're not going anywhere. But, whether you can keep it steady or not's another matter.
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