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How Many Lenses Are Really Needed?
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Mar 14, 2019 06:58:42   #
Charlie C Loc: North Liberty, IA
 
I like to be covered for reach on FF D750 and D7200. I use all which are 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 and 200-500. I also have the DX 16-80 I generally keep on the crop body. For travel I take the trinitys 14 through 200 lenses and the two bodies. For birding the 200-500 and either body. My first choice is the FF unless more reach is needed.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:07:22   #
Bipod
 
References have been made to "professional photographers".
That's includes a bunch of different occupations and types of photography:
wedding and event, portrait, Santa Claus, passport photos, fine art, fashion,
commercial, medical, forensic, etc. The more varied your takes, the more
varied your lenses.

But the most successful photographers -- the ones who are household names--
use the fewest lenses, because they need only do what they do, not everything.

Favorite lenses of some famous photographers:
Henri Cariter-Bresson: 50 mm
Bill Cunningham: 35 mm
Annie Liebovitz: 35 mm
Steve McCurry: 28-70 mm
Terry Richardson: 35 mm
Herb Ritts: 100 mm (on Mamiya medium format)
http://lovehatephoto.com/2015/04/06/favorite-lenses-of-famous-photographers/

Notice there's only one zoom (and that for a photojournalist) and no ultra-zooms.
That's not an accident. People who only need to do what they do (and who know
what they are doing) pick the lens with the best IQ, not the most versatile one.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:09:15   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Aren't you glad they don't make 18, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30,.......

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Mar 14, 2019 07:10:40   #
Silverman Loc: Michigan
 
LWW wrote:
On a DX an 18-200 will cover most everything acceptably.


I have a Nikon D3300 DX Camera, with a Nikon 35mm 1.8 prime, a 50mm 1.8 prime, a 55-200mm, 18-140mm Medium telephoto. I sold my 18-55mm lens. Does this seem to be a reasonable Lens package for a Newbie of 3 years. I do not plan on any other lens unless I become a Pro, then I will consider upgrading my Camera and lens package.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:14:12   #
wkillham
 
That’s like asking a woman how many pairs of shoes are needed! There is a difference between need and want...

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Mar 14, 2019 07:18:36   #
LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America
 
Silverman wrote:
I have a Nikon D3300 DX Camera, with a Nikon 35mm 1.8 prime, a 50mm 1.8 prime, a 55-200mm, 18-140mm Medium telephoto. I sold my 18-55mm lens. Does this seem to be a reasonable Lens package for a Newbie of 3 years. I do not plan on any other lens unless I become a Pro, then I will consider upgrading my Camera and lens package.


I might ditch the 55-200 and 18-140 and get an 18-200 to lighten the load, but otherwise you seem to have it covered well.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:21:32   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Mac wrote:
Other than for professional photographers (those who earn their living through photography) how many lenses are really needed? On full frame camera is anything more than a 35mm or 50mm and a specialty lens, ie a telephoto, or macro, or something else depending on the focus of interest really needed? I know that lens manufacturers want us to think we do, but do we really?


Cameras do not fall into the category of needs.
So in answer to your question 0.
Wants. WA, Normal and telephoto.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:22:50   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
I have four interchangeable lenses, that includes two zooms and two prime lenses. They ranges from 18mm to 300mm. I have a 1.4.Kenko teleconverter, that I rarely use. My photography very rarely surpasses 200mm. I also own a Nikon Bridge camera, that can reach out to 855mm. If I ever need a long range shot, or don't want to be bothered changing a lens or two. It's also my backup, should my crop sensor DSLR needs a repair, sometime down the road. I want a zoom Nikon wide angle lens next, the DX version 10-20mm.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:24:23   #
aikiboy
 
Seriously, whatever is essential for what you do is what you need. Determining this is sometimes difficult, and it often changes a bit, resulting in an expanded camera bag.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:30:41   #
Dannj
 
Mac wrote:
I'm not asking what lens I should buy, I own a number of lenses. My question was more philosophical.


Ahhhh...so kind of like how many angels on the head of a pin. I guess the answer would be the same😯

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Mar 14, 2019 07:30:54   #
Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA
 
Great question.
I think a key question is primes or zooms. And what you photograph. It appears that the famous shooters of the past used primes or bridge compacts. In feature film most DPs rent a set of primes and change for each shot. Very expensive lens in the thousands of dollars. I started with one lens on my Pentax 50 years ago.
Then we would buy a 135mm for portraits etc. Honestly wide angle was not on my chart. Think 35mm
And that was it. They say use your feet and move the frame. Not really practical in many situations.
I think my Sony 55mm Zeiss 1.8 is an amazing lens. Sony 16 70 Zeiss for cropped is a favorite.
And 70 200mm f4 faster was too expensive. This lens surprise takes beautiful images. In my micro contrast post on contrast and pop surprised me this lens was good.
I have the budget Rokinon lens for video. 24 50 etc. Actually think these manual film lens
Work better for me. Silky smooth aperture ring where you can create the exposure and look instantly.
When I need long reach I use the Sony RX10 bridge 24 600. Good at all ranges great images and video.
Shoot a lot of soccer with it. Good luck it is all good.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:36:51   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 

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Mar 14, 2019 07:42:31   #
khorinek
 
I think the question that should be asked is, how many lens does one need to satisfy your photography needs. If you enjoy shooting wildlife from a long distance then a long zoom lens is required and if you enjoy photographing people, family, street photography, then a wide angle lens would be needed. That's two lenses right there. My photography is my passion and my living. So my comments may not apply, but i'm also an enthusiast and I want/need the equipment that meets my needs.

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Mar 14, 2019 07:44:04   #
bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY
 
Mac wrote:
Other than for professional photographers (those who earn their living through photography) how many lenses are really needed? On full frame camera is anything more than a 35mm or 50mm and a specialty lens, ie a telephoto, or macro, or something else depending on the focus of interest really needed? I know that lens manufacturers want us to think we do, but do we really?


one at a time!

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Mar 14, 2019 07:45:13   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Mac wrote:
Other than for professional photographers (those who earn their living through photography) how many lenses are really needed? On full frame camera is anything more than a 35mm or 50mm and a specialty lens, ie a telephoto, or macro, or something else depending on the focus of interest really needed? I know that lens manufacturers want us to think we do, but do we really?


Really depends on what you want to do. I mean it is like asking what hammer do I really need around the house? The little all-in-one kit has a tack hammer, why on earth would I need anything else? Identifying the right tool depends on identifying the job.

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