How Many Lenses Are Really Needed?
Mar 14, 2019 07:54:52 #
My 24-70 and 70-200 cover most of my shooting. I would say about 6 lenses would do everything I ever need or want. I prefer fewer high quality lenses, but that's just me.
Mar 14, 2019 08:01:19 #
Jeffcs
Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
I’m seriously curious as to the real reason you ask “how many lenses” ?
Maybe your not all that familiar with why the lenses are manufactured.
For most photographers other than general use lenses most other lenses have specific uses that would otherwise be impossible with a “general” lens. PC lens or macro or a 105f1.4 zoom lenses just can’t capture the same effect.
Maybe your not all that familiar with why the lenses are manufactured.
For most photographers other than general use lenses most other lenses have specific uses that would otherwise be impossible with a “general” lens. PC lens or macro or a 105f1.4 zoom lenses just can’t capture the same effect.
Mar 14, 2019 08:11:54 #
I have an old 105 Micro Nikkor and an old 28 manual focus, that I hardly ever use. 95% of shots are with 24-85, and remainder with 70-300.
I keep thinking about going wider, and also going longer, but I can’t justify it.
My next glass will probably be upgrades to the two favorites, but I haven’t even started the research.
I keep thinking about going wider, and also going longer, but I can’t justify it.
My next glass will probably be upgrades to the two favorites, but I haven’t even started the research.
Mar 14, 2019 08:17:34 #
I have many great lenses, but I don’t have even one PC lens.
That needs to be addressed.
That needs to be addressed.
Mar 14, 2019 08:18:40 #
nikonnate
Loc: Woodbury MN
Beware the man who shoots only one gun, for he knows it well.
That said, I'm pretty new/ amateur with my D850. I would have argued for at least a low intermediate when I had my entry-level cam but whatever :) My lens plan is a Sigma 14 f1.8 prime for shooting stars (my main complaint with my T5i was noise while shooting long exposures at 3am), Nikkor 24-70 for walk-around, 70-200 for mid-range stuff like going to the zoo or the park, and Sigma S 150-600 for wildlife. I have a 50 1.8 because everyone should and a 105 macro for my other main hobby. That's my list of aspiration. If I add something else on there, it might be a fisheye, but that's kind of unlikely.
That said, I'm pretty new/ amateur with my D850. I would have argued for at least a low intermediate when I had my entry-level cam but whatever :) My lens plan is a Sigma 14 f1.8 prime for shooting stars (my main complaint with my T5i was noise while shooting long exposures at 3am), Nikkor 24-70 for walk-around, 70-200 for mid-range stuff like going to the zoo or the park, and Sigma S 150-600 for wildlife. I have a 50 1.8 because everyone should and a 105 macro for my other main hobby. That's my list of aspiration. If I add something else on there, it might be a fisheye, but that's kind of unlikely.
Mar 14, 2019 08:24:25 #
Mac wrote:
That is what I have unintentionally become, and is pretty much what prompted my question.
I understood completely.
Mar 14, 2019 08:32:01 #
Mar 14, 2019 08:35:45 #
I tend to purchase lenses based on the discipline I would need them for and depending on my skill level and ability to manage that particular task. I do have too many cameras and as a result , too many lenses as well but these I tend to use as gifts to waiting children who dream of possessing one as well.
Everything I own is in Mint Condition like I bought it ,yesterday so I have no problem in donating anything I have to another soul that respects quality built items such as a camera or a fine firearm.
Good Design is never out of fashion so choose wisely and never look back.
Everything I own is in Mint Condition like I bought it ,yesterday so I have no problem in donating anything I have to another soul that respects quality built items such as a camera or a fine firearm.
Good Design is never out of fashion so choose wisely and never look back.
Mar 14, 2019 08:44:08 #
Better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Mar 14, 2019 08:44:47 #
BebuLamar wrote:
One lens. Without a lens you can't take picture.
Pinhole camera?
As far as how many lenses are needed a lot of UHHers will tell you "you can't have too many lenses".
Mar 14, 2019 08:45:37 #
Dngallagher wrote:
I am thinking...ONE more.... ;)
"one...more" The exact answer I give when my mother asks me how many kayaks I need, (I have 5)
Lenses, I have a few more. For my Nikons, (D7000, D7200 and once I decide to pull the trigger D500) the 18-200 is my walk-around lens. I also have an 11-16, 35, 50 1.8, 90 macro and 150-600. For my Lunx G85 the walk-around is 14-150 and I also have an 8mm "bodycap" fisheye and a 100-300. I still have the 12-60 that came with it but might sell it, maybe not. Yes, the 18-200 and the 14-150 are more than I "need" for each camera. When I was a photography major I only had the 50 for my Fuji 35mm film camera and it was great, eventually getting a 135 telephoto, but that 50 was all I needed. I still like to go out occasionally with just a prime, usually the 35, and shoot. I think it makes me a better photographer. It makes me move around and really look for the best shots, but I use all of my lenses in the right situation.
Mar 14, 2019 08:48:30 #
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?
None. Go with a pin-hole rig.
Mar 14, 2019 08:51:18 #
Gene51 wrote:
1 is needed. Having more is a matter of choice and circumstance. If you are a "completist" then nothing less than ALL the lenses will suffice. This is a silly question.
Many people buy lenses just to buy lenses, you can see that here on UHH when someones lists the lenses they own and ask which one they should used for a certain situation. So my question isn't really silly. Though as I said in an earlier replies, the question is of a philosophical nature, prompted by the fact that though I own many lenses I use two lenses far more often than all the others combined and I really don't need those other lenses. It was not intended to challenge the lens choices of others.
Mar 14, 2019 08:51:53 #
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?
16-35 zoom, 28-300 zoom, 100 macro and either a 35mm or 50mm f/1.4. I use them all. I use the 28-300 the most but I do use the others.
Mar 14, 2019 08:54:41 #
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?
Are you a street shooter? If so, a 35mm Prime will suffice. You may want something a bit longer on an African safari. It all depends upon your subject and shooting style.
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