What is wrong with long lenses? (Page 3): I had carpal tunnel syndrome from hand-holding heavy lenses too often in the 1980s. So I know my limits.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Architect1776 wrote:

Seems that way here at least.

I had carpal tunnel syndrome from hand-holding heavy lenses too often in the 1980s. So I know my limits.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I read a rumor on the internet today that long lenses don't matter anymore. Who knew?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

wmurnahan wrote:

I think it might be a size thing. As we get older it gets harder to hold up and with cameras like the Sony RX10 line giving fantastic results with 1" sensors, the big lens are sold while you might hang on to a full frame with a smaller lens.

The RX10 line has proven what technology can do - and it is game changing ! If Sony can continue to produce them, there will be a LOT of Canon, Nikon and Sony APSC & FF stuff for sale 8-( - mine included. As for now,the RX 10's are hard to get and there is much psychological and other push back from Canon, Nikon and the industry in general. With the RX10's, ALL lens buying goes away .....scary I know - but it is coming.
.

FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County

burkphoto wrote:

One theory is that photographers are — as a demographic — an older group, less willing to lug a lot of heavy glass through the jungle to find a unicorn.

Meh, when you’ve seen one…

Bill_de Loc: US

When I started upgrading for birds/wildlife I got an 800mm F/5.6 and a 400mm F/2.8. I got rid of a 500mm F/4 and a 200-400mm F4.0. What I was missing was hand holdable lenses. I got the 300 and 500pf lenses. I held on to the 200-500 F/5.6 just to have a zoom in the range.

The 5 long lenses cover every situation I run into in the field. For me, the 800, 400, and 200-500 require a tripod. The 2 PF lenses are go anywhere pieces of glass.

Below 300mm I have an assortment of F and Z lenses. Some F lenses are from the film era, but still work.

I usually pick a lens for a particular subject, but sometimes look for a subject to match a lens.

Having a hobby instead of a job is a great way to spend retirement.

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kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

ClarkJohnson wrote:

Interesting observation. I haven’t used my 200-500 at all since I acquired my 500 PF. Maybe folks are realizing that big zooms are still compromised designs compared to primes? Or, maybe just just a random quirk in the market that will dissipate in time.

And I would barely use MY 200-500 if I had the same 500 lens, but I'm not able to shell out $3600 to do that. The 200-500 will have to do in the meantime. I just need to get better at holding that beast still.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

burkphoto wrote:

I had carpal tunnel syndrome from hand-holding heavy lenses too often in the 1980s. So I know my limits.

Interesting, because, in general, carpal tunnel comes primary from long-term repetitive motion movements such as doing a lot of typing or surgical procedures.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Bridges wrote:

It seems like a lot of 150/200 -- 500/600 lenses are coming up for sale…… Is wildlife becoming a less popular subject….

I’m going to hazard a guess as to why BIG lenses are falling out of favor.

Lens manufacturing is headed in a new direction. No Pun Intended. They are getting better in design. While a large lens is impressive, it had certain limitations. Namely the aperture must compensate for the large amount of glass elements in front of it. So I’m inclined to believe one or two “big glass” lenses are only necessary. The rest may be expensive paperweights.

The use of tripods for these lenses is often mitigated by hand held brackets which just make the excess weight cumbersome.

The use of lens extenders magnify the image but cost losing 1.4 or even 2 aperture settings.

I am a strong believer in that “some is good, more isn’t better.” Sometimes redundancy isn’t better even if you repeat yourself.

In case those who suffer from a GAS attack here is the name of the lens support I mentioned earlier. It’s only about $50.
The name is:
Fotga L200 Telephoto Lens Quick Release Plate Long-Focus Support Holder

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

For a few years, buying high-end telephoto lenses for big Nikon and Canon cameras was a FAD: the “thing” to do, the way to “keep up” with the photo “in-crowd,” the way to fill an imaginary need, the toy of delusion! The same also applies to the purchasing of those large, expensive, bulky, feature-filled camera bodies. So, how many of those features did the GAS crowd really use? How many super sharp bird photos win photo awards?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Real Nikon Lover wrote:

You can't eat money or precious metals. If there is no food to eat then what.

If you have money, you can find food.

granbob Loc: SW Wisc; E Iowa; W Illinois

I use my 200-500 lens more than any other lens I have. I am now in the 'elderly group' with somewhat limited mobility. I have found a vehicle makes a wonderful blind for wildlife and the 200-500 is very versatile when resting on a lowered window while stopped.

Bill_de Loc: US

Nosaj wrote:

For a few years, buying high-end telephoto lenses for big Nikon and Canon cameras was a FAD: the “thing” to do, the way to “keep up” with the photo “in-crowd,” the way to fill an imaginary need, the toy of delusion! The same also applies to the purchasing of those large, expensive, bulky, feature-filled camera bodies. So, how many of those features did the GAS crowd really use? How many super sharp bird photos win photo awards?

Ever been to Conowingo? Do you think these folks were following a fad?

http://baltimorewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Untitled.jpg

I would have loved to get these with my 70 - 200!

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-734327-1.html

Your post smells like sour grapes, unless I misread it.

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Hip Coyote

Of course without a data, this is all speculation. So, I speculate that many people get into photography think they need a long lens to mimic the pros they see on TV…most of whom are sports photogs. I know in the film days I lusted after a loooong lens. I finally was gifted
One and realized I rarely used it.

I’m the digital age I can buy any lens I want. Early I bought the goofy fisheye lens and burned stuff up in hdr. A total mess. As I evolved I soon settled on wide to normal focal lengths. I have a long zoom sitting around for those rare times that I need it (Africa). But even then about 90% of my shots were with a more standard zoom. In retrospect I should have just rented the long lens.

I also speculate that most do what I do. But those who do like and utilize their long lenses are birds in flight/wildlife folks. Perhaps they live in more rural environs?

Or maybe we wide angle folks are lazy? (A little.)

Who knows? Fun to think and talk about. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

Hip Coyote

Bill_de wrote:

Ever been to Conowingo? Do you think these folks were following a fad?

http://baltimorewatchdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Untitled.jpg

I would have loved to get these with my 70 - 200!

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-734327-1.html

Your post smells like sour grapes, unless I misread it.

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Bill, I was thinking of you when I mentioned birds in flight! It is an art! Certainly need a long lense for that! The only birds I am interested in are clay pidgins which I dispatch with a Beretta! No photography skills needed!

I can say that I am somewhat interested in our condor reserve here and may take a class and go there to photo these magnificent creatures.

Be well.

Bill_de Loc: US

Hip Coyote wrote:

Bill, I was thinking of you when I mentioned birds in flight! It is an art! Certainly need a long lense for that! The only birds I am interested in are clay pidgins which I dispatch with a Beretta! No photography skills needed!

I can say that I am somewhat interested in our condor reserve here and may take a class and go there to photo these magnificent creatures.

Be well.

In some ways those clay birds may be more of a challenge. But we all have fun in our own way, and only clay birds die in the process.

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