Do Heavier (metal) lenses - provide GREATER stability, or do they actually create instability?
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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? …
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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.
Chris T wrote:
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? …
It's an age-old argument, isn't it? … Buy plastic ... (
show quote)
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!
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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 ….
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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
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.
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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?
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?
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.
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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.
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 ...
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
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.
EXACTLY!!! … And - you're not likely to get all those things in one zoom, UNLESS it were metal!!!!
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 ...
Not a windbreaker - wet weather gear.
If you are shooting for a "client" it matters.
I love shooting some subjects in the rain.
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?
Chris T
Loc: from England across the pond to New England
Grahame wrote:
Really ?
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.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.