Thinking of ditching the zoom...

[Bloosman]

Is this a plan...???

I've used a 17-40L for some years now...more than pleased with the results, but feel I am getting lazy when it comes to my composition, being more inclined to use the zoom at the range suited to where I'm positioned rather than get myself into the position needed...if that makes sense...???

As such, I'm thinking of selling off the zoom, buying a decent 35mm or 50mm prime, and "getting back to basics"...

Any thoughts...???

Dougie.

[Rob.Richards]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

I like primes. I currently use a 50mm and a 105mm. You have to move. Setting aside the quality argument for a moment, there are times when a zoom just helps though. I have just picked up another 18-55 (not great lens I know but all my budget will stretch to) because sometimes you miss pics by swopping lenses and risk dust etc too. I would love your lens, but compliment it with a good couple of primes dependant on what you specialisms are! I keep seeing 7D and 5D with the 50mm f1.8 attached and must say I am very surprised...

[@imagesBV]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

Here's an off the wall analogy - a zoom is like walking the dog with an extendible lead, poor control, dog goes all over the place, gets into things he shouldn't - a prime is like a fixed lead, full control, less likely that the dog gets into trouble, less stress for the owner.
So the conclusion is get prime lenses for control of your photography and when you want to 'let the dog off the lead' fit a super-zoom and go mad!
How much do you want for that L lens?

[Millie]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

Nice idea Dougie, I agree with the sentiments you've expressed, just not very practical for all situations, depends what you do :-)

Millie

[Canon-Fodder!]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

Here's an off the wall analogy - a zoom is like walking the dog with an extendible lead, poor control, dog goes all over the place, gets into things he shouldn't - a prime is like a fixed lead, full control, less likely that the dog gets into trouble, less stress for the owner.
So the conclusion is get prime lenses for control of your photography and when you want to 'let the dog off the lead' fit a super-zoom and go mad!
How much do you want for that L lens?

But a well trained dog will do as it's told! Same story for a zoom lens... Don't blame the tools; blame the workman!

[@imagesBV]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

I take it you've never owned a spaniel then?

[chrisforshaw]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

It depends on how you shoot really. Primes are great but moving around isn't always an option so the versatility of a zoom can't always be replaced.

[@imagesBV]

Re: Thinking of ditching the zoom...

I've just bought the 35mm f2 to go with my 50mm f1.8 - both are really sharp -
I definitely feel I'm applying myself better to composition that if using a zoom.
Still have a 10-24mm but using this on 10mm virtually every time and a 55-200 for detail - I think a zoom is more important at telephoto than wide angle - unless your good at climbing lamp posts or you are incredibly tall!