« More archive arcana | Main | Milepost 4, Hwy 112 »

Comments

Christian Kline

I love primes too, I almost always have a 28 on my Nikon. It's a great length.
I rarely shoot zooms, I agree it was growing up thining they weren't as good creates a more solid way of seeing.
Now I shoot with a 28, 105, 200 or somewhere around there, and occasionaly a 16.
2 zooms are in my closet but they don't see light very often.

Scott Neumyer

Agreed. I almost always have the 50mm f/1.8 on my Canon film SLR, but I miss using the 35mm lens on my old (and now, unfortunately deceased, Konica FT-1 Motor.

victor aberdeen

You are so right about zooms, so many new photographers never learn the persona of a focal length. They miss so much of the art that can make a photo special.

Joe Reifer

For a few years back in the dark ages, I shot with 2 Leica bodies and 4 lenses - 21/35/50/90. I was never happier. I "see" in the 35mm focal length, too, and that was my primary lens.

I really tried to love the 35/1.4L prime on the 5D. Sharpness, color and contrast are top notch. But even though it's bigger and bulkier, I prefer the framing flexibility of a zoom when using SLRs.

Cheers,

Joe

John London

In the early 60's I used a Pentax - S1a I think with 35 and 50 mm lelses but found the 105 mm which stayed on the camera for around 2 years or more. The way of seing and recording with this little tele was a revelation at the time.

I must agree though my fav'lens is the 35mm prime

JohnL

ilan korren

Dear Sir,
Tomorrow morning I will set out to pick up my Canon EOS 400D.
These past few days(of waiting) have given me a chance to contemplate my choice of lens.
Originaly I ordered the kit lens this being my first DSLR.
I have been trying to feel my way through the loads of information (like loads of washing)presented on the web. Numbers, and more numbers...one says this the other one says that...All this left me 'dased and confused'.
And then I stumbled upon your "In praise..."
You managed to convey to me the essence I was searching for. "Engaging with the world through the camera" as opposed to distancing oneself from the world (standing behind the camera).
Amoungst other fields I teach first year Architecture - and I(we)stress issues such as perception of the world(the other)and engaging with the world (the other).
Your words and approach regarding the 35mm (closest to 50 after cropping) made profound sense to me.at long last I could relate.
So, tomorrow I will purchase the 400D with a 35mm prime lense + hood and a bag.
I will not buy the kit lens. Thank you for being out there and sharing your thoughts through essay.
p.s. I enjoyed the two images side by side regarding lens weight. For me it evoked the situation I have been submerged in and that is weighing the matter. Matter as an issue and matter as weight.

regan

In response to ilan's post...I may be alittle too late since he posted back in 2006...but he was going to get the 35mm prime for his new 400D which is a crop camera...unlike the 5D the original poster used. So there will be a difference. If he wants an equal lens for the 400D, a 20mm prime will equal a 32mm lens or a 24mm prime would equal a 38mm lens. Just my 2 cents.

The comments to this entry are closed.

My Photo

Twitter Updates

    follow me on Twitter

    My Other Webpages

    Blog powered by Typepad
    Member since 12/2004

    Google

    • Google
    Business Directory for Seattle, Washington