Photography thread 11.02

Quote: Mugwump "I've never used it. But I would have no concerns about doing so. Of course I always advise people to buy the best glass they can afford. But unless image sharpness and lens distortion are absolutely critical issues I wouldn't waste the money. Professional level lenses are meant for professionals. I'm not saying amateurs should steer clear but you really need to know a good deal about photography before you'll be able to get the best out of a professional lens.

I've seen people throw two grand at a professional 18-55mm or a 22mm-80mm workhorse lens and a 70/200mm intermediate zoom and yet they scarcely know how to operate their own camera. I haven't the heart to tell them they've wasted their money.

I'd definitely be wary of spending big on a 500mm lens. Unless you are a dedicated wildlife photographer shooting at least once per week you're really not going to get a lot of work out of it. My 70-200mm cost me a grand and yet I doubt I shoot more than 5% of my photographs with it. If you are going to invest big money pile it into an everyday use zoom. At least then you are getting value for money.

I began with Canon - simply because it was a big name and the entry level bodies were affordable. I briefly moved over to the Sony Alpha system but even though I really rated the Alpha bodies the choice of lenses was very limited.

I have some very real criticisms of Canon (and Nikon) especially in relation to pricing. But you can't knock Canon's catalog of lenses. For instance I don't know any manufacturer who currently offers FOUR separate professional-standard 70-200mm lenses.

So whilst other manufacturers are undoubtedly forging ahead of Canon and Nikon in terms of camera bodies - all of them are way behind on glass. And as any photographer will tell you - glass is the most important factor when buying into any camera system. Good glass lasts you a lifetime whereas camera bodies are often outdated within 18 months.'"

In my case I take 95%+ with at least a 200mm lens and usually 300mm (biggest I have) as I principally photograph wildlife, especially birds. I have only put on a "standard" lens for about 5 minutes in the last year! Yes, I agree that lenses are more important than the box that holds them but as I was not prepared to spend several thousand pounds on a professional standard camera the K3 came out best for my needs - fully waterproof, robust, good IQ, 8 fps. etc. Problem is I like to take close ups (often necessarily cropped) of birds and so the kit lenses that came with the camera, whilst good, are not good enough for the perfectionist in me!