FAQ | lenses.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 3:33 PM
I have a quick question: do you use all L series lenses? I never bought any because I couldn't afford them but now I am thinking I need to get them because of the color that they produce. For some reason my images seem a little grainy, even when shooting on the lowest ISO, and I think it might be my glass.
This question arrived in my inbox about a week ago, and with the purchase of a new lens yesterday, I felt like it was a good time to answer it! I've been shooting for a year now, and when I started out, I only had a measly 28-75 Tamron Lens. It was a great zoom lens for starting out, but there is definitely a noticeable difference when you buy authentic Canon lenses. Not really thinking I could survive without a zoom (how naive of me!) I saved and saved and purchased my first Canon lens, the 28-70 f/2.8 L lens. It's to be noted, that I always buy used, and this lens was discontinued by Canon before I bought it--it was replaced by the 24-70 f/2.8L.
I used the above lens for my first portrait shoot last summer, as well as all the second-shooting I did. Now, I think it's a little lonely, because I don't think I've taken a picture with this lens for about nine months. I just love the sharpness I get with primes. What are primes? Read on.
Prime lenses are fixed length lenses that usually have the ability to shoot with a low f/stop number: letting in as much light as possible. As the months went on, I researched which prime I would like to try first! I've got through a couple, and have bought and then sold the 35mm f/2 lens and the 50mm f/1.8 lens:
The lenses above are my BABIES I absolutely adore them. I am strictly a prime shooter when I'm doing a portrait shoot or an engagement shoot. With my handy dandy Shootsac I can easily change my lenses on the fly. We have the 28mm f/1.8 for wide angle shots, the 50mm f/1.4 (my go-to lens! I use this about 80% of the time) and then the 85mm f/1.8 if I want to get in closer.
I just picked up the lens below yesterday from a photographer in Vancouver. It's my newest purchase, and I know it will come in handle for those dark church ceremonies, and getting it close for sneaky shots during ceremonies and receptions! Beware though...this lens is HEAVY, I can pretty much only carry it with my Canon 5D for about twenty minutes before my arms start to fail. Haha! It's sure a beautiful lens though.
Regarding the question of better color out of L lenses, I'm not sure if I can give a satisfactory answer about that. I don't find that the color is dependent on L series vs. non-L series. I definitely can testify to the fact that Canon lenses provide better color than non-Canon lenses as well as better sharpness. As well, since I purchased the Canon 5D three months ago, the colour out of that is incredible compared to the Canon 30D! The issue with grain is probably due to a slight underexposure, as every detail you underexpose and then try to correct in post-processing will increase grain.
I hoped this has helped you! Leave a comment letting me know if anything was not clear. Until next time!
This question arrived in my inbox about a week ago, and with the purchase of a new lens yesterday, I felt like it was a good time to answer it! I've been shooting for a year now, and when I started out, I only had a measly 28-75 Tamron Lens. It was a great zoom lens for starting out, but there is definitely a noticeable difference when you buy authentic Canon lenses. Not really thinking I could survive without a zoom (how naive of me!) I saved and saved and purchased my first Canon lens, the 28-70 f/2.8 L lens. It's to be noted, that I always buy used, and this lens was discontinued by Canon before I bought it--it was replaced by the 24-70 f/2.8L.
I used the above lens for my first portrait shoot last summer, as well as all the second-shooting I did. Now, I think it's a little lonely, because I don't think I've taken a picture with this lens for about nine months. I just love the sharpness I get with primes. What are primes? Read on.
Prime lenses are fixed length lenses that usually have the ability to shoot with a low f/stop number: letting in as much light as possible. As the months went on, I researched which prime I would like to try first! I've got through a couple, and have bought and then sold the 35mm f/2 lens and the 50mm f/1.8 lens:
The lenses above are my BABIES I absolutely adore them. I am strictly a prime shooter when I'm doing a portrait shoot or an engagement shoot. With my handy dandy Shootsac I can easily change my lenses on the fly. We have the 28mm f/1.8 for wide angle shots, the 50mm f/1.4 (my go-to lens! I use this about 80% of the time) and then the 85mm f/1.8 if I want to get in closer.
I just picked up the lens below yesterday from a photographer in Vancouver. It's my newest purchase, and I know it will come in handle for those dark church ceremonies, and getting it close for sneaky shots during ceremonies and receptions! Beware though...this lens is HEAVY, I can pretty much only carry it with my Canon 5D for about twenty minutes before my arms start to fail. Haha! It's sure a beautiful lens though.
Regarding the question of better color out of L lenses, I'm not sure if I can give a satisfactory answer about that. I don't find that the color is dependent on L series vs. non-L series. I definitely can testify to the fact that Canon lenses provide better color than non-Canon lenses as well as better sharpness. As well, since I purchased the Canon 5D three months ago, the colour out of that is incredible compared to the Canon 30D! The issue with grain is probably due to a slight underexposure, as every detail you underexpose and then try to correct in post-processing will increase grain.
I hoped this has helped you! Leave a comment letting me know if anything was not clear. Until next time!
Labels: photographers
9 Comments:
As usual, Jaime you are wonderful! :)
Oh Jaime, you are going to LOVE the 70-200 f/2.8 L- seriously, it's my favorite lens I have. I just can't use it with families so much because I actually have to *interact* with them!
Love your images- I think I found you through OSP (I tend to be quiet), just so you know :)
S
I have definately noticed a HUGE difference in my pictures by using prime lenses, my 50mm is used 90% of the time! =) Have fun with your new lens!
Hi Jamie! We have the same collection of lenses. Our newest piece added to our collection is the 100-400mm. Start lifting some weights, because that 70-200mm is heavy!
Found your blog through some others, you do awesome work! I have been looking at buying a new lens, so this post was perfect!
Thanks
A question for you, you buy used lenses, would you recomend buying a used camera?? I am looking at one at a camera store(online) wondering if it would be smart to buy a used camera. Thanks!
Hi - u said you purchase your lens used. If you don't mind telling me, who do you purchase through?
Thanks,
Tifanie
Texas
Jamie - I'm sold on the prime lens! I just recently switched from Olympus to Canon & purchased a 40D body and 50mm f/1.4.
I mainly shoot weddings. Was wondering which lens do you tend to use the most during weddings. Especially for tight spots like brides dressing rooms.
When shooting weddings do you mainly stay to the back of the churches and use the 70-200?
Thanks,
Tif <><
Hi Jamie, I have 2 questions: 1. Can you use your 5D Canon camera with Canon lens 24-70 f/2.8L? I red on the internet that it doesn´t fit together. And the 2. Where can I buy used lenses and is it ok to buy used lenses? Thanks for your answer.
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