Zoom vs. Prime - the battle continues

Published at: 10:01 pm - Wednesday January 21 2009

Just got another question from a photographer friend of mine in Japan. Sharing my ‘profound’ thoughts with all of you:

I am trying to decide whether to buy a Canon 24-70mm or stick with my 24mm and 50mm primes (for 5D camera). I would really appreciate your opinion…

well, I’m in the same situation as you: I’ll buy a Canon 5D2 (next week, I think) and can go with my existing 20mm and 50mm prime lenses or buy a zoom. I decided to go with the zoom. Next choice was the 24-105mm f/4 or the 24-70mm f/2.8. And I decided to get the 24-70. You are right, it’s big and heavy - they simply call it ‘the brick’! But image quality is top notch and it’s fairly fast for a zoom.

It’s not exactly discrete, I know, but I wouldn’t worry too much about intimidating subjects. I think a lot of the ‘intimidation factor’ has to do with how the person behind the camera behaves! I have a friend who’s using the 5d+24-70 combination a lot, he sometimes goes very close to his subjects and he’s getting some really nice results sometimes. Have a look at http://www.trekearth.com/members/scalerman/photos/

Also, I just don’t like changing lenses when I’m in a situation. And I don’t like carrying 2 cameras either.

But then again, sometimes I do walk around with the simplest setup possible, my backup Canon 350D which is quite small + the 20 mm prime. It’s also a pretty good feeling, easy to carry all day, and getting some good shots too.

So not sure what to tell you… My personal choice is the zoom, but it’s not really necessary I suppose. Another advantage of just using, say, your 24 mm lens is that the overall style of a photo series will be more coherent. A lot of colleagues that I really admire do almost all their work with something like the 24mm lens or, more oftenly, the 35mm lens.

Well, if you’re still confused after this, I hope it’s on a higher level!

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8 Responses to “Zoom vs. Prime - the battle continues”

  1. Andy, on January 22nd, 2009 at 5:58 PM Said:

    Today I went to the used camera shop. They didn’t have a 24-70mm, but they had a nice 28-70mm that seemed to be sharp. I can get the used 28-70mm for about $750 (here in Japan) or a new 24-70mm from the USA for about $1160.

    I’m leaning toward holding out for the extra 4mm, but I’m not sure. Any thoughts?

  2. Andy, on January 22nd, 2009 at 6:10 PM Said:

    I should add that neither lens will “pay for itself” unless I figure out a way to sell more work (it’s not happening very often).

    Mainly I use the camera for the sheer pleasure and to promote my work of bringing Japanese to volunteer and learn in Cambodia.

    Of course, I’m hoping that a new lens will both practically help and inspire me to greater heights…

  3. Morten Svenningsen, on January 22nd, 2009 at 6:22 PM Said:

    Hi Andy, I can understand you’re tempted, also because you’ll save 400$. But I’d recommend you to hold out a little while longer and get the 24-70mm. Those extra 4mm are worth the wait - and price, I’d say! You just need to sell one or two 24mm shots for a reasonable price, and the extra cost is covered. Everyone (almost) have 28mm in their zoom range, but 24mm is a bit more rare. So your pictures will stand out from the crowd a little bit more. And the lens should last you a good many years…

  4. Andy, on January 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 PM Said:

    Today I was also tempted by the 17-40mm. Lightweight, dramatically wide, etc. Maybe I’d use it more. But the f/4 part ruins it, and I can’t get over the ability to take a 70mm portrait shot right after a wide angle context shot. So…I’ll let you know.

    Thanks.

  5. Andy, on January 24th, 2009 at 8:12 AM Said:

    I bought the 24-70mm from a guy on EBay. It was described as “perfect” condition (he confirmed no scratches, dust, and sharp focusing), only a year old (UV09… date code), and cost just $970 (plus the cost to ship it to Japan). I think I’ll have it on time for my trip to Cambodia in two weeks.

    I’m going to sell my 24mm and 100mm primes (the 100mm is the older type without USM).

    I think I’ll keep my eyes open for a used, affordable ultra wide prime to use in tight places (crowds, indoors) and for landscapes/cityscapes.

    With all the difficulties facing photographers these days, I really don’t have much confidence about getting sales. Maybe you could write a post with some general tips…

    Here are some questions I have: Do you recommend any agencies? Or multiple agencies? Are there magazines you find more receptive to documentary work? Do you intentionally shoot for stock (e.g., travel shots, scenic shots, famous buildings, model released shots) because you need sales? Are there specific contests, magazines, or forums you recommend for people trying to break in and establish credibility? Any suggestions about finding paid work for NGOs?

  6. Morten Svenningsen, on January 24th, 2009 at 8:26 PM Said:

    Congratulations, think you made a good choice Andy! - I think I will do a write-up as you suggested, my humble experiences with the business side of photography. But there’s two things I can already say that I regard as key to success: Keep producing photography to the best of your ability. And keep developing your skills. As simple as it sounds, this must be the core to success, there’s no shortcuts around it. So don’t let too many other things distract you. But of course other things matters as well, I’ll see if I can come up with some advice.

  7. Andy, on January 25th, 2009 at 3:57 PM Said:

    Thanks, looking forward to it!

  8. Morten Svenningsen | PHOTOGRAPHER & JOURNALIST » Stock Photography Advise, on February 5th, 2009 at 5:31 PM Said:

    [...] Andy’s comments here, I decided to write a bit about my humble experience with the business side of photography. Andy [...]