The lens that came with my newest camera is decent — the lens that was standard with the camera I purchased before that? Not so great. Since most casual photographers aren’t spending thousands of bucks for a camera, I figure most of you probably haven’t invested in much else in the way of lenses either, and are most likely shooting with the lens that came standard with your camera body. I’m going to guess that you may be using a 18-135mm zoom 1:3.5-5.6 or maybe even a 35-80mm 1:4-5:6. Now I’m not saying that’s a bad thing… but I will tell you there are simply some things those particular lenses can’t accomplish, and if you’re trying to pull something off that is beyond the capability of your lens (or your camera) and blaming yourself, that’s just wrong.
If you’re considering using fixed (non-zoom) lenses, the Canon 50mm, 1.4 and Canon 85mm, 1.8 are great starters, and they are less than $400 bucks a piece. In the meantime, make the most of what you have! I snapped on one of my old generic lenses and walked out on the deck yesterday afternoon. No amazing lens, nothing to cast soft light, blah blah blah — just to see what I could do. I found my first willing subject…
With a different lens, I could’ve widened the aperture to alter the depth of field and pull more focus to this hound’s gorgeous smile, and it no doubt would’ve looked better. Still, there’s nothing horribly wrong with this photo of Gracie. Other than she’s sporting a cocker spaniel hairdo.
And my other subject? This diva makes ANY lens look good!!
