Blog: What’s Your Lens’ Personality?

by Steve Terlizzi

 

 
Yes, Black Friday - The Morning After…where countless camerapersons emerge from their catatonic, Turkey-induced comas, to realize: (1) what I am going to do with all that leftover Turkey, and (2) will the malls be too crowded to find a gift for that lovable (myself included) photographer?
 
What to buy, what to buy, what to buy??? A new camera lens is always at the top of the list. Lens derangement syndrome infects most photographers as they crave the need to “cover the entire focal length range!”
 
Some lens-jockeys obsess over the search for a single all-in-one-super-zoom lens. But is that the nirvana of lens buying?   Should we give belated thanks that such a singular lens exists for our buying pleasure?
 
 
A Unique Personality
 
I DON’T THINK SO... With apologies to our non-Thanksgiving observing readers, think back to yesterday’s turkey day gathering. Much like the family’s conversation at dinner, lenses have different personalities, with different ways of seeing the world.
 
One needs to have an appreciation for the unique personality of each lens. Or how it will bend the light for a distinctive vision. In simple terms, it is not encompassing everything in the frame or focusing tight on something defined. The optics of each lens will create a unique perspective on the scene. Take a tour of three lenses in my bag:
 
“Reliable Dad – Nikkor 35mm f/1.8”
 
Ah Dad (or Mom, if you prefer). He’s the go-to guy. Whenever you need something done reliably, with no fuss, you call on Dad. He is a straight shooter and tells it like it is. He always delivers the goods, regardless of the situation. Never mind that it’s “his way or the highway”.
 
That’s my Nikkor 35mm f/1.8. It’s very fast and comfortable in visual range. It gives a good representation of normal vision. It’s a great all-round lens for portraits, walkabouts or low-light photography.  As example, I use this lens when I need to chase my fleet of feet daughter in low-light situations.  
 
When I need to get the shot, I grab “Dad”. You may ask, no zoom? One accommodates the zoom by moving the feet forward to zoom in and moving the feet backwards to zoom out. If you think about it, one needs to accommodate Dad, too.
 
 
“Quirky Aunt – Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5”
 
Everyone in his or her family has that quirky Aunt (or Uncle if you prefer) who just marches to a different beat. Not that it’s bad…just different. Often, her perspectives on life are so different, that one contemplates her coming from a different planet. It may be difficult and may require super human effort, but if one learns to appreciate “quirky Aunt’s” viewpoints, a whole new perspective about life may present itself.
 
That’s my Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5. It’s wide and can capture much more than normal vision. It’s reasonably fast for nice interior architectural photos. By the way, did I mention that it is really, really wide?
 
Its wideness creates strange perspectives that need to be taken into consideration. If you approach it like conventional glass, you’ll produce very wide vistas with teeny-tiny subjects. Not very compelling.
 
The “quirky Aunt” requires the close and personal approach. She wants to engage in conversation with everyone. Even though you may think you’re close enough, she’ll be in your face, close enough to smell her old lady perfume.
 
A dominant foreground will create an amazing perspective as the various subjects are blown apart, much like the first moments of the Big Bang! Use this lens for landscapes, interior photos, and various dominant foreground subjects in street photography. Remember, “quirky Aunt” wants to engage the subject, so get close!
 
 
“Reserved Uncle – Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6”
 
And then there’s the reserved Uncle (or Aunt if you prefer). Always lurking from the corners at a party, he is listening to the conversation, and jumping in at various moments. He often brings people together. With a singular-like focus, he can compress several positions, merging them into one coherent viewpoint.
 
That’s my Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6. With a wonderful ability to compress the distance between objects and highlight the subject using selective focus, this lens can create a concise story.
 
The tele-zoom is not for people who are lazy about walking around. My “reserved Uncle” can do different things at different focal lengths. A nice portrait lens at 55-80mm, a tight cityscape at 100mm, and a lurking nature shot at 200mm.
 
 
Well, you’ve met my family. If you’re considering the purchase of a new lens for the upcoming holidays, keep in mind the personalities of each lens. Or think of it this way, purchasing a new lens will be like inviting your long-lost relative to join you for Christmas dinner.