Hello everyone! Thank you so much for tuning in. Upon reflection, I may have come across a bit critical of prime lenses in this video 🙊. While they may not align with my personal workflow, it's essential to recognise that they could be a perfect fit for yours! So, to my fellow photographers who swear by prime lenses, I'd love to hear from you: what draws you to them? Sharing your insights could offer valuable perspectives to others exploring their options! 👍🏻 Cheers, Henry.
Don’t back off Henry. One of the reasons I actually stopped participating in a lot of photo discussion was due to these “facts” that were unarguable. “Oh 35 or 50 1.8 which is best”….well the actual real answer for 99% is a 24/70 zoom, but try to tell someone who has just spent 2 grand on the latest point and shoot 😂 Love the channel 👍
Ah thanks for the comment mate! I don't think I am backing off, just always aware that most of the stuff I share is just my own opinion rather than fact, I think it's really important! Cheers for the support mate :)@@Johnlancaster
History explains a lot. When zoom lenses were launched they were quite poor compared with the existing prime lenses. Today zoom lenses have become so much better than in the past. But per se a zoom lens will never be as good as a prime lens when it comes to sharpness because it's a compromise. But good enough is fully acceptable for most of us 🙂
Something I would like to say to new photographers. I'm 73, I started to take photos when I was a teenager, I was rubbish at painting and drawing but I loved making pictures, so this was my way of doing that. Over the years I have produced some very pleasant pictures that have drawn some very nice compliments from a number of different places. I will never be acclaimed as a 'David Bailey', but that doesnt matter! Irrespective of any acclaim it has never been down to the gear I was using. It's not the gear you use, its the creative eye of the user. Love what you do!
Why I use primes, very simple. First, I am not a professional, second, I adapt my field of vision to the focus length, means I „imagine“ the picture according to the lens which is on. Third, I like it simple, when I am out, so I always take only one lens. I dont carry a bag, I don’t carry a tripod. I just have the camera in my hand. And when there is a picture which needs a different perspective, I am just coming back another time. And yes, sometimes I miss a shot.
Lovely photo Henry. Absolutely love the one with the little cascade. What a superb location. Love the fact that you never take things for granted and thank you audience. You are simply a fine young man and if the planet was full of people like you, the world would be a much better place.
You can use prime for street photography because its easy to get a good angle just by walking around but in the wild where terrains are uneven zoom is the best option
Prime vs teles... it's the song that never ends... In the 47 years I've been shooting, when it comes to nature/landscaping, I have always taken teles. I am not saying primes are a not, they are just a not for me. I have uses for prime lenses, in portraiture, Astro, or a shoot that you are stationary or if you are going for a "one lens project" sort of thing. If I am strictly going out for macro photos, I will only have my 100mm macro. The bulk of my shooting is out side so telephotos are all I carry. Of course, it is a personal thing and everyone's milage will vary.
Very good comment John, but I believe we tend to disagree with each other here, and that is fine. Let’s face it, if we are somebody like Henry Turner, going out in all kinds of rough places and conditions, changing out lenses is not only inconvenient, but can also lead to lenses or cameras, or both, getting dirty, or worse, getting dropped, etc. A good Zoom lens covers all the bases, and eliminates the need for that. I get that and agree. But there are and will be circumstances where a good prime, such as You mentioned with your Macro lens, that just can’t be taken as well, with a zoom. Even the best of zooms will have inherent limitations or compromises in their design. I’m all about zooms for convenience, but will use a prime if I can. To each their own, and of course, YMMV. Take care and stay safe John!
I visited Beinn Eighe a few years ago and photographed the same group of trees at 4:40. I was lucky to have good light that day. It's well worth hiking up the mountain trail to the other side - amazing views as you ascend through the Scots Pines and further on up to the mountain plateau.
It's true that zooms are faster but if you really think about it, primes make you think more and that will continually develop your photographic skills. For most of my photography, a 12 - 24mm zoom is used. When I go out with friends I often take one out of six of my lenses. Part of them are zooms and part are primes. I normally have all my lenses lined up in storage. For a friendly time, I grab one of whatever lens is next in line. It could be a fisheye, a 500mm prime, my 12 - 24mm zoom, or my 70 - 200mm. I've also got a few mid-range zooms that hail from the mid-90s. Anything goes. It was tough when I grabbed my 300mm prime for use inside of a building but it made me think! Try it sometime.
Zooms are convenient, practical and good for when high are on go. I only take zooms when hiking now due to that reason. I also feel that zooms are more for beginners rather than the other way round. Primes make you think more
The PL 12-60mm f2.8-4 is always on the OM5 full-time. It's the only lens I use for everything and Oly75-300 is in the bag for normal people (60+) like me. thanks
I can see your point 100%. Many times I wouldn't have been able to take a shot, because the perspective would have changed massively by coming closer to my subject. Especially when standing in a slope, every meter down or up makes a difference.
If you can first see and frame the composition in your mind, then zoom's are incredible. The optical quality of zoom's today leave little to want for pure image quality purpose. Great photos! Thanks for bringing us along.
As soon as i saw you walking that path in the first few seconds i knew we were in for a good one and wasn't disappointed. That "messy " cropped in shot was great. Those Pine trees looked amazing and you were spoilt for compositions there. What a good time both you must have had, will definitely be checking Ian's video out, looked like he was looking for some abstract close up shots of the stones in the river at one point, will be interesting to see his approach and style.
Hi Henry, great vlog (as usual), and great photos, I haven't owned a prime lens since way back in the days of film photography with my olympus om10 with a 50mm prime lens. Luckily we are all different, what one person loves another will hate, but the most important thing is to get out and take photos, we might not produce award winning pictures, we might not have the funds to buy the latest all singing all dancing equipment, its getting out and being one with whatever genre of photography that gives you the most pleasure. Lastly I, (we) thank you for taking us on your adventures, top man
What a great comment Steve! Modern Zoom lenses have become so good, and can compete with ‘Primes’ in many areas. There are still cases to be made for the use of primes in some shooting scenarios. Everything in Todays World is about ease, convenience, and immediacy, and so a lot of people will not use primes. I have to tell You, most of the time, unless the Zoom lens is of really good quality, it just wont compare with an equivalent Prime. It is just simple Physics. I’m sure there will be someone that will disagree, and that’s fine. I’ve been at this craft called Photography for over 45 years, still learning, discovering, growing, and still making stupid mistakes. Stay safe and Happy Shooting!
I use zooms because of the nature of my job. Primes are a treat though. They don’t bottleneck the dynamic range and sharpness of cameras. Use a canon 1.2 prime and you will see highlights you never seen before.
I do love your enthusiasm. Reminds me a lot of myself when out photographing.. just get slammed back down to reality with depression once I finished photographing
I understand very well what you mean about the prime lenses, I feel the same way! I bet they are of good use to many people, but I just need to be able to zoom in or out whenever I feel like it 😊
Another great video Henry. We are hoping to go there this year. The place looks stunning to photograph. Great image's as usual. Look forward to the next one.
Great video Henry, those scenes were magnificent! I do like to go along to Loch Maree quite often to take some photos, there is never a lack of photographic opportunities there, no matter what the weather is like. I particularly liked the little falls, the tree and Slioch in the background, it was a beautiful image and definitely a typical Scottish scene, so well done on spotting such a great shot. Thanks again for a smashing video and the excellent insight into how you compose and take your photos, very helpful indeed. 😁👍
Each to their own Henry I use both zoom and prime the latter makes me work for the shot in the proper circumstances and I enjoy the challenge. Keep up the great work.
I use both. Primes, to me, are for creativity, zooms for general/landscape work. Am awaiting a Lumix 9mm prime, to see what it can do, or what I can do with it! Beautiful scenery, Henry, love your enthusiasm, the waterfall and the Scots Pines!🇦🇺
Definitely zooms for me. Have 1 prime but usually just for family portrait pics. Love the river image. I know the tree trunk cuts through the mountain but the way the branches arch over feels nice.
For landscape work you can’t beat a zoom. There are just so many places where you can’t move to physically(edge of river/lake/cliff/bog etc) But for street work I prefer my primes - small discreet and really sharp and shallow DoF. As for that area, I have shot there so often yet every time I pass it I have to stop and try again. BTW have you tried trekking in to Coire Mich Fearcher? The rock scenery there is just epic and the route in has great views of the north side of Liathach which is much less photographed than the south side by the road. Great at sunset..
Another great video, mind you don't let go of that camera with all that enthusiasm, you don't want to lose another one 🤔🤣 Seriously though, your enthusiasm for the photography is catching, looking forward to the next vid 😁
I know I'm late for this but thanks for your videos and all the work you are doing for us the community. If there was a book like that about the locations for Spain, I would buy it without thinking because it looks incredible. I have been to Scotland 3 times, if I return soon I will buy your book to try to escape to one of those places. Thanks again and I love your videos and content.
Couple of points to consider, and Henry has done one of them in his Videos: If shooting in inclement weather, and working with an extending zoom lens, be sure to try and wipe off the lens periodically, or better yet, use a rain gard or similar. Secondly, whenever out and about; resist the urge to rack the zoom back in quickly! I’ve seen people twist their zoom lenses back in quickly, and I’m here to tell You, it’s the best way to suck dust and junk into the camera body, and onto the sensor! And keep the rear element protected when off the camera. Another way for tiny debris to get into the body cavity! Being methodical is the way to go people. Now if You have lots of money, or the equipment isn’t yours, say like a Sports Photographer, well, then it aint no thing. Get that shot no matter what! 😆 Just in the interest of helping anyone out there just starting out in Photography. Stay safe and Happy Shooting!!!
Hello Henry, I see that you are making the most of the four third sensor the images are very well composed and good subjects all around. You and Ian are a good pair working together in these landscape shoots, it gives the video some spice whenever people work together and enjoy their craft. All the best cheers.
There is no need for apologies Henry, ones opinions will never satisfy everyone! When will "Old School" ever agree with people who embrace advancement? Keep up the good work matey.
@@markkasick Your'e absolutely right, they arent. The very early zooms were not that good to be honest but they have "advanced" in their quality and technical ability.
@@andyblessett1951 You are suggesting some sort of reason ing that just does not exist. There are very good reasons to use primes vs zooms and vice-versa. None of it has anything to do with “embracing” anything.
When I was starting out everyone said primes were the way to go. I bought a few and tried them in comparison with my zoom and could not see any difference, except for one close in portrait of my cat; the prime was super sharp with great bokeh. But for landscape work, it's a zoom every time for me too. Very much enjoying the 2024 calendar Henry and it looks like you will have some lovely images for the 2025 one too. Thanks for sharing.
I love zooms, especially tele zooms, but primes tend to give me the discipline I need to actually improve my photography. In short, primes teach me how to see better. Limiting yourself to any single focal length will do the same, but zooms make live cropping just a bit too easy. It can become a crutch. Zooms often have you composing in camera. Primes encourage you to compose first in your head, then with your camera. With a prime, you are always working within the limitations of the visual perspective you have chosen. Creative opportunities come when you learn that perspective and work with it. I think this is why the X100V and VI have become so popular amongst seasoned photographers. It's just a different way of shooting.
Lovely images Henry, especially liked the one near the end with the small cascades and trees. I have a foot in both camps here as I have zooms and 2 prime lenses which are my tilt shift lenses as they are a great addition to my architectural work but definitely the benefits for zooms in your landscape work are clearly evident with the beautiful images you create
Great video, awesome location Henry. I was there in January and those pines by the edge of Loch Maree made an excellent subject for a film that I also made & some lovely photos. You should def get here in winter pal - you'd buzz ;)
Great video Henry with interesting content and comments... with good quality results....nice location to get good compositions... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
Hi Henry, another grand day out and thanks for sharing. I particualrly liked your experimental image near the end with the conifers in the foreground ... Keep up the good work. ... Oh while I rememember, I beleive you and Ian met up with Adam on your trip north of the border. ( I'm also a photography pubcast viewer )
I am so envious of your easy to hike, snowless hills. Especially when we have exactly the same looking beutifull hills, clad with Scots pine and heather here. But it is all under a meter or two of snow....and I am dead tired of it. Still a month or two to go before the snow is gone....but I am escaping to some beach in the weekend, camera in hand 😀
i live at Hinnøya, Norway's largest island, the first island you cross over to from the mainland when you drive to the Lofoten and Vesteraalen islands in northern Norway. @@HenryTurnerphoto
What a wonderful place to visit! Great vlog Henry, thanks for sharing! No doubt zooms are the best tool for landscape photography, primes are only worth investing in if you're in need of very fast lenses for astrophotography or street / low light. Having said that I picked up a second hand 18-35mm f1.8 Sigma Art Lens and its the best of both for landscape and low light... so maybe if you hunt around long enough you can find a good, affordable combination! I drove past that lay-by you stopped at last summer, really wanted to stop and take that shot too but didn't have time, what a missed opportunity 😢
To be honest zooms are handier especially for an amateur like me. The only primes I use are wide angle because zooms at this range are far too expensive At the end of the day it's the photo not the gear, which some other comments have mentioned Keep up the work Henry 📷👍
Always have used only primes. I love them . They really make me work for a shot. I felt zooms made me a bit lazy. But primes also allow me to be very creative.
When I started shooting infrared, I quickly found that zoom lenses are not my friend due to hotspots and other weird problem. Prime lenses solve this issue but I never use them for normal landscape photography so completely understand your perspective.
Each has their place. But for me when I am going to be carrying bigger gear around for hours yes even smaller lighter m4/3 gear. I am going for quality of images Over anything else. I have both zooms and primes. But If I find a certain shot and I have a prime in the focal length for it I’m using the prime. Only time I am shooting with zooms is when I am shooting wildlife birds in flight etc etc.
I would say in your situation, a wide to zoom lens is crucial, but in astrophotography, primes work really well, the 14-24 on nik and 15-30 canon are used but out of my budget, so I rely on primes for my astro, I love silver birch trees. Thank you for your enthusiasm Henry
Another nice video. Prime lenses tend to have better optical quality than zooms, and some excellent prime lenses can be quite expensive. Zooms and primes are usually similar in price, it's a tradeoff between quality and versatility. If you are not producing exhibition prints then zoom lenses are fine.
I use zoom lenses very often, but I find that using them too often makes me lazy, so using a prime instills a bit of rigor into my shooing. After a while I no longer move myself, I zoom, and that makes my composition less thoughtful, with a less pleasing image as a result. I am slowly selling off my older kit and acquiring very high quality zoom lenses, and I agree that newer zooms are often very nearly as good as primes.
Zoom lenses are great for speed and convenience and two of my favourite lenses are zooms, but I love a good prime lens. I especially love to use my Zuiko 28mm f/3.5 that I use on my Olympus OM1, OM2 and OM10 film cameras. It's my go to lens for street photography. It may be the bargain bucket lens of the Olympus OM mount Zuiko lenses, but it is sharp enough for me.
Great video Henry. I feel the differences now between primes and zooms are so marginal that it barely warrants a conversation. When I had Canon A1 back in the 80’s the difference between my 100mm and 70-210 was huge. That’s just not so anymore. I use a Nikon Z7 with a 14-30 and 24-200. I would need about six lenses to cover that in primes. I do however have a Viltrox 24 1.8 but I only use that for night time cityscapes.
Yes, the and zoom versus prime debate certainly opens up a can of worms. It's not just landscapes this happens with . I've heard this time and time again, and through peer pressure, I now own four primes. Three I have yet to use. Just glorified paper weights 😂 They're simply there as a backups. I hate staring at them! Thinking, I'll use this one... No, no that one, but what if? The zoom, bang, your covered...done! Even in my business as a wedding photographer, I've been told countless of times, "you should use a prime combo (ie 35/85 or 24/50 ), your not professional if you don't use primes, you can be more creative and challenge yourself more with primes. You need faster lenses for your kind of work. You can zoom with your feet! They're sharper!!" I've come to the conclusion after 30 years it's all utter, utter nonsense, and sometimes irresponsible just to rely on primes. My main go to lenses for 90% of the day are the 70/200 f2.8 and the 24/70 f2.8. No faf, focus on the fun and creativity and not the gear.
Hi Henry great video. I am a new video maker and am trying to work out how you are able to put the viewer in camera to see the composition. I cant seem to work out how you do it. thanks again for another great video. I also follow Ian another great photographer. cheers Danny
There you go again, inspiring me. 😉 I too see great value in zoom lenses. As a matter of fact, after hearing your emphasis on their value, I'm ready to buy a used Nikon Z DX 50-250mm zoomer from MPB! (great price) Thanks for the nudge, my friend. My Z50 thanks you too.👍
I love my Sigma 105 prime, mainly used for Macro work, but I did once set myself the task of only using that lense in everything I shot for a month, which was an interesting challenge
The thing is our 'Enry,' If you weren't such a nice bloke, and your videos were crap, nobody would want to support you! But you ARE a nice bloke and your videos are brilliant! By the way, those built-in ND filters on your camera must be really handy? I've recently been able to acquire a Nikon Z5 with the 24-70 f4 lens. It's the first full frame camera I've ever owned and it's lovely!😊
I know you occasionally sell a piece of equipment in order to fund the purchase of another piece so if you ever put one or the other of both of your photographer's eyes on the market do, please, let me know! Great video and images.
Seems to me that zoom lenses increase the probability of getting a useable shot in any location and do so in the quickest, most efficient way. Personally I take photographs for fun and that comes from using fully manual prime lenses.
I also like to crop on location, however I do leave a little "margin for error". I'm more experienced with primes than zooms and obviously fast primes can be eye-wateringly expensive 😂
Having walking disability and needing to use a mobility scooter I prefer zoom lenses always have. So much more convenient, as long as you have a GOOD zoom lens a prime is not really needed. Thats my opinion 🤷♂️
For landscape photography it has to be zooms. You simply don't have the time, during moments of good light, or at dusk/dawn, to be trying to get composition right with a fixed focal length, and often you cannot zoom with your feet (without falling off a cliff, down a ravine, or into a bog). I did try a set up of just primes once, mainly because I shoot a lot of nightscapes, so I had a fast primes (14mm, 20mm, 24mm, 35mm), but it was a nightmare for landscapes, constantly changing lenses, recomposing, reconfiguring the tripod, all whilst missing good light. So I'd suggest having three zooms, f4 for their size/weight, with some overlap in focal length if possible. And then supplement the kit with primes for specific purposes e.g. a macro lens, an astro lens, a portrait lens.
Great video and photographs as always. Prime Z lenses are not that cheap compared to previous F system lenses. I used to own a 50mm prime f mount . Superbly sharp , great for street and portraiture and travel but I personally enjoy more zoom lenses.
Let me say first, I am a long time viewer but an infrequent commenter. However, I always make sure to “like” your videos. I am also a full frame Canon DSLR dinosaur. However, age has crept up on me and I’m now finally considering a smaller camera system for hiking, landscapes and some wildlife. The OM5 looks interesting. I do not think I saw this lens in today’s video, on your equipment list and would like to research it more. Could you tell me which lens that was, please? Thanks in advance, Henry, and continued success with your endeavors.
I have recently switched from Canon full frame to the OM1 and absolutely love the system, and as a grey haired shooter, I love the massive weight saving.
Say, Henry, I used the link in your newsletter to get to this video today. I have replied to your newsletter with a question or two over a couple of months. Do you not read those or choose not to reply to them for some reason? Just wondering so as not to waste my time if that is not a good way to contact you. Thanks. Great to see you and Ian out together on an adventure.
Thanks a lot for the replies. They get read and I always have good intentions to reply. Most I reply to and I’m sorry if I have missed yours out mate I am terrible with emails and get overwhelmed by them easy 🤦🏼♂️. I will try to do better
Zooms are indeed convenient and versatile for shooting in nature. I'll take my 16-80 and 70-300 which covers just about everything I want to shoot. However, I always take at least one prime also. I like the process of shooting with primes. Weirdly though, I'm comfortable shooting at 16mm with my zoom lens but find my 18mm prime is awkward. It feels too wide somehow. More practice with the 18 is needed clearly.
Can I ask? How is your 16-80mm for sharpness especially at the edges and corners? I was thinking of replacing my old 18-55mm but I spoke to another photographer a few weeks back who had one that was really soft and mushy around the edges even at f8 so he sent it back and paid the extra for the 16-55. The 16-80 would be just about bob-on for me in terms of range, cheers.
@@rickbaines8262 Honestly I've never compared it with the 18-55 but you have a very nice lens there already. From what I can gather looking at reviews it's pretty close to the quality of the 16-55. I'm very happy with the images I get from the 16-80. It was the kit lens I got with the XT5 and I've always loved it. I don't feel the need to check the edges and corners. I just like to take pictures.
Yes I agree, primes and zooms are like fine dining and fast food. One is overpriced and the other just as good as most of us amateurs would admit but significantly cheaper so in our minds must be inferior. The sad thing is with the advent of AI know one will know what is real and what isn’t. Thinking about going back to film!. Just popping on an LP !!!
I don't have a single prime lens as, for me, the simplicity of not having to change my lens all the time and in M43 cover a range of 8-150 mm with three lenses outweighs any potential downsides to zooms.
Hello everyone! Thank you so much for tuning in. Upon reflection, I may have come across a bit critical of prime lenses in this video 🙊. While they may not align with my personal workflow, it's essential to recognise that they could be a perfect fit for yours!
So, to my fellow photographers who swear by prime lenses, I'd love to hear from you: what draws you to them? Sharing your insights could offer valuable perspectives to others exploring their options! 👍🏻
Cheers,
Henry.
Don’t back off Henry. One of the reasons I actually stopped participating in a lot of photo discussion was due to these “facts” that were unarguable. “Oh 35 or 50 1.8 which is best”….well the actual real answer for 99% is a 24/70 zoom, but try to tell someone who has just spent 2 grand on the latest point and shoot 😂 Love the channel 👍
Ah thanks for the comment mate! I don't think I am backing off, just always aware that most of the stuff I share is just my own opinion rather than fact, I think it's really important! Cheers for the support mate :)@@Johnlancaster
History explains a lot. When zoom lenses were launched they were quite poor compared with the existing prime lenses. Today zoom lenses have become so much better than in the past. But per se a zoom lens will never be as good as a prime lens when it comes to sharpness because it's a compromise. But good enough is fully acceptable for most of us 🙂
Something I would like to say to new photographers. I'm 73, I started to take photos when I was a teenager, I was rubbish at painting and drawing but I loved making pictures, so this was my way of doing that. Over the years I have produced some very pleasant pictures that have drawn some very nice compliments from a number of different places. I will never be acclaimed as a 'David Bailey', but that doesnt matter! Irrespective of any acclaim it has never been down to the gear I was using. It's not the gear you use, its the creative eye of the user. Love what you do!
Why I use primes, very simple. First, I am not a professional, second, I adapt my field of vision to the focus length, means I „imagine“ the picture according to the lens which is on. Third, I like it simple, when I am out, so I always take only one lens. I dont carry a bag, I don’t carry a tripod. I just have the camera in my hand. And when there is a picture which needs a different perspective, I am just coming back another time. And yes, sometimes I miss a shot.
Lovely photo Henry. Absolutely love the one with the little cascade. What a superb location.
Love the fact that you never take things for granted and thank you audience. You are simply a fine young man and if the planet was full of people like you, the world would be a much better place.
Thanks a lot! Ahh yes I was pretty happy with the way that image came out in the end!
You can use prime for street photography because its easy to get a good angle just by walking around but in the wild where terrains are uneven zoom is the best option
for me its quality on wide angle only.. The prime is far superior with almost zero distortion. (See IRIX. they specialise in wide)
Prime vs teles... it's the song that never ends...
In the 47 years I've been shooting, when it comes to nature/landscaping, I have always taken teles. I am not saying primes are a not, they are just a not for me. I have uses for prime lenses, in portraiture, Astro, or a shoot that you are stationary or if you are going for a "one lens project" sort of thing. If I am strictly going out for macro photos, I will only have my 100mm macro. The bulk of my shooting is out side so telephotos are all I carry. Of course, it is a personal thing and everyone's milage will vary.
Very good comment John, but I believe we tend to disagree with each other here, and that is fine. Let’s face it, if we are somebody like Henry Turner, going out in all kinds of rough places and conditions, changing out lenses is not only inconvenient, but can also lead to lenses or cameras, or both, getting dirty, or worse, getting dropped, etc. A good Zoom lens covers all the bases, and eliminates the need for that. I get that and agree. But there are and will be circumstances where a good prime, such as You mentioned with your Macro lens, that just can’t be taken as well, with a zoom. Even the best of zooms will have inherent limitations or compromises in their design. I’m all about zooms for convenience, but will use a prime if I can. To each their own, and of course, YMMV. Take care and stay safe John!
I visited Beinn Eighe a few years ago and photographed the same group of trees at 4:40. I was lucky to have good light that day.
It's well worth hiking up the mountain trail to the other side - amazing views as you ascend through the Scots Pines and further on up to the mountain plateau.
When you move from rolling hills to the cityscape, your primes come in quite handy.
I use a 14-140mm for streetphoto and video. I cant imagine the hassle with an unflexible prime
It's true that zooms are faster but if you really think about it, primes make you think more and that will continually develop your photographic skills. For most of my photography, a 12 - 24mm zoom is used. When I go out with friends I often take one out of six of my lenses. Part of them are zooms and part are primes. I normally have all my lenses lined up in storage. For a friendly time, I grab one of whatever lens is next in line. It could be a fisheye, a 500mm prime, my 12 - 24mm zoom, or my 70 - 200mm. I've also got a few mid-range zooms that hail from the mid-90s. Anything goes. It was tough when I grabbed my 300mm prime for use inside of a building but it made me think! Try it sometime.
Zooms are convenient, practical and good for when high are on go. I only take zooms when hiking now due to that reason. I also feel that zooms are more for beginners rather than the other way round. Primes make you think more
How you always manage to pull these amazing photographs out of the landscapes just delights me!! Beautiful work, Henry!!
Thank you so much 😀
The PL 12-60mm f2.8-4 is always on the OM5 full-time. It's the only lens I use for everything and Oly75-300 is in the bag for normal people (60+) like me. thanks
love the 12-60 lens, it's such a cracker
I can see your point 100%. Many times I wouldn't have been able to take a shot, because the perspective would have changed massively by coming closer to my subject. Especially when standing in a slope, every meter down or up makes a difference.
If you can first see and frame the composition in your mind, then zoom's are incredible. The optical quality of zoom's today leave little to want for pure image quality purpose. Great photos! Thanks for bringing us along.
Henry you make me feel good with your refreshing attitude and I thoroughly enjoyed your pictures in this video.
As soon as i saw you walking that path in the first few seconds i knew we were in for a good one and wasn't disappointed. That "messy " cropped in shot was great.
Those Pine trees looked amazing and you were spoilt for compositions there. What a good time both you must have had, will definitely be checking Ian's video out, looked like he was looking for some abstract close up shots of the stones in the river at one point, will be interesting to see his approach and style.
You’re welcome! As long as you keep living the dream and producing YT vids we’ll keep watching and supporting
🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏼
Henry, Another awesome video. Some incredible award winning shots. Thanks for the inspiration. Been missing watching weekly so catching up.
Thanks a ton!
What a location! If you like the 12-60 PL, you should try the Oly 12-100mm F4, especially using an OM body, it's absolutely stunning.
I am interested in why you chose the PL 12-60 over the OM 12-40 PRO? Are you pleased with the image quality?
Hi Henry, great vlog (as usual), and great photos, I haven't owned a prime lens since way back in the days of film photography with my olympus om10 with a 50mm prime lens. Luckily we are all different, what one person loves another will hate, but the most important thing is to get out and take photos, we might not produce award winning pictures, we might not have the funds to buy the latest all singing all dancing equipment, its getting out and being one with whatever genre of photography that gives you the most pleasure. Lastly I, (we) thank you for taking us on your adventures, top man
What a great comment Steve! Modern Zoom lenses have become so good, and can compete with ‘Primes’ in many areas. There are still cases to be made for the use of primes in some shooting scenarios. Everything in Todays World is about ease, convenience, and immediacy, and so a lot of people will not use primes. I have to tell You, most of the time, unless the Zoom lens is of really good quality, it just wont compare with an equivalent Prime. It is just simple Physics. I’m sure there will be someone that will disagree, and that’s fine. I’ve been at this craft called Photography for over 45 years, still learning, discovering, growing, and still making stupid mistakes. Stay safe and Happy Shooting!
I use zooms because of the nature of my job. Primes are a treat though. They don’t bottleneck the dynamic range and sharpness of cameras. Use a canon 1.2 prime and you will see highlights you never seen before.
Indeed! Good comment! 👍
I do love your enthusiasm. Reminds me a lot of myself when out photographing.. just get slammed back down to reality with depression once I finished photographing
I understand very well what you mean about the prime lenses, I feel the same way! I bet they are of good use to many people, but I just need to be able to zoom in or out whenever I feel like it 😊
Another great video Henry.
We are hoping to go there this year.
The place looks stunning to photograph.
Great image's as usual.
Look forward to the next one.
Great video Henry, those scenes were magnificent! I do like to go along to Loch Maree quite often to take some photos, there is never a lack of photographic opportunities there, no matter what the weather is like. I particularly liked the little falls, the tree and Slioch in the background, it was a beautiful image and definitely a typical Scottish scene, so well done on spotting such a great shot. Thanks again for a smashing video and the excellent insight into how you compose and take your photos, very helpful indeed. 😁👍
Each to their own Henry I use both zoom and prime the latter makes me work for the shot in the proper circumstances and I enjoy the challenge. Keep up the great work.
I use both. Primes, to me, are for creativity, zooms for general/landscape work. Am awaiting a Lumix 9mm prime, to see what it can do, or what I can do with it! Beautiful scenery, Henry, love your enthusiasm, the waterfall and the Scots Pines!🇦🇺
Awesome video Henry. Look forward to seeing Ian's as well.
Coming soon 🙂
You and me both! Thanks Kevin 🙏🏻
Definitely zooms for me. Have 1 prime but usually just for family portrait pics. Love the river image. I know the tree trunk cuts through the mountain but the way the branches arch over feels nice.
For landscape work you can’t beat a zoom. There are just so many places where you can’t move to physically(edge of river/lake/cliff/bog etc) But for street work I prefer my primes - small discreet and really sharp and shallow DoF. As for that area, I have shot there so often yet every time I pass it I have to stop and try again. BTW have you tried trekking in to Coire Mich Fearcher? The rock scenery there is just epic and the route in has great views of the north side of Liathach which is much less photographed than the south side by the road. Great at sunset..
Absolutely love that photo the one with the waterfall perfect
Forget the lens debate…I'm more shocked that you could get tack-sharp results with a 1/4 second handheld shot!
Lovely photos, love the one with the water and mountains in the background.
Thank you! Cheers!
Another great video, mind you don't let go of that camera with all that enthusiasm, you don't want to lose another one 🤔🤣 Seriously though, your enthusiasm for the photography is catching, looking forward to the next vid 😁
I know I'm late for this but thanks for your videos and all the work you are doing for us the community. If there was a book like that about the locations for Spain, I would buy it without thinking because it looks incredible.
I have been to Scotland 3 times, if I return soon I will buy your book to try to escape to one of those places.
Thanks again and I love your videos and content.
Wonderful location ! Enjoyed the vid Henry ! Thanks😮
Thanks 👍
Couple of points to consider, and Henry has done one of them in his Videos: If shooting in inclement weather, and working with an extending zoom lens, be sure to try and wipe off the lens periodically, or better yet, use a rain gard or similar. Secondly, whenever out and about; resist the urge to rack the zoom back in quickly! I’ve seen people twist their zoom lenses back in quickly, and I’m here to tell You, it’s the best way to suck dust and junk into the camera body, and onto the sensor! And keep the rear element protected when off the camera. Another way for tiny debris to get into the body cavity!
Being methodical is the way to go people. Now if You have lots of money, or the equipment isn’t yours, say like a Sports Photographer, well, then it aint no thing. Get that shot no matter what! 😆 Just in the interest of helping anyone out there just starting out in Photography. Stay safe and Happy Shooting!!!
I use my 16mm prime a lot, but I absolutely agree about zooms being the go-to lens in general.
Once again Henry more good images, it's also good to get some different aspects on lenses and your thoughts behind them. Thank you.
Hello Henry, I see that you are making the most of the four third sensor the images are very well composed and good subjects all around. You and Ian are a good pair working together in these landscape shoots, it gives the video some spice whenever people work together and enjoy their craft. All the best cheers.
Many thanks!
There is no need for apologies Henry, ones opinions will never satisfy everyone! When will "Old School" ever agree with people who embrace advancement? Keep up the good work matey.
Advancement? Zooms are not exactly new technology.
@@markkasick Your'e absolutely right, they arent. The very early zooms were not that good to be honest but they have "advanced" in their quality and technical ability.
@@andyblessett1951 at least 25 years ago, probably longer. Galen Rowell did his most famous pic with a cheap zoom back in the early 80s. 81 I think.
@@markkasick Excuse me my friend, it appears to me that you want to make an issue out of this. I don't, so please let it go!
@@andyblessett1951 You are suggesting some sort of reason ing that just does not exist. There are very good reasons to use primes vs zooms and vice-versa. None of it has anything to do with “embracing” anything.
When I was starting out everyone said primes were the way to go. I bought a few and tried them in comparison with my zoom and could not see any difference, except for one close in portrait of my cat; the prime was super sharp with great bokeh. But for landscape work, it's a zoom every time for me too. Very much enjoying the 2024 calendar Henry and it looks like you will have some lovely images for the 2025 one too. Thanks for sharing.
I love zooms, especially tele zooms, but primes tend to give me the discipline I need to actually improve my photography. In short, primes teach me how to see better. Limiting yourself to any single focal length will do the same, but zooms make live cropping just a bit too easy. It can become a crutch. Zooms often have you composing in camera. Primes encourage you to compose first in your head, then with your camera. With a prime, you are always working within the limitations of the visual perspective you have chosen. Creative opportunities come when you learn that perspective and work with it. I think this is why the X100V and VI have become so popular amongst seasoned photographers. It's just a different way of shooting.
Lovely images Henry, especially liked the one near the end with the small cascades and trees. I have a foot in both camps here as I have zooms and 2 prime lenses which are my tilt shift lenses as they are a great addition to my architectural work but definitely the benefits for zooms in your landscape work are clearly evident with the beautiful images you create
Ah thanks a lot mate 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏼👍🏼
What a beautiful place to photograph 📷 Thanks for sharing!
It really is!
Great video, awesome location Henry. I was there in January and those pines by the edge of Loch Maree made an excellent subject for a film that I also made & some lovely photos. You should def get here in winter pal - you'd buzz ;)
I agree with you, my 16-80mm fuji lens spends most of it's time on my camera. They are so versatile and you don't lose much sharpness with them.
Great video Henry with interesting content and comments... with good quality results....nice location to get good compositions... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
Many thanks!
Hi Henry, another grand day out and thanks for sharing. I particualrly liked your experimental image near the end with the conifers in the foreground ... Keep up the good work. ... Oh while I rememember, I beleive you and Ian met up with Adam on your trip north of the border. ( I'm also a photography pubcast viewer )
Thanks! Yes we met with Adam and Paul, it was fantastic
I am so envious of your easy to hike, snowless hills. Especially when we have exactly the same looking beutifull hills, clad with Scots pine and heather here. But it is all under a meter or two of snow....and I am dead tired of it. Still a month or two to go before the snow is gone....but I am escaping to some beach in the weekend, camera in hand 😀
Where is that? Sounds lovely!!
i live at Hinnøya, Norway's largest island, the first island you cross over to from the mainland when you drive to the Lofoten and Vesteraalen islands in northern Norway. @@HenryTurnerphoto
Thanks for your thoughts. I agree with you re zooms. I am wondering if you're looking into buying the newly announced Nikon 28 - 400 superzoom?
Thanks for the comment mate. It's definitely appealing, I'll need to see what happens with my Nikon Z7 repair!
What a wonderful place to visit! Great vlog Henry, thanks for sharing! No doubt zooms are the best tool for landscape photography, primes are only worth investing in if you're in need of very fast lenses for astrophotography or street / low light. Having said that I picked up a second hand 18-35mm f1.8 Sigma Art Lens and its the best of both for landscape and low light... so maybe if you hunt around long enough you can find a good, affordable combination! I drove past that lay-by you stopped at last summer, really wanted to stop and take that shot too but didn't have time, what a missed opportunity 😢
You thank us Henry! But I thank you for weekly videos with great content and photographs.🙂👍
Glad you like them!
To be honest zooms are handier especially for an amateur like me.
The only primes I use are wide angle because zooms at this range are far too expensive
At the end of the day it's the photo not the gear, which some other comments have mentioned
Keep up the work Henry 📷👍
Always have used only primes. I love them . They really make me work for a shot. I felt zooms made me a bit lazy. But primes also allow me to be very creative.
When I started shooting infrared, I quickly found that zoom lenses are not my friend due to hotspots and other weird problem. Prime lenses solve this issue but I never use them for normal landscape photography so completely understand your perspective.
Lovely photos Henry what a beautiful location to shoot in very interesting what you said about lens I’ve only got zoom lenses 😊
Each has their place. But for me when I am going to be carrying bigger gear around for hours yes even smaller lighter m4/3 gear. I am going for quality of images Over anything else. I have both zooms and primes. But If I find a certain shot and I have a prime in the focal length for it I’m using the prime. Only time I am shooting with zooms is when I am shooting wildlife birds in flight etc etc.
I would say in your situation, a wide to zoom lens is crucial, but in astrophotography, primes work really well, the 14-24 on nik and 15-30 canon are used but out of my budget, so I rely on primes for my astro, I love silver birch trees. Thank you for your enthusiasm Henry
Wow wow what a location!! Think primes are great for street photography but zooms all the way for landscape. Class video as always mate
Another nice video. Prime lenses tend to have better optical quality than zooms,
and some excellent prime lenses can be quite expensive. Zooms and primes are usually similar in price, it's a tradeoff between quality and versatility. If you are not producing exhibition prints then zoom lenses are fine.
Henry Turner !!!!!!!!! A fine chap indeed! On his way to a deservedly 100 K no doubt !!!!!! 👍✌🤝🍻
haha cheers mate
I find primes more enjoyable to use. Period. I am planning on getting a couple Voigtlanders for my 810. they are beautiful.
I use zoom lenses very often, but I find that using them too often makes me lazy, so using a prime instills a bit of rigor into my shooing. After a while I no longer move myself, I zoom, and that makes my composition less thoughtful, with a less pleasing image as a result. I am slowly selling off my older kit and acquiring very high quality zoom lenses, and I agree that newer zooms are often very nearly as good as primes.
Zoom lenses are great for speed and convenience and two of my favourite lenses are zooms, but I love a good prime lens. I especially love to use my Zuiko 28mm f/3.5 that I use on my Olympus OM1, OM2 and OM10 film cameras. It's my go to lens for street photography. It may be the bargain bucket lens of the Olympus OM mount Zuiko lenses, but it is sharp enough for me.
Awesome video Henry, great shots mate !!
Thanks man, some day it was!
Great video Henry. I feel the differences now between primes and zooms are so marginal that it barely warrants a conversation. When I had Canon A1 back in the 80’s the difference between my 100mm and 70-210 was huge. That’s just not so anymore. I use a Nikon Z7 with a 14-30 and 24-200. I would need about six lenses to cover that in primes. I do however have a Viltrox 24 1.8 but I only use that for night time cityscapes.
Yes, the and zoom versus prime debate certainly opens up a can of worms. It's not just landscapes this happens with . I've heard this time and time again, and through peer pressure, I now own four primes. Three I have yet to use. Just glorified paper weights 😂 They're simply there as a backups. I hate staring at them! Thinking, I'll use this one... No, no that one, but what if? The zoom, bang, your covered...done!
Even in my business as a wedding photographer, I've been told countless of times, "you should use a prime combo (ie 35/85 or 24/50 ), your not professional if you don't use primes, you can be more creative and challenge yourself more with primes. You need faster lenses for your kind of work. You can zoom with your feet! They're sharper!!"
I've come to the conclusion after 30 years it's all utter, utter nonsense, and sometimes irresponsible just to rely on primes. My main go to lenses for 90% of the day are the 70/200 f2.8 and the 24/70 f2.8. No faf, focus on the fun and creativity and not the gear.
Thanks for the great information 👍
No problem 👍
Hi Henry great video. I am a new video maker and am trying to work out how you are able to put the viewer in camera to see the composition. I cant seem to work out how you do it. thanks again for another great video. I also follow Ian another great photographer. cheers Danny
lacking some North East Highlands in that e-book, plenty to snap along our coasts ! NC500 seems a worthwile trek in that little van.
Great video, did I miss something, are you not shooting Nikon anymore?
Nikon is getting repaired atm!! 👍🏼
Nice to see what a great photographer can do with a micro 4/3 system.
What a beautiful location!
It really is!
Primes for me. Can't cope with zooms.
There you go again, inspiring me. 😉 I too see great value in zoom lenses. As a matter of fact, after hearing your emphasis on their value, I'm ready to buy a used Nikon Z DX 50-250mm zoomer from MPB! (great price) Thanks for the nudge, my friend. My Z50 thanks you too.👍
I love my Sigma 105 prime, mainly used for Macro work, but I did once set myself the task of only using that lense in everything I shot for a month, which was an interesting challenge
Another zoom fan here Henry! Love to keep something like a cheap 50/85 1.8 in the bag for cat portraits though hehe
The thing is our 'Enry,' If you weren't such a nice bloke, and your videos were crap, nobody would want to support you! But you ARE a nice bloke and your videos are brilliant!
By the way, those built-in ND filters on your camera must be really handy? I've recently been able to acquire a Nikon Z5 with the 24-70 f4 lens. It's the first full frame camera I've ever owned and it's lovely!😊
Thanks for that
Thank you for the video Henry but, for this one, I am batting with the other team mate😂. I am a prime guy❤❤❤. Cheers, Peter🎉🎉🎉
I know you occasionally sell a piece of equipment in order to fund the purchase of another piece so if you ever put one or the other of both of your photographer's eyes on the market do, please, let me know! Great video and images.
Really enjoy this video... thanks
Seems to me that zoom lenses increase the probability of getting a useable shot in any location and do so in the quickest, most efficient way. Personally I take photographs for fun and that comes from using fully manual prime lenses.
Another great video Henry.
I appreciate that
I also like to crop on location, however I do leave a little "margin for error". I'm more experienced with primes than zooms and obviously fast primes can be eye-wateringly expensive 😂
Having walking disability and needing to use a mobility scooter I prefer zoom lenses always have. So much more convenient, as long as you have a GOOD zoom lens a prime is not really needed. Thats my opinion 🤷♂️
For landscape photography it has to be zooms. You simply don't have the time, during moments of good light, or at dusk/dawn, to be trying to get composition right with a fixed focal length, and often you cannot zoom with your feet (without falling off a cliff, down a ravine, or into a bog). I did try a set up of just primes once, mainly because I shoot a lot of nightscapes, so I had a fast primes (14mm, 20mm, 24mm, 35mm), but it was a nightmare for landscapes, constantly changing lenses, recomposing, reconfiguring the tripod, all whilst missing good light. So I'd suggest having three zooms, f4 for their size/weight, with some overlap in focal length if possible. And then supplement the kit with primes for specific purposes e.g. a macro lens, an astro lens, a portrait lens.
Uh-oh... Henry is having a case of the zoomies.
Brilliant video.
Many thanks!
Great video. How’s the Z7 and lens repair going ?
Thanks Shaun!! Nikon have it now and awaiting their assessment 👍🏼
Great video and photographs as always. Prime Z lenses are not that cheap compared to previous F system lenses. I used to own a 50mm prime f mount . Superbly sharp , great for street and portraiture and travel but I personally enjoy more zoom lenses.
F1.8G or F1.4G?
I've the 1.8 and it's fantastic lens for the price. The image quality is outstanding.
Zoom is the way to go for me, can't use anything else!
Let me say first, I am a long time viewer but an infrequent commenter. However, I always make sure to “like” your videos. I am also a full frame Canon DSLR dinosaur. However, age has crept up on me and I’m now finally considering a smaller camera system for hiking, landscapes and some wildlife. The OM5 looks interesting. I do not think I saw this lens in today’s video, on your equipment list and would like to research it more. Could you tell me which lens that was, please? Thanks in advance, Henry, and continued success with your endeavors.
I have recently switched from Canon full frame to the OM1 and absolutely love the system, and as a grey haired shooter, I love the massive weight saving.
Thanks for your input, Chris
Thanks Rob! It is the Panasonic Leica 12-60 2.8-4. Thanks for reminding me that I need to update my gear list!!
Say, Henry, I used the link in your newsletter to get to this video today. I have replied to your newsletter with a question or two over a couple of months. Do you not read those or choose not to reply to them for some reason? Just wondering so as not to waste my time if that is not a good way to contact you. Thanks. Great to see you and Ian out together on an adventure.
Thanks a lot for the replies. They get read and I always have good intentions to reply. Most I reply to and I’m sorry if I have missed yours out mate I am terrible with emails and get overwhelmed by them easy 🤦🏼♂️. I will try to do better
@@HenryTurnerphoto I appreciate the response, Henry. Yeah, I am careful to limit my email questions, knowing there could be many for you to read.
Great video of my home land and you pronounce loch correctly, not lock like Mr Heaton does lol
Zooms are indeed convenient and versatile for shooting in nature.
I'll take my 16-80 and 70-300 which covers just about everything I want to shoot.
However, I always take at least one prime also. I like the process of shooting with primes.
Weirdly though, I'm comfortable shooting at 16mm with my zoom lens but find my 18mm prime is awkward.
It feels too wide somehow.
More practice with the 18 is needed clearly.
Can I ask? How is your 16-80mm for sharpness especially at the edges and corners? I was thinking of replacing my old 18-55mm but I spoke to another photographer a few weeks back who had one that was really soft and mushy around the edges even at f8 so he sent it back and paid the extra for the 16-55. The 16-80 would be just about bob-on for me in terms of range, cheers.
@@rickbaines8262 Honestly I've never compared it with the 18-55 but you have a very nice lens there already. From what I can gather looking at reviews it's pretty close to the quality of the 16-55.
I'm very happy with the images I get from the 16-80. It was the kit lens I got with the XT5 and I've always loved it.
I don't feel the need to check the edges and corners. I just like to take pictures.
Yes I agree, primes and zooms are like fine dining and fast food. One is overpriced and the other just as good as most of us amateurs would admit but significantly cheaper so in our minds must be inferior. The sad thing is with the advent of AI know one will know what is real and what isn’t. Thinking about going back to film!. Just popping on an LP !!!
Another great vid mate top draw 😅
Thanks 👍
I don't have a single prime lens as, for me, the simplicity of not having to change my lens all the time and in M43 cover a range of 8-150 mm with three lenses outweighs any potential downsides to zooms.