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This is timely for me. I just shot an entire music festival with a 20mm and an 85mm and I wouldn't have had it any other way. but it's a good thing I use those lenses for my commercial work because music doesn't make me any money. lol
So very true.... GAS is a dangerous disease, hurts in the pocket and can definitely stifle creativity. Lenses that makes me money I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Then I have a collection of old vintage lenses that are used for fun sometimes, but mainly sit in a glass cabinet just because they look nice.
That Tamron 35mm is such an amazing workhorse lens. During my work day I have a holy trinity combo in my bag (14-24 /24/70 / 70-200) because my work requires all of that. They all get used heavily. Personally I use and love my crazily old nikon 28mm f2.8 just because its so much fun to use. I've got an 85mm and 50 for needed use but my desert island lens is my beat up 2nd gen Nikon 70-200 2.8. I could literally do all my work on that- its my desert island lens.
I'm just a hobby photographer. I've been watching your videos for the last few days and I like your philosophy on gear. I bought my Canon 90D about a year ago with the Canon 18-135 kit lens. My expectation was that I would add a long zoom like a 100-400 and something wider like a 10 to whatever eventually. But that's not how it turned out. My next lens was a Canon 24mm pancake. That took some getting used to but I found it to be a great lens. That lens was followed by a Canon 24mm 1.4L. It's the only lens I use. It is a weatherproof tank with great glass. All the other lenses stay in my bag. It's a lovely way to take pictures. No decisions. Just picture taking. I've toyed with buying a different body and maybe a high end zoom but have come to realize that what I've got works. I don't get paid for pushing the shutter button so I won't be adding to my kit anytime soon unless something breaks.
The lenses I use the most are In studio Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II and a Canon EF 85mm f/1.2.... once in a while a Canon 100m Outdoor Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
I like your approach. I do mainly wildlife and nature. Over the years I have narrowed my kit to 3 lenses. A long telephoto, a macro and a 24-70 for wider angle shots.
I have a mirrorless canon EOS RP body and was searching for a piece of sharp-ass glass to shoot with. After the inevitable rabbit hole of leica screw mount this and $2500 EF-L that, I realized I already had exactly what I was looking for. I'd taken a film photography class and quickly dumped 35mm for 6x7 medium format because I loved the deep, 3D look and beautiful prints you got out of it, so I'd bought a Mamiya RB67 with the 127mm f/3.5. I found a fotodiox adapter which worked with canon RF mount and went ahead and gave it a try. Far and away it is the sharpest glass I or any of my colleagues, some of whom have $5,000 leica glass, have ever seen.
If you ever get bored get a 220 back for your rb and 2 pair of 135 to 120 adapters then tape the leader from the full film canister to an empty and you've got an XPan.
I've narrowed my kit down over the years to 3 lenses. I shoot with an EF 24 - 70mm F2.8 and an RF 70 - 200mm F2.8, my 3rd lens is the 50mm f1.8 as it's a really small light lens for when I just want to make my R5 more compact. If I had the money I would buy the 15 - 35 f2.8 to complete the holy lens trinity and get some ultra wide landscapes, but it's more of a lens I want than one I need.
I love my 90mm, 50mm macro and 24mm all tilt shift lenses - they all have a special place in my kit for food. I use my 300mm 2.8 IS for food a lot which was a surprise but has had some great results. I have the 800mm 5.6 for birds... occasionally... but it's a monstrosity and requires some effort.
advise for beginners, go always for second hand lenses. They will keep the price if they are older than 2y (warranty already spent) so is like free renting if you need to sell it later on.
I use 35mm 1.8 only. It’s the only one I carry. On my back up camera I use 22mm f2 which is about the same as well. I love the look of the 35mm length. It’s just perfect.
The weddings I shoot are always done with my photography wingman Andy. He's a very good "technical" photographer. I'm more a "behind the scenes" kinda photohog. I use an old battered canon 5d plus an equally battered 28mm f1.8 USM & a 135mm f135mm. That's it. Used to also carry a canon speedlite but now not even that lol. Only other lens I use is the 17-40 f4. And thats literally what I bang on the 5d when I go on holiday.
I went from using 135mm almost exclusively to now pairing a 50mm with it (all for portrait work). I may jump up to a 105mm or 85mm instead of the 135mm at some point, but haven't been in enough situations to warrant a switch. My 35mm and 24mm TS hardly leave the bag and may get sold in the future.
I shot 45mm ts, 90mm ts, 60 / 100 mm macro for details at home. Lightweight manual 35mm, 55mm and 100mm when going to places. And have at least a further 10 pcs of unused lenses. It is insane I know.
Fuji X shooter here. Currently using 3 lenses, 2 (nested) primes - 27mm and 60mm macroish and 1 and done zoom - 16-80mm. Love having minimal choices after years of chasing all the mms! In fact for the prior 3 years I was shooting just x100v for that reason. Not a pro, mainly family, landscapes some "paid" work. Great video as always!
I only shoot with a 50 and 85 most of the time. if ever i'm gonna update my lenses, i'll be getting a TSE, but the 50 and 85 does most of the job. also throw in a 35 for the flat lay shots.
I think it totally depends on what you're shooting. I need an ultra-wide for real estate but other than that I could easily survive on a 35mm and an 85mm prime. A lot of people sleep on 24-105 f/4 zooms, especially on these newer sensors that handle higher ISOs better.
I'm having great results in studio with the basic RF 24-105 STM which has only f/7.1 wide open at 105mm. The maximum Aperture I use is F/8 anyways, so I don't care.
Let's have a look: 17-28, 28-75, 70-200, 24, 35, 55, 90 (Macro). Seven lenses. In studio, I use the 55 and 90. That's it. Some of my so-called projects are done, complete in 55 or 35. On travel, I use the 28-75, sometimes the 17-28. - But! There is another one. I also own an old Leica Q. As you might know, the Q has a fixed 28 Summicron. Since I own the Q, more than 50% of all outdoor shoots are made with this 28/1.7 lens. The performance of this camera is outstanding. But the most important part of using the Q is simplicity. Very few features, immediate connection to focus, time and aperture, one lens. Simplicity (or minimalism) is - IMHO - the key to progress. I love my other primes. Sometimes I go out with one of them and feel the world with this one lens only. Thank you for sharing your story.
As a landscape guy i tried out MF years ago with the intention to get a digital back for my mamiya 645 afd ii. Apart from the body i carried 5 lenses - a 35mm, 55mm, 80mm, 150mm, 210mm along with 4 film backs. I would say 99% of the time i shot with the 55mm, occasionally the 210mm was used. What i also found was when i moved back to a DSLR, i tried to replicate the focal lengths i used the most on the mamiya with my D700. But i think due to the different aspect ratios that never worked out too well. 🤦♂
All my work is done with the Canon TSE 45 and 100mm macro. I have a 50 f1.4 that is used mostly as a camera lid but I did find a new use for it for video. Besides that I have 2 vintage Zeiss Jena lenses 20mm (which is now listed on ebay for a lot more than what I paid for it) and 35mm lenses. These 2 are sharp and the close focus is amazing for prime lenses which are great for video. I was thinking about a 24-70 for video but may reconsider that and get on with sliders and learning how to focus pull.
50mm and 90mm are my bread and butter, from here it’s a case of upgrading those not adding additional focal lengths. I did recently pick up a 16-35 to do some interior design work, that lens paid for itself on the first shoot. I have some vintage lenses that are fun and occasionally get used when I need a certain look, but they cost me almost nothing and were a critical part of my creative journey.
I have 5Dsr I bought used, for too much, but that is another story. I like the Canon 24-105L f4 and the Canon 100-400L II for landscapes. There is no real need beyond that for the way I shoot. I do have other lenses though. Currently I am contemplating obtaining some m42 lenses to adapt for fun. To be honest one really does not need all those megapixels, at least for me. The 5Dsr is a wonderful camera, but really it IS for highly specialized things since the resolution is so high and the file sizes are rather gigantic. Hence the file size options are very important. Besides all that, with all that resolution, really, to make use of it, one must take care in the shooting process, and I admit, I could get more out of it, if I took more care. If you are going to be sloppy you may as well use a lower pixel camera or shoot lower resolution or whatever. If you use a tripod and take care you can get some amazing detail. It's up to you. Frankly for the current price new, the 5Dsr is a true bargain. Best wishes!
Same for me, mainly out of necessity though. For weddings, portraits, and products I use an 85, 24-70, and 100 macro I'd like to add some others but I've been able to cover alot with this
I do 98% of my wedding and portrait work on 35, 50 and 85mm lenses. My 100mm Macro and the 24mm get some use from time to time to have some fun. Do I need more? not really. I can always rent anything else. Do I have more? Yes. 🙈
Im using my lovely Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro dg dn Art020 for my product photography (mainly packshots) and my Viltrox 85mm 1.8 Mark2 for my portrait photography.
I just shoot with a 24-105mm 3.5/5.6 and I'm totally ok with that. Yes I'm an entry level food photographer and need to make more heroes shoot but I totally agree with you, I prefer to spend on light kit and to make the photo look good and have a super expensive lens. Btw your videos are super helpful, keep it up with all the efforts you put on your youtube content!!!
I have a Canon R8. I upgraded after using the 70D for 10 years. My only lens with the 70D was an EF 24-105 F4. For 10 years, I used it for everything. It was a great lens to learn with and I only paid $550 for it in 2014. I wanted some versatility this year because I decided to turn my photography skills into a job; rather than blow thousands on RF glass, I am sticking with EF using an adapter. I picked up a 70-200 f2.8 IS, 85 f1.8 gold ring, and a 50 f1.4 gold ring for about 1200 bucks... the image quality is outstanding on all 4 lenses. I don't see myself upgrading to RF glass unless I win the lottery or trick someone else into buying them for me.
Street: Nikon 50mm F2H Jack: Nikkor 60mm F2.8 D Micro KISS: Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 G VR Nikon D200 I sold my DF, D3s and D300 to go back to my first camera, D200. I prefer the images straight out of camera. Might have something to do with its CCD sensor. 50mm F2H, fast short throw manual focus only. It's so intuitive, I can focus by feel and subject distance. Forces you to be present. Cost $25 (now $50) 60mm F2.8 D Micro, jack of all trades. High micro contrast. Mostly used for work. Cost $70 (now $120-$200) Keep it simple stupid, 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR has made me the most money over the years. Cost $0 (now $80)
I shoot everything with a 50mm and an 85mm. I can’t afford anything else because I prefer spending on lighting, classes or just saving the money. I haven’t had any reason to buy anything else. The only other lens I may bring is a 16-35mm zoom lens which doesn’t make it into my bag too often.
I have four lenses at the moment. A 17-70mm, 50 mm, 100 mm and a 100-600 mm. The one I use the most is the 100-600. On some rare ocassions I use the 17-70. I have these lenses because I've gone from concert photography to documentary and street back to concert and now wildlife/nature. I could easily get rid of the 50 which I bought only because because every one who teaches photography says "You got to have a 50 mm lens!". I've had that lens since the mid/late 90's and used it embarrassingly little. Good for some video work, but it could go...
I only have a 50mm 1.4 at the moment. I am a nomad living out of a backpack, maybe at the end of my journey. I will get a ~100 macro when I can afford it. Once I find a place to live and job I will try to build a commercial photography business.
Ha! Late to this video. But I’m pairing down to a 35-150 & an 85 to shoot commercial portrait & lifestyle. It’s essential to remember that you can rent when a job calls for something fancy.
I have only used a 100mm macro for over a year now, 90% of my portfolio IS shot on it at f16 ans 1 light, sometimes 2 if I cant do with a reflector. Realisation that the other kit Never Comes Out makes me cringe. Juste cant get round to selling them. Thanks Scott you say it how it IS!!!!
I’ve use a 135mm F/2L for 90% of my work over the last 5 years. But for me I think if it was only two lens I would go with a 70-200mm F/2.8L and the 500mm F/4L and maybe a 1.4TC - as an animal and pet photographer.
Love your whole approach to the business of image making. My money making combo was my 200f2 on a 1D4 (cycling), and perhaps even the specific body and lens were optimal together. I'm not getting back into the business but found your content looking into the heavily discounted 5DS R to shoot a special architectural project for myself with a TS lens. I may just stick with an old 5D mk II, the end result will only appear on websites. Thanks for sanity check.
I only have, use a Canon 35mm f1.4 85mm f1.2 TS-E 90mm f/2.8. I also have a 50mm f1.4 and 28mm f1.8 but those are only for my lighting projector mount, not for my camera.
Can't let my wife see this video! She'll play it every time she catches me browsing through WEX or LCE. That said, I moved from Fuji to Canon recently and have an RF 50 & 100 Macro - Honestly don't think I have a need for anything else. Doesn't stop me looking though....
lets see I own the 18-55 and 70-300, I should have a 100mm macro instead since I shoot mostly macro though havent gotten around to fixing my kit up, been an odd year for photo stuff, only 2 lenses I will ever need, a supper macro from loawa and a none vancy little zoom like the 18-55
I know I need fast apertures because I love low light and nighttime stuff and I hate carrying around and setting up accessory lighting. I've noticed I prefer primes over zooms. I almost sold my primes for the Sigma Art 18-35 f/1.8 and 27-70 f/2.8 lenses as my main ones, but I didn't want to give up my 35, 50, and 85mm f/1.4s. If I get back to traveling more I'll need a high-quality super-zoom lens to walk around with, but between the primes and a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and some fun Lensbaby fx lenses I feel like I'm sufficiently geared up for the forseeable future. Who knows when I'll even upgrade my Canon Rebel SL1 body. I got over my stigma about shooting on a crop sensor camera. Could I get one with more features and things like more autofocus points? Sure. But I'd rather just keep honing my craft by getting out there and shooting.
most of my studio work is done with 50mm and 70-200 at 70 also use a vintage 135 for my micro work , will like to get a 80mm at some point , will be cool to use my mamya rb lents at some point but that adapter you have is way to expensive
2 Bodies, 3 Lenses. XH1 and the 16-55 never comes off. XPro 2 typically has the 35mm on but when I need more context, the 18 takes over. Only thing I could ask for is that 50-140 but seeing how close I get to subjects Its yet to make sense for me.
:P Photography, yeah, 2 primes is fine unless your doing wildlife. Add video to the mix and you could use a good 24-70 ish zoom to boot. so for an all round package I'd say 4 lenses... oh but I do like to have a light carry option so I need similar lenses for m43...... ... .. so now that's 8 lenses.... Add in a few "get out of my rut odd manual focus lenses"... Oh and I have a vintage film camera.. it needs a few lenses as well... Oh nooooo what have I done?!!!
I used a Nikon 58mm f1.4 G & Nikon 85mm PC-E F2.8 but I have a 3rd sorry it's Nikon 135mm F2. I pair the non PC Lens with fotodiox Pro TLT ROKR. Camera Nikon Z7ii that's it.
I just got back from a photography convention and it felt like very one there brought huge amounts of lens in rolling cases and what not. I tossed a 50 and 70-200 in a backpack and almost shot everything on the 50.
I'm almost embarrassed to say I have 6 lenses although one I haven't used in a couple of years+ and I should probably sell it. This said, I have three fast primes for my APS-C camera (16/30/56mm) and I use these a lot particularly when I shoot at night or need a shallow depth of field. Then I have 2 zooms. My 17-70 is my walk about lens that isn't really for work (when I have room for only one lens in my pack this is what I take). My 70-350mm is a gift and although I don't use it a heck of a lot I really do like it for shooting macro, landscapes, and wildlife. I use it more than the 17-70. So my lenses are divided into ones I used for work and those for pleasure. I do wonder if I should get a second camera body since I'm often changing lenses outdoors and have dust issues.
35 all day. I've shot entire films on just a 35mm. Being a professional also means you have a high degree of redundancy. Backup bodies, backup lenses, backup audio gear., ect.
24 and 50. Love showing off space and I just push my fifty for mids and close ups. Mainly do video, but learned all my cinematography through my time as a wedding and bts photographer.
That simplicity an limited choices is also helping give your images a distinct look, right? The same focal lengths provides some visual consistency between projects, no?
I've been selling off lenses. I found I can use my 70 - 200 to do some macro like shots that I have the 100 macro for so I sold the 100 and bought a trip to Iceland with the money! 😆
At present I have 2 photography roles. One is my dance sorry where I love the 85 prime and then the 70-200. And for my fashion beauty sirs I use the 100 or 180 macro. I need a wide for lineups so maybe the 24 prime. So 4 in total ?
can you please expand on what you were saying about bigger sensors and distortion the 3D look? I didn't think distortion was a function of focal length and also that something would look more 3D with less distortion (assuming you mean at a longer focal length)?
Respect for your choices, but I was trying to figure out how you can actually visualize every possible instance with just two (three) prime focal lenses. ...and then we got to the comment about black T-shirt same shoes and blue jeans to not cause "choice fatigue" and was like: "oh, right!" 😅
Wait a minute… I have a 5dsr as well but you’re using a 90 from an analog mf system, right? Can you talk about that? What adapters work? Ahh nevermind… found it on your £1500 upgrade video. I recognize that as being a mamiya rz lens. I have a mamiya rb67 and my 90 is not as good but I love it. I do more portrait and fashion but the look of your setup intrigues me.
Canon 24-105 f4 V2+ 70-200 F2.8 V1. My 24-70 F2.8 is in service for 8 months ... still they can't find the repair part. For fun a 100 1:1 macro canon. Can you make a video about your sports photography??
24-70 and 70-200 covers most of what I need. For motorsport/action rather than studio work though. For a while I just used the 70-200 and I just made it work, either by peddling backwards for complete shots or really focusing on details. I needed to get the 24-70, as I did a shoot with a £100k+ 1930s car and just couldn't get the interior or have enough space to get the exact wide angles I wanted which made me miss out, and I'll never get that chance again. Also want a 150-600 for track shots, as the 200mm can't quite get what I want.
Given that your glass, Mamiya, is no longer in production and the relative low cost, do you not feel that a second 90mm would be handy. As you have multiple camera bodies for that reason then would a back-up be a sensible purchase?
Your job or your photography niche will define, which type of lens you should have, but an expensive "state of the art" lens doesn´t turn you into a professional photographer. The difference between a "pro" lens and an "amateur" lens: for a professional photographer, a lens is a tool...for an amateur photographer, a lens is a toy...regardless, which lens both of them would use. For a professional photographer, this lens must be able to do the job...for an amateur photographer, this lens must make him/her happy! I am an amateur photographer and i have a bunch of high end lenses (my latest lens is the Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro), but i would never call me a professional photographer, because of my lenses or because of my equipment, which is nearly the same from an professional photographer. I don´t make money with it, or have to make money with it, but you have to make money with it. I have an excuse, if i have a bad day without useful results ("...i am just only an amateur photographer!"😁), and it will not make any difference on my salary, but you, as a professional photographer, doesn´t really have that luxury.
I’m unfortunately a gear junkie. I’m not wealthy, I’m just odd. I’ve accumulated 5 camera bodies, 14 lenses, 3 flashes, 5 powerful strobes, 10 light stands, 3 monopods, 3 softboxes, a beauty dish, 7 umbrellas, 3 metal modifiers, 3 tripods, way too many memory cards, and I don’t need 9 camera batteries either. I seriously need to sell off some of this stuff and simplify things.
I shoot babies and families. I use a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm. I wish I had the money for the zoom r28-70 so I could just use one lens. But what I have works and it’s not broken. Though my 50mm has some mechanical issues. But still does what I need.
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This is timely for me. I just shot an entire music festival with a 20mm and an 85mm and I wouldn't have had it any other way. but it's a good thing I use those lenses for my commercial work because music doesn't make me any money. lol
So very true.... GAS is a dangerous disease, hurts in the pocket and can definitely stifle creativity.
Lenses that makes me money I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Then I have a collection of old vintage lenses that are used for fun sometimes, but mainly sit in a glass cabinet just because they look nice.
That Tamron 35mm is such an amazing workhorse lens. During my work day I have a holy trinity combo in my bag (14-24 /24/70 / 70-200) because my work requires all of that. They all get used heavily. Personally I use and love my crazily old nikon 28mm f2.8 just because its so much fun to use. I've got an 85mm and 50 for needed use but my desert island lens is my beat up 2nd gen Nikon 70-200 2.8. I could literally do all my work on that- its my desert island lens.
I'm just a hobby photographer. I've been watching your videos for the last few days and I like your philosophy on gear. I bought my Canon 90D about a year ago with the Canon 18-135 kit lens. My expectation was that I would add a long zoom like a 100-400 and something wider like a 10 to whatever eventually. But that's not how it turned out.
My next lens was a Canon 24mm pancake. That took some getting used to but I found it to be a great lens. That lens was followed by a Canon 24mm 1.4L. It's the only lens I use. It is a weatherproof tank with great glass. All the other lenses stay in my bag. It's a lovely way to take pictures. No decisions. Just picture taking.
I've toyed with buying a different body and maybe a high end zoom but have come to realize that what I've got works. I don't get paid for pushing the shutter button so I won't be adding to my kit anytime soon unless something breaks.
The lenses I use the most are
In studio
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II and a Canon EF 85mm f/1.2.... once in a while a Canon 100m
Outdoor
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Absolutely agree, for social/event photography a 16-35mm, 70-200mm and a fast 50mm will cover everything.
I like your approach. I do mainly wildlife and nature. Over the years I have narrowed my kit to 3 lenses. A long telephoto, a macro and a 24-70 for wider angle shots.
Stoping in to say, Scott we admire your skill and thoroughness. Thank you from someone whom art & biz benefits from you THANK YOU from the US
I have a mirrorless canon EOS RP body and was searching for a piece of sharp-ass glass to shoot with. After the inevitable rabbit hole of leica screw mount this and $2500 EF-L that, I realized I already had exactly what I was looking for. I'd taken a film photography class and quickly dumped 35mm for 6x7 medium format because I loved the deep, 3D look and beautiful prints you got out of it, so I'd bought a Mamiya RB67 with the 127mm f/3.5. I found a fotodiox adapter which worked with canon RF mount and went ahead and gave it a try. Far and away it is the sharpest glass I or any of my colleagues, some of whom have $5,000 leica glass, have ever seen.
What rf lens was that?
If you ever get bored get a 220 back for your rb and 2 pair of 135 to 120 adapters then tape the leader from the full film canister to an empty and you've got an XPan.
I've narrowed my kit down over the years to 3 lenses. I shoot with an EF 24 - 70mm F2.8 and an RF 70 - 200mm F2.8, my 3rd lens is the 50mm f1.8 as it's a really small light lens for when I just want to make my R5 more compact. If I had the money I would buy the 15 - 35 f2.8 to complete the holy lens trinity and get some ultra wide landscapes, but it's more of a lens I want than one I need.
I love my 90mm, 50mm macro and 24mm all tilt shift lenses - they all have a special place in my kit for food. I use my 300mm 2.8 IS for food a lot which was a surprise but has had some great results. I have the 800mm 5.6 for birds... occasionally... but it's a monstrosity and requires some effort.
advise for beginners, go always for second hand lenses. They will keep the price if they are older than 2y (warranty already spent) so is like free renting if you need to sell it later on.
even for the seasoned photographer that is a great suggestion.
I use 35mm 1.8 only. It’s the only one I carry. On my back up camera I use 22mm f2 which is about the same as well. I love the look of the 35mm length. It’s just perfect.
The weddings I shoot are always done with my photography wingman Andy. He's a very good "technical" photographer. I'm more a "behind the scenes" kinda photohog. I use an old battered canon 5d plus an equally battered 28mm f1.8 USM & a 135mm f135mm. That's it. Used to also carry a canon speedlite but now not even that lol. Only other lens I use is the 17-40 f4. And thats literally what I bang on the 5d when I go on holiday.
I went from using 135mm almost exclusively to now pairing a 50mm with it (all for portrait work). I may jump up to a 105mm or 85mm instead of the 135mm at some point, but haven't been in enough situations to warrant a switch. My 35mm and 24mm TS hardly leave the bag and may get sold in the future.
I shot 45mm ts, 90mm ts, 60 / 100 mm macro for details at home. Lightweight manual 35mm, 55mm and 100mm when going to places. And have at least a further 10 pcs of unused lenses.
It is insane I know.
Fuji X shooter here. Currently using 3 lenses, 2 (nested) primes - 27mm and 60mm macroish and 1 and done zoom - 16-80mm. Love having minimal choices after years of chasing all the mms! In fact for the prior 3 years I was shooting just x100v for that reason. Not a pro, mainly family, landscapes some "paid" work. Great video as always!
So true. Used to have a 35.., an 85mm, and multiple others. Have now cut down to just 3. A 10-20, 70-200 and a 20-70
I only shoot with a 50 and 85 most of the time. if ever i'm gonna update my lenses, i'll be getting a TSE, but the 50 and 85 does most of the job. also throw in a 35 for the flat lay shots.
I think it totally depends on what you're shooting. I need an ultra-wide for real estate but other than that I could easily survive on a 35mm and an 85mm prime. A lot of people sleep on 24-105 f/4 zooms, especially on these newer sensors that handle higher ISOs better.
I'm having great results in studio with the basic RF 24-105 STM which has only f/7.1 wide open at 105mm. The maximum Aperture I use is F/8 anyways, so I don't care.
Let's have a look: 17-28, 28-75, 70-200, 24, 35, 55, 90 (Macro). Seven lenses. In studio, I use the 55 and 90. That's it. Some of my so-called projects are done, complete in 55 or 35. On travel, I use the 28-75, sometimes the 17-28. - But! There is another one. I also own an old Leica Q. As you might know, the Q has a fixed 28 Summicron. Since I own the Q, more than 50% of all outdoor shoots are made with this 28/1.7 lens. The performance of this camera is outstanding. But the most important part of using the Q is simplicity. Very few features, immediate connection to focus, time and aperture, one lens.
Simplicity (or minimalism) is - IMHO - the key to progress. I love my other primes. Sometimes I go out with one of them and feel the world with this one lens only.
Thank you for sharing your story.
As a landscape guy i tried out MF years ago with the intention to get a digital back for my mamiya 645 afd ii. Apart from the body i carried 5 lenses - a 35mm, 55mm, 80mm, 150mm, 210mm along with 4 film backs. I would say 99% of the time i shot with the 55mm, occasionally the 210mm was used. What i also found was when i moved back to a DSLR, i tried to replicate the focal lengths i used the most on the mamiya with my D700. But i think due to the different aspect ratios that never worked out too well. 🤦♂
All my work is done with the Canon TSE 45 and 100mm macro. I have a 50 f1.4 that is used mostly as a camera lid but I did find a new use for it for video. Besides that I have 2 vintage Zeiss Jena lenses 20mm (which is now listed on ebay for a lot more than what I paid for it) and 35mm lenses. These 2 are sharp and the close focus is amazing for prime lenses which are great for video. I was thinking about a 24-70 for video but may reconsider that and get on with sliders and learning how to focus pull.
Great video as usual, for me i had a lot but as your knowledge increases you know what you need in all your gear!
50mm and 90mm are my bread and butter, from here it’s a case of upgrading those not adding additional focal lengths. I did recently pick up a 16-35 to do some interior design work, that lens paid for itself on the first shoot.
I have some vintage lenses that are fun and occasionally get used when I need a certain look, but they cost me almost nothing and were a critical part of my creative journey.
I have 5Dsr I bought used, for too much, but that is another story. I like the Canon 24-105L f4 and the Canon 100-400L II for landscapes. There is no real need beyond that for the way I shoot. I do have other lenses though. Currently I am contemplating obtaining some m42 lenses to adapt for fun. To be honest one really does not need all those megapixels, at least for me. The 5Dsr is a wonderful camera, but really it IS for highly specialized things since the resolution is so high and the file sizes are rather gigantic. Hence the file size options are very important.
Besides all that, with all that resolution, really, to make use of it, one must take care in the shooting process, and I admit, I could get more out of it, if I took more care. If you are going to be sloppy you may as well use a lower pixel camera or shoot lower resolution or whatever. If you use a tripod and take care you can get some amazing detail. It's up to you.
Frankly for the current price new, the 5Dsr is a true bargain.
Best wishes!
No matter how many RUclips videos you see or what RUclipsrs say you won’t know what need until you use the gear
Same for me, mainly out of necessity though. For weddings, portraits, and products I use an 85, 24-70, and 100 macro I'd like to add some others but I've been able to cover alot with this
Yeah that pretty much covers everything
I do 98% of my wedding and portrait work on 35, 50 and 85mm lenses. My 100mm Macro and the 24mm get some use from time to time to have some fun. Do I need more? not really. I can always rent anything else. Do I have more? Yes. 🙈
Im using my lovely Sigma 105mm 2.8 macro dg dn Art020 for my product photography (mainly packshots) and my Viltrox 85mm 1.8 Mark2 for my portrait photography.
I just shoot with a 24-105mm 3.5/5.6 and I'm totally ok with that. Yes I'm an entry level food photographer and need to make more heroes shoot but I totally agree with you, I prefer to spend on light kit and to make the photo look good and have a super expensive lens. Btw your videos are super helpful, keep it up with all the efforts you put on your youtube content!!!
I have a Canon R8. I upgraded after using the 70D for 10 years. My only lens with the 70D was an EF 24-105 F4. For 10 years, I used it for everything. It was a great lens to learn with and I only paid $550 for it in 2014.
I wanted some versatility this year because I decided to turn my photography skills into a job; rather than blow thousands on RF glass, I am sticking with EF using an adapter.
I picked up a 70-200 f2.8 IS, 85 f1.8 gold ring, and a 50 f1.4 gold ring for about 1200 bucks... the image quality is outstanding on all 4 lenses. I don't see myself upgrading to RF glass unless I win the lottery or trick someone else into buying them for me.
Street: Nikon 50mm F2H
Jack: Nikkor 60mm F2.8 D Micro
KISS: Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 G VR
Nikon D200
I sold my DF, D3s and D300 to go back to my first camera, D200. I prefer the images straight out of camera. Might have something to do with its CCD sensor.
50mm F2H, fast short throw manual focus only. It's so intuitive, I can focus by feel and subject distance. Forces you to be present. Cost $25 (now $50)
60mm F2.8 D Micro, jack of all trades. High micro contrast. Mostly used for work. Cost $70 (now $120-$200)
Keep it simple stupid, 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR has made me the most money over the years. Cost $0 (now $80)
I shoot everything with a 50mm and an 85mm. I can’t afford anything else because I prefer spending on lighting, classes or just saving the money. I haven’t had any reason to buy anything else. The only other lens I may bring is a 16-35mm zoom lens which doesn’t make it into my bag too often.
I have four lenses at the moment. A 17-70mm, 50 mm, 100 mm and a 100-600 mm. The one I use the most is the 100-600. On some rare ocassions I use the 17-70. I have these lenses because I've gone from concert photography to documentary and street back to concert and now wildlife/nature. I could easily get rid of the 50 which I bought only because because every one who teaches photography says "You got to have a 50 mm lens!". I've had that lens since the mid/late 90's and used it embarrassingly little. Good for some video work, but it could go...
I only have a 50mm 1.4 at the moment. I am a nomad living out of a backpack, maybe at the end of my journey. I will get a ~100 macro when I can afford it. Once I find a place to live and job I will try to build a commercial photography business.
Ha! Late to this video. But I’m pairing down to a 35-150 & an 85 to shoot commercial portrait & lifestyle. It’s essential to remember that you can rent when a job calls for something fancy.
I have only used a 100mm macro for over a year now, 90% of my portfolio IS shot on it at f16 ans 1 light, sometimes 2 if I cant do with a reflector. Realisation that the other kit Never Comes Out makes me cringe. Juste cant get round to selling them. Thanks Scott you say it how it IS!!!!
Lights and modifiers stay maybe sell some lenses though like 70-200?
For my Pentax K3 21mm, and 77mm limited, a Tamron 90mm macro (and 18-55 kit lens I never use) for my Bronica ERTSi 40mm, 75mm, 150mm and 250mm
I’ve use a 135mm F/2L for 90% of my work over the last 5 years.
But for me I think if it was only two lens I would go with a 70-200mm F/2.8L and the 500mm F/4L and maybe a 1.4TC - as an animal and pet photographer.
I find the more I scale down my gear the more clear my workflow gets.
The 8 element 50mm super takumar f/1.4 can do most of the work, then a 35mm f/1.4 EF 1st gen lens as well.
Love your whole approach to the business of image making. My money making combo was my 200f2 on a 1D4 (cycling), and perhaps even the specific body and lens were optimal together. I'm not getting back into the business but found your content looking into the heavily discounted 5DS R to shoot a special architectural project for myself with a TS lens. I may just stick with an old 5D mk II, the end result will only appear on websites. Thanks for sanity check.
I only have, use a Canon 35mm f1.4 85mm f1.2 TS-E 90mm f/2.8. I also have a 50mm f1.4 and 28mm f1.8 but those are only for my lighting projector mount, not for my camera.
Gig, event, portraits. Basically 99% EF 24-70 and EF 70-200. 2 lens, 2 body, gtg.
Very important video, appreciate your insight. 👊
Can't let my wife see this video! She'll play it every time she catches me browsing through WEX or LCE. That said, I moved from Fuji to Canon recently and have an RF 50 & 100 Macro - Honestly don't think I have a need for anything else. Doesn't stop me looking though....
lets see I own the 18-55 and 70-300, I should have a 100mm macro instead since I shoot mostly macro though havent gotten around to fixing my kit up, been an odd year for photo stuff, only 2 lenses I will ever need, a supper macro from loawa and a none vancy little zoom like the 18-55
Great tips! Fascinating vid
My 35 and 70-200 could get pretty much everything done if I had to. I also own a 17-28 and a 50. not planning on buying any others any time soon.
I know I need fast apertures because I love low light and nighttime stuff and I hate carrying around and setting up accessory lighting. I've noticed I prefer primes over zooms. I almost sold my primes for the Sigma Art 18-35 f/1.8 and 27-70 f/2.8 lenses as my main ones, but I didn't want to give up my 35, 50, and 85mm f/1.4s. If I get back to traveling more I'll need a high-quality super-zoom lens to walk around with, but between the primes and a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and some fun Lensbaby fx lenses I feel like I'm sufficiently geared up for the forseeable future. Who knows when I'll even upgrade my Canon Rebel SL1 body. I got over my stigma about shooting on a crop sensor camera. Could I get one with more features and things like more autofocus points? Sure. But I'd rather just keep honing my craft by getting out there and shooting.
most of my studio work is done with 50mm and 70-200 at 70 also use a vintage 135 for my micro work , will like to get a 80mm at some point , will be cool to use my mamya rb lents at some point but that adapter you have is way to expensive
2 Bodies, 3 Lenses.
XH1 and the 16-55 never comes off.
XPro 2 typically has the 35mm on but when I need more context, the 18 takes over.
Only thing I could ask for is that 50-140 but seeing how close I get to subjects Its yet to make sense for me.
:P Photography, yeah, 2 primes is fine unless your doing wildlife. Add video to the mix and you could use a good 24-70 ish zoom to boot. so for an all round package I'd say 4 lenses... oh but I do like to have a light carry option so I need similar lenses for m43...... ... .. so now that's 8 lenses.... Add in a few "get out of my rut odd manual focus lenses"... Oh and I have a vintage film camera.. it needs a few lenses as well... Oh nooooo what have I done?!!!
I used a Nikon 58mm f1.4 G & Nikon 85mm PC-E F2.8 but I have a 3rd sorry it's Nikon 135mm F2. I pair the non PC Lens with fotodiox Pro TLT ROKR. Camera Nikon Z7ii that's it.
I just got back from a photography convention and it felt like very one there brought huge amounts of lens in rolling cases and what not. I tossed a 50 and 70-200 in a backpack and almost shot everything on the 50.
I'm almost embarrassed to say I have 6 lenses although one I haven't used in a couple of years+ and I should probably sell it. This said, I have three fast primes for my APS-C camera (16/30/56mm) and I use these a lot particularly when I shoot at night or need a shallow depth of field. Then I have 2 zooms. My 17-70 is my walk about lens that isn't really for work (when I have room for only one lens in my pack this is what I take). My 70-350mm is a gift and although I don't use it a heck of a lot I really do like it for shooting macro, landscapes, and wildlife. I use it more than the 17-70. So my lenses are divided into ones I used for work and those for pleasure. I do wonder if I should get a second camera body since I'm often changing lenses outdoors and have dust issues.
35 all day. I've shot entire films on just a 35mm. Being a professional also means you have a high degree of redundancy. Backup bodies, backup lenses, backup audio gear., ect.
24 and 50. Love showing off space and I just push my fifty for mids and close ups. Mainly do video, but learned all my cinematography through my time as a wedding and bts photographer.
Tech ignorant... Lucky you!
6x7 lens is same fov on 35... So lucky!
For 90% of my photo/video work: Fuji 18, 35 & 56. For the 10% when I do real estate it’s the 10-24mm
That simplicity an limited choices is also helping give your images a distinct look, right? The same focal lengths provides some visual consistency between projects, no?
If I had to pick 2 primes, it would be my 30mm f1.4 Sigma and the Tamron 60mm f2 macro.
I've been selling off lenses. I found I can use my 70 - 200 to do some macro like shots that I have the 100 macro for so I sold the 100 and bought a trip to Iceland with the money! 😆
I use a 24-105 and a 90mm Macro.
At present I have 2 photography roles. One is my dance sorry where I love the 85 prime and then the 70-200. And for my fashion beauty sirs I use the 100 or 180 macro. I need a wide for lineups so maybe the 24 prime. So 4 in total ?
Pragmatic ! Liked it. Brilliant.
the minute on that clock just turned 35 after you said 35mm
can you please expand on what you were saying about bigger sensors and distortion the 3D look? I didn't think distortion was a function of focal length and also that something would look more 3D with less distortion (assuming you mean at a longer focal length)?
Respect for your choices, but I was trying to figure out how you can actually visualize every possible instance with just two (three) prime focal lenses.
...and then we got to the comment about black T-shirt same shoes and blue jeans to not cause "choice fatigue" and was like: "oh, right!" 😅
Wait a minute… I have a 5dsr as well but you’re using a 90 from an analog mf system, right? Can you talk about that? What adapters work?
Ahh nevermind… found it on your £1500 upgrade video. I recognize that as being a mamiya rz lens. I have a mamiya rb67 and my 90 is not as good but I love it. I do more portrait and fashion but the look of your setup intrigues me.
My favourite lens 28-105mm Macro lens not L series I shoot 85 % of work on this cheap lens 🤷🏽♂️
Canon 24-105 f4 V2+ 70-200 F2.8 V1. My 24-70 F2.8 is in service for 8 months ... still they can't find the repair part. For fun a 100 1:1 macro canon. Can you make a video about your sports photography??
24-70 and 70-200 covers most of what I need. For motorsport/action rather than studio work though.
For a while I just used the 70-200 and I just made it work, either by peddling backwards for complete shots or really focusing on details. I needed to get the 24-70, as I did a shoot with a £100k+ 1930s car and just couldn't get the interior or have enough space to get the exact wide angles I wanted which made me miss out, and I'll never get that chance again.
Also want a 150-600 for track shots, as the 200mm can't quite get what I want.
Wouldn’t a 24-105 and a macro tube be a one and done lens? Or getting repeatable shots a bit out the window?
What brand are your lenses and what is the name for that big box attached on your lens ,thank you
So well said. Astute.
Given that your glass, Mamiya, is no longer in production and the relative low cost, do you not feel that a second 90mm would be handy. As you have multiple camera bodies for that reason then would a back-up be a sensible purchase?
Quick question. Would you still use the 5dsr for portraits today??
Your job or your photography niche will define, which type of lens you should have, but an expensive "state of the art" lens doesn´t turn you into a professional photographer.
The difference between a "pro" lens and an "amateur" lens: for a professional photographer, a lens is a tool...for an amateur photographer, a lens is a toy...regardless, which lens both of them would use. For a professional photographer, this lens must be able to do the job...for an amateur photographer, this lens must make him/her happy!
I am an amateur photographer and i have a bunch of high end lenses (my latest lens is the Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro), but i would never call me a professional photographer, because of my lenses or because of my equipment, which is nearly the same from an professional photographer. I don´t make money with it, or have to make money with it, but you have to make money with it.
I have an excuse, if i have a bad day without useful results ("...i am just only an amateur photographer!"😁), and it will not make any difference on my salary, but you, as a professional photographer, doesn´t really have that luxury.
i have 2 bodies 16-35 ,28-75,70-180,200-600
I’m unfortunately a gear junkie. I’m not wealthy, I’m just odd. I’ve accumulated 5 camera bodies, 14 lenses, 3 flashes, 5 powerful strobes, 10 light stands, 3 monopods, 3 softboxes, a beauty dish, 7 umbrellas, 3 metal modifiers, 3 tripods, way too many memory cards, and I don’t need 9 camera batteries either. I seriously need to sell off some of this stuff and simplify things.
I shoot babies and families. I use a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm. I wish I had the money for the zoom r28-70 so I could just use one lens. But what I have works and it’s not broken. Though my 50mm has some mechanical issues. But still does what I need.
how do i attach a mamiya sekor 90mm directly to a canon full frame dslr?
2x 5D Mk ii's 24-70 & 70-200 L 's Still making a living after 12yrs.
What is that 90mm lens you are using?
Name of the gear mate? Links?
I tear it down to only one: Canon Fl 55 f1.2 on a S5
Only two lenses? 24 mm 1.8 and 50 mm 1.4.
Good old common sense . Txs for shaking is a bit.
I need them all. Lol....
50mm and 100mm fir me thats it.
Only two lenses? 50 mil. And either 28 or 24 mil.
Having 20mm - 300mm but only using 35mm and 50mm 99% of the time.
Side note: spent less than a $1,000 on the whole collection valued at $5000?
All vintage primes, mostly used for film photography and video work.
There is no such thing as a pro lens.
Canon lenses dont hold their value...