My new lens strategy

[bossel]

Ever since I started with my KM 5D, I was on the quest for new lenses. To extend my focal range and for other specialties (F2.8 etc). To the kit lens I added a 50/1.7 and a 70-210/4. Later a KM28-75/2.8. A Sigma 10-20 and for close to nothing a 70-300 DG macro. Found a well priced 135/2.8 and a 28-135. Tamron 1.4x and 2.0x telconverter, a polarizer. A Sony 18-250. I saw the strengths and weaknesses of each lens and learned a lot. I think it was useful to got through all this because you can't learn everything in a forum (as helpful as they are) but one needs hands-on experience.

At one point I said myself, I am not using most of this stuff and decided to go for quality instead of quantity. Got a CZ16-80 and couldn't be more happy. Since then, I have decided to sell off everything that doesn't get a lot of use, and its all gone (only the KM 5D still for sale...)

I am left with:
Sigma 10-20
CZ 16-80
Minolta 70-210/4

The proceedings of my sale will go to a 70-400G, together with the 200 Euro cashback it's largely covered. Certainly not an every day lens, but top quality and it will keep me happy for many years. Will keep the 70-210/4 though for going out light and I just love it's colours and bookeh! If ever I need something else, like a macro or portrait or low-light prime, I will think five times if I really need it and then buy high quality, if I can afford it.

Suddenly, everything seems very easy.

Voilà

[Dr. Harout]

And I'm dreaming only of Zeiss lenses

[bossel]

And I'm dreaming only of Zeiss lenses

So what is everybody else's strategy?

[peterottaway]

The only APS lens that I own is the CZ 16-80 mm zoom. I don't see myself buying any future APS cameras unless Sony bring out an Nex 5i or Nex 7 with an EFV to be used with a MD adapter.

My FF line up is complete ( except for the fabled 24-105 / 4.0 ) with the CZ 16-35, Minolta 28-70 G, Sony 70-300 G, Sony 70-400 G, Minolta 80-200 HS, Minolta 85 G and Minolta 100 SF as my heavy hitters. I also picked up cheaply during the Minolta closure panic the Minolta 24-85, Minolta 28-135 , 35-200 xi and 100-300 APO mostly second hand for a reserve kit with my Dynax 7 film camera.

The silly thing is most of the time I have the 35-200, 24- 85 and 28-135 in that order on my A 850 when I am only using one lens. None of them can be said to challenge the full 24 MP sensor !

.

[InTheSky]

Strategy probably depends on the days to days using of the photography

On my side I'm a kind of drug addict to Fast lenses (depth of field and low light capabilities). Yes I know that for the low light I'm probably not on the good brand ... but I have always chooses Minolta over other for the size of the lenses vs performance , and also to make all my prime stabilized.

So for my strategy is to have a prime for every use. From Wide to zoom ...

When I go traveling in plane, I'm able to put in a very tiny bag (about 17x12x15cm) : A900, 16mm 2.8, 28mm 2.0, 50mm 1.4 and 100mm 2.0. Usually with that setup I'm able to cover 95% of the shot I need. Tiny flash + 55mm polarized (all lenses are on the same size) + 2 batteries and some extra memory cards. This is almost the same setup for Shooting in a small Montreal Bar at night for rock concert, where I removed the polarized filter and some time swap the 50mm 1.4 for the 50mm 1.2 MD (impressive lens) and also the 58mm 1.2 MD (less sharp but magic effect).

If I'm going in a larger place for concert, usually I will transform my setup has :14mm 2.8 (Tamron) 20mm 2.8, 35mm 2.0, 85mm 1.4, and 200mm 2.8 + 1.4x converter. Big flash.

For insect hunting : 200mm 4.0 Macro + 50mm 2.8 Macro + 1.4x converter.

For Bird hunting : Tamron Adaptall 60B 300mm 2.8 + 200F adapter + M42 confirm focus.

For great day will good sun, in forest I'm always putting the 50-500mm Sigma Bigma.

For social activities where I want to relaxe and give the camera to other people to take picture : Minolta 28-75D 2.8 + Big flash or small flash.

When I was APS with the A700, the best package for traveling for me was the 18-200mm minolta + 67mm polarized filter + 50mm 1.4 all in a small Camera bag,

I have a 500mm Reflex. Any interest I have found that it is better to bring the bigma that this lens on the A900.

Regards,

Frank

[bossel]

I think I am not ready for primes My 50/1.7 or 135/2.8 got extremly little use. The Tamron 60/2 seems like a cute new thing, but APS-C only. I'll spend some time with my new 70-400 (once I got it) and then we'll see.

So for my strategy is to have a prime for every use. From Wide to zoom ...

Wow! A zoom-prime Sorry, couldn't resist the joke, I think I understand your point

[InTheSky]

This is the result of my "super" English writing .

I'm still learning , don't be afraid to correct me, this is the way to learn, thanks.

Regards,

Frank

[Dusty]

My strategy has been to go with only FF lenses, but I would probably make an exception for a discounted 16-80 CZ. Reason being I'm trying to save for an 850. So, my lenses are mostly older film models.

Dusty

[Clarke]

Hi. I bought a 70mm macro lens when I bought my A850 to satisfy my interest in close-up /abstract subjects. I am hoping that Sony comes out with a moderately priced, moderately fast 35mm or 40mm lens and a new 28mm lens design for full-frame. After which I might want a moerately fast and moderately priced longer lens in the range 85- 120 mm. Because my body is full-frame I will buy full-frame lenses. I am thinking that it is quite o.k. for me if there is a lot of elapsed time between lens purchases. I have to admit I would like the upcoming Zeiss 24mm f/2 but it is probably not as versatile for me as the previously mentioned choices.

-Clarke Jones

[alphaomega]

I wish I had a clear lens strategy. I am wanting the best with the least weight due to having reached 70 and not getting any stronger. So I have now cameras A350/A550 (replacement en route) and A700. That will do for a couple of years at least. For these I have lenses
Tamron 10-24
CZ 16-80
Tamron 18-200 Di
Tamron 28-200 Di
Tamron 70-300 DI
Sigma 70-210 Apo
Sony 18-70 kit lens
Thinking of disposing of Tamron 28-200 and Sigma 70-210 Apo but will keep the Sony 18-70 as a spare in case the CZ needs repair.
Would like to exchange my Tamron 70-300 for the new one but put off by doubling of weight and SSS in lens.
I would probably exchange the Tamron 18-200 for something sharper if I the weight penalty was acceptable. Basically I am covered for all requirements as I mostly need only the range of 15 to 400mm (35mm equivalent) so any new lenses would replace current ones with better IQ and no weight penalty. I am watching the NEX developments. I would not buy one and E lenses unless there was a NEX with EVF covering all lens ranges. I might buy the 16mm prime and 18-200mm if it is not too bulky and returned quality IQ. If it is bulky it would not be any better (size & weight) than A350 or A550 with Tamron 18-200. AS I own Panasonic LX2 and LX3 I am not in desparate need for NEX type cameras. The Panas return real quality at low ISO and using RAW. Any lens suggestions would be received with thanks.