Lens Love

October. The magical month. It has been a year since my photography took a huge lunge forward, last October. I will love this month forever! and it is all because of two marvelous creatures: the 50mm/f1.4 lens and the 50mm/f2.5 compact macro lens.

I knew I was missing something in my photographs. Something in the way I was able -- or more precisely, not able -- to translate what I was seeing into tangible results. I see details. Little pieces of light or shape or texture that catch my eye and draw me in. but I wasn’t able to convey what I saw.

I saw it in other photographs. In food photography, still life photography, in magazines, on blogs. A serene beauty in having all but the smallest piece of the image softly out of focus. Shapes. Colors. Hints of information. Dreaminess. 

If they can do it, why can’t I do it? What IS it?

You see, I used to be a photojournalist, and the pictures I made were all about spreading information. Not that photojournalists’ photos aren't artistic, they certainly can be. But the widest aperture I used as a photojournalist was f2.8. 

Having put photography aside for many, many years, I returned with fresh perspective, less of a photojournalist's hat on.

One day, it just clicked. Ohhhhhhhh, I need to use an even wider aperture for even shallower depth of field.

So last October, I bought the 50mm/f1.4. Then in June, I bought the 50mm/f2.5 compact macro. And my photography, and therefore my life, hasn’t been the same since.

Now I use these two lenses almost exclusively. I’m still learning what aperture works well depending on the subject, angle, distance from subject, all that. Sometimes I don’t get the focus point where I want, or don’t have enough depth of field. Sometimes I even remember to bracket. But often, I’m able to show what I see in a way that feels right. Finally! And I love that with both of these lenses, there are often stunningly beautiful surprises in the image that I wasn’t able to see through the viewfinder.

It’s true what they say, that it's not the equipment, it's the photographer. But having the right gear can help a photographer express herself and show the world her unique viewpoint, what and how she sees. And we all know how it feels when we express ourselves just as we intended. Magic.

Image and words courtesy of guest blogger/honorary sister Hillary Sloss of Eyechai.

Comments

[Audra Van Vliet]

Your macro sounds very, very appealing. For me, it was my Canon 40d that changed it all. My 50 f/1.4 is almost exclusively all I use. I have an 85 f/1.8, but on a cropped sensor, it is just too long. I am looking forward to a 35 f/1.4 and a 5d Mark II. A girl can dream can't she.

The latest on my blog are from an aquarium, and my fifty didn't disappoint.

http://lastpictureshowphotography.blogspot.com/

[Gali]

I have a 50 f/2.0 on the Zenit-E and that's the lens I absolutely love although I honestly can't say that I can a 50 lens for digital photography, everything seems too close then (but for some reason that doesn't bother me for film photography). I use a 20 f/1.7 for most of my digital shots, especially if there isn't much light.

[Marcie]

It's true that it's not the equipment..but the right lenses sure can help:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1326

[Cherrie]

I have had my eye on the 2.5 macros for a while now, so your post helps to confirm that I really do want it. Thanks!

[Jen]

I agree with Cherrie! I really want this lens now. When I first bought my dslr 2 Octobers ago, I got the 50 f1.8 thinking that was it. I didn't research it enough to even realize there was a macro version. Macro is a passion of mine, I'm going to have to put this on the holiday wish list.

[Vanessa]

what a beautiful guest post--one i can relate to hugely. i bought my first 50 mm/f1.8 lens just recently and i'm still nodding in satisfied contentment every time i upload my shots and look at them on-screen. although far from perfect, it's so nice to have a new tool to explore -one with which i can get closer to the shots i have always envisaged... straight-out-of-the-camera... and so much more... me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/5072450307/

[Hannah]

I so agree. It definitely isn't the equipment, per se, but boy, when the right lens comes along... My Nikkor ai-s 50mm f/1.2 rocked my world as it emerged from the shadows precisely a year ago. The first photos I took blew me away, made me almost hyperventilate. This.Was.It. Exactly how I wanted my photos to look like. Dreamy, shallow, lots of whispering and swirling bokeh. And all manual. I learned so so much about photography and about me as a photographer when I started using this lens. Suddenly, everything made sense.
So yeah, I completely agree with you.... :). (Although, I made the mistake of trying my beloved on a FF-camera (use it on a D90 normally)..... now I can't rest til' I have access to FF 24/7. Bad move. Very bad move.)

[Jill]

Just got a 50 f1.8 after I started a new photography continuing ed. class. My teacher thought it should be a required lens for students. I coudn't resist. And I've been loving it.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23113159@N03/5065955652/" title="jonathan franzen had me at page 71. by Grey Cottage Studio, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com

[Jill]

oops -- linked wrong above! As I was saying... just got a 50mm/f1.8 after starting a photography continuing ed class at ICP in NYC. the teacher thought it should be a requirement for photography students, and I couldn't resist. I'm smitten.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23113159@N03/5065955652/

[Doris]

Love, love, love my 50mm Compact Macro lens too. On my 365 blog, under each photo I list the lens used to take the shot. It's almost embarrassing the amount of photos shot with this lens.

http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/

[giftsofthejourney (Elizabeth Harper)]

Great post in information sharing and image.

[kristin]

i am dreaming of that 1.4.
maybe one day.... one day.... :)

beautiful shot

[Jennifer]

My 1.8 lives on my camera. I've had it for nearly two years, and I think it's come off a handful of times.

[Kelsey]

I have the 50 1.4 and the 85 1.8 and I absolutely love them both!

[Puna]

Thank you! I am always looking for lens recommendations.

I love my Nikkor 70-300 mm.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2010/10/october-8-the-need-for-speed/

[BlessedMess]

Last Christmas I was exposed to my first prime and my first fast lens. My father had his 85mm 1.8 sitting in a box, and said if I wanted it I could have it. I put it on my camera, and wow. The sharpness, the DOF, and I think most importantly to me was being able to take better photos in low light. I live in Vermont after all, and the majority of the year is quite dim to say the least. This lens opened my photography up in new and exciting ways. Thanks Dad!

It's still my favorite portrait lens. Especially with the kiddos, so you don't have to get up all in their business...

great for close up:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12418609@N00/4545858333/

and far:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12418609@N00/4666912229/

[humbird]

I went the opposite direction ~ I decided to rent the Canon 600 mm f/4 for a visit to Yellowstone 2 weeks ago. LOVED being able to get up close and personal without intruding into wildlife's personal space. That said, I agree with the post's author, and I see I will likely be in the market for a similar lens...

http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/10/05/in-pursuit/
http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/yellowstone-arrival/

[vivienne]

Yes! I use those two lenses too....almost all the time.
They both also take beautiful portraits which is what drew me to them!

Well, actually...i got the macro so I could try out the TTV technique and it has turned out to be one of my favourites!

[claudia]

oh yes, life will never look the same after a 50mm :D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurohunt/5077762189/

[merr]

i just want to go on record as being a close, personal friend of hillary. (wink, wink) i'm so excited to see her posting here! woohoo! what a phenomenal woman and photographer!

[Brooke]

I absolutely love my 50mm f/1.8 - and even though the glass isn't as nice as f/1.4, for the price I can't complain. Many people don't like using a prime but I think it's helped me find my eye. I love it. Love love it. One of my favorite photos of the moment I took with my 50mm: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterboo502/4968790941/

[Trude]

Yes! I was lucky enough to have great online friends who recommended the 50 f/1.4 to me, so I wound up buying that instead of the kit lens when I got my Rebel back in 2007. Best decision I ever made! :)

[mannyatkins]

Beautiful combination of clear information and heartfelt feelings - Having just dipped my toe into the world of photography, after 20 years of leaving it to my excellent photographer husband, I can truly say that Hillary's exquisite eye has been my inspiration as I follow her wonderful eyechai blogs.
I'm blogging and taking photos thanks to you Hills - and I thank you from the bottom of my heart - you just go from strength to strength.

[shirley]

Oh, how I love that shallow DOF. And the bokeh that you get with those large apertures.
I have a 50mm f1.8 that I haven't put through the paces yet, but I was able to get a nice result out of my f2.8:
http://www.shirleybehindthelens.com/2010/10/fiery-leaves.html

[Kimberly]

My 35mm f1.8 was inexpensive and I shoot with it 99% of the time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/junebugphotography/5069427888/

[Tina]

I so agree with Brooke, my 50mm 1.8 has made me understand why I wanted to take photographs. It's so difficult to explain, but it's as though I see things differently.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenhillphotography/5037422824/sizes/o/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenhillphotography/5065954526/sizes/o/in/photostream/

[Olivia]

Your photographs are a feast for the eyes...Thanks for sharing them, you are truly talented.

[Helen (Dixon Hill Girl)]

So pleased to see you posting here, Hillary!

I was recommended a 60mm macro when I first got my DSLR last year. It's my favourite lens....but one day I'll step up to a 50mm and get those dreamier images. :)

[Marcy]

When we bought our 30D 3 years ago, my husband opted to get the 50mm f/1.8 along with the kit. Best. Purchase. EVER. Especially since this was just a few months before the arrival of my firstborn. That was my go-to lens for the first 2 years, it rarely ever left my camera. I have since acquired a Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro that I also adore, and my newest lens is a 35mm f/2.0. I'm ALL about the fixed lenses with deliciously shallow depth of field.

[Bettina]

HELP.... can i use any Nikkor 50mm with my D3000... yes, i'm just a beginner.

[sarah in beantown]

Hillary, this post--like your blog--is an inspiration. It is heartening for the ultra-amateur like me to see that even a seasoned photojournalist continues to learn and evolve in her craft. And now I must start saving my pennies for some fancy lenses of my own...

[Shannan]

I always hate to hear when someone says it's not the camera it's the photographer.

Yes, I do believe a it hinges on the photographer's eye and experience, but lenses are tools that help us capture the feeling we want. I love my 1.8 50 mm lens, that one and my 2.8 70-200. That one is my favorite! I love how it compresses space and the depth of field.

I've been wanting a macro for a while and haven't been sure which one to get. Maybe I'll get the one you have.

[Deirdre]

The lens that did it for me is my Nikkor 35mm f/1.8.

Bettina -- no. You can't use just any lens with that camera. If you want to follow the link and send me an e-mail on my flickr stream, I can help you.

[Morgen]

I have just a humble point and shoot and very happy with the results that I get. I do have a DSLR on my wish list though. I think it will just open up my world. If I capture moments that I am proud of with this camera, imagine what I can do with the next step up.