Opinions?

[DrEntropy]

In a recent discussion with a friend and still-practicing pro, he made argument for using a "one-size-fits-all" optic. His work is primarily now reduced to head shots of corporate personnel and group photos of same. He's using a Nikon DX camera with a zoom Nikkor 18~200mm. Final use of the images is for house organs, brochures and web publications, award announcements, etc. His argument is that the resolution is good enough for the final use and no need for lens changing, no risk of contaminating sensors, carrying other optics, etc. He uses a three light setup with reflectors for the indoor (location) individual shots, usually does the groups outdoors, open shade and lighting as required to open up shadows.

My opinion is that for the end product his choice makes sense, but if one is out doing what may be called "general photography" a variety of lenses seems to be more desirable. For example, James would be somewhat hampered in his ability to approach subjects "in the wild" if carrying a lens looking like a "spyglass" or weapon; somewhat intimidating. I know the Apples-n-Oranges nature of the different scenarios, just curious as to what others consider a good lens compliment. Several short-range zooms, primes, wide-range, etc? If there's a specific "assignment" the optics chosen can be selected for final product, but what do folks prepare for in general? IOW: "What's in yer wallet?"

 

[GregW]

I think the old saying "There is no substitute for the proper tools" applies here. His solution is not my solution and that's OK. For an IR conversion, a zoom is accurate for only a portion of the focal range. Or at least that is how it was when I had my conversions done. I have heard that new coatings have fixed that, but I have my doubts. That story came from a salesman and that is the only source I have found.

 

[DrEntropy]

That story came from a salesman and that is the only source I have found.

I'd doubt it as well, considering the source.

The idea that a coating could correct for the IR shift across an entire focal length range is kinda shaky, tho I s'pose it's possible. But at what cost to non-IR application? An interesting set of light frequency questions! Refracting IR and visible light to arrive at the focal plane equally sharply focused using coatings? Sounds plausible, but call me skeptical until the charts prove it so.

 

[GregW]

I realise I didn't put enough words into my explanation. The conversation with the salesman was about my purchase of an 85mm, not a zoom. The AF D's have the IR mark for focus where the AF S' have deleted them. That is where the coating came up. He was mentioning I buy a new S vs a used D. I bought the used lens.

 

[Basil]

I have read in numerous places that today’s high-quality zoom lenses (like Canon’s White body lenses) are every bit as good at a given focal length as the equivalent prime lens. For the most part, I’ve found that to be true. (Not talking about IR of which I know next to nothing).

That said, I have a plethora of lenses, each of which I find handy for different types of subjects. If I’m just at the Zoo with the granddaughter and don’t want to lug a bunch of lenses, I will take the 24-105 f4 zoom. It’s relatively light and covers a good range from wide to zoom.

As I type this, I’m sitting in a camper in Farmington NM on my way to Goblin State park in hopes of, among other things, shooting the Milky Way. For that I’m using a 14mm f2.8 ultra wide.

I like having different lens choices to accommodate whatever I’m trying to shoot.

 

[DrEntropy]

I realise I didn't put enough words into my explanation. The conversation with the salesman was about my purchase of an 85mm, not a zoom. The AF D's have the IR mark for focus where the AF S' have deleted them. That is where the coating came up. He was mentioning I buy a new S vs a used D. I bought the used lens.

So with the D-Series, all that's needed is to shift the focus ring to the IR indicator and "Bob's yer uncle." Good choice, IMHO.

None of the DX lenses I've acquired have the IR shift indicators. The 35mm ∱1.8 prime and the 10~20mm don't even have a distance scale. The prime 50 ∱1.4, 40mm Micro, 18~70 and 70~300 at least have them. Not that I'd be "guesstimating" distances to preset, but once you mentioned it I had to check. Puzzling, actually. I s'pose auto-focus is considered a panacea in the DX realm.