Well, it’s been a while and I do want to try to keep the blog current, so that’s my goal. I shoot Nikon D7200, so all lenses are Nikon mount and this is my own opinion and experience and is not a scientific comparison.
So, I purchased a new lens recently that I fell in absolute love with – a Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC art lens. This particular lens is only for APS-C cameras with a focal length comparable to 75-150mm on a full-frame camera.
This lens has quickly become my favorite portrait and indoor sports lens. The focus is fast, accurate and tack-sharp. I used it at the Muskogee Little Theater for some shots last week and was very impressed with the results. I typically use my Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 for the theater, but I’ve noticed that sometimes my focus is a bit soft wide open, but the Sigma lens wide open at f/1.8 was much sharper.
However, the Tamron 24-70mm does a great job for me at weddings where I have strobes set up for the posed shots and my speedlight for the ceremony.
One of my favorite field sports lens (football, soccer, etc) is my Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens. With comparable focal lengths of 105-300mm, this lens is perfect for shooting high-school sports. This has also been my go to lens for head-shots. It also is tack-sharp on the focus and, although I’m usually set at 100mm for headshots, allows me to get a bit closer if I need to.
For landscape and city-scape photography, I typically use a Tamron 16-300mm PZD Di lens. This lens opens to f/3.5 on the wide end and f/6.3 fully zoomed out, which is okay for landscape and city-scape photography. Because of the focal range, the is my go to lens for travel and vacation. Of course, I pack all of these lenses when I travel because, well, you never know. However, when I, as the Aussie’s say, go walkabout, I will take one body and this lens. The only issue I’ve had with this lens is it will tend to creep on the focal length if I am shooting down. Gravity will do its job, so when carrying, I have to remember to retract the lens and utilize the lock, otherwise my lens grows like Pinocchio’s nose.
So, yes, I have a lens for a lot of occasions, but that doesn’t stop me from a bit of lens envy at times. I’m sure you also have your favorite lenses and your go to lenses as well. The thing is, no matter which lenses you use, know your lens, know it’s capabilities and limitations – and you do that by shooting and shooting, then shoot some more.
Above all, have fun!