What ever happened....

[Kodatech]

To cameras coming with a nice 50mm f1.8 lens?

I mean zooms are OK....but I think you can make a cleaner shot with a prime lens then a zoom lens. Oh well...

[echo3]

Mine didn't come with one, but it is the 1st lens I bought,
even before the zoom!!!

[Heavens Thunder]

I still have my 35 mm camera and dust it off and use it once in a while but waiting for developement and shot and cost of it slowed down use.

[Diamond Lil]

I think as more and more ordinary folk and entry level amateurs have gotten into SLR photography that the companies have succumbed to market pressures to provide more zooms.

[LunaTique]

I still have my 35 mm camera and dust it off and use it once in a while but waiting for developement and shot and cost of it slowed down use.

I don't even drag mine out any more at all :( for the same reason.

I loved that camera and over a period of decades purchased several lens, filters and gadgets for it. It is one I can not see me ever parting with even though I never use it any more.
Does that make any sense?

I have no real attachment to this one other than it takes descent pictures and It is light weight so I carry it every day everywhere.

If I damaged it I would be p*ssed but not heartbroken which is why I do not hesitate to put it into my tank bag when I ride. in the glove box on the Gator when I am on our trails and on my shoulder when I walk the dogs every day. Rain or shine.

Oh wait I did the same things with my 35mm :rofl:Except at the end of the day I had a dent in my shoulder from the weight of my camera bag.
End of story and probably more than any of you cared to know.

[EZE RIDER]

It depends on sensor size, My D90 has a prime of 38mm I think. I would love to have one though mainly for the very fast 1.8 f/stop.

[J. R. Weems]

Cannot say I know-- I still have mine as it came on my F2A almost 40 years ago. It WILL work on my D 700 as well and is now carried along. One thing, There has, I believe been a tremendous improvement in zoom lens in the last 35 years. All my new lenses are zoom these days. When then DO come out with a so-called 'prime' lens, and there are VERY few, they either don't have VR, or are priced out of this world. Nikon,and Canon, have seemed to of forgotten that the 'LITTLE GUYS' like us keep them going. Not the so called 'pros'. Why should I buy a new 50 that doesn't even have VR? It is just me I am sure, but I believe they just wasted their time bringing out such lenses. Also, you get excited about a lens, then find out there are some problems with it. Why bother with something that you KNOW has problems?? The current 24/to what ever Nikon lens comes to mind here. Within the threads of this forum are photos that are proof positive that there are tremendous amounts of 'pro' work produced by people who are just everyday shooters. We all know who they are. This list by the way is growing by the week. Price of everything goes up, quality goes down, or so it seems. You mean to tell me that with all this new technology, Nikon cannot put out a QUALITY 300 2.8 lens for less than 6 grand--- hard to believe. JMHO :( ;) :)

[Diamond Lil]

... You mean to tell me that with all this new technology, Nikon cannot put out a QUALITY 300 2.8 lens for less than 6 grand--- hard to believe. JMHO :( ;) :)

I feel the same way about a 600 f/4 from Canon for less than $9199.

[J. R. Weems]

I feel the same way about a 600 f/4 from Canon for less than $9199.

Lil~ Just like so many other companies, They have lost touch with those that made them what they are today. Wards, Sears, and others have gone down the drain because of this. For them to think they cannot, is a mistake of the greatest latitude. Doesn't matter much to us old guys, but you youngsters will have better choices in the years to come. When they have to close their doors, there will be whining of the greatest magnitude. Just like some of the motors companies. They saw this coming for years and did nothing, then wanted bailed out. I said, and say, let them go under, I don't care who they are Ford, GM, whoever. JMHO :)

[Diamond Lil]

J. R., I hear you and am made hopeful by the shear number of people becoming involved in digital SLR photography lately. Someone will eventually produce quality products available to all.

[J. R. Weems]

HERE IS A SIMPLE TEST SHOT--
Lens: 50mm 1: 1.4 ca. 1976
ISO: 200
EX Time: 1/100.00
Metering mode: Pattern
CAMERA NIKON D 700

Sure nothing fancy, but told me what I needed to know.

http://www.fototime.com/22B903277DFA561/standard.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

Yes, it told you that it does a wonderful job in the right hands.

[J. R. Weems]

Yes, it told you that it does a wonderful job in the right hands.

:o:o :)

[Kodatech]

Lots of good thoughts in this thread. Just wanted to get others opinions. I think for ME, I would prefer a wide angle or a "normal" prime lens as a kit on a DSLR.

[J. R. Weems]

K~ I have my 28 programed into the D 700 but haven't got around to any use yet. I do keep the newer 18-200 on the D 80 though. :)

[Springer]

For my 35's Ive got 4 lens a 35-105 and a 80-300 that towards the time I switched over to Dig. I hardly used mostly I was shooting with the 50mm f/1.4 or the 28mm f/2.8. Now with the newer lens if you get a good one you're getting a lot better glass by far with a zoom then you did in the old days. If I'm really looking for a good shot I don't automatically go for my 50 f/1.4 like I did with the 35's now I feel pretty confident in the 28-75 f/2.8 Tammy or the 70-200 f/2.8 IS Canon or for that matter the 50-500 Sigma. Ive got a 50mm f/1.4 EF for the 5D but now about the only time I dig it out is if I going to be shooting in really low light.

[J. R. Weems]

Funny how things change- In the old days, I wanted no part of any thing auto, or, zoom lenses. :):dog:

Many feel, myself included, you can learn more by doing things the old way. I am sure this mode of thinking is outdated, but maybe no. I find it sad that around here you can't even set up a darkroom any more. Well you can, but it sure wouldn't be easy. :(

[tude]

I love zooms but primes keep me focused on my subject and my photography..
Kinda like my car or my bike.
On my bike zoom it is constant change
In my prime cars I slow and focus on the road ahead
Either wat I love the journey:D

[Diamond Lil]

I have to get a hold of a prime one day.

What mm do you think would fit me?

[tude]

I have to get a hold of a prime one day.

What mm do you think would fit me?
50mm f1/4
85mm f1/8
135mm f2/8
Wait.....
What was I thinking?
400mm f/4:2cents:

[Diamond Lil]

I knew you wouldn't disappoint!

:laugh

[J. R. Weems]

I have to get a hold of a prime one day.

What mm do you think would fit me?

Lil~ Not being familiar with Canon, I would suggest the longest you can find. I just missed out on a older Nikon 400MM 4--- :( I would of got it in a minute had it been, buy it now. I don't get into the bidding game if I can help it, thus I lose out. Easy to over pay as well. :( Maybe next time. :) Knowing some of what you like to shoot, again, I would suggest a 4/500 mm if one can be had. After that, maybe something between 28 and 70 mm 2.8, if possible. Look at some of, to you, your best landscapes and see what comes out in the EXIF top 3 -- that would be a good place to start. JMHO :)

[Diamond Lil]

Great advice J. R. on the shorter prime. As far as a 4/500 is concerned, I'd love it, but have to start buying lottery tickets first. ;)

[J. R. Weems]

Great advice J. R. on the shorter prime. As far as a 4/500 is concerned, I'd love it, but have to start buying lottery tickets first. ;)

Lil~ Even for an older version? The 400 NIKOR went for $410.00 :( -- A pittance these days-- compared to the $10 grand for a new 600MM VR NIKON--- :( :)

[EZE RIDER]

Lil if you wanted the equivalent of a 50mm prime lens for your model camera with it's sensor size you would look for a 32mm lens to mimic the view of the human eye.

From the Canon site

Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses) (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length

[Diamond Lil]

Lil~ Even for an older version? The 400 NIKOR went for $410.00 :( -- A pittance these days-- compared to the $10 grand for a new 600MM VR NIKON--- :( :)

I've not given the older versions much consideration because I've become spoiled with autofocus and image stabilization.

[Diamond Lil]

Lil if you wanted the equivalent of a 50mm prime lens for your model camera with it's sensor size you would look for a 32mm lens to mimic the view of the human eye.

From the Canon site

Thanks for that Ed. I've not given a prime much consideration until this thread.

[J. R. Weems]

Thanks for that Ed. I've not given a prime much consideration until this thread.

It sure is-- one thing, did Canon make a 32mm? I always figured 35mm was as close as I cold get. Just never picked one up. :(

[Diamond Lil]

No, they do not.
Maybe it is time to play around with the 17-85mm set to 32.