Camera lenses.

Soon after I got my first Nikon digital SLR kit, I got my first Nikon prime lens. That was the Nikon 35mm lens made for APS-C sensors. Or as Nikon designates them, "DX". What I didn't know at the time was that the lens was going to change my perspective on photography. Was it for the better?

Most of my friends, and most of the professional photographers that I meet, use zoom lenses. Zoom lenses allow the photographer to attach one lens to his camera and change the focal length to either zoom in for a close up shot or to zoom out for a wider angle shot. Prime lenses simply don't zoom. If you are using a prime lens and you want a close up shot you have to move closer to your subject. You want a wider angle shot? Move farther away.

If you read all of the lens tests, reviews and personal opinions. Well, then you would never buy a lens. Lenses are all very similar to my golf game. Full of flaws. On the other hand. They almost all perform well in the right hands. Those will be the hands that have taken the time to learn each lens they use. Which every photographer should do with all of their equipment. So I say buy and use whatever will make you happy.

 So what makes me happy? I am primarily a landscape photographer. I don't need zoom lenses. I can usually move my feet to put the camera where I want it with the proper prime lens attached. For me they are easier to learn how to use effectively. And they afford me the opportunity to get a fantastic photo for a lot less money than a professional grade zoom lens costs.

That first 35mm lens taught me something that I had never realized. I can see the world in different focal lengths. If I attach a lens to my camera I can see everything in front of me in that focal length. I can look at a scene and decide how I want to capture it. Is it best with a wide shot or up close? I put on the lens of choice and move to compose my photo. It's a small part of my process. But it is one of my favorite parts.

I spent some time this past month selling some of my DX lenses. I did it to finance the purchase of a couple of new lenses for my kit. Yes. They are both prime lenses. And they fill gaps in my focal lengths. One of the lenses I sold was the original 35mm. I was a little sad to see it go. I think it changed my life for the better.

Blog updates.

First of all, if you haven't read any of my previous blog entries stop right here. Wait! Don't leave my blog. Go back and read some of my previous entries so you know what I am talking about. In the mean time, here is an update on some of the things I have talked about in the past.

Dave: Dave is my tripod. No,  I didn't name him. The company that made him, 3 Legged Thing, named him. I promised an update after I had used him for a while. Dave's been on a couple of trips with me. And he performs better than expected. Very stable. Durable enough to make the trips. I've carried him on airplanes and packed him in my luggage. He fits well in both the overhead bin and in my suitcase. He's been on the beach. I have taken him apart and cleaned him right in my kitchen. Dave is my go to guy right now. Highly recommended. Warning: Make sure you discuss where you clean him with your spouse before you begin. Some wives may not be happy about you getting sand all over their kitchen.

Filling the bag: Dave was on my list of things to acquire. Now that I have him I have added another lens to the list. While visiting a friend this year I got a chance to use his Nikkor AF 35mm f/2 lens. While the reviews for this lens don't paint it as a stellar performer I thought it was brilliant. One of my favorite landscape shots of the trip was taken with this lens. This lens will probably replace a Nikkor AF-S DX Micro 40mm f/1.8 that currently travels mounted to my D7000. It also has the honor of being the only DX lens in my kit. With a retail price of about $360US for the 35mm how can you go wrong?

Edit: I have edited this to remove Elements from the line that Adobe is using in their Creative Cloud line. It is Photoshop. Photoshop Elements is still available for single license purchase at this time.

I've been away from home for a few weeks so it seems I am a little behind with my thoughts here. As I stay home and occupy my time in my day job it is summer here in Arizona. That makes it harder to go out and shoot the landscapes I love so much. Stay tuned. There will be more soon.