I can't help but reply to this, and I will probably regret doing so... But
here goes...
>>Actually, the only thing prime only shooters have is faster-maybe
sharper. What other outstanding attributes do primes offer a "pro" zoom
won't? <<
Well, without commenting about image quality, flexibility, and convenience
(all components of zoom value), zoom lenses have
- more complicated construction,
- more moving parts, more elements, and
- cannot have an "ideal" lens hood attached.
The mechanical construction makes for a lens that will certainly not last as
long. "Pro" zooms will perhaps have a much longer life than non-"Pro"
zooms, but both will not live as long as a "Pro" prime. This is a practical
consideration that will not affect image quality (initially) and so it is
left to the photographer to decide the importance of this.
"Pro" zooms will be more costly. This also is left to the photographer to
decide. (It is valid to argue that the cost of a zoom is actually less than
that 30lb bag of primes covering the same range of focal lengths).
Debates about image quality never get resolved, so humor me when I say that
more elements will have some impact on image contrast and sharpness, less so
with "Pro" zooms but still theoretically relevant. Against missing the shot
while "fumbling", these factors are arguably insignificant. In other words
the photo made with a zoom, regardless of its potential technical
shortcomings, is better than no shot at all. The photographer should have
the experience to know when this trade-off is meaningful and _choose the
tool for the job_:
- Photographers with time and fairly static subjects will benefit from using
prime lenses;
- the fast moving, PJ-style photog will probably be better off with the
zoom.
>>what would HCB, Adams
and the other "prime only" greats have produced had quality zooms, such as
todays, been available to them? <<
Well, HCB, IMHO, would probably have used a zoom. It fits the application
he often applied himself to. On the other hand, I find it amusing to
picture Ansel Adams, perched atop his 4WD-vehicle, with his sheet-film view
camera, and a zoom lens. I think it unlikely that Mr. Adams would have see
any benefit to the way he works nor, especially, to his final product. With
the time it takes to set up, load film, execute the zone system of exposure
and processing, it is unlikely that the zoom would have made his photographs
(or his life) any better. With the time he took to do his work, he would
certainly (again, based on my interpretation of everything I have read about
him) wanted the sharpest, most contrasty lens he could lay hands on. So if
you accept my impression of HIS style, I don't think the zoom lens fit Mr.
Adams applications.
I do have rucksack (well actually several Halliburtons full) of primes (all
Pentax) and their zooms (all Pentax) as well. My habit is to assess my
shooting needs for the assignment and decide based on that which case(s) to
bring. If I need to travel light or I need to shoot a variety of situations
fast, the zoom naturally goes along. If I am shooting static subjects,
plain and simple, the zoom stays home (or at least stays in the case). If I
am not sure, I bring it just in case.
I have made photos with zooms that could not be made with any other kind of
lens, no matter how hard one might try. I have made photos with primes that
could just as easily been made with a zoom but were not because I chose
otherwise. My legs still work so it's not too hard to take a few steps this
way or that if I need to adjust the composition.
One last comment - zooms, at least the larger ones, are quite obtrusive. I
don't like the attention they attract. I can run around all day with a
150mm mounted and have no one looking at me. But the minute I put on an
85~210, all of a sudden, I am the center of attention. Not very useful if
you want to go unnoticed.
It's all about the application. (IMHO)
Paul M. Provencher
(ppro)
http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index.htm
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