Lenses and such

Nikkel · Oct 20, 2012

Ok I hope someone can help. I'm a new photographer, being doing it for about 2 yrs. like most new photographers I've gone crazy with equipment, or to be more specific, gone crazy with lenses. I shoot family, babies, and models for a commercial shoot. I have purchased a sigma 70-200mm 2.8 lens based on some recommendations from fellow fotogs. But I hate it, I hate how big and heavy it is. I want to get rid of it but being told that it is an essential lens to have in my collection? Is that the case do I really need a 70-200 to shoot what I shoot? Can anyone provide a better lens to have for what I do.

MLeeK · Oct 20, 2012

If you hate it? Sell it! You need what YOU need, not what everyone else needs. Just because my 70-200 is my go to lens for most everything doesn't mean it should be yours!

Overread · Oct 20, 2012

My advice is to give it some time. Big expensive lenses can come with a big kick in the "did I buy the right thing" area and can make some people second guess their choices a lot. I would give it a little time, use it as often as you need to and get used to it.

When I got my 70-200mm f2.8 I was shocked at how big, heavy and darn it that front element is huge!! After a while of actually using it though you grow more accustomed to it and I've certainly no problems reaching for it now when I need it. So I would advise giving it a little time before you return/sell it.

orb9220 · Oct 20, 2012

It might not be the Tool for you then and sell it. And all Pro type fast lenses are Big and Heavy. And yes many pro's do use even bigger and heavier Nikon & Canon f2.8 zooms in the 70-200 range for outdoor portrait & wedding works.

I see it as another tool to increase your skills and usability in more situations and increase Quality of the Image. And see size & weight as just an annoyance. As for me it's more of having and using the right tool for the situation giving me the Maximum in Image IQ & Speed to get the shot.

A Photographer knows it is about the results that a particular lens delivers not the weight being an annoying 2nd consideration.

I might think carrying a hammer around all day isn't that big of deal. But sometimes I need to use a sledge hammer. And if I'm needing a sledge hammer a lot to get the job done. Then I need to stop whining and suck it up and get in shape so it's less of an issue.
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Nikkel · Oct 20, 2012

@orb9220, ya I never really thought of it like that. I suppose like overread stated, I should give it more time. It's just a change for me as I usually have just prime lenses with me. Thanks everyone for the input. That being said, what is the best walk around lens that has a good focal length but not so heavy.

Overread · Oct 20, 2012

It really depends what you're shooting. If you need the 70-200mm range then a 70-200mm f4 might be a good comprimise for you, offering you the same focal lengths with a smaller and lighter build (Canon has two on the market and Nikon has a new one coming some point apparently). Of course you lose the stop of light between f2.8 and f4, but if you're shooting in good light and/or you've got flash to help boost your lighting in dimmer conditions then you should be able to do well.

If you don't really need the range the market opens out a lot for various options of zoom lenses - or you can always stick with a few prime lenses.

Nikkel · Oct 20, 2012

Well I shoot baby photos but they are indoors. I've shot some models in and outdoors. I also do a lot of street photography. I have shot some boudoir as well.

Overread · Oct 20, 2012

Sounds like maybe a 24-70mm f2.8 would suit you well for those kind of situations. Maybe support that with an 85mm and 135mm prime lenses for when you need a little more reach. I can imagine that working indoors the 70-200mm won't see much use at the long end.

Street photography the 70-200mm might well come into its own, however again a good shorter lens helps a lot in many situations.