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Garry Black Photography

Question:

Thanks a lot for all of your advice. I appreciate it a lot, your site is very helpful.

Up until a week or so ago, I was planning to get the newer (non AFS) version of the Nikkor 80 - 200mm F2.8 I changed my mind though, because I hate to feel limited (optically). I'd rather get a few really good quality primes, than a zoom lens that is slightly worse, even though it would make composition and cropping easier.

I don't know, I guess I read so many things that said even the best zooms aren't as good as primes yet. I didn't want to put out much money, and find out I'd get much better (optically) images with a prime. I suppose that's stupid though. I don't know. I'm sure you don't fell like listening to another "prime vs. zooms" thing.

I guess my main goal right now is just to get some equipment that I know will take pictures just as good as anybody else's 35mm equipment as long as I'm doing what I should.

I'll be leaving for Japan on August 4th, so now I'm trying to find the right film too. I'm thinking of Velvia, but it might not be the best thing to use in bright daylight, which I'm sure there will be plenty of in August. I want great colors, and fine grain, if you have a favorite film, I'd love to hear what it is, or what you used on the pictures you told me about.

Thank you very much, and if you are busy, don't worry about replying this e-mail.

Answer:

Most of the working pros use zoom lenses, probably more than they would be willing to admit to. It still has that "bad stigma" attached it, even though the quality of zooms has greatly improved. Now that is not to say that all zooms are good. If you are looking at a zoom that costs $450.00 and you are comparing it to another zoom (same focal length) that costs $1300.00 do you really think that the quality would be the same?

However there are a couple of reasons that pros would use a prime lens over a zoom. One would be, to get a faster f-stop this is more likely to be the case in long telephotos. That's why I have prime 300mm and 400mm lenses. They can be from 1 to 3 stops faster than the equivalent focal length zoom lens. Another reason to use a prime over a zoom is at the other end of focal lengths, wide angle. Prime lenses are less susceptible to lens flare and also have a closer minimum focusing distance than do zooms. But then on the other hand, when you're trying to compose a shot and the focal length that you need to get the perfect composition is 31mm and you can't physically move the camera, the zoom lens is the perfect solution. Of all the images that I have ever made, the majority were taken with zoom lenses. Having praised both types of lenses, my recommendation for you would be to get the Nikkor 80-200mm F2.8 zoom lens.

The most important thing that you should know about sharpness is to use a good tripod for all of your shots as well as using a cable release. Also you should use your camera's mirror lock-up, if it has one - these are usually only on the top end camera bodies (F-3, F-4 and F-5).

As for film, use Velvia when ever possible - it will give you fine grain and great colours. I use it for nearly all of my work.