Category: Photography

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Zooms or Primes

Young model in a green dress stood by an apple tree, holding an apple.
Leica M10

I see the argument over zooms or primes has re-emerged on social media. Also a few videos on youtube. It does seem people are making better arguments for each now.

Cariad sat on a stone step by a door. She is wearing a pretty pink dress and wrap. Her hands are cross and she is looking directly into camera.

In the top image a prime was used in the next a standard zoom. The biggest difference between them is the depth of field.

The shooting experience was a little different for each. The prime was small and light but manual focus. The zoom was big and heavy but auto focus. The fixed angle of view from the prime made me think a little more about the composition and the ability to adapt and work fast with the zoom also brought something to the party.

My views have differed over the years, I started primes only, switched to the convenience of a zooms, for Weddings I would take a body with a 24-70mm f/2.8 and another body with 70-200mm f.2.8, and a fast prime for low light evening events.

Studio I have generally stuck with primes.

I generally stick with primes now but occasionally pull a out of the bag when I feel its needed.

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Another week and a couple of days spent in Lincoln

Absinthe dripper, on the bar of my favourite coffee shop

I often have to visit a client or one of their local data centres at least once a week. There based in Lincoln, England, and Lincoln is also home to one of the (as voted by a national newspaper) top ten independent coffee shops. The coffee menu has freshly roasted coffee from all round the major coffee regions and if its in season they likely have it.

Old coffee shop in Lincoln. There are a couple of tables out front with people enjoying a beverage.

They also have their signature blend espresso which if you like old school, thick tiny intense expresso’s you have to try.

They are also often open to late at night and can have, music from local bands, coffee tasting sessions and a selection of spirits, cocktails and a few bottled beers.

upper floor of a local coffee shop.

I try and get in at least once a week to sample their delights. The shop is the focal point for many people meeting up and being lgbtqia+ friendly is a safe and wonderful place to hang out.

Slightly blurred photo of a barista making coffee.

If your local town as independent shops support them or lose them.

There is also a vinyl record store next door that also sells second hand CD’s so is another excuse to head to Lincoln.

Black and white photo of a young blonde model stood in front of some book shelves in a local coffee shop.
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Time for an outdoor photoshoot

Blond model in white shirt and tan jacket, posing with arms crossed outside the Usher art gallery in Lincoln, UK.

The high of summer has passed and the contrast levels outdoors are dropping, so I am thinking about having a wonder around Lincoln with a model. Its been a few years since I have done one so it will be a good challenge.

Camera choice, not sure, last time it was Z7 and Nikkor S 50mm f/1.2, do I keep to the same format or push things a little?

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Brackets

Red haired model in studio, holding a greycard for the photographer to get a white balance reading

Many photographers with smaller cameras use brackets on them to assist. I have an L bracket on my Nikon Z7 all the time, that pairs with an arca swiss head. Making it easy to use when shooting landscapes and working in the studio on a tripod.

Southwold Pier. A dark blue sky and white buildings gleaming in the bright sunlight

I also have a Small Rig on my Nikon Zf which as well as adding a Araca support improves handing.

Screen capture from Kickstarter of the Field Brackets by Peak Design.

I now see we have a kick starter event from Peak Designs. This is a adaptable design for several cameras.

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Weekly Visit to Lincoln

Guild Hall area of Lincoln, the Stonebow arch can be seen as people on the high street walk through it.

As the summer continues, I still try and get into Lincoln as least once a week. This is a view I have taken shots of many times. In the high contrast of the summer sun its not an easy shot but will join my collection as I document the area over the years.

A view of Lincoln high street towards steep hill. It will soon be lunch so the tables are now out at the bars and coffee shops.
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Rumours of an updated Nikon Z30?

Blonde model in the studio. Plain white background. She is wearing a black dress with the back open and she is facing away from the camera.

With the rush to full frame, the cropped DX format is not getting a lot of love.

The above shot was taken in the studio with a Nikon D200 DX format sensor. The format especially for people wanting smaller and lighter is tempting.

I see now on the rumour sites people are saying a new viewfinder less Z is coming so will this be a replacement for the Z30. I am not into cameras without viewfinders but with upgrades to focus and video this could make a great B roll camera for people shooting video, or a camera to setup at a remote location. Or even a spare body that tucks into a small space in the camera bag.