Recently I updated my camera system by purchasing the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AF-S lens from Nikon. This is a great prime lens and really delivers when it comes to taking portraits. It drastically improved the quality of my photos. They are sharper, brighter, prettier (thanks to the large aperture) and the bokeh is simply beautiful. I can’t wait to use this lens in my upcoming portrait sessions this month.
Many people assume that it is better to upgrade your camera body when it comes to DSLRs, but I firmly believe that true quality comes from the lens, not the camera. It is much better to put an expensive lens on a cheaper camera than it is to put a cheap lens on an expensive camera. If you are going to spend the money on a high-end DSLR camera body, at least do yourself the favor of purchasing a quality lens to go with it. Don’t settle for the kit lens, as you will not get quality your camera deserves!
One of the perks of the 50 prime lens, fondly referred to as the “nifty fifty” by many photographers, is relatively inexpensive it is compared to other fast lenses. If there is one “downfall” to collecting quality lenses, it’s the cost. Fortunately there are many reliable lens rental companies out there. Lens rental is surprisingly cheap. You could rent a very high quality zoom lens for the weekend for less than $100 including shipping. To buy the same lens, you would have to spend over two grand. Lenses are one of those things where renting is actually the better deal sometimes. If the pictures you take with the expensive lens score you more gigs, then you can think about purchasing the lens. Lens rental is also a great way to try out a lens before you drop a load of cash. You’ll never know how a lens truly works for you until you have it in your hands.
Related Articles:
Depth of Field – Simplified Explaination