Timesnap #2: Prime Photoshoot - Bastille Day, July 14 2007

[gstark]

Ok, here we go again.

Remember our Anzac Day Timesnap exercise? We're doing it again.

But differently.

First of all, the date is July 14, Bastille Day. It's a Saturday, so we should all be able to get out and make some images.

The timeslot, again, is going to be Midday, Sydney time, unless enough of you agitate to make it midday, Paris time, which would be ... 10pm?

Where this is going to be different from the Anzac Day Timesnap though is in your shooting restrictions: This is to be a 50mm prime photoshoot. So, your zoom lens is out!

Only images shot with a prime lens, within the range of 45mm - 58mm, will be permissable optics to be used for this event. I don't see this as being an especially harsh requirement, as you can buy a 50 f/1.8 for under $150.

So, in a nutshell, Bastille Day, July 14, around Midday, and arm yourself with your 50mm (or thereabouts) prime lens.

Please express your interest within this thread.

[Oz_Beachside]

can you expand the range of the prime from 9mm to 86mm? I dont have a 50mm...

Or perhaps limit to primes?

[ATJ]

Gary,

Any chance of extending this to 60mm? I would like to participate but can't really justify spending $156 on a new lens just for this.

[Oz_Beachside]

oh, I do have a 30mm.

[gstark]

can you expand the range of the prime from 9mm to 86mm? I dont have a 50mm...

We've considered this carefully; no.

We're going to be extending the concept to other primes later, but as mentioned already, a 50mm (a) isn't exactly going to be an expensive purchase) and (b) is something that I think (and I'm sure many will agree) should be in everybody's kit.


And don't forget that most of us know other people here, many of whom might have the prime that we need. If this encourages y'all to get together for the shoot and a bit of socialising and lens swapping ... so be it.

[gstark]

Gary,

Any chance of extending this to 60mm? I would like to participate but can't really justify spending $156 on a new lens just for this.

Andrew, if it's the 60mm macro, no. We've already considered that, and while it's a great lens and just outside of our specified parameters, that is actually by design, hence to 58 upper limit.

If it's not the macro, probably still "no" - see my response to Bruce - but please tell me more anyway.

[Oz_Beachside]

[Reschsmooth]

Gary, you may want to specify that the prime lens focal length is actual length, not effective length (given camera crop factors).

[Laurie]

I'm in
50mm in tow
wish it was later at night as my GF is dancing the Can Can for Bastille day at the Padstow town hall again.

[Oz_Beachside]

I'm glad its not a 200mm f2 prime timesnap

[gstark]

Gary, you may want to specify that the prime lens focal length is actual length, not effective length (given camera crop factors).

Good point, Patrick.

Yes, it's actual focal length. So, a 50 f/1.8 will work, but a 30mm f/whatever with a 1.5 crop factor (45mm) is out.

And as a thought ... you might also want to, if you don't have a qualifying lens, consider lookig around at markets and other pre-owned venues. There are bargains around ...

Laurie, tell me more: for a French themed subject, we may be prepared to relax the timing ...

[Reschsmooth]

I'm glad its not a 200mm f2 prime timesnap

Don't give Gary too many ideas for future timesnaps. Actually, I could imagine Gary throwing in a "hyperfocal distance" timesnap!

Oh, interest expressed.

[BT*ist]

14th July, 50mm prime. Interest duly expressed

[gstark]

"hyperfocal distance" timesnap!

Hmmmm ....

[Glen]

This will be good, I am in

[sirhc55]

"hyperfocal distance" timesnap!

Hmmmm ....

Bollocks to that It would take three hundred pages explaining it

[Oz_Beachside]

I can see the price of used 50mm lenses in eastern australia skyrocketing!!!

[macka]

Interest expressed.

[dviv]

I know you said no zooms but what about a 17-50 set to 50mm? - It will be exactly 50mm

[macka]

Yes, can you explain why the condition is primes and not just 50mm focal length?

[MCWB]

Indeed. Not that I find 50mm a particularly useful focal length for the majority of my shooting anyway, but if I want or need to shoot wide open I much prefer my 17-55 f/2.8 DX over my 45mm f/2.8 P...

Oh and I bags Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565.

[methd]

sounds great but there's no chance i'm going to buy a 50mm prime just for this

[gstark]

Shooting with a zoom is not the same as shooting with a prime.

Compositional elements need to be more carefully considered; things like perspective, angle of view, etc all are treated differently (or should be) when you're shooting with a prime.

We want this to be a bit a of a challenge, and thus we want you to get into a prime lens mindset, hence this requirement.

[gstark]

I much prefer my 17-55 f/2.8 DX over my 45mm f/2.8 P...

You'll note that the pancake is specifically included.

But Toccata and Fugue, regardless of the key, should probably be in the Challenge thread.

[phillipb]

I haven't really used my 50 1.4 since I bought it so what the heck, I'm in.

[gstark]

Oh, did I forget to mention that because this is close to the AW, we're going to be awarding a prize, for presentation at the AW Dinner?

I'll probably get Poon to choose what he thinks is the best image.

[Reschsmooth]

Oh, did I forget to mention that because this is close to the AW, we're going to be awarding a prize, for presentation at the AW Dinner?

No, you didn't.

[MCWB]

But Toccata and Fugue, regardless of the key, should probably be in the Challenge thread.

Indeed, whoops.

[big pix]

I am in ......... but only just, I will have to dust off my 55mm manual Micro-Nikkor.....

[Matt. K]

There are photographers here who don't own a 50mm prime lens?

[firsty]

I have a 50mm prime... so I'm in

[Frankenstein]

There are photographers here who don't own a 50mm prime lens?

One here. Haven't used a prime lens in 30 years.

Frank

[Oz_Beachside]

There are photographers here who don't own a 50mm prime lens?

Happily!!!

traded my "50mm too tight" for the sigma 30mm 1.4.

Gary, if I set a zoom to 50mm, how is the challenge not the same? I still zoom with my feet. Shirley?

[macka]

I've got the 50 1.8 but admittedly hardly ever use it.

[Oscar]

We've considered this carefully; no.

Does this mean "I'll think about it. I've thought about it, NO! or is it just plain no?

Hmmmm. I have a 50mm so I guess it doesn't matter - I'm in.

Cheers, Mick

[christiand]

Hi everyone,

is there a difference in angle, perspective, compression, depression, distortion and whatever I haven't thought of between a prime 50mm lens and whatever zoom set at 50mm - not talking f1.2 or f1.4 or f1.8 available for 50mm prime or weight and size of lense.?

Regards,
CD

[dawesy]

I shall be in. Is macro out? Just wondering if I should have both 50s handy in case a detail shot presents itself.

[gstark]

Matt,

There are photographers here who don't own a 50mm prime lens?

I know, sad, isn't it.

It's not as if this is a luxury lens; each of the majors' prime 50s are exceptional glass, and exceptional value for money.

While zooms offer flexibility and a number of other benefits, there is nothing like a prime.

With apologies to Richard and Oscar.

[gstark]

We've considered this carefully; no.

Does this mean "I'll think about it. I've thought about it, NO! or is it just plain no?

It means that we asked the question, and answered it, before we posted the announcement.

And that's still a no.

[sirhc55]

I have a 50mm so I will take a pic - If I did not have a 50mm lens then I would not take a pic - simple

[methd]

Hi everyone,

is there a difference in angle, perspective, compression, depression, distortion and whatever I haven't thought of between a prime 50mm lens and whatever zoom set at 50mm - not talking f1.2 or f1.4 or f1.8 available for 50mm prime or weight and size of lense.?

Regards,
CD

The extra backward logic comes with the fact that the conditions state that various primes can be used at different focal lengths (45-58 )... which makes it more versatile than a zoom set at 50mm would. So people who own many primes within the stated focal lengths will have an advantage as they can effectively shoot at whatever focal length they like, but with their prime lens.

[christiand]

Hi Gary,

sorry to ask the question again in some other way but what is the difference in a zoom lens locked at 50mm compared to a prime 50mm ?
I also assume that EXIF data would show what focal length pictures have been taken with.
Can you please help me getting the point ?

Cheers,
CD

[gstark]

I shall be in. Is macro out? Just wondering if I should have both 50s handy in case a detail shot presents itself.

Macro is why we've excluded the 60.

Most of the macros within the focal ranges we're allowing are older glass, and thus require a bit more work from the photographer, so we're comfy with that. We have a pancake, 50 f/1.4 and a very old 55 micro, from my FTn.

Bottom line is that if you have a macro prime within the permitted range, no problemo.

[gstark]

The extra backward logic comes with the fact that the conditions state that various primes can be used at different focal lengths (45-58 )... which makes it more versatile than a zoom set at 50mm would. So people who own many primes within the stated focal lengths will have an advantage as they can effectively shoot at whatever focal length they like, but with their prime lens.

Er, no.

You can still only submit one image. The three lenses I mentioned are owned between Leigh and myself, and he'll no doubt be shooting what he wants, with his lens.

As you don't have a prime, and you state no intention to get one for this event (and that is fair enough), it's difficult - and it will be difficult - for you to appreciate the subtleties involved in shooting with a fixed focal length.

That's why this is going to be a form of "challenge". If you're not stretching your photography skills and experience - if we're not helping you to do that - then you're the one losing out on the experience, the fuun, the learning ...

[gstark]

Hi Gary,

sorry to ask the question again in some other way but what is the difference in a zoom lens locked at 50mm compared to a prime 50mm ?
I also assume that EXIF data would show what focal length pictures have been taken with.
Can you please help me getting the point ?

Cheers,
CD

It's basically a different discipline, a different mindset. You need to look at your photographic opportunities differently, because you no longer have the flexibility that a zoom offers you.

And ... I defy anyone here to put a zoom on their camera, and not adjust the focal length.

[christiand]

Thanks Gary,

who do you really trust ?

hahahahahah ...

Regards,
CD

[the foto fanatic]

Hi everyone,

is there a difference in angle, perspective, compression, depression, distortion and whatever I haven't thought of between a prime 50mm lens and whatever zoom set at 50mm - not talking f1.2 or f1.4 or f1.8 available for 50mm prime or weight and size of lense.?

Regards,
CD

No

[Paul]

Okay I'm in even though I'll be in the UK on this date,
Should be an interesting shot considering it will be 3am on a Saturday morning..
So be prepared as it might be an empty beer/wine bottle!

[Marvin]

I'm in! Could be interesting as I may be playing netball at that time!!

[methd]

The extra backward logic comes with the fact that the conditions state that various primes can be used at different focal lengths (45-58 )... which makes it more versatile than a zoom set at 50mm would. So people who own many primes within the stated focal lengths will have an advantage as they can effectively shoot at whatever focal length they like, but with their prime lens.

Er, no.

You can still only submit one image. The three lenses I mentioned are owned between Leigh and myself, and he'll no doubt be shooting what he wants, with his lens.

As you don't have a prime, and you state no intention to get one for this event (and that is fair enough), it's difficult - and it will be difficult - for you to appreciate the subtleties involved in shooting with a fixed focal length.

That's why this is going to be a form of "challenge". If you're not stretching your photography skills and experience - if we're not helping you to do that - then you're the one losing out on the experience, the fuun, the learning ...

Hi Gary,

I have a 10.5, 20, 28, and 85mm. I also *had* a 50, but the photography that I do does not require it so I sold it...