A prime lens has just one focal length (in contrast to a zoom lens that covers a wider range of lengths).
Back in the day I used prime lenses while shooting with medium format film cameras, but the digital world has found me using zoom lenses exclusively for several years.
Why would I want a prime lens when I could have a zoom that covers a variety of lengths? Easy answer – money. In the midst of downsizing equipment, I’ve found myself in need of an affordable lens to go on an older body. Quality and price are both factors and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM seemed to fit the bill. My other lenses open to 2.8, so having a faster lens at 1.8 could be interesting. Maybe I’ll reinvent myself as a low light street photographer – you never know.
So, at sunset I took my new little lens to our nearby slough to try it out… pretty much straight out of camera except for tweaking exposure.
ISO 250 / F 6.3 / 1/800ISO 250 / F 1.8 / 1.500ISO 100 / F 4 / 1/125
Used this 50mm lens while trying out a DIY beauty dish, of sorts, with equipment I already had on hand – cheap $37 slave that screws into a regular light socket inside a silver chick warmer. Not much for catch lights, but kind of worked.
ISO 100/F 1.8/Shutter 1/60ISO 100/F 11/Shutter 1/500
Price for this handy little lens? $125 – much less than the $1600 price tag for a new 24-70 Canon 2.8 zoom. While I like the lens for stationary subjects, I did find the autofocus slow when trying to capture moving subjects.
I’m not fond of drama in real life but I do love a dramatic blended image… and high school sports.
Tried to make my own lightning at first, but decided that was too time consuming. Googled smoke and lightning brushes and downloaded some free brushes, installed them in Photoshop CC 2015. BOOM! …much easier.
Every image can use improvement and I think an action image would be a good candidate for a blend using these brushes.
Image by Joyce Meyer, Manfred Township, Lac qui Parle County
With the 2016 Minnesota State Fair opening today, August 25th, 4-H members that qualify for a state fair trip will be making their way to St. Paul during the next few days filled with anticipation for the “Super Bowl” of the 4-H world. Many hours of creative thinking, problem solving and work have gone into the vast array of projects presented at this level. Why would anyone go through all of that work?
4-H changes lives, helping youth to become confident, mature adults ready to succeed in today’s challenging world. Studies show that youth participating in 4-H do better in school, are more motivated to help others, feel safe to try new things, and develop lasting friendships.~Cornell University Cooperative Extension
