which lenses? - Medium Format Photography Forum

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Photography Forum: Medium Format Photography Forum:

Q. which lenses?

Asked by angela darder (K=0) on 3/25/2002

I am in the process of setting up my own home studio, in the hopes of becoming skilled enough to do wedding/portrait photography. I think that I am convinced that I am going to purchase a Bronica Etrsi, and I'd like some advice on which lenses to purchase. From the reading I've done, I thought I should buy a 50mm,75mm, and 150mm. Then I went to a photo store and the salesperson suggested I buy a 45mm-90mm zoom instead of buying a 50mm and a 75mm? It seems that there must be some disadvantages to purchasing a zoom instead of single lenses? What should I buy? Thank you!

David Meiland (K=1820) - Comment Date 3/25/2002

Zoom lenses are usually slower than the same lengths in fixed lenses. The Bronica 45-90 is a f4-5.6 lens, compared to the 50/2.8 and the 75/2.8. So at the long end you're two stops slower, and at the short end, one stop slower. The disadvantage is that the viewfinder is somewhat dimmer (harder to focus) and you can't open up as wide to compensate for light levels or film choices. For me, lens speed is always at a premium. The advantage of a zoom is that you don't have to change lenses as much to compensate for where you are when you take a shot. That can be a big advantage.

Another advantage of having the 50 and 75 as opposed to the 45-90 is that you have two lenses. If one breaks the other is still working. With a zoom, if it breaks, that's it.

Personally I think the 40 and the 75 are a better combination. The 40 is not much more money than the 50, and it's wider. 50 and 75 aren't that far apart.

angela darder (K=0) - Comment Date 3/26/2002

Thanks for your answer David! I found it very helpful-I also checked out your photos- They are so like mine (only better)

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