11-28-2010, 10:31 AM
[quote name='genotypewriter' timestamp='1290924054' post='4511']
I agree that zooms have improved, etc. but I can't see how that makes being stuck at f/3.5-5.6, on a zoom out of all things, acceptable. I mean, I rather use a P&S if I can't take a fast aperture lens on my DSLR because that's the kind of shots you can do with a 15-85 3.5-5.6 IS that a fast prime can't do.[/quote]
Not everyone needs or even wants big aperture all the time. For example, in my main area of random wildlife, primes are very limiting and a big aperture is no advantage in the vast majority of scenarios. Adaptability to changeable situations is key so my serious lineup is two bodies both with -f/5.6 zooms on them. I find myself stopping down for more DoF more often than wishing I had more aperture. So why not have the flexibility of the zoom? The P&S is a non argument either. I have yet to see one that can even dream of comparing tracking AF even to entry level DSLRs and regardless of the pixel count the image quality from the small sensor dominates over any lens considerations.
Anyway, primes certainly do have their place, but they are no universal solution to everything. Over time, getting a mix of both zooms and primes for use at the appropriate time is probably optimal for most.
I agree that zooms have improved, etc. but I can't see how that makes being stuck at f/3.5-5.6, on a zoom out of all things, acceptable. I mean, I rather use a P&S if I can't take a fast aperture lens on my DSLR because that's the kind of shots you can do with a 15-85 3.5-5.6 IS that a fast prime can't do.[/quote]
Not everyone needs or even wants big aperture all the time. For example, in my main area of random wildlife, primes are very limiting and a big aperture is no advantage in the vast majority of scenarios. Adaptability to changeable situations is key so my serious lineup is two bodies both with -f/5.6 zooms on them. I find myself stopping down for more DoF more often than wishing I had more aperture. So why not have the flexibility of the zoom? The P&S is a non argument either. I have yet to see one that can even dream of comparing tracking AF even to entry level DSLRs and regardless of the pixel count the image quality from the small sensor dominates over any lens considerations.
Anyway, primes certainly do have their place, but they are no universal solution to everything. Over time, getting a mix of both zooms and primes for use at the appropriate time is probably optimal for most.
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