DCB
Well-known
I am a member on another forum (Nikon digital) and posed question to them.
If you could only have 1 lens what would it be and why?
Well....they went ballistic on me. You would have thought I had run over their dog or something.
How could I just use one lens...
I guess it would be _ _ _ 2.8 $1400 zoom lens...
Why Would I do something like that?
Wow.... just found it interesting.
I know of photographers that have made a career with just one lens.
Peace
If you could only have 1 lens what would it be and why?
Well....they went ballistic on me. You would have thought I had run over their dog or something.
How could I just use one lens...
I guess it would be _ _ _ 2.8 $1400 zoom lens...
Why Would I do something like that?
Wow.... just found it interesting.
I know of photographers that have made a career with just one lens.
Peace
hepcat
Former PH, USN
Different audiences perceive things very differently. If I could only have one lens it'd probably be my Nokton 35mm f/1.2 v1, although the Nokton 50mm f/1.1 would be a close runner-up.
lam
Well-known
Likely M-Rokkor 40/2 CLE 
Works very good on both my M2 and A7R.
Works very good on both my M2 and A7R.
michaelwj
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airfrogusmc
Veteran
For my personal work I have only one lens. 35mm FF.
I shoot all of my personal work with a Leica MM and a 35 Lux FLE. The F/L really matches my vision well.
I shoot all of my personal work with a Leica MM and a 35 Lux FLE. The F/L really matches my vision well.
Livesteamer
Well-known
For many years it was my old F and a Micro Nikkor 55mm f2.8. Worked for me but I can see how many would not want just one lens. Joe
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
For my digital I use for working, it would probably be a 50mm f/2 Ai Nikkor. It's what I have. If I had a choice of something else for that camera then a 50mm f/1.2 AiS or maybe an Aid 35mm f/1.4. I can shoot most jobs with just one lens.
For my Leica M4, I already have it. My DR Summicron with Goggles.
For my Mamiya 6, it's my 50mm f/4.
Hmm, 50mm lenses are a theme here... although the last one is a wide on that 6x6.
Phil Forrest
For my Leica M4, I already have it. My DR Summicron with Goggles.
For my Mamiya 6, it's my 50mm f/4.
Hmm, 50mm lenses are a theme here... although the last one is a wide on that 6x6.
Phil Forrest
Tony Whitney
Well-known
I'd say 35 mm for sure. I guess that's why my X100 would be one of the last cameras I'd ever sell. It just seems to suit so many applications. Even my Canon DSLR spends most of its time with some kind of wide angle attached. But for my Nikon S3, I really like the 25 mm. I guess my interests run more to architecture and scenery than portraits.
back alley
IMAGES
if it was a bit faster i might go for the 16-50 zoom that i'm using on my fuji xe1…i am loving that lens!
for comfort/flexibility though probably the fuji 23/1.4.
for comfort/flexibility though probably the fuji 23/1.4.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
My family Fed-2 with kit 50mm prime on it. If film.
My Canon 5D with 50L, if digital.
My Canon 5D with 50L, if digital.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
For me, it depends on the camera which lens I'd choose as a "one lens only" kit. With the M9, the Nokton 50mm f/1.5 ASPH (LTM) does that well. With the CL, the standard 40mm f/2 does it well. I think with the A9, the Summilux-R 50mm f/1.4 is the one. With my old Pentax K10D, the FA43mm f/1.9 Limited was the one.
Etc. A good, fast, near-normal lens is my preference for most picture taking.
G
Etc. A good, fast, near-normal lens is my preference for most picture taking.
G
De_Corday
Eternal Student
Just one? My AIed Nikkor-H 85 f/1.8 -- I rarely walk out the door with it, but when it's called for nothing at all can replace it. My favorite portrait lens.
Swift1
Veteran
Nikkor-P 75/2.8
Harry S.
Well-known
Alternatively, Id like to be forced to use one lens with no choice in the matter. I only really use 35mm and 85mm lenses, and don't deviate from those much at all...for instance I hate the thought of using a 21mm lens. But if I was forced to some how it might be an interesting and rewarding challenge.
dof
Fiat Lux
I'm saddened that you just ran over my dog. I think I'll take solace shooting the R6 with the 50mm Summicron.
mfogiel
Veteran
If you know what you want to photograph, a narrowing of tool choices will usually result in better pictures, as you will spend less time fiddling with gear and more time taking the pictures and thinking about what and how to photograph.
Personally, I like 50mm lenses, but if I only had a Nikon SLR, that lens would certainly not be a Nikkor - most likely I would go with the Zeiss MP 50/2, or even the Otus 55/1.4.
POWAZKI #35 by mfogiel, on Flickr
Personally, I like 50mm lenses, but if I only had a Nikon SLR, that lens would certainly not be a Nikkor - most likely I would go with the Zeiss MP 50/2, or even the Otus 55/1.4.
POWAZKI #35 by mfogiel, on Flickr
Harry S.
Well-known
That picture is amazing, mfogiel
Scrambler
Well-known
I think the point is that on THIS forum it's a fairly common question, and people are advised to try "one year, one camera, one lens" and sometimes even "one film type."
My wife has a dSLR with "one lens" - an 18-135. It's not hard to live with, though I suspect dSLR gearheads would struggle with a superzoom - small, variable aperture and various distortions. In general use it's not an issue, of course.
My wife has a dSLR with "one lens" - an 18-135. It's not hard to live with, though I suspect dSLR gearheads would struggle with a superzoom - small, variable aperture and various distortions. In general use it's not an issue, of course.
FrozenInTime
Well-known
Once upon a time SLRs came with a 50/1.8 kit lens and it was good.
Rodchenko
Olympian
We've covered this before, but, if I were restricted to just one lens, it'd be my G.Zuiko 42mm f1.7.
Which is permanently attached to my Olympus 35SP
Which is permanently attached to my Olympus 35SP