The camera, the lens and the photographer

[YYV_146]

I think there is a definite difference between "liking" a lens and considering it a "better" lens. My Aspherical glass is "better" than my Mandler Summicrons, but I much prefer the latter in many circumstances.

Sadly many of us seem to see their favorite glass as being better than anything else out there...there will always be a "better" lens than yours, at least in some aspects.

 

[Cyriljay]

I often post examples to back up what I say. Roger has an extremely long history as an expert on photographic technique and equipment, and has published a number of books and thousands of magazine articles illustrated with his photos. I grew up reading his articles, and think its totally awesome that he's here, even when I disagree with what he says, as I occasionally do.

I agree too and I have a note book and it is full of from his technical points and tips I got and me too I grew up by reading his books and columns. I love to read what he says and I ignore some of the gurus who like always try to bounce the ball to and fro for nothing.:bang: I have some Hassleblad lenses/ and my all Leica lenses are Summicron + asph + apo lances I don't know what they do but my images are outstanding and negative scans comes out of drum scans look fantastic.

 

[noisycheese]

Some photographers are better than others. Some cameras and lenses are better than others. Why are some people apparently unable to separate these two simple, non-contradictory statements?

Point out that any given lens is (for example) not very sharp, lacks contrast or suffers from field curvature, and immediately, someone pops up and says, "Yeah, but you can still take great pictures with it."

OF COURSE YOU CAN. Only a fool would deny it. You may even be able to turn these defects to advantage, despite the fact that from the point of view of lens design, they are unquestionably defects. But equally, there will be other pictures, other subjects, other ways of seeing, which will work better with a lens that is sharper or contrastier or otherwise technically better. Again, only a fool would deny it.

Any lens is a compromise on speed, optical quality, size, ergonomics and price. My 50mm C-Sonnar, for example, sacrifices quite a lot to size and contrast; my pre-aspheric 35mm Summilux sacrifices a good deal to speed and size. They're both fine lenses. The compromises they make suit me. But I don't pretend that they are in all ways comparable with the latest Leica aspherics in the same focal lengths. They're smaller and cheaper for a start.

Still less can anyone pretend that a lens from 60 years ago is likely to compare with the best of today's lenses when it comes to technical quality. A few do compare well: 21mm Biogons spring to mind. But most don't. You may love them; you may take great pictures with them, or admire the great pictures that others have taken with them. But you can't realistically deny that technically, most high-end modern lenses are superior to most high-end old ones -- especially when it comes to fast lenses or wide angles.

Whether or not the photographer needs, or can take advantage of, better cameras or lenses, is a separate issue. That's down to the photographer, not the camera or lens. But to deny that some cameras and lenses are better than others is as feeble-minded as denying that some photographers are better than others.

Cheers,

R.

While I will readily accept the facts as stipulated by Messr. Hicks, he has committed a glaring omission in his well reasoned commentary that I feel must be addressed: Some forum posters are better than others.

 

[squareshooter]

I am just a country boy myself, stranded out here in the Mohave Desert with only a barbecued Chucawalla lizard for dinner. But I do notice an excess of hot air circulating hereabouts and hot air is our specialty. If you want to tie your lens down to some scientific instruments and study it, finally coming out with the "best" lens of all, that's fine. But I think if you take the dang lens out and shoot photos with it that is the real test of the quality of the lens. I judge a lens by this test -- will it give me the image I want/need? C camera and lens is a tool. The most prestigious monkey wrench in the world won't help you if it is the wrong size for the spindle on your Locomobile. I suspect too many folks out there try to "armchair" how to make great photos and don't actually go out in the wind and the rain and amid the hostile natives to actually snap a few shots.