The difference a decent lens makes

Art Andrews

Community Founder
Community Staff
As many of you know, I dabble in photography a bit. For years now I have used the kit lens that came with my Rebel XT. I have heard again and again that it is the photographer not the equipment that matters and I have stood by that and never upgraded to a new lens. Well, I finally got a new lens this Friday and am just totally blown out of the saddle by the difference in quality! Here is a 100% crop that has been totally unaltered... no sharpening, no saturation change, nothing... My old lens, the one that has taken ALL the costume pics on my site, is on the left... The new lens is on the right. You can see full pics here:

Old Lens:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/misc/lens/lens_15-55.png
New Lens:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/misc/lens/lens_24-70.png

I can't believe the difference in clarity and saturation. Can't wait to see what comes from our upcoming Boston shoot!

lens_compare.jpg
 
That's a remarkable difference!
I'm no photographer, but my wife is pretty handy with a camera. She's been wanting a lens kit for her new 8mp digicam. Maybe I'll get her one. :)
 
i knew you'd be happy with that! the lens you got is way way better than any of the ones i've used, and mine are way better than the kit lens ;)

and you think *you* are excited about the new shoot? oh, and i hear that this time there may be some super villains in the roster. and perhaps some firefly folks too. we're gonna mix it up on ya!
 
That's always great to see an investment pay off like that. Do you mind sharing the brand/model details of the lens you got? I'm in the market for one.
 
That's always great to see an investment pay off like that. Do you mind sharing the brand/model details of the lens you got? I'm in the market for one.

Of course not!

The new lens is a Canon EF24-70mm F2.8 L USM

... not cheap but when I look at that comparison above... that shows where every dollar went.

The old lens I had was the standard kit lens for the Rebel xt, a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II. While it served me faithfully for years, their is simply no comparison. For the type of photography I do, being about to open up to 15 was not necessary (even 24 is pretty wide) but being limited to a 55mm zoom was cometimes a little less than I would have liked. I also have a Canon 50mm Prime F1.8. Most photographers will tell you a prime will always be sharper than a zoom. My new lens is just as sharp as the prime but in addition it is not only more versatile but has much better color and saturation. If I can get Mirax to dress up for me, we will do a shoot this week!

And Brian, while I am looking forward to all the talent I will be shooting in Boston, there is one character I am looking forward to above all others... someone I have been dying to shoot since the beginning but have never had the opportunity. You know who you are!
 
i am a photo student and i know exactly what you are talking about. especially with film camera lenses! The XT is a nice camera but the kit lens isn't so nice. Great investment! looks fantastic. I need to upgrade my D40 kit lens now! (y)
 
Awww Man!!!! (Deletes all pictures shot with old lense...sits down to wait for Braks Buddy to return to the Chicago Area)
 
Looks really good Brak's. It is very true that it isn't a matter of the equipment, but the photographer. However, that photographer needs to have the right tools as well, doesn't he. :)

The photostudio I work for was having some problems with one of our lenses as well lately, and just upgraded them. HUGE DIFFERENCE. I'm not the photographer, but the digital artist/editor and really really really enjoy the fact that we have such clean images again.
 
Of course not!
And Brian, while I am looking forward to all the talent I will be shooting in Boston, there is one character I am looking forward to above all others... someone I have been dying to shoot since the beginning but have never had the opportunity. You know who you are!

Bad news for you, but webchief's spartan costume probably won't be done in time... hate to burst your bubble like that, but it can't be helped.
 
Bad news for you, but webchief's spartan costume probably won't be done in time... hate to burst your bubble like that, but it can't be helped.


Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Well guys, that is it... call off the Boston shoot. If I can't get pics of the next LCO in leather undies then I am not coming to the NE.
 
Okay... I can't post any comments I have to that one here on public boards. :D

Anyway... I definitely need to upgrade my lens as I'm still using the standard lens with my Canon Rebel too. I've just been lazy. But that really shows the difference! Wow! I upgraded on my old film Canon camera and was always very happy with my pictures - more so than with my digital Canon. That's probably why! *duh* ;)
 
Oooooh...an F2.8 ! Now that's a good investment....That's a damn good lense, but I will tell you bro, its not the lense as much as it is the photographer. I have the same lense but no where near what you can do with it. You're great with your camera and your new lense only augments what's there. Congrats buddy !!
 
Man... pick on a guy behind his back... :lol:

Can't wait til you and Kristen get up here again Art. It's gonna be a blast!

(oh and sorry about the leather undies... Brian's right... I won't have 'em ready yet)
 
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