The Great Lens Debate: One Perfect Glass vs. An Arsenal of Options
Why your lens choice says more about your shooting style than your camera body ever will 📸
You're scrolling through photography forums at 2 AM (we've all been there), and you stumble upon that question. You know the one, the eternal debate that splits photographers faster than arguing about film vs digital. "How many lenses do you carry?"
It's a deceptively simple question that reveals everything about how we approach our craft. Are you team "one lens to rule them all" or do you belong to the "a prime for every focal length is essential" camp? 🤔
Well, grab your favorite caffeinated beverage because we're diving deep into this optical rabbit hole!
The Casual Stroll Philosophy 🚶♂️
Let's start with the easy days, those spontaneous photo walks where inspiration strikes and you just want to capture the world without the weight of decision paralysis on your shoulders.
For these moments, I'm firmly in the "keep it simple" camp. My holy trinity consists of:
24-70mm – The Swiss Army knife of lenses
24-105mm – When you need that extra reach without the bulk
85mm prime – My secret weapon (more on this beauty later!)
The zoom lenses are like having a photography safety net. When you're wandering into unknown territory, whether it's a new neighborhood or just following your curiosity, that variable focal length becomes your best friend. You can't predict if you'll stumble upon a sweeping landscape that screams for 24mm or spot an interesting character across the street who needs that 70mm compression.
But then there's my 85mm prime... 😍
The 85mm Love Affair ❤️
Okay, let me get serious for a hot second. My 85mm isn't just a lens, it's practically a family member at this point. The image quality? Chef's kiss 👨🍳💋 The bokeh? So creamy that I'm convinced extraterrestrials are actually jealous of Earth's optical technology. (True story, I have insider sources... okay, maybe not, but have you SEEN the bokeh on this thing?)
When I want quality over everything else, when I want that shallow depth of field that makes subjects pop like they're floating in a dream… the 85mm comes out to play.
When Work Gets Serious 💼
Now, flip the script entirely when we're talking business. Professional shoots are a completely different beast, and this is where the "it depends" philosophy really shines.
The Job Dictates the Glass
Different gigs demand different tools:
360° Virtual Tours 🌐
7.5mm fisheye becomes non-negotiable
It's not about artistic vision; it's about covering every angle
Racing Photography 🏎️
300mm telephoto is absolutely essential
You can't exactly ask the drivers to slow down for a better shot!
Museum Documentation 🏛️
24-70mm for versatility in tight spaces
50mm prime for that perfect balance
85mm for detail shots and portraits
The Two-Body Setup Strategy
Here's where things get tactical. I roll with dual bodies because lens changes mid-shoot can mean missing the moment:
Sony A7RV – When you need every single pixel for client deliverables
Sony A7III – Still my ride-or-die for situations where 61 megapixels would be overkill (plus, smaller RAW files = happier storage drives)
Having two bodies means I can have my "workhorse zoom" on one camera and my "specialty lens" on the other. It's like being ambidextrous, but for photography! 🤹♂️
The Real Truth About Lens Collections
Here's what I've learned after years of gear acquisition syndrome (GAS) recovery: it's not about having every focal length known to humanity. It's about understanding your shooting style and having the right tool for the right moment.
The photographer who brings six primes to a wedding might get incredibly sharp, beautiful images, but they might also miss the spontaneous moments while fumbling for the right lens. Conversely, the "one zoom rules all" shooter might cover every moment but potentially sacrifice that extra bit of optical magic that primes deliver.
Finding Your Lens Personality 🎭
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you prefer the creative constraints of a fixed focal length?
Are you the type who sees a shot and immediately knows the focal length it needs?
Do you value convenience and speed over absolute optical perfection?
Are you shooting for artistic expression or professional delivery?
Your answers will reveal whether you're naturally drawn to the prime life or if zoom versatility matches your shooting rhythm.
The Bottom Line
The "right" number of lenses isn't a number at all, it's about intentionality. Whether you're rocking a single 50mm or carrying a bag that requires its own gym membership, the best lens setup is the one that disappears into your workflow and lets your creativity flow uninterrupted.
Remember: great photos come from the photographer, not the lens count. But having the right glass for your vision? That's where the magic happens. ✨
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Want to see these lenses in action? Check out my portfolio and latest work at pedrothomaz.pt 📷