What Lens Should I Use?

By: Mary Ann Schneller

I have been to Longwood Gardens many times and each time I have to consider what lens I should use.  Usually that is not a problem.  When photographing the water lilies the lens I used was determined by the composition I was trying to create.

For the longest time I used my Canon 28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (image stabilized) lens, which gave me the option of handholding or using a tripod.  Sometimes I added an extension tube to focus closer. 

My Canon 100-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 lens allowed me to change my perspective and zoom in closer, but without IS it was not as easy to handhold as I would have liked, and so it was necessary to use a tripod.  Tripods can only be used at Longwood Gardens from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.   After that, you must either handhold or use a monopod.

I decided that I needed to look into purchasing another lens with a longer focal length and image stabilization.  After careful consideration and checking out a few lenses and their cost, I settled on purchasing the Sigma 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens.  And that was a great choice!

The Sigma 80-400 mm IS lens worked out well in a lot of areas.  I was able to zoom in closer to the water lilies and any other flower for better composition and to show small portions of the flower that I liked. 

I also found that the Sigma 80-400 mm IS lens allowed me to photograph birds in flight while handholding.  It gave me the freedom to pan with the birds while they were flying.  Often, it would become tiresome to handhold due to its weight.  That’s when I needed to put it back on the tripod.  The zoom range also allowed ample opportunity to photograph birds that were further away.

After seeing the lenses that other photographers were using, I wanted one that could also be considered a “walk-around” lens with a reasonable zoom range.  Canon has a 70-200 mm IS lens available in four flavors and price ranges:  f2.8 70-200 mm IS lens; f2.8 70-200 mm (no IS); f4.0 70-200 mm IS and f4.0 70-200 mm (no IS). 

While at the NECCC Conference held in Amherst, MA.  I was able to check out these lenses and make my decision.  I already knew that the f2.8 IS lens was too heavy, but realized that the f4.0 IS was the perfect size and weight for me.  Since the lens was an f4.0, I could add a 1.4 tele-extender for more zoom and still have auto-focus at f5.6, or I could also add a 25 mm extension tube for close focusing.

Over the years I have learned one important thing about acquiring new lenses and other equipment, and that is to think long and hard about why I need it and what I will use it for, and base my decision on that.  As much as I love the latest technology, I have to justify the expense and the need to own it.  I look at my equipment as tools of the trade.  I never make a decision to buy a new piece of equipment without careful consideration.

When it comes to photography, it is my vision that determines my image, not the camera gear I own.  My camera and lenses are simply there to capture that vision.

Now when I go to Longwood Gardens or anywhere else I have three great lenses to use:  28-135 mm IS; 70-200 mm IS; and the 80-400 mm IS.  These lenses provide me with the option of either using a tripod or handholding.