pancaked {life}
Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 12:00PM 
The title of this post is a total and complete misnomer because it's all about camera lenses and not at all about pancakes. The basil might have been the first to throw you, yes? Here's the deal. I finally pulled the trigger and bought a much-needed lens for work this week. Look. I love nice things, but I absolutely loathe spending money on myself. It's nearly impossible for me to do it. I have been in such a creative/photographic/blogging rut lately, and this is such a story for another day, but one thing I continue to come back to is the fact that I need to be willing to invest in myself. In gear, in education, in time, the works. We can talk about that later. Let's talk about lenses. This post is not about the lens I just bought. It's about another lens I want.
And herein lies the trouble with buying things. There's always something more, yes? Yes.
Anyhoo.
I mentioned a few weeks back that a friend from my photography group loaned me his 40mm pancake lens. It's this guy, in case you're interested in taking a peek. Look how wee! I adore my 50 mm lens and use it a lot. It's my go-to and it's on my camera 75% of the time. In fact, you might remember that I recently upgraded from El Cheapo to this baby, and we have since become very close. However. Even on a full-frame camera, 50 mm can be a bit tight. Inside, you can need to back way the heck up to get all you want in your shot, and outside can be a pain too. Here's an example, shot this weekend of the window at Can Can.
Me no likey.
So I want something a bit wider, and generally when I want to open things up, I can use my favorite zoom lens, the 28-135mm. This guy. We're also close. But the truth of the matter is that while my zoom can be very versatile, it does have it's limitations. One of which is the fact that it's heavy and cumbersome, especially when attached to my already heavy camera. So it seems to make sense that I should add another, wider telephoto to my arsenal of lenses, and here's why. I'm hoping to continue to add more architecture work to my portfolio, and the 50 mm is too tight for that. Also, we'll be traveling this summer, and the 28-135 mm is too heavy for that. (People, don't let them fool you. It's not the camera that's the investment. It's the lenses.)
Enter the 40 mm pancake. I'm so glad I got a chance to borrow it, and it was a ton of fun to play with, but really, I'm not closer to a decision. Let me show you the differences and you can tell me what you think.
We'll start with the basil.
Same angle, same location. See the diff? What do you think? The pancake would travel great and for the price ($150) it's an awesome lens, but is it enough of a difference from the 50 mm that I already have?
Let's make it a little easier and use my family room.
You can really see the difference here, can't you? A lot more room top to bottom and side to side on the 40 mm. But just for fun, I set my 28-135 to 35 mm, so we could see what we'd get if I went that route. Same spot, different day.
And Violet hiding behind the coffee table (totally hate that table, by the way and want a new one)! Even more room top to bottom and side to side.
So where am I? If it were just a vacation piece, I'd lean toward the 40. Like I said, awesome lens for the price. But for work and play? I'm tempted to put that $150 toward the $350 price tag of the 35. But gulp. What think you, my lovelies? Help a sister out!
Reader Comments (8)
I suppose it does a disservice to my photo degree that the title "Pancaked" and the shot of basil made me think you had concocted some weird basil pancakes. Lenses! Yes, now it makes more sense. I love this post, and I totally get what you mean about investing in yourself. I can't tell you how many times I ordered and then cancelled my camera before I bought it. Or the 28mm lens I just bought. SWEATS FOR DAYS, I tell you. What is your gut telling you? Regardless of the price attached, what are you leaning towards? Sure you could make do with the zoom lens set at 35mm, but we both know prime lenses are really where it's at. Look at the light difference! Get the lens. Or give me your credit card and I'll order it for you. It takes away half the sweatiness when you're not the one clicking "Purchase." Maybe, haha. Also I love your living room. And Violet peeking behind the table is too adorable for words.
well, as you know i just went through a 4 month long battle with making a camera decision and so i totally get it! it's hard to pull the trigger! it feels like such a big investment and it is, especially when you know you will want something else down the road ;) but, sister, you are a photographer! that's your job, that's your calling and your passion. and you are so talented! i think that the path has been set before you to follow it. things have been happening for you, validating that you need to keep truckin' down that path. and if you are wanting to focus on architecture, i'd go for the 35mm. you can always crop but you can't always move back further, and really 350 is a pretty reasonable price. and while you are investing in yourself which is muy importante, you are also showing cal to follow ones passions & that we are worth investing in ourselves.
i also think that the 40mm looks pretty amazing for the price too! i have a 35mm and i use it all the time. of course for my camera it's more like a 50mm - i'd love to have a true 35! i say do it! xoxo
Well, I can definitely relate to the investing-in-yourself conundrum. I hem and haw over the smallest purchases; It drives my husband crazy, who is the exact opposite. Because I"m no lens expert, I will have to rely on what Erin is advising. I also like Erin's idea of letting her make the purchase for you. Take some of the pressure off. It will just magically arrive on your door step. (You can deal with the bill later.) Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm a good enabler, even if I can't seem to do it for myself. One last thing, any tools you need to invest in for your profession as a photographer (yes, I just called you a professional photographer :), is worth every penny. xo
My vote is for the 35mm. Not as small but they are fast and light. I haven't used my 50mm since I got mine.
You need to invest in yourself L. You are worth it. Do what you love and love what you do. That is photography for you; and boy you are awesome. Which ever lens you decide on, it is an investment in yourself. Just do it :) Can't wait to see what you choose xx
lauren, i can see the difference in both the basil and the room. think of it as if i were having the question. "i'm a professional photography/busy mom and i'm not sure if i should spend the money on this lens or put that money toward an even better one." what would you advise me to do?
then you have your answer.
happy weekend! my dear, your comment the other day was exactly right. i almost put my blog to sleep for the month of may b/c we're so busy. and now my son has had a fever for three days. race tomorrow. but i love doing it. garden today. first communion for students and family members after the race tomorrow. but here i am! have a wonderful weekend!
Get the 35mm. The 40 made a big difference, especially in the basil shot but the 35mm is hands down the best, at least in these examples. You really are gifted as a photographer, Lauren. Taking yourself seriously as such doesn't mean you have to give up who you are in every aspect of life. You can, and in fact should, be all of who you are.
However, that being said. Have you looked into the possibility of taking a tax deduction for a bossiness expense? Oops! Truly I meant "business" expense! If you haven't checked into it you should. I'm sure there would be advantages and disadvantages to declaring yourself a business so it would be a decision to make. But I know that it always makes this type of purchase decision easier for me knowing I can claim a business tax deduction. And you could STILL be all of who you are.
The 35, it will be well worth the price!