Will upgrading lens improve skill ?

[g88]

This question might sound :smashfreak:..but i am really bit tired with kitlens...not to say i am rich or what...

Tot of upgrade to 17-40L, grab a 70-200L F4 IS + 580EX II flash...enough to cover from wide angle to telephoto ?

Will this help improve my skill ?

Or izzit advisable to get 3rd party lens (Sigma 18-50 F2.8/ Tammy 17-50mm F2.8/ Canon 17-55mm F ??) or 2nd hand lens (since 2nd hand L lens price don't drop much )....

[limecity]

I still see pros using kits lens today and they took awesome photos! :-D As for me, I think getting new lens allows me to venture into different world of photography and it keeps me motivated.

don't think it will help you much in improving your skill. but it may help you to take better photos.

[na7ure]

Definitely you will see a lot of differences from using your Kit Lens vs the "L" Lenses.

The saturation and contrast are the first thing you will notice from the picture taken using the "L" lenses.

The second thing you would notice is the build quality for "L" lenses are exceptional good; no wobbling whatsoever and smooth controls - almost perfect.

The "L" lenses is also designed to survive in harsh conditions with a sealing against dust and moisture. :)

[noruazumi]

you'll experience different feelings when handling different type of lenses. each lenses behave differently.
so basically you'll learn new techniques.
so my answer is yes, new lens will improve your skill.
but it's all up to you, only you can decide the results.

[LoctorMayat]

MIght as well straight away get those pro lenses...

then you'll transform into a pro instantly

true one... I've seen so many newbies becoming great photographers with this formula

[Kingsley]

No, lenses cannot improve your skill.

But they may help compensate your lack of skill. It's not the same, is it ? :) For e.g, if you are lousy at keeping your hands or camera steady a faster lens may help.

Above all, buy them if they give you pleasure and enjoyment and if you can afford them UNLESS you are a pro, then you buy only if they give you $$'s worth.

[jackyyong]

Ahh .... the million ringgit question. To upgrade or not to upgrade.

I have only been using my 350D for a year, so I do not think I am the best person to dispense this advice. But I'm still gonna write my piece of mind! :P

In short, the answer is no. Not in my case anyway. Gears does not equals skills. In order to improve skill, nothing beats practise and the eye for photography. One can use a PnS and still get good pictures. Just look at our discussion on Joey Lawrence (http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4351).

Also, to qualify as a skillful photographer, one has to know the ins and outs of his/her camera, to know its limitation and to know how to work around the limitation. Learn your way using the camera, explore all functions and find all its pros and cons.

I must admit, the kitlens is not a very good lens, but it is a good learning lens. But in the end, if you think you can justify yourself, go ahead and buy yourself that upgrade lens you have always wanted. Hehehe.... that's what I did! :run_away:

[lordmint]

Basic skills of photography will not be improved by upgrading your lenses as you will need to develop higher sense of creativity to compose great shots.

However, technically, a good shot requires a combination of creativity, as well as other things such as sharpness, quick reactions, etc. Using the so called normal lenses, you will need to make sure there are no vibrations to when you take the picture, hence, no blurriness on the outcome. This takes a while for you get familiar with. You will need to learn how to overcome those issues. Upgrading your lens that has IS / OIS / VR functions will allow you to skip that part of the learning curve.

Each type of shot (be it macro, telephoto, etc.) has its own "normal lens" or "super lens". If budget becomes a constraint, those normal lenses are fine. If budget is not an issue, by all means, go ahead and start using those super lenses. From my point of view, if you're not on a crash course to learn photography to become a professional photographer, using those normal lenses allows you to learn a whole lot of things in photography due to its lack of super ability, etc. (ie. the f's, sharp ranges, softness, etc..)

Photography is for everybody. You don't need to be rich to pursue this hobby. It is widely known that amazing shots can be produced from a SLR with super lenses down to a small camera phone. =)

Just my 2 cents. :D

[kiankheong]

I am still using my kitlens, the only lens that I have got.

Perhaps my next purchase is another kitlens, since the current one is beginning to worn out from my constant abuse.

Kitlens is also one of the few lenses within my budget. :P

:run_away:

[mxyzpltk]

:D Buy Buy Buy Lah! :D

[ckchowov]

I have try Freaky's 70-200 f/4L + 400D at Kuantan...all the sudden i feel so 'pro'...dun play-play...hahhaha...But does it improve my skill?...NO...but the feeling of 'owning' great lense is so great(for most ppl), that is most important :D

[zuhrie]

improve skills? i don't think so but it will improve the quality of images you took.

[StPatrick]

"You are not alone" :boohoo: ... Lets improve together !! :cool:

I just registered myself for the Pentex digital photgraphy workshop held on 7th Nov.
Hope this will help improve my skills.

[jackyyong]

I am still using my kitlens, the only lens that I have got.

Perhaps my next purchase is another kitlens, since the current one is beginning to worn out from my constant abuse.

Kitlens is also one of the few lenses within my budget. :P

:run_away:

kiankheong, your Nikkor kitlens is a much better lens than Kwanon's kitty. Nikon's kitlens can do good macro, build is much better and colour is great too. Can't compare with our Canon's kitty lens! :cry_smile:

[noordin]

Having terror lens will not make you a terror photographer. But if you are already a terror photographer, the terror lens will get you better pictures.

Hope this didn't confuse you. :boohoo:

[johnny]

With a better lens you will get better contrast, colour, resolution IMHO. But I do not think you will get better skill. Indirectly, it may spur you to take more photos and so improve your skill.

Having said that, do not go overboard in buying expensive equipment as the plastic card can be so inviting.................unless you are one of the beneficiaries in Lim Goh Tong's will.:adore:

Just my $0.02

[ZhenMing]

With better gear.. comes with greater responsibilty.. (to take better picture)???? hmmmm

[nairud]

The "L" lenses is also designed to survive in harsh conditions with a sealing against dust and moisture. :)
Take 17-40 for example, it requires a filter to complete the weather sealing. you can still see the barrel protruding in and out

[houseater]

nope... upgradin lens will not improve ur skill...

but using different lens may vary ur photographi style... tatz all...:tongue_roll:

[ShaolinTiger]

It's the opposite, downgrading your lens will upgrade your skill :)

Because you have to learn to use better what you have, not rely on the gear.

[mobbes]

Look at post #32 on this page

http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5191&page=2

this is takes skill & a special eye .... gear? the thing definitely cost less that one L lens ... somemore cannot change lens one (envy envy)

[goldfries]

in short, lens improves the image output. :)

skill is always the multiplier. you have good lens but not so good skills, you're still losing out on composition / creativity where the lens can't do anything to help.

[danielchansm]

it's sort of like which came first,the chicken or the egg.

Getting a chisel does not mean you can do hand sculpture.

I see what equipment you are shooting for and I am shooting for those as well.

I believe you need to explore to the max your equipment and then will you gradually improve. The list of your equipment basically will get you there. You will grow into your lens and flash. Good luck.:D

[lordmint]

It's the opposite, downgrading your lens will upgrade your skill :)

Because you have to learn to use better what you have, not rely on the gear.

Agreed. Very true. You will learn about limitations with the so called normal lenses.

[wasabi]

hi guyz

im interested in getting a Pro lens.. so what are the pro lens i should get ???

// just me, i believe upgrade lens will improve skill...

[my4to]

improve skill ? emm....not very sure :redface: BUT better pics , definately YES !!! :D

better pics = better skill ? as long as u can show better pics,who dare complaint ur skill,hehehe,juz my 2 cents :tongue_roll:

[goldfries]

improve skill ? emm....not very sure :redface: BUT better pics , definately YES !!! :D

better pics = better skill ? as long as u can show better pics,who dare complaint ur skill,hehehe,juz my 2 cents :tongue_roll:

better picture and better picture quality are 2 different things. :)

[jayhan]

i would say, in some ways YES but in many ways NO.
YES bacause:
1. You need to hold the lens properly to avoid shake - esp. true for long teles.
2. You need to frame your pics properly, cuz diff lenses give diff perspectives.

NO because:
1. You practically need to do the above said with any other lenses without upgrading. :P and many more reasons which can easily outnumber the two mentioned.

[ckchowov]

hi guyz

im interested in getting a Pro lens.. so what are the pro lens i should get ???

// just me, i believe upgrade lens will improve skill...

;)u r helpless:D:P

[my4to]

better picture and better picture quality are 2 different things. :)

hehe,tell me the different :redface:

[syedfirdaus]

haha...ya lor...with nice angle n nice compo n nice color...the picture will be so damn great

[Freaky]

Don't think... just

BUY BUY BUY™....

MUAHAHAHAHAHA:P

[leslie]

Its the person behind the camera and combined with good skills and a mean machine you'll do wonders.

a lousy person behind a camera will shoot crap like myself but a good person behind a crappy camera also can shoot wonders.

Its like a man behind a powerful car if he doesnt know how to drive give him a Ferrari also won't make any difference :)

[wasabi]

this Q can talk until cows come home..... J, go get L lens and tell us ......

to me, i'll get it than thinking of improving my skill

[goldfries]

hehe,tell me the different :redface:

better picture, meaning you create something with better composition. eg pro vs newbie using the same lens, the pro will produce better pictures because of his understanding of the art.

better picture quality, meaning the output is better, eg snapping the same shot using kit lens vs L lens. :) less distortions, images more clear, colors more accurate blablablabla.

also refer to what chrish posted, that's exactly what I think.

[mki88]

Very well said chrish and goldfries. I'm totally agree.

[gandalfius]

Agreed. Very true. You will learn about limitations with the so called normal lenses.

A 50mm fixed lens is a good start to learn about the power and the limitation of this so called 'normal' lens..it's affordable, force you to think about composition instead of turning the lens barrel and it can do wonders! :)

[my4to]

better picture, meaning you create something with better composition. eg pro vs newbie using the same lens, the pro will produce better pictures because of his understanding of the art.

better picture quality, meaning the output is better, eg snapping the same shot using kit lens vs L lens. :) less distortions, images more clear, colors more accurate blablablabla.

also refer to what chrish posted, that's exactly what I think.

AGREED :D

but sometimes,better quality pic make it a better pic too :redface:

[ckchowov]

So, g88 have u upgraded to L lense? :) :P

[ikelah]

No, lenses cannot improve your skill.

But they may help compensate your lack of skill. It's not the same, is it ? :) For e.g, if you are lousy at keeping your hands or camera steady a faster lens may help.

Above all, buy them if they give you pleasure and enjoyment and if you can afford them UNLESS you are a pro, then you buy only if they give you $$'s worth.


wise advice

[goldfries]

AGREED :D

but sometimes,better quality pic make it a better pic too :redface:

well, assuming 2 pictures are of similar caliber in composition then yes la. :D

[pixelight]

i think by upgrading you mean replacing your kit lens? then, no really.

if your kit lens is an 18-55 and you upgrade to a 17-40, your skill won't improve, but you will have better confidence! but with the 70-200, you get to explore differently, then yes! you will improve!

[udang_kara]

IMHO...basicly...the basic gear u have..its mean the basic technique u would have learn. so...once u mastered ur skill with basic equipment...its mean ..with better gear..u'll be a master in photography...

just my 2 sen ..... poison..poison.. :cool:

p/s- goldfries..from LYN erh? nice to see ur point while 'debating' with nikonians :redface:

[goldfries]

p/s- goldfries..from LYN erh? nice to see ur point while 'debating' with nikonians :redface:

sorry, had a damn busy 2 weeks. :) debating with Nikonians? no lah, that thread is about 1 fella's constant defense of D40 and shooting everyone's non-favouring feedback about the D40.

[kiankheong]

sorry, had a damn busy 2 weeks. :) debating with Nikonians? no lah, that thread is about 1 fella's constant defense of D40 and shooting everyone's non-favouring feedback about the D40.

Haha, there's a hardcore D40 supporter? :P

[Ah Heng]

Kit lens is not the issue. It's the person who holds the lens. Sorry for being direct. That's what I learned since I bought my 1st DSLR in July 2007. Plse check on http://wongmunheng.multiply.com/photos/album/41 to see my experience.

Incidentally, let me share with you a motivation story.

Once there was this little 7 years old boy who wanted to visit the NBA Hall of Fame. But, he was lost and didn’t know the way. Then, he bumped into an old lady and asked her for direction: ”Could you tell me the way to NBA Hall of Fame?”

The old lady replied: “ Practise! Practice! Practise!"

[gandalfius]

Kit lens is not the issue. It's the person who holds the lens. Sorry for being direct. That's what I learned since I bought my 1st DSLR in July 2007. Plse check on http://wongmunheng.multiply.com/photos/album/41 to see my experience.

Incidentally, let me share with you a motivation story.

Once there was this little 7 years old boy who wanted to visit the NBA Hall of Fame. But, he was lost and didn’t know the way. Then, he bumped into an old lady and asked her for direction: ”Could you tell me the way to NBA Hall of Fame?”

The old lady replied: “ Practise! Practice! Practise!"

Nice pics there Ah Heng..yeah don't underestimate the power of kit-lens :)

[Mavik]

sorry, had a damn busy 2 weeks. :) debating with Nikonians? no lah, that thread is about 1 fella's constant defense of D40 and shooting everyone's non-favouring feedback about the D40.

LOL I truly agree with that fella's extremely stubbornness to not able to accept constructive criticism for the D40.

But for this thread, I think that lens will help in various situations. For example, there is only a certain focal length a kitlens can go so there are some effects you just cannot achieve with the kit lens. Nevertheless, one's creativity should not be limited by the lens itself. Only get the lens that you think you will need. If you are getting for bragging rights, go ahead but I guess for those on a tighter budget, make sure you do all the research you can before purchasing one.

As for improving your skills, new lens can do that in a way. If you get a new macro lens, then by practising on the new lens you gained a new skill which is to take macro shots. Doesn't mean that your pictures are great but nevertheless it is still a new skill.

To me, skills are just new things you learn, whether you are good at it, that is a different story.

[halee]

Let's not kid ourselves, if the kit lens is good enough, then there won't be any sales of all the other better lens.

[adyzul]

sorry, had a damn busy 2 weeks. :) debating with Nikonians? no lah, that thread is about 1 fella's constant defense of D40 and shooting everyone's non-favouring feedback about the D40.

Can post the link please.:D

[william68]

I think its better not to battle about which lens is better.
All leness are design and made to serve difference purposes.

Never the less I think kit lens or lens that is build that is with lower/less assistance will help the photog to notice his/her error quicker. For an example if in the motorsport giving a person with a car that is fully prep with all kind of assist from ABS (braking assist), Traction control (acceleration assist), stability control. The driver will not able to notice the correction that need to take into consideration where by a car that is so basic till it has no assist/modification/tune-up at all is the best for a person to polish the skills. This is due to each and every mistake taken and corrected will make the driver drive better with a better and a fully prep race car.

If it's a kit lens then just learn the limit of the kit lens once there is an improvement/the limit is attained then proceed further and aim for a further limit with the more sophisticated lens with the experience previously learned