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In my discussions with other photograpers and dentists, the question of what type of lens is the best to own? My response to this question pertains to my situation and the answer is “both”. Why? Here are my reasons. I specifically use Canon glass because I believe they make the finest quality lens. Even though I own several cameras, I now shoot all my photography with Canon Lens. Zoom lens major advantage is its versatility. Sometimes a photographer has only a quick opportunity to quickly frame and capture the desired situation. A zoom lens affords this opportunity. One can capture several different shots on the same subject in just a few seconds. This also applies to subjects in distants that are changing. If you are using a prime (fixed) lens then the photographer is limited to that focal length. The image must be cropped postprocessing to achieve the same framing (as the zoom lens) which leads to a compromized details because of the lost pixels quantity in the post cropping production. Also zoom lens requirer fewer lens changes which decreases the chance of getting dust on your sensor.

The advantage of fixed lens are their quickness. They are usually faster (which translates into better shooting in in low light situations). This is a major advantage for indoor sports, and portrait and event photography. A fast, fixed, prime lens avails a photographer the ability to capture action shots in low light. That being said with higher ISO values producing low noise resolution this is not as big an issue as it once was. Another big purpose for prime is bohtec. This refers to the ability of the lens to allow blurring of the background in photos. It allows a veiwer’s eye to concentrate on the subject the artist wants the viewers to focus on instead of distracting the eye with too much stimulation from an in focus background. This can only occur with low f stop (wide aperatures) values ie. f1.2, f1.8, f2.0. A prime lens is usually cheaper than its zoom counterpart assuming the both have comparable wide aperatures.

OK, that being said the golden question is what lens should be considered for use in a dental office and outside the office.

1. 100mm f2.0 macro zoom lens with a ring flash is a must.
2. 85mm f1.2 if you have a portrait studio with studio lights.
3. 35mm f1.4 if you enjoy landscape shot
4. 24-70mm L f 2.8 zoom, one of the best all around general purpose lens available.
5. 70-200 L f2.8 IS zoom, my person favorite although it is heavy.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at hooday@apk.net.

I am having a 2-day hands-on photography seminar in my office Sept.22nd and 23rd. Deails to follow soon.