My Favourite Lenses: Exploring the Art of Photography

Photography is an intimate art form that requires the right tools to capture the essence of a subject. Lens choices play a crucial role in shaping the final image, and in this article, I will delve into my favorite lenses and how they contribute to my photography work.

Minolta 50mm 1.4

One of my all-time favorite lenses is the Minolta 50mm 1.4. It's a manual focus lens offering stunning 100mm portraits when paired with an Olympus camera. When used with an extension tube or three, this lens transforms into a macro lens, making it incredibly useful for close-up photography.

While it's a bit old-school, manual focus doesn't hamper its effectiveness for portrait work. Close-up photography demands manual focus anyway, so it fits perfectly in my workflow.

NIKON 85 mm Lens

I also have a preference for the Nikon 85 mm lens. In particular, the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 gives me the best results, especially for portraits. I tend to gravitate towards prime lenses as they often provide exceptional image quality and can be a joy to use.

21mm Pentax Pancake Lens for Landscapes

When it comes to shooting landscapes, the 21mm Pentax Pancake lens is one of my go-to tools. It offers a vivid color rendition, sharp details, and minimal distortion. Its compact size, lightweight construction, and high quality make it a pleasure to carry and use in the field.

70-200mm f/2.8 Pentax for Sports

For sports photography, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is my trusted workhorse. It focuses quickly, ensuring that I can capture decisive moments. The lens is built like a tank, which makes it durable and versatile for various shooting scenarios.

Zenitar Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5

Another favorite is the Zenitar Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5. It is a manual focus, manual aperture lens that produces a unique halo-bokeh effect, reminiscent of the well-known Helios 44. The lens is still in production, made by the KMZ factory in Russia and available in multiple mounts, including Canon EF, M42, Nikon K, and Pentax F.

This lens is a preselector lens, which means you can set the aperture first and then hold it open by twisting the preselector ring. This feature allows for great control and quick shooting when you're ready. The focus is manual, but the sharpness and clarity of the lens even at wide open settings make it an excellent choice for portraits, particularly when shooting with natural light.

35mm f/1.4 Sigma for Street Photography

On a Nikon D810, the 35mm f/1.4 Sigma lens is a versatile and preferred choice for street photography. Its focal length is perfect for capturing candid moments and indoor settings. The lens is sharp and clean even when fully open, making it an excellent choice for street photographers who want a fast and versatile lens.

75mm f/1.8 for Fujifilm

For my Fujifilm cameras, the 75mm f/1.8 lens from the Olympus OM-D series is a standout. It offers amazing rendition, making it perfect for portrait photography. The lens delivers an incredible level of detail and quality, ensuring that portraits are not only sharp but also beautifully detailed.

In summary, these lenses have been integral to my photography journey. Each lens has its unique qualities that shine in different scenarios, whether it's portraiture, sports, or landscapes. The choice of lens plays a significant role in capturing the essence of a subject, and I'm always excited to experiment and find the right tool for the job.

Have your own favorite lenses to share? Feel free to drop a comment below and let's discuss further!