Whilst I am one to (try and) consciously avoid GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), there are instances when this allows you to look at the same thing in a different light, to give a fresh perspective.
I say this as this is something that I had endured in the past. Chasing camera brands, lens, tripods, £££$$$!
I came across an interesting blog on Sean Tucker’s website, pre covid19 lockdown, which got me thinking about exploring other lens outside of my comfort zone, which is something that I have wanted to undertake for some time.
The above images was taken with an 85mm lens, as part of my COVID-19 ongoing project, documenting the impact on the virus on Brighton / East Sussex.
I love the content that Sean puts out, philosophical in nature, with a slant towards challenging the norm and pushing boundaries. He compared a variety of street photography lens, 50mm, 85mm, 35mm, in several blog posts a couple of years ago.
This idea is further visualised on Kai Wong’s YouTube post, with a comparison of the ‘staple’ 28mm vs 35mm vs 50mm lens.
Whilst the 85mm lens is typically aimed at portrait photographers, where the compression of the lens allows for backgrounds to be produce a natural bokeh, I think it gives an added dimension in street photography.
I discovered this creative side, as I started shooting images through the empty shops in Brighton whilst lockdown was in full effect. I quite like the abstract effect.
I never quite got the opportunity to explore the ‘nifty fifty’. I think this was possibly hindered by the fact that I had the 50mm on my Canon 7D, so whilst the lens rendered some beautiful photos, the bulk of the camera setup meant that I didn’t use it for street, it also had a crop factor sensor.
I started out originally taking street photography on my iPhone, which I understand was a 35mm equivalent, upgrading to the awesome Mark 1 Fuji x100 (also a 35mm), this was at the same time I switched to Android smartphones, which were all generally 28mm equivalent lens.
I felt obligated to shoot 28mm as this is considered a ‘purist’ street lens. The ‘tog has to get up real close and fill the frame. This is particularly the screens of the excellent Ricoh GR series of compact APS-c digital cameras. Nimble, stealthy and discreet.
I think my love for the grii is for another blog as is a comparison of the 35mm and 28mm.
I love the perspective of the 28mm ,but of late, I’m finding the ‘challenge’ of the 85mm, gives me a new leash of life with my street photography.
Whilst this won’t necessarily replace my core lens, its a necessary additional to the camera bag, that is a friendly GAS!
Until next time, keep snapping.
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