Digital Photography School

Thoughts? Agree or disagree ?
I still don't own a Macro.  It's "on the list"
I do use my 50mm prime a lot.  I think the lack of zoom makes me work harder, and think differently.

 I think this depends on the photographer and what he/she shoots.  I am much more of a believer in prime lenses rather than zoom.  For the amateur I think the recommendation is spot on.

Additionally you need to ascertain how you are using your equipment.  My 70-200mm f2.8 zoom is a pretty heavy lens.  I'm not certain the average person would lug that around, although compared to an 300mm f2.8 it is pretty light.  I have a number of macro lenses, the 60mm is a good choice for light weight and is a prime, but I prefer the 105mm especially when traveling, with a tele-extender it becomes a ~200mm at far less bulk and weight as the 200mm f4 macro, but I normally chose the lens for what I'm shooting or the concept that I plan to shoot, that goes for the camera as well.  I rarely just go out looking to see what I can find, usually I've decided the subject, general idea, and lenses I need for the shoot before I leave home. I agree that a prime makes the photographer move more, but moving around the subject can often lead you to that really special shot. 

I just happened to luck out :)  I have all three.  The 18-55, 55-250 and a Macro~  They are all pretty new to me and i have been experimenting with the macro this week.  so far, I have gotten the most use out of the 18-55.  As an amateur I am still trying to figure it all out, but having a good time doing it.  Thanks for the link.

I agree with watapki66 (sorry don't know your real name) Depending on the interest what you shoot so accordingly you buy a lens for it.
Exsample. I went to New zealand a few week ago and took my zoom lens too. Okay it is only  75 -300. I took about 6 shots all together. I don't think I am realy into zooming do I?

I shoot with my 17-85 a lot. If I would be richer I would have a 50mm prime and just use that. For macro I do have a dedicated 100mm macro lens.

seeyus  Tunde

50M canon prime lens (1.8), awesome cheap and perfect, payed 90 euro's for it
the default 18-55 that came with the canon 450

saving money for a good tele (70-300 is/usm) or the 100-400L ( a bit expensive atm).

Go for a cheap Sigma or save money for a good Canon?

I started with a Minolta 18-70 kit lens and 75- 300 Zoom.... these 2 lenses were great for learning and served me well for almost 2 years.  I've sold them off and expanded to a variety of lenses.  My walk around lens is a Sony 18-250, but I love my 50mm 2.8 macro.   I also use my 11-18 Wide Angle for funky perspectives and whatnot.  This lens is attached to my old Minolta 5d and the 18-250 is on my Sony A700.  Depending on what I'm shooting, I sometimes carry both cameras with me, so I don't have to switch lenses on the fly when I'm out and about.

Je

I bought what I have because at the time the lens appeared quite useful. Now, I am used to certain lenses and those are my favs.  These may not be the best to recommend but work for me.

MOST USED
50mm macro, used often as a prime 50mm.  Sigma f/2.8
Every photographer needs to use a prime lens(no zoom) for a while. There is a discipline built in.

18-200 Zoom  f/3.5 - f/5.6
Fine lens and used everyday, the limit being that slow f/5.6 at full zoom.

NEXT FAVORITES
I have a f/4 100-300 zoom but it is not everyday, used when I need more reach and more light.

If you don't get a 50mm prime, consider a 30mm like the Sigma 30mm f/1.8.  On Nikon DSLR this gives the same approximate "crop" to the field of view as a 35mm cameras 50mm lens.  Keep in mind, regardless of crop, it is still a 30mm lens.  I love mine and it is excellent.

It really depends on what photographer you are..or what type of photography you love to do.