Why The 24-70 Is Misunderstood

[@MartinCastein]

The first 500 people to use my link skl.sh/martincastein10241 will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare premium!

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

Recent circumstances (that last over a month) prevent me from taking up the offer. Thanks. [ My heavy duty library will last me 3 lifetimes; & the free online courses offered by the few big-time univ's (if i care to sit down w/ pens & paper) ]

[@stephencifka4629]

This video is a wonderful example of being intentional. The simple habit of returning the zoom to a fixed setting adds purpose to thinking about where you stand. Framing starts with seeing and moving, not zooming. Brilliant!

[@onemanband3579]

Hitchcock pioneered the video technique of moving towards the subject whilst zooming out and moving away whilst zooming in. Mystical weird effects. So, with any zoom lens you have a thousand different possibilities, you just need to look for them. Nothing wrong with a 24-70, it's what you do with it that counts.

[@lauroralei]

I recently shot a weekend morris dancing event. I use dual camera harness and primes but it can be so much work. A 24-70 would have been great as sometimes the dancers were moving just outside of where I could frame them well. But also by now I have a good understanding of what focal lengths I want to catch certain shots so I think a zoom could be really useful to just have a bit of wiggle room based on movement

[@youssefmahrous5146]

Who said it's boring ?? ... people call it "the horse" ...

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

I like my 24-120 f4 on my Nikon D810 and will put on my 50 or 85 F1.4 when needed.

[@PJ-om2wq]

I have one, but it's a heavy thing to carry around all day. I bought a 24-85 f/3.5-4.5G (they are cheap used) and it is significantly smaller and lighter.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

​@@PJ-om2wq I don't notice the weight that much, but everyone is different. I used the battery grip on both my 810 and 610 and tend to keep the 85 on one and the 24-120 on the other.

[@PJ-om2wq]

@@RichardFraser-y9t I use them on a D780. Recently I bought a Df and I'm trying to stick to small AF-D prime lenses on that and spread them out through different coat pockets.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

I've never owned a 24-70; for film : I still have a 24-35, AF24-50 , (ya25 !)a 25-50 very briefly (got robbed together w/ a new body in 82). I borrowed a friend's 35-70 to shoot his wedding in 1980. My most used fixed focal is a m-mount 40 f/2. {Most of the above zooms cover 40, & recently the 40 & 24-50 have become in vogue; I'm getting the cheaper but "better?" 40 f/2 viltrox to AF} My present edc is the compactly amazing FE 28-60 (variable aperture though; the ubit.40 again) Old story: I had a 35 f/2 , the f/2 was absolutely not usable. Remember the one-time ad not that many yrs ago by big-L "Every aperture (of L-lenses) is a usable aperture !" There are new generations of young L-worshippers; I'd say the a7cii w/a 40 would kick a lot of L-butts.{ I know it after using a 40 since the 80's } Too bad I don't have the 7c2, but its bigger brother. p.s. I agree w/ your inclination towards the 35 fl (& how to proceed). Thanks for one more real photo talk; it wasn't really about equipment - the 24-70.

[@Galeidan]

You need to make "Why 35mm is Misunderstood" video. Why not 24mm, 135mm and 70-200mm also to complete the series?

[@frankwong9486]

Unlimited video idea 😂

[@xcx8646]

I do the default setting thing with my 24-105, with 40mm being my default. I like having a consistent starting point.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

When I shoot weddings with my Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 I sometimes start the lens at 17mm and use that and use 40mm for portraits. Then when I need to really get my candids I just zoom and go with it. Sometimes you're with a lot of people and something is happening fast and you just need that 28mm or even 24mm.

[@adventure_photo]

Beautiful images presented in this video Martin!

[@frankwong9486]

Truth: more like user problem Be creative But sadly human will creatively get different excuse Common one : right ,let me get that lens , which made me take better photo

[@ActualCounterfactual]

My favourite is the 70-200, its versatility and sharpness are hard to beat. That said, the 24-70 has unique strengths and delivers just as well. AND..... there’s no such thing as a ‘boring’ lens; in the right hands, even a 24-70 can capture extraordinary, compelling shots. It’s all about the photographer’s vision and skills. It's not for nothing the 24-70 is a press photographer's workhorse. And... Yes, true.. its all about personal opinions/preferences.... this just happens to be my own. And... you mentioned that your "default is 35mm" when working on it... personally I set it around 50mm instead

[@daveh.354]

100%! I do a lot of video work where I'm fixed to one spot, but the subject distance may be variable. So zooms are a must. Occasionally I desire to have a 35mm prime to do some photography, but I have to remind myself that I can just set the 24-70 to 35... It would be nice to have something with a 1.4f someday, but I can live with 2.8f for now.

[@AnandaGarden]

I couldn't agree more. Last time I had a 24-70 2.8 it was a small Nikon lens that I used with the F4. It was so much fun and so broadly useful for general up-close utility photography and people. The Canon EF 24-105/4 that I use now is a hephalump, not really fun, but equally useful.

[@aznycts]

Always Great Educational Videos Martin .

[@kevinl1492]

When I had an EF 24-70mm f/4, I found myself choosing the focal length as I picked up the camera. I would move the zoom ring before the camera got to my eye. My preference is always primes, which are much lighter and a stop or more faster. But you cannot beat the flexibility of a zoom, especially when shooting people who are moving around. On my Olympus system, I am finding my 12-40mm should always be my first choice for just about any task, if I am being practical. I don't love using either, but the results are excellent and they let you get the job done very efficiently. Remember, using a zoom is not about fear of missing out because you have a fixed prime mounted. It is knowing you WILL miss out!

[@MikeLindup42]

Really useful advice. Thanks Martin

[@pauldarville3843]

Great advice, thanks Martin!

[@colintraveller]

If you capture in ethier Monochrome or B/W ..depending on your camera features . If you use LR/PS for editing does the image appear in colour or the intended MC /BW image you captured when it comes to editing / processing . I use affinity2 and it cannot recognise a MC / BW image . Always in colour it appears .. It's my main gripe with pic editing programs

[@classic.cameras]

I have the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN ART now, used to have the Canon EF version MKII before I switched. I always found my 24-70 boring. Maybe I am a Bokeh nut but then again every time I use my current 24-70 wide open I am shocked at the smooth bokeh and the sharpness. Then again I also am drooling over this 45 year old prime lens I shot with today and it might be more a modern vs vintage lens thing for me. Good video again Martin.

[@ldm6752]

24-70 is seen as boring because people are dumb. I say "people" because if this is an issue, you are not a photographer.

[@moritzschneider2735]

I prefer 24 105 f4

[@sunlbx]

they arent usually good wide open, even canon EF Ls. so effectively they are F5-5.6 lenses. f2.8 zooms are usable by f3.5 with rare exceptions

[@GiNodrog]

The 24-105mm is vertualy bolted to my A9ii, absolutely ideal for travel.

[@moritzschneider2735]

​@@sunlbxi dont knownabout that my L Glass ist razor Sharp at f4 but focuses not the best in Low light as expected

[@Galeidan]

@@moritzschneider2735 Try 24-105mm f 2.8. Personally I prefer 28-70mm f 2 though.

[@xcx8646]

@@sunlbx Do you say that from personal experience or is that something you've read online?

[@robmcd]

Great video Martin. The last wedding I did with my Canon R5 I used the 24-70 too much! I kept using 24 as my pick up focal length and that hurt me a lot. I got too many shots at 24 so I’m lucky I had the 45mp of the Canon R5. My most favourite image of the ceremony was shot on 24 and cropped to about an 85. If I continue to use Canon I think the 28/70 could be a great lens for the ceremony or even the 24-105 because at 105 F4 the close ups will be in focus and have a fantastic mushy background. On my CH2S Fuji I exclusively shoot primes.

[@rodp7803]

I literally just got home from picking up a used one of these... okay, now to watch your video.

[@lattesweden]

I don't really understand what you mean with how to think about subject distance and how you work with it? I mean with a prime the subject distance will be what it is depending on the focal length for a particular framing. With a zoom you can choose another focal length and by that also get another subject distance and still have the same framing, but the distortion will be different at the wide end (big nose, thin face) vs the long end (flatter, wider face). So do you mean that there is a optimal subject distance or why did you bring this matter up in the video? Thanks and best regards from Sweden!

[@xcx8646]

I agree, that wasn't explained particularly well. I take it to mean it is a starting point. Martin is probably very comfortable with 35mm so knows where to stand for a particular framing from experience. From there, he (and everyone with a zoom) can be more intentional about using a different focal length for a different look and standing closer / further back.

[@artsilva]

In addition to this being the 35mm setting as your default or beginning point is possible subject distortion from the wide end, but starting at 35mm and working up is good where distortion lessens as we go up in the focal range, That is if we start at a full or half body distance.

[@brendonwilson1318]

I'm really conflicted about the 24-70 and I've been considering selling mine for a sigma art 35/1.4 since I have a 17-55 2.8 for my 7D ii. I'm a family and event photography so I tend to use 2 cameras, a 7D ii with 17-55 and a 6D with whatever prime is appropriate (45/2.8, 50/1.8, or 85/1.8), I usually just bring the 85 on a family shoot. If it's only 1 or 2 subjects I'll bring only the 85 and 50, no 7D and standard zoom. So the 24-70 doesn't really fit into any of these kits and stays home 90% of the time. It is useful for long exposure landscapes on a tripod, but that's a rare scenario. Now your video has me kinda rethinking maybe I could get some nice versatility from bringing the 24-70 and 85 to shoots where I don't need 2 cameras. Still, I think I get better image quality from the 17-55 than the mark 1 24-70, and the sigma art is stunning. It's a hard decision.

[@xcx8646]

It sounds like your head is full of thoughts about gear rather than photography. You have more than enough good equipment already. A slightly different zoom isn't going to take your images to the next level. If you simply must spend money then spend it on some tuition - ideally some that will critique and feedback on your work.

[@brendonwilson1318]

@@xcx8646 hmm you come to the comments section on a video about gear to grill someone about their thoughts on the gear featured in the video. What did you expect to find? You do not know my background or my portfolio. As photographers these are our tools and they have a significant influence over the products we deliver and how we work. Why do you come here to belittle me over voicing my opinion when 90% of photography discourse on the internet is about gear anyway.

[@xcx8646]

@@brendonwilson1318 No offence intended. Your post suggests you think that a slightly different lens will have a profound effect on your photography, and it seems to contain a lot of received internet wisdom, as often found on the gear forums. Someone experienced would usually know what they want, and why. Martin does talk about gear, but he's pretty clear that any of the better lenses are good enough. This video isn't about image quality or sharpness, it's about how to actually use a zoom, which is far more useful. If you haven't seen it, maybe check out Martin's video on photographers spending money on he wrong things.

[@johnherzel718]

I was taught many years ago (early nineties) by a very experienced teacher/pro photographer who said that you will never have the perfect setup when you need it, if you cannot control "EVERYTHING" (you can't). He recommended that you should own whatever you can afford or justify, but to look at standard zooms at f4.0 and pair them with a few fast enough primes - f2.0 or f1.8 and maybe one special prime at f1.4 or f1.2, which would have been a 50/55mm lens back then. (I was fortunate to get the old FD 35-105 f3.5) But he was adamant about never taking more than 3 lenses. Ever. It took me 30 years to understand. The 24-70 is so useful.

[@meshackgaolathe6492]

Very useful

[@AgentPepsi1]

My favorite lens is actually the Nikkor 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 that I use with my D3x. It has proven itself time and again, to be the ultimate "workhorse" being very sharp and reasonably fast, combined with small size and light weight. 😊

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I kind of had this lens back in the day but it was the Minolta version. I really liked it but mine was the 28-85mm. Now I really like my Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 on full frame this would be a 24-80mm f5.6.

[@AgentPepsi1]

@@bigrobotnewstoday1436 Yes. The Olympus 12-40 is also an amazing lens. The legendary Olympus sharpness. I have often thought about switching to Olympus MFT for a bit. I'm a fairly small girl, and I really feel the weight and size of the large Nikons. How do you like your Olympus system?

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

@@AgentPepsi1 I like the Olympus system I have two Olympus OMD E-M1ii cameras for weddings. I almost was thinking of selling my M43 gear and going full frame for better low light. But then DXO Deep PRIME came out best noise reduction and it can restore loss color due to high ISO. If I need more bokeh I can use Luminar NEO or Lightroom. But Luminar does not always detect the subject correct. So I only use it once in a blue moon for something really nice I want. But once I got DXO I can now shoot at ISO 6,400 with very little noise and the newer OM-1ii has 14-bit raw and is very good in low light now. With my Olympus OMD E-M1ii my cut off ISO was 3,200 the image still looks good its a little softer then ISO 1,600 but I need the flash to recharge faster. Over all I like the system and I'm keeping it. I might get a full frame camera at some point but I'm keeping my Micro Four Thirds gear. I also have the Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 that's the 70-200mm f2.8 in full frame. Its a nice lens and its small. I've never had a client have a issue with any of my images using Micro Four Thirds. Look up Nick Ghonis he was a Olympus ambassador. OM systems got rid of most of their ambassador's because they are focused on targeting wildlife photographers now.

[@andrewcroft2570]

Another great video as always.

[@jameshenderson5385]

Will this work with the canon 24-70 L series f4?

[@MartinCastein]

Yes

[@janedagger]

Oh... thank you!

[@paulridley9055]

I love my Canon 24-70

[@pedrorrodriguez1]

Great tip as always

[@colintraveller]

Do mean the F4 or the F2.8 variant

[@MartinCastein]

2.8

[@einarlandre5386]

Briliant advice.

[@mjudkins1371]

I Love The 24 70 one of my best Lens

[@digitalpixshb]

24-105 it has is

[@elram2649]

OMG, somehow I got unsubscrived, but now I'm back. 😮

[@moritzschneider2735]

First

[@roybixby6135]

I love my primes but if i'm going somewhere new and unfamiliar then the 24-70 is more versatile ...🦘