A New Lens Brings New Love For Photography

I’ve always subscribed to the belief that the best camera is the one that you have with you. If that happens to be a smartphone then great, if it’s a high-end DSLR then that’s great too. My viewpoint hasn’t changed on this at all. However, we all love new kit and I recently took possession of a new lens for my Canon cameras and it’s given me a shove to get out and enjoy photography again.

So which lens is it then?

Let’s get the techie, geeky bit out of the way first.

The new lens is the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC HSM Optical Stabilized lens for Canon EF-S (that’s APS-C sensors).

I got a bit of a good deal on this lens from Amazon by getting one from the Amazon Warehouse where the box had been opened as it was a return. The lens is in perfect condition so no issue there. I saved money because someone opened the box before I did.

You can buy this lens from Amazon for just £288.90. I may do a review at some stage but let me tell you this is bloody great value for a lens of this quality.

Size Matters

Don’t listen to others – size does matter!

Okay. So my primary, everyday camera is the Canon EOS M50. It’s a small, mirrorless camera that packs a punch. With the kit lens, the EF-M 14-45mm, this is a lightweight setup indeed. But we don’t want lightweight, do we?

Well actually, yes I do. However decent fast glass doesn’t come in a lightweight option.

Canon M lenses are a bit pricey. And to be honest the range isn’t that great yet. I don’t know how committed they’ll be to producing lenses in this range now that they’ve introduced the R mirrorless system too. So it’s a good job that I have the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter so that my EF and EF-S lenses can be used on my M50.

The Sigma 17-50mm is a chunky lens and when paired with the M50 using the mount adapter you are creating a weighty setup. But this doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I prefer the weight if I am honest. This can inspire a purchase of a better, more robust camera bag with room to protect and carry your lenses. If you opt for a larger size, you could even use it for Singular Sound cable storage – ensuring you’re never left high and dry even if you begin amateur filmmaking!

The best camera

I’d stopped taking my “proper” camera out with me. My argument was that I had my phone, and yes I used my phone a lot. But why pay to have a decent camera and only take it out on a planned day out. There’s no rules. So now it goes with me even if I’m just walking the dogs.

Chase Jarvis uses the mantra that the best camera is the one you have with you. I agree, so if I am out with just my Samsung Galaxy S7 in my pocket then that is the best camera I have at my disposal in that moment. I don’t get too hung up on it. Yes, I may wish I had my big camera with me but it’s not always practical. The other night I was cycling down the road and a beautiful barn owl was flying along with me, just a few meters to my left. How great would it have been to have my big camera for that? But, in truth, I didn’t even attempt to get my phone out of my pocket at 30kmp on my road bike!

My favourite images so far

There’s no doubt that this injection of kit has reignited a spark in me. I am pleased about that and I already have some images I am really proud of that I’d like to share with you.