Just One Lens

So suppose you could only have one lens, and I mean one fixed focal length lens, not a super-zoom! What would it be? And why?

My choice would have to be a 50mm f1.7 - with this lens you can shoot almost any subject and you can add all sorts of close up devices as well and still retain a good degree of quality. 50mm lenses can be happily abused in many ways and still deliver acceptable results. They can cover portraits, landscapes, reportage, you name it and it's at least useable.

How about everyone else?

If I wanted to only use one lens, I would not have bought an SLR.

But the lens I love most is the 77 Ltd.

G

I never said wanted to....only what if.....

However, I think even with only one lens I would want SLR viewing and SLR lens quality.

Back when I used to mainly use primes I found it was the 24mm that got used the most - so that's where my vote is going.

If it had to be one lens...

I reckon out of my kit it's got to be the SMC-F 50mm/f1.4

The bokeh is just truly sublime, and I love being able to take candids in low light. Took some truly beautiful shots at f2.0 at two weddings, even if I say so myself , ... well actually the brides & grooms said so too

But that's a hard call

Matt

i think my one lens would be an 85mm f1.2 portrait lens it gives crisp clear images with excellent backgound distorsion

the depth of field control on this is stunning and would be my one lens if one was the option

Ali, I'm jealous

Assuming I was using a film SLR it would have to be the SMC A 50mm/1.4 - sharp, lovely out-of-focus highlights and probably the best all round focal length for varied scenes and subjects. I would happily live without the auto focus as I hardly ever shoot action subjects and prefer to take a little time to compose and focus.

However, if I was using a digital SLR, it would be the SMC A 24/2.8 - the 50mm's angle of view would be too narrow.