When I bought my first SLR, a Minolta x-700, back in 1989, I was told by a photographer to spend money on the lens and go with a basic camera body. I bought a good solid super crisp sharp 50mm lens that cost more than the camera. I was a student at the time, creating art and photographing personal documentary projects. I picked up a couple alternate lenses at camera shows, and quickly learned the difference between really good glass.
These days the camera does mean more since the digital sensors vary greatly. I see new camera bodies as more of an essential for keeping up with the times. Glass is what I get really ecstatic about. For the last six months I have been starting to dream about Canon, even though I am currently a Nikon gal. Canon has lots of lenses that are wide and fast. Fast pretty much means the aperture (what lets the light in) opens up big, allowing photographers to work in lower light conditions. Between dim wedding venues and outdoor receptions late in the evening, wedding photography often involves photographing in dark settings.
Nikon just this month announced two new lenses. The first is a 16-35mm f4, not my style. The other is a 24mm 1.4, just what I have been hoping for.
Just a little photographer geeking out here… Hopefully you are still reading!
