I just wrote a post about a recent wedding shoot where I upgraded the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 from Goldilens to the Precious. But there is another.
My reasoning for heaping such praise on the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 was due to its remarkable flexibility. Its practicality. Certainly exciting in its own way. Kind of like a high end sports sedan like the BMW M3. Can run with sports cars one moment and then ferry you back and forth to work or any random errand the next with folks and stuff in tow. But what if we toss any practical pursuits and lean towards performance? Porsche 911 and I would not be mad at a latest generation mid engine C8 Corvette. May be able to stow a bag here or there but, despite the Porsche’s vestigial backseat, you will be piloting a low slung driver plus one proposition. But I almost guarantee you will have more fun in the process. What on Earth am I on about?
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a 911 to the 35-150mm’s M3.
If you asked me what lens I would use without functional restrictions in conditions of my choosing I would reach for the 50mm. It is just a fun lens with few practical limitations. That is why it was used almost exclusively for a recent bridal shoot.
But that is a portrait setting. You can pick placement and angles to fit your kit.
This is not the case during an event like a wedding. There are many close quarters…
…and far away scenarios…
…where the variable focal length of a zoom, especially one as flexible as 35-150mm, can come in very handy. I mentioned in that last wedding post how I initially paired the 35-150mm with the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 on a second body.
But as I mentioned I barely used the 17-28mm and only kept one photo in my portfolio taken with it that day.
Realized this lens pairing was not optimal fairly early on. For this reason, I soon pivoted to the 50mm G Master as a second lens. Result?
Flipping awesome of course.
So new game plan. If I could in any way incorporate the 50mm I would, but if too close or far with no practical ability to relocate appropriately zoom it is. So here is a sample of the resulting images with some thoughts afterward.
Groomsmen
Bridesmaids
Time was very tight and the bride could not be seen by the general public before the wedding service and the space I had was too tight to capture all will the 50mm. Thankfully the 35-150mm did just fine.
Wedding and Reception
Tamron 35-150mm all day for both this time around. A shame since the 50mm really flexed during the reception at the last wedding.
But there I was able to orbit the dance floor as people came and went. Folks were much more spread out this time around.
After Wedding Portraits
Snow and Get Away
To my surprise, given the late hour, I opted for the 35-150mm for this. Through no fault of the 50mm. Just the way it went down. Went off without a hitch regardless.
I have learned from this experience. Next time I will start the day with this as the second lens and likely roll with that throughout. That is how I ended the day on the last two events now.
And, like the 35-150mm, I have not even touched upon the many great features of this lens.
- Weather Resistance
- AF Hold Button
- AF/MF Switch
- Manual Aperture Dial
- Aperture Click On/Off Switch
For me, this is a hero lens. And it has not only met but exceeded my expectations. Anything it gives up in focal length flexibility, it more than makes up for it in every single measurable way otherwise.
I guess I need to make room for there being two “the precious” lenses.
Well done Sony.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 