Ron Leach

This morning we posted a story suggesting that high-quality vintage lenses often outperform modern mid-level or kit lenses when used with adapters on the latest DSLRs. The video below illustrates a possible exception to the rule, in the form of Canon’s inexpensive and versatile EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

Serious photography can be seriously expensive, especially for those who update their cameras often and insist on carrying a bag loaded with premium glass. But here’s a secret for photographers on a budget: For the same money (or less), you can often achieve far better results with a high-quality vintage lens, than by “saving money” on a modern mid-level or kit lens.

One of the more interesting developments for photographers over the past few years is the increasing availability of excellent manual focus lenses from independent optics manufacturers that are designed for use with modern digital cameras.

Sooner or later every avid street photographer makes a simple but important realization: If you always point your lens straight ahead, you’re missing out on a whole realm of dramatic angles and interesting compositional opportunities.