Every time any camera maker upgrades any body or lens or there is a rumour of this there is an immediate flurry of activity in the photo forums around the world. People dissect the old lens or camera, dismiss them as worthless and invest in a dream of sharper better composed and lit images. Amazing what the thought a new lens or body can do in the mind.
Most of the differences between the old and the new can only be distinguished using charts and test instruments. Chromic aberrations are lovingly analysed and the effects of the new image stabilisation are quantified. Sadly this plays very little role in the average picture that is sold and earns the photographer his income. Editors, picture editors and whoever else chooses images for publication never ask what lens or camera was used.
They look at the image and make an informed decision.
Yes the latest is often the greatest but I guess that about 0.74 % of photographers (calculated using hoatzin flight curve analysis) operate in that mythical realm where every bit of optical or mechanical improvement is required and justified because all the other factors (knowledge, technique etc) are under control and are being used to their fullest extent..
So fellow photographers send me your old lenses and cameras – they are all worthless and rubbish and you owe yourself the newest and best.
Next week’s sermon will be on photographer’s greatest sin - lens lust – and the salvation that is bought by the world’ greatest image stabilizer - the tripod - and why it was sent to earth as punishment for photographers…..
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