Q&A - Do We Really Need Fast Lenses?

Do we really need fast lenses? That is to say, with all the new and amazing technology on the market today, with the ability to crank up our ISO settings on the fly, with the ability to adjust (theoretically) our exposures and shadows in post, do we still need to worry about using lenses that are f/2.8 or f/4?

[@kurtvandoran8852]

Hi Jared, I really like the video approach to responding to questions. We all like hearing what you think about things, and typing out responses is fine but less personal. My opinion anyway.

[@PictorialWhispers]

Hi Jared, great video. Based on my experience, I would add the following. I get better bokeh with my 600 F4 vs. my 400 F2.8 in almost all cases which sounds counterintuitive for most photographers. Also, the trade-offs between the size and weight of the big primes vs. quality and highly flexible zooms like the Sony 200-600 or 100-400 for example is something one has to consider, even if they can afford the big prime glass. I routinely miss opportunities when I have my big prime lenses on vs. one of my zoom lenses. I can still get great bokeh out of those F4.5/6.3 lenses by getting closer to my subjects and putting more distance between them and the background, for example. In my case, I own the best of both worlds and use them for different reasons. Also, with the maturity of Topaz DeNoise/Sharpen AI and the latest version of Adobe Camera RAW, most modern mirrorless cameras can be pushed much further than previous ISO levels. For example, with my Sony A1, I routinely use ISO 12,800 images that look very noisy as a RAW file, and then after post-processing with DXO PureRaw 2 and Topaz DeNoise, you would think I shot those images at ISO 400 or 800 or even lower. In other words, a year from now, my comments will be dated because technology is improving so rapidly. The great news is that photographers today are free to create at levels not possible before in history. Take care and keep posting videos. I always enjoy them.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Excellent video. You really gave a great answer!

[@IamPPTWR]

You have previously mentioned the advantage of quicker autofocus with larger apertures. Is this no longer applicable with mirrorless?