About this Video

• Video Title: ZOOM vs PRIME for wedding photography - Sony 24-70/2.8 GM II vs 35/1.4, 50/1.2 and 85/1.4
• Channel: Magic Wedding Photographer
• Speakers: Magic
• Duration: 00:14:30

Introduction

This video compares the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II zoom lens with three prime lenses (35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.2, and 85mm f/1.4) for wedding photography. The speaker, Magic, discusses the differences in using zoom versus prime lenses, illustrating with numerous examples from a wedding shoot.

Key Takeaways

• Zoom Lens Usage: The speaker initially used the 24-70mm zoom lens, noting a change in photographic approach due to constant zoom ring adjustments. The preferred focal lengths ranged from 24mm to 70mm.
• Prime Lens Comparison: A direct comparison between the zoom lens and prime lenses revealed almost identical color profiles after editing. The significant difference was in the depth of field; prime lenses provided a significantly dreamier look due to wider apertures (f/1.4 or f/1.2) compared to the f/2.8 zoom lens.
• ISO Performance: Using prime lenses at wider apertures necessitated lower ISO settings, resulting in cleaner images compared to the higher ISO values needed with the zoom lens in lower-light conditions.
• Lens Performance: The Sony 35mm, 50mm, and 24-70mm lenses were noted for their exceptional sharpness and speed, while the older 85mm lens was slightly slower and less sharp.
• Verdict: For a dreamy aesthetic throughout the wedding, prime lenses are recommended (35mm and 85mm or 24mm and 50mm are suggested combinations). The 24-70mm zoom lens offers convenience but at the cost of a narrower aperture and potentially higher ISO values, leading to noisier images. A combination of a zoom lens and a 50mm (or 50mm f/1.2) prime lens is suggested as a compromise.