I finally decided to rearrange my lenses. All of my manual prime lenses has been just sold. Actually, they are quite good performers. As primes, sharpness is at no question, distortions close to none, and bokeh is just as creamy as it could be. More than that, they are quite fast. As i do not shoot sport, and rarely shoot birds, I do not really mind with manual focusing. But the fact that I lost a lot of interesting moments just because attached lens did not fit, is quite annoying. I think it is because as an enthusiast, I am an all-round shooter. If I am a pro focusing to specific area like studio photographer who takes mostly portrait, needs to change lenses can be very minimum.

Another annoying think is that I have to bring a number of lenses to accommodate different frames I may find. Comparing to the new 18-200 VR of Nikon for example. To cover the full range provided by 18-200, I need to bring 24, 35, 50, 85, 105, 135, 180, and 200 primes. Actually I cut them to lest stopping points with only 35, 50, 100, and 200. But it does not really make my life easier. In addition to changing lens, I have to move myself to get desired composition, which in some cases is just not possible.

So all in all, for my need and my style, I decided that zoom is better. Of course, as I am used to performance and speed offered by primes, I have to carefully choose the replacement.  But obviously replacement should comes later. First thing is to sell my existing lenses, which at this age, I think will be rather hard. I mean how many are still interested in manual focusing primes at the age of advanced auto focus system offering shake reduction capability, at whatever the manufacturers call their version. The practical question is how long it will take to get mine all sold out.

Will be nice to kepp it, really. When I have time, I do like shooting with my lenses. The performance is superb, and the challenge of shooting all manual - even the metering does not work in my camera body -  is just amazing. But I need the money to buy the replacement. Excellent zoom lens, especially the fast ones, are amazingly expensive. Anyone interested to take over my MF collection? Following is the list (all are MF):
35mm f/2.8 AI-S
50mm f/1.8 AI-S E Series
100mm f/2.8 AI-S E-Series
200mm f/4 AI
300mm f/4.5 ED-IF

As they are quite old … some may be even older than myself, condition is subject to inspection. But whatever the physical condition may be, results excellence are guaranteed.

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