how much time do you give a new lens

Before deciding if you really like it enough to keep it? I'm not talking about ones that just fit perfectly into your style, kit, etc. but ones you thought you'd love but don't, but maybe you think you should cuz most people do or would?

I just got the 35L. I've really gotten into primes and absolutely loved the 135L from day one. I use the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 a lot as well. In fact the 85 is probably my most used lens along with my 100 2.8 macro. I spent a lot of time looking through the archives etc on the 35 and thought I'd really like it so saved up. I don't doubt it's an exceptional lens, but I'm just not GOOD with it, it seems. (the lens itself seems sharp and focuses fast, etc--it's all user error )

So I'm deciding if I should hold onto it and LEARN to use it properly, or just lose the few hundred on it and sell it. This isn't 'buyers remorse'--if I sell it, I'd buy a different lens with the money--that's what I saved it for.

Any suggestions? Have any of you more experienced DSLR photographers ever bought one and then taught yourself to use it and end up loving it (any lens, not necessarily this one) or anyone have experience specifically with this one?
Thanks, as always, your insights are much appreciated!
PS this is on an ff camera (5D), indoor event candids, urban (but haven't tried that yet with this one) travel, etc.
Nan

I'd hold onto it for a while longer. It could be that you're still getting* used to the focal length. From what you've said it seems like you're quite comfortable shooting and seeing in tele but maybe you still need to work on shooting and seeing in wide? I'm kind of backwards. I find it easy to "get" my 50 and 35 but I'm having problems effectively using my 85.

I don't usually think of that way. I rarely buy equipment and then hope to have an application for it. The 35 is very useful for all kinds of applicationsa and has a great rep, so what did you want it for?

Having a lens in your bag that rarely gets used is kind of a waste don't you think? I would see if there are subjects that you with to apply it to. You have already paid for the glass now I feel that it is time to go out and use it!!

Interesting observations by both of you. Thanks. I think Terriyaki may have nailed it--I'm just not that great shooting wide. Do most people have a 'range' that they're most comfortable with?--I never thought of that--I guess I thought you guys seem to do it all (except for the birders that are truly "out there"). I think mine may be the 50-135 range which was all I did in film.

Why did I buy it? I thought it would help me fill a lacking area (under 50mm) but the lack may be because I don't go there often, not because I didn't have the proper tool. So that just makes me sorta dumb for getting this lens

Still not sure what I'll do about it, but it does help to think differently about it.

Thanks!

Since you already own the lens, you might want to try it in some different situations. Use it for a while and then make up your mind. If you are using it outdoors, especially in urban settings, you need to pay more attention to keepings the camera level. It's just getting used to a wider lens, just give yourself some time. I use a 35L on a 5D and think they are a great combination.

Jeff

Nanboh wrote in post #5088405
Before deciding if you really like it enough to keep it? I'm not talking about ones that just fit perfectly into your style, kit, etc. but ones you thought you'd love but don't, but maybe you think you should cuz most people do or would?

I just got the 35L. I've really gotten into primes and absolutely loved the 135L from day one. I use the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 a lot as well. In fact the 85 is probably my most used lens along with my 100 2.8 macro. I spent a lot of time looking through the archives etc on the 35 and thought I'd really like it so saved up. I don't doubt it's an exceptional lens, but I'm just not GOOD with it, it seems. (the lens itself seems sharp and focuses fast, etc--it's all user error )

So I'm deciding if I should hold onto it and LEARN to use it properly, or just lose the few hundred on it and sell it. This isn't 'buyers remorse'--if I sell it, I'd buy a different lens with the money--that's what I saved it for.

Any suggestions? Have any of you more experienced DSLR photographers ever bought one and then taught yourself to use it and end up loving it (any lens, not necessarily this one) or anyone have experience specifically with this one?
Thanks, as always, your insights are much appreciated!
PS this is on an ff camera (5D), indoor event candids, urban (but haven't tried that yet with this one) travel, etc.
Nan

i usually know within a day or two if i like a lens..

i recently bought the 35L, and last year i had rented one.

the rented copy was subpar but even the copy i bought didn't move me.

i just didn't "get it" so i sold it and bought the 28 1.8, which i had also owned before and really liked.

ed rader

Every lens I own had a purpose in mind before purchase. I don't have to love a lens if it fills a void that needed filled.

I'm in this same situation with my Sigma 30mm. I really want to love it, but I just don't. Then again, I haven't had the opportunity to use it for it's intended purpose of indoor family events.

I think 3 - 6 months is reasonable to keep a lens that you are unsure about. This gives plenty of opportunity for a variety of use including it's intended purpose if you have one, and you are not rushing to make a decision.

I won't give up on a lens until I've used it for at least 6 months, but usually I can tell if it's going to a useful addition to my kit before then.