Choosing the right lens for your SLR

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, the swap I initiated, oh, I don't know... two months ago, has finally come through. I just got my new Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 ASF DG EX which I'll be sending the swappee my Sigma 20mm 1.8 for. I'll be sad to let a prime lens (and that extra stop) go, but I've learnt I just don't feel comfortable at 20mm and sometimes practicality wins out over quality (a prime is sharper than a zoom, but it sucks to have to carry them all).

I've been wanting to write a bit about lens choice for a while now. You can get quite lost in glass envy and greed, even if you're well aware it's not about the tools, it's about what you *see*. But once you get past the 'complete beginner' stage, you'll find out that you do need the tools that suit *your* style.

A 20mm wide angle distances the photographer from the subject, if you don't move in real close. As someone who is awkward and shy, moving in real close is a problem for me. And I want to get closer to the world through my photography, not remove myself from it even further.

I start feeling more comfortable at 24mm. At that distance, it's like viewing the world through your own eyes. It could be different for you. If you can, borrow or rent different types of lenses so you can get a feel for what suits you best. And remember that there's a huge second hand market out there for sale or swaps - a lens that's been treated well doesn't go down in value all that much.

This 24-70 complements my 70-200 nicely. I've got the whole range covered now.

Now can I go home please, boss, to play with my new toy?