Always in My Bag

Anyone a James Bond fan?

Remember how 007 always had something up his sleeve?  Like a watch with a tiny camera, or a pen that exploded?

Well, I am no James Bond.  But I always have something in my bag that I never go on any caper without.  It's my Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.

Don't get me wrong.  I actually have THREE very favorite lenses, to be used at different times and in very different situations to achieve varying looks at optimal focal lengths.

Yet, the Sigma 70-200mm is so versatile, it can be the only lens in my bag if I am packing light or know I will be out and about a great deal trying to capture a variety of images.

​Case in point, I can use this lens around my back yard to grab a photo of just about anything.

Our cat Barney sitting on the walk.

Up close and personal with a Monarch butterfly.

Our dog Talley pointing a bug.

The lens offers the ability to get close to, as well as remain far from, a subject because of its telephoto capabilities.  So I can remain far from Barney and Talley, so as not to disturb their thought process or attention, and capture candids; or I can get relatively close to a butterfly.  

It's not a macro lens, but it doesn't mean you can't get good close up images of your subject.  Depending on the aperture setting, I can keep the surroundings nice and crisp to capture everything in the background and foreground, or I can open up the aperture to blur or achieve bokeh in the photograph.

This same lens can travel with me to my granddaughter's soccer game and capture soccer action as it happens on the field.

The Sigma 70-200mm also functions as a great studio lens, and I use it 75% of the time, alternating with my 105mm in the studio.  Below is a capture with the lens in studio.

I advocate for this particular lens quite a bit, and I would say if you are on a tight budget and can only buy one great lens, this is it.  You will be able to handle most situations, from action to still portraits.  The only drawback is this lens is heavy, and takes up space in a camera bag.

But, IT'S ALWAYS IN MY BAG!

Now for something shaken, not stirred.  After all, it's Friday!  Enjoy your weekend! 

CLICK INTO THE CIRCLE

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet.  To see what others have blogged about this week on the topic of "the one piece of gear I can't live without" start  here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography as she reveals the one portrait lens that she cannot live without whether she's photographing dogs, horses or high school seniors. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.