The Lens Nickname marathon

Everyone knows that good glass (aka Lenses) are what makes the real difference when it comes to photography. The wise ones always keep an eye out for great glasses while arguing fools like us hunt for higher end camera bodies. Over the years a *few great lenses have entered into the pages of history having secure their own, unique nicknames when in operation; names that often exaggerate certain features or outputs that come bundled with these lenses. Some are named for their swell bokeh, while some simply garner respect for their rare price to quality ratio. I've tried to collect as many nicknames as I've come across so far. Most of them were take from Jinternets with some addition and subtractions done. So lets see what the roster contains, shall we?

The "Nifty-fifty/Fantastic Plastic" :

The first entry is a must have for hobbyist/amateur DSLR users everywhere. Almost all the major brands make a 50mm f/1.8. But the one by Nikon and Canon in particular with their distinctive plastic built have secured a nickname of their own. They are probably the cheapest lenses available and outputs are better than expected for the price paid; sharp and smooth at the same time.


The "Cream Machine" :

This nickname is reserved for the Nikon 85mm f/1.4-D IF lens. At $1000+ , this behemoth is known for its almost magical ability to completely separate backgrounds from the subject in a creamy , bokelicious goodness. Must have for pros, amateurs like myself short on the "green stuff" can stay satisfied with the nifty-fifty for the time being.

The Wigma:

Currently the lens I'm saving up for, the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM ultra-wideangle lens is perfect for landscape shots. The increasing popularity of this lens among landscape enthusiasts have bought it the nickname "Wigma".

The "Bigma" :

Wigma's big-brethern, the "big-sigma" or the "bigma" is nothing but the titular Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3. A favourite of wild-life photographers and sports shooters around the world who are a little short on budget, but still far richer than you or me.


The "Beast" and The "Brick":

I've paired these two together because a) They have similar focal-range b) They are used for about the same purpose by both Canon and Nikon users, to shoot Blogger: Snap-O-Matic - Edit Post "The Lens Nickname marathon"high profile events and fashion-ops. The one by Nikon (Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF ) goes by the nom de guerre "The Beast", whereas Canonites call theirs ( Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L ) "The Brick"


The Nikon "Holy Trinity":

The father, the son and virgin Mary from left to right, the AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8 the AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 & the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR . I wonder where they get these analogies


The Canon "Holy Trinity":

If Nikon has one, Canon has to have one too...or is it the otherway round ? (*goes to pay his debts to the deity of malice). However, their "Trinity" is made up entirely off "primes", luxurious ones :( From left to right the 85mm 5/1.2 L, the 35mm f/1.4 L & the 135mm f/1.2 L

The Four Riders of the Apocalypse:

              

EF 300 mm f/2.8L                                                                EF 200 f/1.8 L

                        

EF 400mm f/2.8                                                        EF 600mm f/4

Blech, those white lenses and their arrogance. Damn their world class weather sealing and esoteric market niche/target consumer demography.


Note that this is not the definitive list of lens nicknames. There may me many out there that I've missed. I'd be more than delighted if you would like to add/suggest any nickname you know of. Infact, share what secret nickname you've give to the lenses *you own. That would be a fun thing to know