Good morning everyone and welcome to the blog section of my personal site. Today I would like to highlight another argument. Something not really new here, but… you’ll see.
First of all, in this post ” Serial reviews photography lenses ” I’m referring to MODERN camera lenses. That is, all or almost all new releases on the photographic lens market.
I’m referring to several well-known YOUTUBERS who practically EVERY DAY present a new and different photographic lens. Videos that in 10 minutes, something more, something less, highlight the main characteristics of the photographic lens.
The videos are also well made, essential, schematic, clear and with ” in house ” tests of various kinds and types. The user viewer will certainly have a clear idea of the technical specifications of the proposed lens and the main characteristics.
If the purpose and ultimate goal of these videos is the mere and pure presentation of the lenses… I believe that the ultimate goal has been achieved.
I believe that each of us, without particular photographic experience, and equipped with a good camera and right equipment, could make these videos. Especially if he had the time and desire. But above all with the right commercial contacts… to obtain, try and then review these NEW lenses. I don’t think that taking some test photographs from the bedroom and/or study window… can be considered a test, although very well argued.
It’s true that the right commercial contacts are acquired over time and with a lot of dedication and practice… and it’s certainly a merit… But once this expertise has been acquired, it seems to me that it has become a pure business.
I have no complaints with the business. In this case, obviously, the business consists in the monetization of videos produced by Youtube. When perhaps for some video creators, there is also and NOT declared the obvious sponsorship of the lenses presented.
So basically all these continuous presentations of lenses, lasting a few dozen minutes, published every day and continuously… are they real REVIEWS or are they just another way of doing business ? – Serial reviews photography lenses ?
I leave it to you who read to draw the appropriate reflections.
However, I have some criticisms to make about this kind of “serial” presentations.
First of all, the true and real test of a photographic lens is obtained with use over time and with field tests. That is, with practical use in various conditions of light, weather, subjects… obviously in relation to the characteristics of the lens. A macro lens tested for practical macro use, a panoramic lens for photographing a landscape in the field, etc… This require time…
Secondly, a test would be useful and valid when comparing two or more similar lenses. Obviously a practical test in the field, in various conditions of use. Serious proof is obtained with use over time. Possible defects, small or large imperfections, are noticed with knowledge and continuous use of the lenses. Basically, DAILY PRACTICE is the true test of a lens.
Third and, for brevity’s sake, last point for reflection. A few tens of minutes of testing, carried out in “domestic” or similar environments, are certainly useful for having a rough idea… but certainly not for having a real quality test.
On the other hand, these times dedicated to tests allow for ease of execution, such that several tests can be carried out in a “serial” manner even in a single day. So you have time and space to try and test the lenses of manufacturer X and supplier Y, in a repetitive and continuous way. You will have time to contact a new supplier for the next day’s presentation… if you are not eventually contacted by the supplier and/or manufacturer yourself…
Are these types of tests and trials really useful ? – I believe that they are a good and well-made presentation of the various lenses…, but really nothing more. In some cases, there are images obtained from various suppliers, and inserted into the videos presented.
In the end I think that a company interested in disseminating and making its product known, could overall produce similar content – Clearly, being directly published by the producer, they would be biased…, but how honest and objective are those presented by these Youtubers ?
I leave it to you who read to draw the appropriate reflections.
As far as I’m concerned, I use these videos (the well-made ones) with a healthy skepticism, and just to have general information. Nothing more, nothing less.
I don’t want to teach anyone anything. I always invite you to use your own head when evaluating what is proposed to us by the media. Whatever kind they are.
As always, thank you for your attention and patience in reading this post.
