terry_reiber1

Sometimes I use the in-camera flash and other times I use my Sunpak 383 external.

I think the lens does make a difference, even in a 4x6.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a lens slower than F2.8 wide open.

Although I do own the Canon 70-200 F4, where I made an exception for the lens' light weight and low price in comparison to it's F2.8 brethren.

-- Terry

I've taken pictures in a a monsoon but I make a point of carrying a disposable film camera for those situations.

You could use an umbrella, perferably sticking out of a backpack so your hands free.

Check out the Photography Blue Book

http://photobluebook.virtualave.net/BlueBook/PhotographyBlueBook.htm

It lists a lot of major manufacturer lenses and comparisons.

There are so many factors that make up a good photographic result:

(1 photographer

(2 lens

(3 film

(4 film processing & printing

Notice I didn't mention the camera. The camera really just holds the film in the film plane, then advances it to the next frame.

The item in the list I'd like to talk about is (4 film processing and printing. A number of these fast photo places do not replentish their chemicals often enough. You could have the best photos in the world, but by time the fast photo place gets done with it, your photos look like they were processed in unchanged aquarium water.

If you go to a real pro photofinisher, they will use top quality chemicals, replentish often, and print your photos with top quality equipment on top quality paper. If your lucky, the person running the machine will take the time to adjust the values of your print (contrast, etc). I doubt if next to anyone hand prints their photos any more, with dodging and burning and all that good stuff, unless they have a black and white lab at home. I guess a few people do color at home (god bless them).

A friend of mine who is one of the best printers in Australia recently processed some of my vacation prints. He hand adjusted the values, made cropping suggestions, etc. The result is I had virtually National Geographic quality 8 x 10's.

If your a good photographer using good lenses with good film, your next best friend is your printer. A good printer can make or break your photos.

So, yes, the lense is important. However, shop for your print maker as carefully as your lense.