Camera Lenses
When you've been using the same camera 
for a long time, it can be tempting to rush out and buy the latest model. Even last year's version seems dinky compared to this year's stock, right? Well, if you can't get that bigger LCD viewscreen or pump up the megapixels, you can buy a new lens for your camera . Adding a new lens will add some cool visual tricks to your photographic repertoire, and it can improve your camera's functionality yet still retain the setup that's comfortable and familiar to you. You'll be improving upon a classic without chasing down the latest (and most expensive) New Thing on the market. Some models have an option of a lens kit ; these are useful for beginners because they reduce the time spent searching for the right lens.
There are a few things you should think about prior to buying a new lens, including purpose, price point, and shutter speed. Check out this guide to camera lenses for more information!
Purpose
The lens you use to take that awe-inspiring shot of the naked woods isn't really the one you want to be using when it's time to snap a family portrait. And professional types have different camera needs than amateurs. Choose a lens that works for you and you'll be on your way to having the best images possible, before photo editing anyway.
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Standard
As the name implies, these is a simple all-around lens for portraits and more. It gives you the most accurate "naked-eye" perspective. - Usually 50-55mm focal length.
- Zoom lenses come in a variety of focal lengths: 35-70mm, 75-300mm, etc. The wider the range, the more lens versatility you will have.
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Wide-Angle
For landscapes, cityscapes, and any other photo where you want to cover a wider angle range and depth of field. They can be good for indoor shots and portraits as well. |
Telephoto
When you want a more narrow angle range, such as for sporting events or for other occasions where you're shooting something impossibly distant. - 65-150mm focal length and higher.
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Macro
Used for shooting incredibly small objects or close-ups. Ideal for shooting images of insects or model railways, or for penetrating into the deep dark soul of the bath mat. - Macro lenses are often used with a 35mm camera.
- Remember, the smaller the photographic subject, the shorter the focal length.
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Lens Elements
Distortion reduction , chromatic aberration reduction, and more. Try a lens with apochromatic and aspherical elements to improve contrast and sharpness.
Or go in the other direction with a fish-eye lens . This makes the object seem convex by using an extremely wide angle lens. |
Specs
Aperture and shutter speed are the basis for lens performance. Shutter speed is self explanatory: if you've ever worked with a manual camera you know you can alter this setting to go from a fast "click" to a delayed "thunk," changing the the amount of exposure to light film gets. This works in conjunction with the aperture, which at different sizes allows different amounts of light in.
- f/2.8 is a small number, however, the smaller the number, the larger the aperture. This means that f/2.8 lets in more light than f/22.
- A faster lens usually means higher quality. Also, the faster the lens, the less light you need to make a shot work.
- It's best to err on the side of slight overexposure, especially if you're working in black and white. The more light allowed in, generally, the more detail captured that can be corrected later, in editing.
- For an in-depth explanation with visuals click here.
- For a "tedious" explanation click here.
Lens Types
Related to function, one must also consider the types of lenses available. For a start, prime lenses versus zoom lenses:
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- Prime lenses have a fixed focal length . If you want to get more into the frame, you have to move farther from the object you are shooting. Before zoom lens were invented, photographers collected a set of prime lens so they could change them accordingly to shoot different objects. In general, prime lens are sharper and faster than zoom lenses and are better for beginners.
- Zoom lenses have variable focal lengths. Event and wedding photographers almost always use zoom lens because they often don't have time to change lenses for different shots. A general purpose zoom lens covers the range between 24mm and 70mm.
- If the type of shooting you do doesn't require variable focal lengths, you will be better served by a set of prime lenses.
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L or Non-L Lenses
You also need to consider "L" lens (professional grade) versus Non-"L" lens (consumer grade) lenses.
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- Some people say the "L" stands for Luxury. These lens are of very good quality and are also very expensive. Most of them cost more than $1000.
- The highly sought after zoom "L" lenses are 16-35mm f2.8 (wide angle), 24-70mm f2.8 (general purpose), and 70-200mm f2.8 IS (telephoto). This set will allow you to shoot pretty much everything.
- Canon also makes zoom "L" lenses at f4. These f4s are cheaper, but they aren't as good as f2.8s when shooting in low light or sports actions.
- Though expensive, these "L" lenses retain their resell value fairly well. Their eBay price will be about 85%-90% of the retail price.
- Some people start out with cheap kit lens or other lenses, then eventually upgrade to an "L", while other people just directly get the "L" lens and don't have to worry about upgrading. The old saying "Buy cheap, buy twice" has its wisdom.
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EF or EF-S Lenses
This is a Canon-specific issue. If you use a Canon camera, check to see if it's compatible with EF (Electro-Focus) mount lenses or EF-S (Electro-Focus Short Back Focus) mount lenses. - EF lens are compatible with all Canon EOS digital SLR cameras: Rebel, Rebel XT, 10D, 20D, 30D, 5D, and 1D.
- EF-S lens are not compatible with the high-end 5D and 1D. So, if you plan to upgrade to 5D or 1D in the near future, avoid getting EF-S lens.
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Practical Considerations
While it would be nice to be able to head out with every lens you could possibly need in tow, the weight and the bulk would get you down before you could even snap your first shot. After you check out the finer details above, you've got to take a practical look at the lenses in your range, starting with expense. If you've got a particular style or subject preference, like landscape photos, you should always seek quality over price. If you're looking to experiment with something new, you can look for more of a compromise between quality and price until you find more of a regular need for it.
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Comfort and Aesthetics - Weight: You want a lens that's sturdy but not too heavy. With some lenses, like the telephoto lens, there is only a choice between Very Heavy, Heavy, and Slightly Less Heavy--so just choose what works best for you.
- Ergonomics: The rings should move smoothly and they should be at a comfortable place for your hands.
- Hand Comfort: Sometimes changing a lens or adding a filter will change your hand placement. This is less of an issue for short-term use lenses.
- Construction Standards: Plastic doesn't last. Metal and magnesium are strong and sturdy. Sealed lenses are the best at protecting your camera from dirt, debris, and moisture.
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Related Products
Related Guides
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
DE: Kamera Objektive
