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Lens Reviews & Types
Some lenses have one purpose, while others cover several ranges, for example a kit-lens, a lens you often get when buying an entry level dslr, can go from some wide-Angle focal ranges to standard focal range, telephoto range and also with some limited macro capability also. This is actually what is known as a 'zoom lens', and they often cover a focal range of 28mm all the way through to 80mm or more. This covers three focal ranges known as:
Types of Lenses
The basic types are standard lens (50mm, wide-angle-lens(-35mm) and telephoto lenses (essentially anything above 50mm is technically telephoto, but mostly it's considered to be the range 80mm+). Even within these three types there are some sub-categories such as Macro-lenses, which is able to reproduce a subject at a 1:1 scale or larger. A zoom lens, is also a sub-category lens, as it covers the various focal ranges. Lens Focal Ranges KeyBrackets-key: Any lens covering the entire mm focal range, or some of it. ex. 20 – 28 mm is also a wide angle lens. Lens Reviews – Wide-Angle Lenses
Wide-Angle Lenses – Possible Uses
Wide-angle lenses are also used when using digital photography to take pictures of some forms of architecture. Another common use is any type of photography done in low-level light, as a wide angle lens can allow the photographer to still keep a small aperture as it allows more light in compared to a standard lens or telephoto lens. For more about digital landscape photography click here: Lens Reviews – Standard Lenses
Many years ago most slr's used to come with a standard lens, as opposed to a lens that covers a range of focal lengths (zoom lens), as they mostly do these days. A standard lens has great optical quality, and a fast wide aperture (f1.8) which is really useful in low level light. A standard lens doesn't distort an image the way a wide-Angle lens might, or alter the perspective like a telephoto lens can. It sees what your eye sees... or at least what the human eye has in focus, peripheral vision excluded. Standard Lenses – Possible Uses
This natural perspective lens, can make natural scenes appear more real. Lens Reviews – Telephoto Lenses
Telephoto Lenses – Possible Uses
Telephoto lenses are also used in wildlife photography so as not to disturb the animal and its natural interaction with its environment, although you are probably looking at focal ranges around 300 – 500mm. Another common but surprising use is in portrait photography. Many portrait photographers actually only use a telephoto lens in their portraiture. Finding that the control over frame composition and the flattening effect on the background is appealing. Lens Reviews – Macro Lens
So, taking a photograph of a pin-head for example, and making it appear 'larger than life' in the final image... ...Or at the very least the same size, is what is generally called macro photography these days. Macro Lenses – Possible Uses
Things such as flowers, insects and textures; subjects that the human eye usually doesn't notice, always make for great shots. Also often used in some kinds of technical photography. What focal range the macro lens has is also quite important. A macro lens with a focal length of 105mm, would allow you more distance from the subject, Important when shooting insects or anything that gets spooked easily. This also positively effects the light, whereas being close as you may be with a 50mm macro lens, may cast a shadow. For more about how to use a macro lens click here: Which Lens Should I Buy?
There is no exact lens you must have. It simply depends on what you will use it for, and also, your budget. The most well known and respected brands of lenses are: to name just the main brands, and I should point out the last three, Carl Zeiss, Olympus and Sigma make lenses for both Canon and Nikon cameras. As a general piece of advice though, just remember that lenses can sometimes cost more than the camera body, and even many times outlast the camera body! After your initial purchase of a fairly decent entry-level dslr you will probably be looking to purchase a lens so you can experience a fuller range of use and creativity with your dslr. Make sure you budget for that possibility in the beginning. |
