You’ve probably heard on more than one occasion that it’s the photographer, not the camera that is the key to amazing photographs. While it’s true to a certain extent but there’s something that matters more than that and it’s the lens.
This is exactly why it’s said that when buying a camera, don’t overlook the lens. Just like there’s is variety in Cox cable deals, cameras and lens come in overwhelming variety too. But we are here to help you choose. If you’re a first-time buyer, here are all the basics of a lens.
Understanding Camera Lens
All cameras, except the simplest, have lenses that are made up of numerous “lens elements.” Each of these components directs light beams so that the image is recreated as faithfully as possible on the digital sensor.
A lens is a device that directs light to a certain focal point. The lens of a film camera directs light to the film strip, whereas the lens in a digital camera directs light to a digital sensor. It’s the lens that takes all rays of light and uses glass for redirecting these lights to a single point and capturing a sharp image.
Characteristics of Camera Lenses
Now that we know how a lens work, let’s consider the characteristics of a lens:
Focal Length
It’s the measure of the distance between the center of the lens and the sensor of the camera. This distance is measured in millimeters and it’s expressed in number.
The number indicates how much of the scene your camera can capture. Larger numbers have a narrower viewing angle and they show less of the scene. On the other hand, smaller numbers have a broader viewing angle and they show more of the scene.
Aperture
It’s the opening of the lens through which the light passes and enters the camera. A larger number indicates a thinner opening, but this is contradictory. How? If the aperture is f/2.8, it lets twice as much light into the camera compared to an f4 aperture.
The depth of field is influenced by the aperture. This means larger openings produce a shallower depth of field, whereas smaller openings bring more of the image into focus.
Field Depth
Field depth or depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects which are in the image’s acceptably sharp focus. DOF is calculated based on the distance to subject, focal length, aperture, and acceptable circle of confusion size.
Types of Camera Lenses
There are two types of lenses:
Prime Lens
Because prime lenses have a fixed focal length, they are faster and sharper. While prime lenses are less adaptable because of their fixed focal length, they are also quick and light, which makes them convenient to travel with.
Zoom Lens
A zoom lens allows the photographer to modify the focal length within a pre-defined range. The main benefit of a zoom lens is that it makes achieving a range of compositions much easier. These lenses are highly beneficial when you’re capturing a dynamic subject matter like children’s photography.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camera Lens?
Ready to shop for a camera lens? Consider these factors and you should be able to invest your money in the right place:
Weight and Size
Among the many things that should be on your first when it comes to shopping for a camera lens, the first one is its size and weight. The weight of a heavy telephoto lens can be as much as ten pounds.
Consider what you need the camera and lens for before making a purchase. If you’re only taking holiday shots, which implies that you would be traveling, go for a lighter, more compact model. A telephoto lens, on the other hand, is essential for catching those rare photos from a distance if you travel often or you are a wildlife photographer.
Compatibility
Not all lenses are compatible with every camera brand or model. For example, unless you have an adapter, a Nikon lens will not operate with a Canon or Sony camera (and even then, not all features will work). Check with the lens maker before purchasing a camera lens to ensure that it is compatible with your camera body.
Autofocus, Build and Weather Proofing Quality
When shopping for a camera lens, going for an inexpensive model might sound like a good deal at the moment. However, this could prove to be a bad purchase decision later. Such lenses have a poor auto-focus, a less sturdy build and they are not weatherproof.
Look for a well-built lens, a high-quality autofocus lens, and a weather-proof model. Such a lens may be heavier when it comes to price but hey, at least you would be getting value for money.
Summing Up
Lenses play the same role car tires play. You could have a Ferrari but if the tires are shoddy, you’re never going to enjoy the drive.
So, if you want to yield better results and capture nice photos, put some thought and effort into buying the right lens. Don’t be afraid to buy the expensive ones.
