A photographic lens is used to focus the light onto film or a digital sensor. Many cameras have interchangeable lens systems, allowing the photographer to choose the type of lens to use.
28
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4answers
5k views
What is “angle of view” in photography?
I read on the Lens Buying Guide @ neocamera:
Focal-length determines the angle-of-view seen through a lens for a
given sensor-size. With a full-frame sensor a lens gives the same
angle-of-view ...
51
votes
8answers
2k views
How much do lens lineups vary across DSLR platforms?
I was reading this question and recalled how often I hear the advice "choose your lenses and then choose the body that matches" in the context of deciding on a camera platform ...
96
votes
3answers
16k views
What do all those cryptic number and letter codes in a lens name mean?
Then looking at a lens name there is a lot of acronyms in the name describing it's features (often specific to the manufacturer).
Examples, Nikon:
Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm VR f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Nikon ...
61
votes
16answers
5k views
Where can I find reviews of lenses?
Always check reviews when deciding to buy a lens. There are so many factors beyond what is written in the name.
Note that in general, comparing between mounts is not a good idea. (Even comparing ...
13
votes
6answers
1k views
Can a smaller sensor's “crop factor” be used to calculate the exact increase in depth of field?
If APS-C and similar crop-sensor digital cameras have a focal length multiplying effect such that a 50mm lens has an apparent focal length closer to the field of view of an 80mm on a full frame ...
18
votes
5answers
25k views
How do I convert lens mm to optical zoom times?
What is the rule to convert the 'mm' notation to the 'optical zoom' notation? I searched a bit and found this one:
optical zoom = maximum focal length / minimum focal length
For example a 18-55mm ...
50
votes
10answers
3k views
Are there any downsides to using a good-quality UV filter?
Are there any real downsides to using a UV filter?
I know that a poor quality UV filter can effect image quality ... but, assuming I use a good quality UV filter, will that actually be an issue? Is ...
29
votes
8answers
4k views
Why do people recommend 50mm or other prime lenses as starting lenses for learning photography?
I've seen quite a few people recommend the 50mm prime lenses, in particular the sub-$100 50mm/f1.8, as a starting lens for photographers (especially because they're likely to be using cameras with ...
26
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10answers
4k views
Which focal-length lens is usually used for portrait photography, and why?
What focal length or range of focal lengths are usually used for portraits?
What is used by professionals? Why would one select a certain focal length? What are the advantages and disadvantages of ...
34
votes
8answers
4k views
Why is the 50mm prime lens the most standard?
Seems that most photographers choose the 50mm as their prime lens (at least from what I've read). I'm looking at getting a prime lens for my Nikon D3000 and the cost difference between the 35mm 1.8 ...
23
votes
3answers
1k views
How can I test a new lens to make sure it is operating correctly?
How can I test a new lens to make sure it is operating correctly? I found two similar questions with answers specific to things such as sharpness and focus, but I want to cover any and all possible ...
37
votes
6answers
4k views
Why are wide-angle lenses so much more expensive?
What is it about wide-angle lenses that makes them so much more expensive than an equivalent-quality tele or prime lens? Take the Canon EF-S 10-22mm USM, for example. RRP is nearly £1,000!
Are they ...
14
votes
5answers
2k views
What focal length gives a “normal” field-of-view on APS-C cameras?
I wish to purchase a "standard angle-of-view" prime lens for my Canon Rebel, which has an APS-C sized sensor. Various articles note that the popular "nifty 50mm" lenses are a little too much of a ...
12
votes
4answers
1k views
What is a normal lens?
I've heard people call 50mm lenses "normal lenses".
For a lens to be considered normal, does it have to be exactly 50mm or is there some leeway? Does the normal focal length depend on crop factor of ...
9
votes
6answers
730 views
Lens upgrade paths (sub $1000) for the EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens for Canon APS-C cameras
This is somewhat a follow-up to my earlier question on the limitations of the kit lens. I have browsed through quite a lot of sites including this one for user opinions & reviews of different ...
17
votes
4answers
2k views
How do you find out the “sweet spot” of a lens?
I've tried googling this, but have never found a satisfactory answer.
I've heard the term "sweet spot" thrown around by some photographers to mean the f-stop of a lens which results in the highest ...
11
votes
4answers
5k views
How do camera body motors compare to in-lens motors for focusing?
What is the difference between using a motor on the camera body and the motor built into lenses?
Aside from how both compare in terms of speed, what differences would I notice if I use a body with a ...
14
votes
13answers
2k views
What is a good two lens “starter kit”?
A friend of mine is buying his first DSLR. He's chosen an entry-level Canon model, and wants to know which lens he should go for.
My advice is to go for a good 70mm prime and an 18-200mm. The former ...
16
votes
5answers
1k views
What are the limitations of a typical kit lens as a general purpose lens?
I have a Canon EOS 550d with the 18-55mm IS kit lens. I have done quite a bit of shooting with it over the last few months (portraits, nature, night shots etc), and find the image quality to be pretty ...
32
votes
4answers
2k views
Should I get DX for my APS-C camera, or FX lenses in case I upgrade to full-frame in the future?
I recently bought a Nikon D90 camera body, which has a "DX" APS-C-sized sensor..
Within the same budget, should I go with DX lenses or should I get full frame lenses in case I upgrade to a full frame ...
18
votes
5answers
1k views
Is it worth it to have the 50mm f/1.8 Canon lens?
Is it really useful to have a fast prime lens for portrait photography, considering a low budget? If it is, what about the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II?
I have an entry level 18-55mm lens and a Canon 20D. ...
47
votes
11answers
11k views
Is there a noticeable difference between 1.8 and 1.4 prime lens?
I have been shopping around for a prime lens for my Nikon d50. I noticed that the 1.8 is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the 1.4 AF-S. What will I gain for that cost difference? Is it really ...
22
votes
9answers
3k views
Should I buy a camera with kit lens, or body plus lens separately?
I am planning to buy a DSLR soon.
Before I zero in on the model, I want to know whether it is advisable to buy a kit (body + 18-55 lens) or not? OR should I go for the camera-body and the lens ...
21
votes
3answers
5k views
What is a macro lens?
I've read a few threads on here that mention some elementary descriptions of macro lenses and found some marketing fluff in the box for my Canon about them as well, but being a complete novice I was ...
29
votes
5answers
4k views
What should one look for when buying a used lens?
When buying a used lens, what should the buyer check? Other than looking for obvious physical damage on the outside of the lens, what else should be inspected to identify the condition or quality of ...
13
votes
9answers
17k views
Which prime lens for Pentax?
My girlfriend is buying a Pentax K-5 (I already have a Pentax DSLR so we thought it made sense for us to be able to share lenses), and she's not sure about which lens to get with it, so I've been ...
21
votes
5answers
3k views
How to capture the scene exactly as my eyes can see?
What settings of my DSLR camera will emulate the scene exactly as I can see through my naked eyes?
I think it's not possible to get the contrast and colors exactly as my eyes can see, and it may vary ...
21
votes
14answers
8k views
What lenses would best comprise a travel photography kit?
On a crop sensor camera, eg Canon 7D, what would be the best kit to travel with around Europe for a few weeks? My shooting style will focus on landscape, architecture, and general purpose travel ...
21
votes
9answers
1k views
How to choose a lens for my first DSLR?
I am considering buying my first DSLR.
How do I know whether I need a 18-200 lens, 17-85, or 18-55? Or something else?
17
votes
4answers
602 views
What should I consider when purchasing a macro lens?
What should I be aware of when buying a macro lens (other than that it will fit my camera)?
What features should I look for?
What specs should I pay close attention to?
What factors affect macro ...
11
votes
4answers
2k views
What is a “fast” lens?
I've been reading lots of camera reviews lately and have ran across several references to "fast" lenses.
What exactly is a fast lens and what are its advantages compared to other lenses?
9
votes
2answers
1k views
Why do zoom lenses and compact cameras have varied maximum aperture across the zoom range?
Why does a camera's maximum (allowed) aperture get smaller when you increase its zoom?
8
votes
4answers
662 views
Why buy an intentionally soft lens?
While reading some reviews of older lenses, I keep reading "It's soft wide open, but that's not always a problem with portraits." Over my rather short time in photography thus far, I've come to ...
12
votes
3answers
367 views
What is Chromatic Aberration?
What is Chromatic Aberration? Is it a physical part of the lens, or just an optical illusion?
10
votes
7answers
1k views
Is a UV Filter required/recommended for lens protection?
Is it still required/highly recommended that I buy a UV or similar filter to 'protect' the front element of my lens?
I ask because this advice has been around for 30 years and you would think that ...
35
votes
9answers
2k views
What is the best way to clean lenses and filters?
After removing dust with an air pomp and a brush, what are you using to remove stains from the lens and filters?
So far I'm using the liquid from a Giotto's CL 1002 cleaning kit for the lens, but I'm ...
36
votes
10answers
2k views
Is lenses which make your photographs, not camera bodies?
I read somewhere on this site itself that you should spend more on your lenses and less on your camera bodies.
Is it a myth or a fact that mostly it is the lenses which make your photographs not the ...
18
votes
11answers
1k views
What's the best way to create a tilt-shift photograph?
Specifically, what's the best way to go about shooting photos that have a fake miniature quality to them, which produces high-quality (and believable) images? Is there some special lens that you can ...
7
votes
6answers
5k views
What is a good general purpose lens for Canon?
As an upgrade from kit lens 18-55mm, which would be a better general purpose lens?
Obviously there is no "best" option, as everyone has a different budget and style, but what are the best options ...
15
votes
6answers
1k views
Which scenarios are better shot with a prime lens versus zoom lens or macro lens?
What scenarios are better shot with a prime lens? A zoom lens? A macro lens?
20
votes
3answers
3k views
What is 'freelensing'?
I've recently heard about a photographic technique called 'freelensing.' How do I go about 'freelensing,' and what can I do with the technique?
14
votes
6answers
4k views
How does background blur (bokeh) relate to sensor size?
This is a somewhat theoretical question.
Suppose I first take a photo of a subject using a full frame sensor DSLR, with a given lens (say 50mm prime lens at f/3.5).
Now suppose I exchange the camera ...
45
votes
8answers
2k views
Why do some lenses cost 10 times as much when the specs are very close?
For example, a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens is about US$110, while another Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens is about 14 times as expensive, at about $1450. Is the 1.8 or 1.2 the main reason for the price difference?
...
14
votes
2answers
350 views
How much do lens lineups vary across Mirrorless camera systems?
We often hear advice like ""choose your lenses and then choose the body that matches". We have great information on DSLR systems at How much do lens lineups vary across DSLR platforms?, but what about ...
18
votes
4answers
2k views
What are the most notable differences between Canon and Nikon lenses?
I'm currently considering to buy one of the next generation enthusiast DSLRs. Either a Canon EOS 60D or the slightly more expensive Nikon D7000. I'm quite new to the SLR discussion but I know there ...
17
votes
4answers
2k views
What does a 'nano crystal coat' do on this lens?
The Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G AF-S has a 'Nano Crystal Coat'...what is that and why is it on most of their most expensive lenses? Obviously its a coating and some links seem to indicate it may increase ...
27
votes
5answers
4k views
How do constant aperture lenses work?
Cheaper zoom lenses usually are faster at the wide end and slower at the long end (for example, the $150 Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6). More expensive constant-aperture zoom lenses have the same ...
21
votes
2answers
2k views
What is a zone plate?
I was looking into alternative methods of photography and I happened upon something called a 'zone plate.'
Three questions:
What is a zone plate?
How does it work?
What can I do with it?
20
votes
5answers
1k views
What is the definition of a “prime lens”?
There are many discussions of differences between prime, zoom and macro lenses. I have not heard about prime lenses until recently.
Could someone explain what exactly a prime lens is?
Is it ...
10
votes
3answers
573 views
What type of lens will auto-focus on Nikon bodies without a focus motor?
I know my D40 doesn't have a motor in it to auto-focus lenses.
What type of lens has the motor in it? How can I know which lenses will and will not work?
