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.
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4answers
881 views
What is the difference between these various Nikon zoom lenses?
Nikon AF-S 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED
Nikon AF 16-85 mm f/3.5-5.6 DX G AF-S ED
The second one costs twice as much money as the first one, but what's the benefit of choosing the second one? Same with ...
27
votes
7answers
1k views
Do good lenses really last a lifetime?
I’ve heard people say “a good lens will last a lifetime” many times. Is this actually true of modern lenses? More specifically, will a good lens be usable for a lifetime?
With an inexpensive adapter, ...
0
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2answers
120 views
Will a Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens fit a Nikon 1 J1 camera?
Will a Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DI LD Macro (Nikon AF) fit a Nikon 1 J1 camera?
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1answer
414 views
What's difference between DSLR and bridge camera lenses?
A typical zoom/telephoto lens can cost a lot but a Canon PowerShot SX40 model has a zoom lens of 24-840mm ! And the camera as a whole still costs less than a single lens.
I know that they differ a ...
1
vote
3answers
193 views
Canon EF 24/28 mm f/2.8 IS USM Autofocus Lenses
Is there a good reason to choose one lens over the other?
Granted that the 24mm lens is a bit wider than the 28mm lens but are there any other reasons?
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2answers
616 views
How does the Canon EF 75-300mm USM III compare to the Canon EF 70-300mm USM IS?
The Canon EF 75-300mm USM III lens costs 179$ on Amazon whereas the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens costs 500$. Now the differences I see are:
The 70-300mm has IS
The 70-300mm has 8 diaphragm ...
2
votes
4answers
3k views
Why do some people prefer 50mm to 35mm prime lenses, even for a crop sensor?
Comparing the two lenses for an APS-C sensor:
EF50mm f/1.8
EF35mm f/2
here
Leaving out cost as a factor, EF 35mm has the following advantages:
43 degree while 50mm has 31 degree
Its equally ...
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2answers
103 views
Water spots inside brand new lens? Normal or reason to return?
I bought a new lens, and discovered two stains/spots which look like water spots on the rear side (side which is plugged to the body). These stains are from the inside.
I have taken a couple of ...
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 ...
3
votes
1answer
77 views
Can Pentax K mount lenses be used on a 645 Reflex via an adapter?
Is it possible to use Pentax K mount lenses on a Pentax 645 via an adapter? If so, what is the name and type of adaptor required?
6
votes
4answers
357 views
Are there any comparison photos of different lenses (with the same camera and scene)?
I've heard claims ranging from "higher-quality lenses only make a noticeable difference for scientific applications and super-huge prints," to "even the difference between high-quality and ...
5
votes
1answer
212 views
Why are so many kit-lenses parfocal if it's an expensive feature?
According to this answer, parfocal lenses (lenses that can zoom in/out without losing focus) are relatively rare and more expensive.
However, the original poster's kit-lens is parfocal. ...
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?
5
votes
2answers
125 views
How can I quickly tell without testing if my lens is parfocal or varifocal?
I have read a couple of related questions, but I am curious to find out if there is a list of parfocal/varifocal lenses out there.
I'm most concerned with the lenses I have and I would like to know ...
6
votes
1answer
188 views
When focusing at max zoom, focus is lost after zooming out. Is that normal?
On my Canon kit lens, I could completely zoom in, focus on the object and then zoom out to take the picture with the object still in focus.
Now I have a Sigma 18-200mm (with a Canon 600D) and that ...
0
votes
2answers
131 views
What can cause black corners in an image?
There are completely black corners in some of my photos. What can cause it?
I have a full-frame Canon 5D Mk II and had the problem with my 24-105 Canon lens recently and have experienced it with my ...
0
votes
3answers
153 views
What causes blurred/non-sharp images taken of stable objects?
I know about two important reasons which are motioning or shaking camera/hands and dust and dirt on you lens but if you have fixed them and still you have blurred/non-sharp results, what can be the ...
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?
...
2
votes
2answers
130 views
Why are large aperture lenses so expensive? [duplicate]
Why are lenses with very large apertures so expensive?
For example, generally speaking, there is a significant price difference between a f/1.8, f/1.4 and f/1.2 lens of the same focal length.
Doesn't ...
6
votes
1answer
136 views
Can we do a refractograph with a lens on?
I just saw this tutorial on how to do refractograph. The tutorial specify that you have to remove the lens to make this work. Do you think it would be possible to do something similar with a lens ...
2
votes
3answers
93 views
Is focus hunting “normal behavior” for the Sony SEL18200SE?
I recently bought an NEX-6, the 24mm F1.8 (SEL24F18Z) lens, and the black 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 (SEL18200LE) lens. I love the 24mm lens, but I'm having a what I believe one would call a "focus hunting" ...
5
votes
3answers
93 views
What could cause a totally broken focus mechanism?
When looking for lens bargains on eBay, I often come across lenses that have something like this in their description:
Lens will not focus automatically or manually. For parts or repair only.
...
3
votes
3answers
214 views
What does it mean that a lens is x millimeters?
Every lens has different focal length in terms of millimeter so if I have a 100mm lens, what does that refer to? Does it mean the length of the lens itself is going to be 4 inches long, or does this ...
3
votes
3answers
171 views
Tele-zoom lens choices for Nikon 1 J1?
I recently got a Nikon 1 J1 camera and would like a bigger lens, I've been looking on the internet for answers but can't seem to find anything. I was looking for a 30-110mm size or larger at a ...
2
votes
1answer
158 views
Why do the Nikon V1 lens' websites seem to give different f-stops than the lenses? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can aperture be f/11 on a lens with an aperture range designation of 3.5-5.5?
I am a recent (and so far quite pleased) owner of a Nikon V1. I am in the process of ...
1
vote
0answers
42 views
Nikkor AF-S 28-70mm 1:2.8 D autofocus problem
I had this lens for quite a few years now, it used to work as expected. I didn't use my stuff for a few months, maybe 6-8 months. I just bought a D600 and tried to use them. The AF does not work as it ...
3
votes
2answers
4k views
What lens should I buy to get sharp pictures from my D7000?
I have just changed my D200 for a D7000 with the kit 18-105 lens. However, the quality of the pictures is not comparable with those of my D200: not as sharp, not as much definition and overall a ...
0
votes
2answers
110 views
D7000 Kit (18-55mm) or D7000 Kit (18-105)? or should I get a separate lens? [duplicate]
I'm no expert on cameras and lenses. Can you give me some pieces of advise on what to choose?
If I buy the body and separate lens, what should I buy for a general purpose lens.
Thank you in ...
2
votes
2answers
83 views
Should I be worried that my Canon 1dx gave an Err01 on my Zeiss 21mm 2.8 lens for ONE exposure and after that it was fine?
I had this weird experience when I was out shooting at a park. Everything was fine for the first 30 exposures or so and I was not doing anything unusual when all of a sudden on one of my exposures my ...
1
vote
1answer
91 views
Misfunction of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 on manual focus?
I have a Canon T3i (600d) and two lenses: EF-S 18-135mm and EF 50mm f/1.8.
While working with manual focus, I can shoot out of focus (on purpose) with the 18-135 (as expected).
But with the EF 50mm, ...
0
votes
1answer
204 views
Canon EOS 650D + Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens calibration
I have the Canon EOS 650D with Canon 50mm f/1.8 II lens.
After some tests I mentioned that I have ~1cm front focusing (see this question).
Is there any way to calibrate Camera/Lens without ...
3
votes
3answers
237 views
Missing focus with Canon 50mm 1.8 lens - is it the lens or me?
I purchased a Canon EOS 650D and EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.
Unfortunately, the auto-focus seems to miss focus at f/1.8. I've tried setting it to single-point auto-focus: it is better, but still not good ...
7
votes
3answers
332 views
What are ED elements?
I find that some lenses are indicated with the letters "ED", referring to some special type of lens element. What are ED elements, and what advantages do they bring?
Note that this question isn't ...
4
votes
3answers
229 views
If I mount a (heavy) cine lens on a DSLR, does it need additional support?
I'm shooting some video and I'm renting a Zeiss CP.2 50mm which is a whopping 2 pound lens. I'd like to mount it on a Canon 7D. Will the lens need some sort of additional support apparatus (i.e. the ...
9
votes
5answers
5k views
If I have a 18-55mm lens, is there a point in buying a 35mm prime lens?
I have the Nikon kit lens that came with a D5100 — the kit lens is
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom. I was thinking of getting a fast lens and I am looking to buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX.
...
8
votes
8answers
6k views
Can I shoot a photo with my DSLR without the lens on?
I thought it would be interesting to see what kinds of effects I could get by shooting a photo without any lens on my DSLR. However, when I take the lens off, it tells me that no lens is attached ...
15
votes
6answers
10k views
How do I find the right size of filters for a lens?
I was looking to get a circular polarizing filter and an UV filter for my Canon 550D, 18-135mm lens. When I checked online I found these filters came in different sizes, like 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm. ...
0
votes
0answers
87 views
What are the best OM mount lenses for a wide range of situations (second hand market - reasonable price)? [closed]
I would like a recommendation of the best OM mount lenses available (on the second hand market e.g. eBay or such).
Requirements
good quality (sharp and with low flare)
flexibility - can be used in ...
0
votes
1answer
65 views
How to fix lens “stuck” on Nikon D3100?
My younger sister has a Nikon d3100. Now she asks me if I can help her fix it. She uses the lens that came with the d3100 kit, and for some reason it's completely stuck. She claims that it's been that ...
5
votes
0answers
46 views
How does lens design affect the richness of color reproduction? [duplicate]
Comparing a kit zoom lens to a faster, 20-year-old prime it seems like the old lens produces richer, warmer color. I've noticed the same kind of comparisons elsewhere. What is the lens actually doing? ...
0
votes
4answers
4k views
What pancake lenses are available for Sony NEX camera?
As a DSLR owner, I am currently looking for a compact interchangeable lens camera and I currently hesitate in buying the Sony NEX-5N or the Panasonic GX1.
I realize the lens options for the Micro ...
1
vote
4answers
317 views
Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 II or EFS 18-55mm IS II for EOS 650D
I am going to buy the Canon EOS 650D camera.
At the moment I can afford one of the following lenses:
Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 II + 18-135mm lens in future
(Kit) Canon EFS 18-55mm IS II + 55-250 ...
1
vote
3answers
234 views
When lens pricing is too good to be true…avoid?
Without going into detail - I'm noticing that some Professional DSLR lenses are on sale at amazon for up to 50pct off. An example would be an L-series lens which sells for 2200 being available for ...
3
votes
2answers
108 views
What's the difference between real and effective aperture?
I understand that the simple idea that f-stop is focal length divided by aperture really applies to a simple single-glass lens, not the compound lens systems used to provide good image quality in ...
3
votes
1answer
242 views
How do I properly understand what f-stop is? [duplicate]
I don't quite understand why most lenses seem to have approximately the same diameter aperture regardless of focal length.
F-stop is, by definition, a ratio of focal length to diameter, so a 20mm ...
0
votes
2answers
359 views
Choosing between Lenses Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS II vs Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
I am considering between these 2 telephoto lenses but I cannot make up my mind on which one to buy. I have read a lot about the pro's and con's of both these lenses.. For example
70-200 f2.8 IS II
...
7
votes
4answers
3k views
Why does my HTC cell phone lens appear so dirty, and how can I clean it?
My cell phone lens that looks dirty; or, I'm not even sure it qualifies as a lens — it's the transparent cover. See the photo below.
I'm not sure if the lens was always like this or it happened at ...
6
votes
3answers
392 views
Have I broken my Canon 28-135mm lens after DIY repair?
Last week I removed the front element from my Canon 28 - 135mm lens to remove a grain of sand from the lens. It was easy to remove the 4 screws, take of the top layer of glass and remove the grain.
I ...
26
votes
3answers
2k views
What does a hexagonal sun tell us about the camera lens/sensor?
In this picture, we see that the sun comes out as a hexagon. I am sure it is not arbitrary. What does the hexagon tell us about the instrument that captured the image?
5
votes
3answers
789 views
For fast daytime shooting of external buildings and indoor art, should I choose 24-70 mm or 70-200 mm?
If I'm on a daytime cycling/walking tour (i.e. little time to compose or change lenses) of external buildings and inside churches (no flash and no tripod), which lens is best to capture non-blurry ...
