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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What is a good Canon lens to take portraits?
I have a Canon T2I, and also a good prime lens (50mm / f1.8) but I cannot seem to take close up portraits like I see in magazines. Do I need a better lens?
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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
3answers
642 views
How can a 24-70mm and a 10-22mm both be “wide angle” lenses?
I've been looking at a 10-22mm lens for my Canon T2i. I've also come across some other "wide angle" lenses, like the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8.
I don't understand how a wide angle lens can have such high ...
15
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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. ...
15
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4answers
473 views
What is an ultra-wide lens?
What is the point at which a lens is considered "ultra-wide angle" vs just wide angle?
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3answers
1k views
How does a lens affect the saturation of a picture?
In many reviews people describe how a lens can affect the saturation of a picture, especially when it comes down to a comparison of two similar lenses, e.g. 50mm 1.8 vs. 50mm 1.4 or something like ...
10
votes
5answers
2k views
What does the f-stop printed on the lens refer to?
I have read this,so I know what an f-stop is, but what does the number on printed the lens signify?
Is this is the maximum f-stop, the ideal, or something else?
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4answers
928 views
What are the tradeoffs when replacing two zoom lenses with a superzoom?
I have two lens currently for my camera. An AF-S DX VR NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G (kit lens) and a AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED lens. I have found that there are cases when the ...
4
votes
5answers
443 views
What about lens construction influences bokeh?
I can understand how certain elements of a lens can correct an aberrations or make it sharper - but specifically, how do lens manufacturers influence the bokeh - the quality of the blur? There's a ...
26
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I interpret an MTF Chart?
As part of how Canon (and other lens makers) give technical information about their lenses, they supply an MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) chart. How do I read and interpret what the chart is ...
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14answers
8k views
How do I get a stuck screw filter off of my lens?
There is a UV-filter screwed on my Canon 16-35mm. For some reason, I'm not able to get it off the lens.
Does anyone has a simple but safe trick?
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5answers
2k views
What size lens is recommended for flying bird photography?
My wife has a Canon 450D and a 70-300 lens for long distance shots.
I am considering a present or two and good advice from jrista suggests possible upgrade of camera to a Canon 7D and of lens to a ...
20
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6answers
693 views
Should I be worried about getting dust inside my SLR?
I recently went to Silverstone to watch the F1 qualifying and took my DSLR camera with me. Throughout the day, I switched lenses a few times, but each time was very conscious that there was a lot of ...
16
votes
4answers
2k views
Is it true that there are no stabilized prime lenses (and if so, why)?
Fast prime lenses like the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens work nicely in low-light situations. But I'm quite sure they would work even more nicely if they had optical image stabilizers. It seems to me that no ...
16
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9answers
11k views
What features differentiate Nikkor and Tamron/Sigma lenses?
I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion about Nikkor vs. Tamron and/or Sigma lenses. Is it worth the extra money to purchase Nikkor lenses? I haven't had the chance to compare these. Are the Nikkor ...
15
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7answers
5k views
Is a UV filter better for lens protection than a protector filter?
I'm usually very good at getting water/finger marks on lens, so I must use something for protection. Is there any downside of using an UV filter instead of a protector filter?
Example: Hoya HD ...
9
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7answers
3k views
Does an ultra-wide lens perform well in landscape photography?
I own a DSLR for less than a year, currently shooting with my Nikon D90 and 18-70mm DX lens. Since the beginning of it, I am deeply in love with shooting landscapes photography: seascapes, skyscapes, ...
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2answers
1k views
Is it better to upgrade Canon 18-55mm IS kit lens to the 18-200mm, or complement with 55-250mm?
I currently have the Canon EOS 550D with the 18-55mm IS kit lens. I am primarily looking for greater telephoto reach, as I have found the 55mm length to be quite limiting at times. So, I was ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
What are the advantages of a lens having a fixed maximum aperture?
What are the advantages of a lens having a Fixed Maximum Aperture? Previous answers have indicated that "pros tend to want constant apertures in zoom lenses".
While in general lenses with a fixed ...
13
votes
3answers
954 views
Why is 1:1 desirable for a macro lens?
Why is 1:1 desirable for a macro lens? I know it means that you can print a picture of something and it will be the same size on paper as it is in real life, but why is this such a desirable feature ...
10
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3answers
2k views
Which is better: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM (without IS)?
Simple question: Which lens is better?
The L Series (non-IS) Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM or the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM?
I am an enthusiast and usually shoot landscape, my kids playing ...
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votes
7answers
2k views
How can I visualize or simulate the effect of different focal lengths?
I have seen many camera review sites illustrate the effect of using different focal lengths on the same photograph using frames. There are also similar illustrations to compare different sensors (full ...
3
votes
8answers
694 views
Canon Starter Level Lenses
I would like to get into photography, and I'm thinking about buying a starter D-SLR camera (450D, 500D).
Which Canon lenses do think fit to my purposes as considering I'm a beginner and my budget is ...
21
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0answers
559 views
Is Image Stabilization better in the lens or the body? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the difference between in-lens image stabilizing and in-sensor image stabilizing?
Some DSLR manufacturers have image stabilization (IS) in the body of their ...
16
votes
3answers
8k views
What is the difference between Canon “L” lenses and non-L lenses?
The Canon L lenses are much more expensive and presumably much better quality than non-L lenses. What makes an "L" lens? How much better are they over a similar length/speed "ordinary" canon lenses?
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votes
5answers
466 views
Should a telephoto zoom be my next lens after the kit lens?
I am new to dslr's and got a nikon 3000 with 18-55 lens as a gift. I already see some limitations with the lens for walking about or on trails. So my question is being new should I go with a 55-200 ...
4
votes
6answers
1k views
What are the advantages to using EF-S lenses on Canon APS-C cameras?
I know EF-S lenses are "optimized" for crop sensors but what are the exact advantages to using an EF-S lens? Does it give better color, sharpness, depth of field, etc...?
In addition, do EF-S lenses ...
4
votes
4answers
5k views
What should I do about Canon PowerShot “Lens error, restart camera”?
I've had a Canon PowerShot A1100 IS camera for almost a year now.
About a week ago, I went on a trip, took pictures the whole trip, everything was ok.
When I got home, and tried to turn the camera ...
23
votes
11answers
1k views
Will a tilt-shift lens solve my 'leaning building' shots?
I shoot primarily with a Nikon D300, and that's not likely to change soon. The camera does everything I need it to do, but this. I also use a 17-55 lens, which I know that Thom castigates as being ...
30
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7answers
2k views
Do I really need a fast 50mm lens?
Everyone I speak to says that a 50mm lens is the best and beats them all as an all-rounder. I was wondering whether to get myself a decent, fast 50mm as well. However I'm still not 100% sure whether I ...
24
votes
4answers
21k views
What is back-focusing?
What is back-focusing? Is it something I need to be worried about, or can I just live with it? How can I tell if my camera/lens is sufferring from it?
16
votes
11answers
9k views
How does the lens diameter influence photo quality?
I have tested two different 50mm lenses in my camera. One was a Nikkor 50mm ∅52mm. The other one was a Sigma 50mm ∅72mm. I took some pictures with both lenses using the same setup for aperture and ...
15
votes
12answers
6k views
What is the best Canon lens (around $500) for taking pictures of my newborn?
I have a Canon T2i, a 50mm f/1.8 and the kit lens (18-55mm).
I'm considering buying a new lens for more flexibility with taking pictures of my upcoming newborn.
I LOVE the 50mm/1.8 lens, but on the ...
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5answers
4k views
Can I use my APS-C kit lens as a reference for choosing between 50mm or 35mm prime lenses?
I'm looking at getting a second lens in addition to my Nikon D7000's kit lens.
I want to know if it's possible to use my 18m-105mm kit lens to get an idea of the focal length for a 35mm lens vs. a 50 ...
11
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5answers
2k views
Really? Why does a Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 cost almost $2,000?
I am trying to price out a 35mm f/1.4 lens for my Nikon D7000, and I am shocked to find that B&H sells them for almost $2,000, whereas the f/1.8 sells for a couple hundred.
Am I looking at the ...
10
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3answers
2k views
Are the Canon 15-85mm + 50mm f/1.8 adequate substitutes for the 17-55mm f/2.8?
The EF-S 15-85mm lens is a relatively recent lens, and I haven't seen too many recommendations on it thus far. However, most of the reviews have been very positive and the lens is said to be optically ...
9
votes
2answers
621 views
What characteristics make a good lens good?
When reading lens reviews on the Internet, I often find subjective statements about the image quality that a lens produces, such as "good contrast" or "sharp". The problem is that I don't think I am ...
20
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3answers
5k views
How can a 18-55mm lens focus on objects beyond 55mm?
I guess this is a total noob question, but doesn't 18-55mm mean that it can focus only up to 55mm?
13
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9answers
2k views
Are all kit lenses poor? (And if so, why?)
Kerri Shotts says (emphasis mine):
Also, if you already have great glass, there is little reason to get more (unless you need it for a certain reason). E.g., if you have a 70-200 f/4, don't rush ...
13
votes
2answers
4k views
What's the difference between a regular lens and a macro lens? [duplicate]
What is the difference between a 100mm lens and 100mm macro, or 50mm and 50mm macro?
Can we use a macro lens to shot portraits? If yes, what focal length is the best? Please suggest a Canon macro ...
11
votes
5answers
1k views
What is a portrait lens?
I hear this term used pretty often. Does it refer to a specific focal length? Or very low F-number? What does a lens need to have in order to be considered "portrait lens"?
9
votes
8answers
3k views
What options do I have for a normal and fast prime lens for a Canon APS-C camera?
I'm looking for a normal prime lens, desirably fast and not too expensive, for my 450D. 50mm seems to be the normal focal length on FF, thus for APS-C, I need about 30mm.
I want it to be fast as I'm ...
8
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1answer
4k views
What does the magnification ratio number mean on a macro lens?
I'm looking for a macro lens. I have 28-105mm Nikkor which gives me "1:2 Magnification Ratio" (whatever that means). I found another lens, Tamron 90mm Macro, which has magnification ratio of 1:1.
...
8
votes
4answers
447 views
Nikon lenses: to G or not to G?
I am set to buy a 2nd lens to my d7000 kit lens.
I’m close to deciding between the 35 or 50 mm, I will likely go for the f1.4 version and wanted to determine if I would need or appreciate the G ...
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6answers
1k views
Lens for shooting paintings with Canon 550d
I am purchasing a Canon 550d primarily to document my fiance's artwork for archival purposes. I would like to know what lens or lenses you would recommend in order to minimise distortion.
I will be ...
5
votes
2answers
4k views
What is USM, and what are its pros and cons?
My Canon lenses have the designation USM on them, which I assume is for the same reason that they say "Ultrasonic". What does this mean, and why or why do I not want it?
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7answers
5k views
Why there is no Canon 50mm *IS* lens?
Canon's 50mm prime lenses are all non-IS (Image Stabilization) for some reason. Considering the popularity of these range primes, shouldn't Canon be interested in shipping a new, optically improved IS ...
13
votes
5answers
2k views
What equipment is necessary/preferred for real estate photography?
What equipment is necessary for real estate photography, and what is preferred?
I'm starting into real estate photography, and I'm trying to figure out what I need and what I will want to plan on ...
12
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6answers
2k views
Is it a wise-decision to buy full-frame lenses for use on an APS-C body?
I have a Canon 550D which I've been using for around a year now. I really love it and have learned a great deal with this and the 18 - 135mm kit lens. But now with experience I feel the need to get ...
11
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5answers
905 views
How can aperture be f/11 on a lens with an aperture range designation of 3.5-5.5?
I made a series of outdoor shots with Nikon D5000, with the 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR kit lens.
On some shots, I see in the EXIF info f/11, and in another shot, f/9.
How can that be, that the f-number ...
