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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7answers
4k views
What is a great portrait lens for Nikon (under $1000)?
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D90 and use the kit 18-105 lens and a 50mm f/1.8. Mostly I shoot as a hobby but lately I've been asked to do some family and engagement shoots. The 50mm is ...
12
votes
4answers
620 views
How close can a lens focus?
From my understanding, if you want to do some macro photography it is better to have a lens that can focus when it is really close to the subject. Sometimes people buy extension tubes to help them ...
12
votes
7answers
626 views
Upgrade strategy for Canon EOS DSLRs
In February 2010 I bought my first DSLR: EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18-55IS Kit
I also bought a zoom telephoto lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
The XSi is a simple camera which I thought would be good ...
11
votes
4answers
4k views
What's the advantage of buying a fixed 50mm f/1.8 lens when my camera has an 18-55mm zoom lens?
I've got a Nikon D3100 with an 18-55mm zoom lens. I'm keen to experiment with some other lenses and a friend of mine recently reccommended I purchase a fixed 50mm f/1.8 lens as he said it's good for ...
11
votes
3answers
13k views
Should I purchase a Tamron 70-300 USD VC or Canon 70-300 USM IS?
Good day all.
I was almost decided on Canon 70-300 USM IS (non L) but recently came to know about the Tamron version (SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD) of this one.
Neither of these makes you a better ...
10
votes
2answers
653 views
How can I determine if my Sigma 10-20mm lens copy is appropriately sharp and focusing right?
I just purchased a Sigma 10-20mm lens (Canon mount) and based on the reviews I was aware that many people receive copies of the lens that are soft or don't focus properly. I purchased from B&H, so ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views
Is a 50mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 a good lens for portraits in low light?
I only have one lens right now. It's the Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. I think this lens is great when the lighting conditions are right but in low light I usually have to result to flash.
...
8
votes
4answers
2k views
What is the difference between a telephoto lens and a zoom lens?
Looking at the product page for Nikon lenses, I notice a distinction between telephoto lens and zoom lens.
What is the difference between the two? Why would I want one over the other? I wiki'd ...
6
votes
4answers
26k views
How do I decide between the Canon 55-250mm or 70-300mm + 50mm?
I just bought a Canon Rebel T2i (EOS550D/Kissx4) with 18-55mm kit-lens and I have an additional $300 USD to spend on a lens. I had decided to buy a Canon EF-S 75-300mm f/4-5.6 (without IS) and a Canon ...
5
votes
1answer
260 views
How difficult is it to correct mustache-style distortion?
I am considering the Samyang 14mm Ultra Wide-Angle f/2.8 IF ED UMC but I am somewhat concerned about the 5.3% of mustache-style distortion this lens produces.
I like most of what I read about this ...
1
vote
6answers
395 views
What are some artistic techniques that can be performed with lenses?
I have recently been attempting to perform various different techniques for taking pictures, like using a tilt-shift lens, freelensing, HDR photography, and a couple others.
The styles that I want to ...
24
votes
6answers
3k views
Can I damage the focus system by turning the focus ring when the lens isn't mounted?
I have a couple lenses that don't have an internal focusing system, and whenever I want to put them back in my bag, I turn the focus ring to make the lens shorter.
I noticed that when the lens is set ...
18
votes
3answers
610 views
Is it physically possible to build a long zoom (17-300 mm for example) at an aperture value of around 1.4 or 1.2?
I'm curious if the physics allow a company to build such a lens of course with good IQ, minimal color aberration, maximum sharpness, and little to none lens vignetting or edge softness
18
votes
6answers
785 views
Maximum lens weight for my camera?
I apologize if this was asked before, but where can i find information about maximum allowed lens weight for my camera?
I'm asking because, i have an opportunity to get old Soviet build 80-200mm lens ...
16
votes
5answers
1k views
When would one need manual focus override?
In lens reviews, ability to override auto-focus manually is often referred to as a good (and important) feature.
I have rarely, if ever used that feature, so I feel I might be missing out on an ...
16
votes
4answers
1k views
What fixed lens to use on a cropped sensor DSLR for mountain landscape photography?
This spring, I want to do a few trips to mountains to take some shots of mountain landscapes, including in sunrise/sunset environments.
I already have a Nikon 18-200mm VR (3.5-5.6). I imagine that it ...
13
votes
1answer
201 views
In which order is it recommended to set a tilt-shift lens?
After an entire week of having a Canon TS-E 17mm F/4 at my disposal, I am still not sure which control to start setting first. This particular lens has a total of 5 degrees of freedom:
±6.5° tilt
...
13
votes
3answers
1k views
Does a bigger aperture create better photos?
I have observed that the wider the aperture, the more expensive the lenses are. However, I would like to know whether it really makes a difference in your photos or not?
11
votes
5answers
6k views
Are mirror lenses good for wildlife photography in daylight?
I've recently seen these Rokinon/Opteka mirror lens with whooping focal length (like 500mm, 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm) at a cheap price. And I have seen some of their same pictures in Flickr and vendor ...
10
votes
6answers
647 views
Do lenses lose sharpness when they age?
I was reading this answer where it mentions, "..it's a lens that can lose sharpness as it ages.." and was wondering if this is true and if yes, true for all lenses. Reasons as to why this happens and ...
10
votes
4answers
1k views
Is EF-S 17-55 f2.8 IS USM really a 'L series' grade lens?
Some reviews say yes. But since it costs as much as an EF equivalent, why not name it as 'L'? Is there any better lenses in this range (EF or EF-S)?
10
votes
3answers
1k views
Does a camera's crop factor apply to the magnification of macro shots?
If I have a lenses (or in my case extension tubes) that would allow the lens to magnify 1:1, does a 1.5x crop factor body make it really 1.5:1 ?
9
votes
4answers
350 views
How do you reconcile generally positive user comments with negative comments in a review?
My question was prompted by this DPReview review of the Nikon DX 18~200mm, wherein on page 3 the author reveals some significant sharpness and distortion issues, leading to final assessments of
...
9
votes
2answers
489 views
Does the size of the front glass mean anything?
Considering the Nikon lenses:
Prime lenses:
AF Nikkor 14mm f/2.8D ED has a huge front glass (●₃),
AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G has a tiny little front glass, deep inside the body (∙₁),
AF-S VR Nikkor ...
9
votes
3answers
8k views
Will lenses from a Rebel work on higher-model Canon cameras?
I am thinking about purchasing a Canon 60D and selling my Rebel XT and wondered if I would need to purchase new lenses? I only have two but as you all know, once you invest it is hard to not take ...
9
votes
3answers
368 views
Are fast lenses only fast when shot wide open?
Given two lenses with different max apertures but the same size image circle (say, full frame on a Nikon FX DLSR camera) and taking shots at the exact shutter speed and focal length under the same ...
8
votes
1answer
162 views
Can the sharpness of the lens be evaluated with no relation to the DSLR?
When I read lens reviews, they all say that one lens is sharp, another is very sharp, another one is not sharp at all, etc.
For me, it doesn't make sense to just say that a lens is sharp or not, with ...
8
votes
2answers
567 views
Is it normal for there to be tiny dust particles in a new lens?
I'm the owner of a new Canon 550D with a Canon 18-135mm IS lens.
While looking into the lens, I noticed what I think are two tiny dust particles (I would say smaller than 1mm) behind the first glass ...
7
votes
6answers
997 views
What are hidden-gem “bang for the buck” lenses for Nikon?
I'm about to buy a D700 Nikon (no, NOT D800). I have no Nikon equipment at all.
I'll initially be retaining my "main" Sony based system while I get the D700 'up to speed'. In time I expect to have to ...
7
votes
6answers
5k views
How do I get the best results for sports with a 70-200mm f/2.8?
Can anyone help? I am using a nikon d7000 for sports photography. My husband kindly bought me a sigma 70-200mm telephoto lens 2.8 as I shoot a lot of low light indoor sports. I have only just started ...
7
votes
5answers
8k views
Can you recommend a macro lens for a micro 4/3 camera?
I've recently purchased a micro 4/3 camera (Panasonic GF1), and I'm aware that with an appropriate adapter, I can use a large variety of third-party lenses.
I'm interested in experimenting with macro ...
7
votes
2answers
532 views
Using SLR Lenses on DSLR Cameras
I'm just starting out with DLSR photography - I recently purchased a Sony A230 with the kit lens (18mm - 55mm). I know that the lens mount is compatible with Minolta lenses. These lenses were ...
7
votes
3answers
580 views
Cameras using mirrors instead of lenses?
In astronomy, telescopes are most commonly built with mirrors, but there are refractors using lenses. All cameras I know of for Earthly purposes — portraits, landscapes, etc. — use only lenses, not ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM suitable for wildlife photography?
I got my first DSLR about a week ago (600d) + af-s 18-135mm kit lens, but I want another lens with greater focal length.
So I thought about this lens:
CANON 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
How does it ...
6
votes
4answers
770 views
What should I buy as my first (and initially only) lens to go with a Canon 60D?
I was able to get a great deal on the Canon EOS 60D body and now I have to buy myself a suitable quality lens.
Unfortunately my order was later revoked so no great deal for me. Will have to ...
6
votes
5answers
4k views
Would the Tamron 18- 270 mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD make a good choice as my second lens?
I have a Canon 50/f1.8. I am looking for a zoom lens. After much research, I have zeroed in two lenses as my second lens: either Tamron 18-270 mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD or Canon EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 III ...
6
votes
7answers
2k views
Which lenses are best for macro and for birdwatching (both Canon and Nikon)?
Now I have old Sony A100 DSLR + Minolta AF 24-50/4, Minolta AF 50/1.6, Tokina ATX 80-400/4.5-5.6, ...
My camera is old.
In near future I am going to buy new DSLR.
I think it will be Canon or Nikon. I ...
5
votes
4answers
221 views
How do I clean the external forward-facing glass on my lens?
How do I clean the external forward-facing glass on my lens?
Over the last year or so of use it has accumulated a little dust and a translucent smear mark. Nothing serious, but I'd like to remove ...
5
votes
5answers
5k views
How to reverse the canon 18-55 kit lens to use it as macro?
I have been trying to use my 18-55 kit lens as a macro but have no idea how to go about it.
Do I need an adapter to mount the lens reversed on the camera?
Also, is it possible to use canon 50mm f/1.8 ...
5
votes
2answers
635 views
Can't auto-focus at full zoom
I have a Canon 1000d, and the standard lens EF-S 18-55mm. Recently I was out taking photos and I've noticed that if I zoom in fully, the lens can't auto focus. I can still take shots using manual ...
4
votes
3answers
222 views
Lens Cleaner Recommendations
What is, in your opinion, the best lens cleaner? Which do you think is the most effective/best value for your money/most easy to use, etc.
Please include advantages/disadvantages as well as price and ...
4
votes
1answer
361 views
Is Fujifilm's “Super EBC” a modern nanocoating?
In the Luminous Landscape review of the Fuji X-Pro1, Nick Devlin notes:
... how else could one read the “Super EBC” labelling on the lens other than as a nod to the company’s [Range Finder] past. ...
4
votes
1answer
655 views
4
votes
4answers
519 views
What lens should I buy to get better pictures of a one-year old running around a dimly-lit house?
I'm an amateur photographer with a Canon Rebel XS, and I'm trying to figure out what type of lens I should buy to take better photos of my one year old when she is running around in our dimly lit ...
4
votes
2answers
727 views
Can a fast prime lens simulate a macro lens for food photography?
I read in this thread that macro lenses are considered good for food photography.
AFAIK, macro lenses are also used to photograph insects. The lens makes them look giant, and shows up all their ...
4
votes
2answers
231 views
How rapidly does the focal length-equivalent image change by physically moving the camera?
I have recently begun moving from a Nikon APS-C DSLR to the Micro Four Thirds camera while also transitioning from using a viewfinder to using the LCD screen for framing my shots. Because of the size ...
4
votes
3answers
740 views
Do Nikon AF-S lenses perform better than AF lenses?
I am going to be getting a Nikon D7000 soon. I think I'm correct in assuming that the Nikon D7000 will use its own focus motor for an AF lens, but allow the lens to use its motor for an AF-S lens. ...
4
votes
4answers
3k views
Best all-around ~$600 standard zoom lens for Canon?
I have a Rebel T2i, I was wondering what standard zoom lens is the best around $600. I'm mainly shooting landscapes / cities / peoples. I've done some research and came up with 17-50, 18-55 from ...
4
votes
7answers
934 views
What's a Good All Purpose Compact Lens for a dSLR …?
Following on from an earlier post, I've decided to persevere with the behemoth for a bit and see where it goes. It may lead in the direction of a Canon G11/12 or S90/95 - only time will tell.
In the ...
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 ...
