All Questions
3,122 questions
200
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15
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135k
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What do all those cryptic number and letter codes in a lens name mean?
When looking at a lens name, there are a lot acronyms describing its features (often specific to the manufacturer).
Examples, Nikon:
Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm VR f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Nikon AF-I 600mm f/4D ...
11
votes
4
answers
7k
views
How many optical aberration types are there in lenses? And what are they?
Everyone hears something about chromatic aberration but are there any other types? What causes them?
11
votes
8
answers
6k
views
For greater telephoto range, should I use 70-200mm + teleconverter or a longer zoom lens?
Right now, I have a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-f/5.6 VR lens. I like it, but want more telephoto range and would also like to be able to use faster shutter speeds. I am interested in the 70-200mm f/2.8, but ...
7
votes
5
answers
9k
views
Are third-party alternatives to the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 worth the price savings?
Has anyone used the 3rd party 70-200 lenses?
Are you happy with the quality, or do you wish you had saved up for longer and got the Canon?
15
votes
11
answers
13k
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Which macro lens would you recommend for a full frame Nikon camera?
I use a full frame Nikon camera and would love to play with macro photography. Is the Nikon 105 macro strong enough or would you rather recommend some bigger third party lens?
10
votes
9
answers
37k
views
What lenses are must-have yet affordable for a Canon T2i camera?
I have a canon T2i camera. I am beginner looking for some tips on the best lenses to carry around.
19
votes
5
answers
2k
views
What is an ultra-wide lens?
What is the point at which a lens is considered "ultra-wide angle" vs just wide angle?
31
votes
6
answers
14k
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 ...
25
votes
6
answers
2k
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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 ...
28
votes
10
answers
9k
views
Are Sigma lenses comparable to Canon lenses for a Canon camera?
I always feel that I should buy a Canon lens for my Canon camera, and Sigma would just be a cheap knock-off. Is that the case?
21
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What is Chromatic Aberration?
What is Chromatic Aberration? Is it a physical part of the lens, or just an optical illusion?
17
votes
13
answers
2k
views
What's an excellent walkabout lens?
(Happy to keep the question general, but personally interested in Canon fit)
I've got a Sigma 18-125 that's served me well, but the image quality isn't stellar, it's unstabilised, max f3.5, and focus ...
23
votes
4
answers
1k
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 ...
26
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Considerations when purchasing a prime lens?
What should I be aware of when buying a prime lens (other than that it will fit my camera)? What specs should I pay close attention to?
12
votes
4
answers
362
views
What are important considerations when purchasing a zoom lens?
What should I be aware of when buying a zoom lens (other than that it will fit my camera)? What specs should I pay close attention to?
23
votes
7
answers
3k
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?
9
votes
7
answers
10k
views
What CCTV lenses can I use with Micro 4/3 and adapter?
I keep hearing things about using CCTV C Mounts hacked into a Micro 4/3 camera using an adapter. Does anybody have any experience with this? Can any ebay lens work, or is the C-mount not universal? ...
11
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How can you tell if a lens is having problems with back focusing?
I recently bought a Canon EF 24-70/2.8L to use with my 450D and I suspect that it is constantly back focusing. Is there any way of determining if it is something wrong with the lens or if it is a ...
6
votes
0
answers
518
views
How do I avoid getting any chromatic aberration in my photographs?
Another question is how to correct it (suggested in proposals), but
... are there ways of avoiding it in the first place?
73
votes
11
answers
14k
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 ...
70
votes
12
answers
94k
views
Is there a noticeable difference between 1.8 and 1.4 prime lenses?
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 ...
25
votes
10
answers
12k
views
Should I really lug around a lens cap everywhere?
I lose lens caps by the billion. Is there another way to protect my lenses without having to carry these things around with me?