Questions tagged [lens]
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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Why do wide angle prime lenses have relatively small apertures?
I've noticed that many of the wide angle prime lenses (at least for Canon) have somewhat smaller apertures than their normal or telephoto counterparts. E.g. the regular Canon 24mm prime is f/2.8 while ...
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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 ...
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What swirly bokeh technique is this and how can I achieve it?
What is the technique used to capture this image? How can the result be achieved? I know that it can be achieved in a digital darkroom but how can I replicate the effect straight out of the camera?
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How 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 ...
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Which prime lens for Pentax APS-C?
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 ...
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What is the meaning of "stopped down"?
Was reading this answer (emphasis mine):
It also tells us that the lens was stopped down, as if it were wide open there would be no corners to cause diffraction, regardless of the number of ...
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Front element shattered, can I have my lens repaired?
Can I send in for repair a lens that has a shattered front element?
UPDATE: The front element was not shattered, it was the UV filter. Factory diagnosis: Lens assembly had been impacted; cleaned ...
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Nightclubs photography, setup to capture the real mood and atmosphere?
I was hired to photograph at a nightclub on Friday. I've never done this before, and I do not have any specification for the moment.
I'd like to be able to capture the atmosphere at the right moment, ...
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Variable focal length for macro lenses?
True macro lenses come in fixed focal length. Are there any macro lensens which have variable focal lengths? And please explain why yes or why not?
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What is causing the strange lighter circles in images taken with my Canon 15-85?
I took these pictures with my Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens this morning:
Would somebody please tell me that what is that white part in the lower right corner of the picture?
EXIF info:
F/...
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Why my "action" shots are blurry even shooting on AF-C, is this a lens or camera limitation?
I'm currently using a Nikon 28-200mm AF-D with my D7000. While trying to take action shots (e.g. my dog running or sports) none of the shots seem to be in focus even on AF-C mode. Would this be a ...
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Is there development in the world of lenses?
Now, I'm not an expert, so if this post makes you laugh, you're welcome. Still, as far as I know there are basically two components that determine the potential quality of a camera's photos:
Sensor
...
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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?
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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?
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Why choose an 80-200mm over an 18-200mm lens?
Being a beginner, I can't see why I must choose an 80-200 over an 18-200. Are there scenarios where an 80-200 would be preferable over an 18-200?
I will be buying a D7000 soon and am looking at these:...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Why are 50mm Lenses Cheaper?
There is no doubt that 50mm lenses, if all other variables are held equal, will beat any other lens when it comes to value for price (lower f/number). I want to know why.
Possible theories I have ...
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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 ...
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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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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 ...
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What is the fastest lens available for a DSLR?
I've seen references to f1.2 lenses. I was wondering, are there any faster lenses available for a DSLR mount?
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How compatible are my old Nikon lenses?
I'm looking at buying a new SLR body. I have an old film Nikon entry-level SLR (about ten years old) with a kit lens. If I buy a Nikon body, how likely is it that my old lens will work on it? Would I ...
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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 ...
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How can a telephoto lens take great landscape photos?
I've read in various answers on this site people mention that telephoto lens can be used quite nicely for taking landscape photos. How is this possible, as my (beginners') understanding of landscape ...
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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 ...
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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. Additionally,...
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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 ...
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What are the summary rules for when to use image stabilization and when not to?
When I got my DSLR, I took a lot of pics and all of them came excellent, even though I had VR at the "Off" position.
Since those came out so well, I wonder when should I turn VR on, and when I ...
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After 2 years of amateur photo, buy a new body or a great lens?
Two years ago I bought my first DSLR. Since then I have bought and inherited some lenses. What should I buy next, a better body or more lenses? I enjoy photography but I do it fewer than I'd like (not ...
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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 ...
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What is the relationship between "macro" and "telephoto" lenses? [duplicate]
Can anyone explain the difference between "macro" and "telephoto"?
I know that a macro lens will give you a magnification of 1:1 but how does it differ from a telephoto lens?
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What are the differences among these Canon telephoto zoom lenses?
I am using Canon 500D with the kit lens (18-55). I think I have done enough with 18-55 and want to try out next lens. I have already decided to purchase 50mm prime. I also wanted to get a Zoom lens. ...
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Are there any cheap, fast lenses capable of highschool sports photography?
I recently took on my first paying client, and she is also into photgraphy. She usually does sports for her highschool yearbook. They just have an entry level Canon DSLR with a kit zoom on it that ...
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What does different focal length offer me?
I have a beginner photographer and I have spent a lot of time learning the basics (exposures, lenses, focal lengths, crop factor etc). It's all good except I'm not so sure when I need to buy lenses of ...
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Should I upgrade my Canon body or lens for upcoming travel?
Having trouble deciding what to do. I am about to go on my honeymoon to Borneo, with lots of jungle tours, and wildlife spotting. I have a Canon XS with a kit 18-55 and a 75-300 non IS. I don't use ...
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What can be done using a 18-55mm lens?
I have a Canon EOS 1000D with 18-55mm kit lens (entry level, as many say). Whenever I go out for a shoot, I always end up feeling handicapped because of the limited zoom range.
Most of my friends ...
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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 mm lens, which I know that Thom castigates as ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Why are cine lenses so much more expensive?
For example, compare a cine lens like the Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 50mm/T2.1 ($3,900) to a high-end DSLR lens like the Canon 50mm f/1.2L ($1418). Both are EF-mount, have the same focal length, and it ...
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What is the Nyquist Limit and what is its significance to photographers?
The Nyquist Limit is frequently mentioned in the context of lens and sensor resolution.
What is it and what is its significance to photographers?
Here is an example of it being used by DPReview.com ...
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How does a spherical lens differ from an aspherical lens?
Many lenses (like the Pentax DA 15mm f/4 Limited, or the Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G) are described as having "aspherical lens elements". Does this mean that regular lenses are spherical lenses? What's the ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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.
...
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What does small depth of field mean?
Can anyone clarify for me the various terms used to describe depth of field?
There are so many it's hard without a photo dictionary to relate in my head what's actually being said to me about the ...
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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"?
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