One of the greatest appeals of a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera is that you can switch lenses to match your needs. If you are like a lot of budding photographers, you traded out your point-and-shoot camera for a DSLR for this very reason. And now you are ready to take your photos to the next level, but the vast array of options on the lens market has you feeling overwhelmed.
Of course, your DSLR may have come with a kit lens. These starter lenses work for basic everyday shooting, but they are generally limited in functionality. So, to unlock the true potential of your camera, you'll need to consider purchasing one or more of the following types of lenses.
Standard Lens
This lens, which typically has a focal length between 35-70mm, shoots photos in a proportion that is similar to that of the human eye. A standard lens is often used for documentary and travel, but they really shine in street photography where you need to move around quickly to capture action.
Prime Lens
A prime lens has only one focal length, meaning that it is not capable of zooming. This expensive DSLR lens offers the highest image quality and is great for use indoors and in low light. The trade-off is that it can be inconvenient--you will need to physically move yourself to recompose your photos.
Of course, your DSLR may have come with a kit lens. These starter lenses work for basic everyday shooting, but they are generally limited in functionality. So, to unlock the true potential of your camera, you'll need to consider purchasing one or more of the following types of lenses.
Standard Lens
This lens, which typically has a focal length between 35-70mm, shoots photos in a proportion that is similar to that of the human eye. A standard lens is often used for documentary and travel, but they really shine in street photography where you need to move around quickly to capture action.
Prime Lens
A prime lens has only one focal length, meaning that it is not capable of zooming. This expensive DSLR lens offers the highest image quality and is great for use indoors and in low light. The trade-off is that it can be inconvenient--you will need to physically move yourself to recompose your photos.
Zoom Lens
A zoom lens has a variable focal length, meaning that you can take photos from a range of perspectives. You may not need to carry and change multiple lenses if you purchase a zoom lens.
Focal ranges vary depending upon the particular zoom lens. A standard zoom lens may fall somewhere in the 18-70mm range. A portrait zoom has a focal range of 80-135mm and is ideal for framing head and shoulder shots. A telephoto zoom lens, with a range falling anywhere between 135-300mm, is a great choice for sports or nature and wildlife photography.
Wide Angle Lens
This lens allows you to shoot with a very wide perspective and with a larger depth of field. Typically shorter in focal length than 35mm, it is ideal for landscape and interior photography. A wide angle lens is also used to keep a subject in the extreme foreground in focus while also keeping the background in focus, thus creating a dramatic effect
Specialty Lens
There are a few different types of specialty lenses, each of which has a very specific purpose. Here are the two most common:
· Macro Lens: This is a prime lens that takes extremely close-up shots. A macro lens exposes tiny details that we would not see with the naked eye and is often used in still-life and nature photography.
· Fisheye Lens: Photos taken with this lens show a distorted perspective of a scene, with the subject matter in the center magnified and the surrounding objects diminished in size. A fisheye lens typically offers a 180-degree view of the subject matter.
A zoom lens has a variable focal length, meaning that you can take photos from a range of perspectives. You may not need to carry and change multiple lenses if you purchase a zoom lens.
Focal ranges vary depending upon the particular zoom lens. A standard zoom lens may fall somewhere in the 18-70mm range. A portrait zoom has a focal range of 80-135mm and is ideal for framing head and shoulder shots. A telephoto zoom lens, with a range falling anywhere between 135-300mm, is a great choice for sports or nature and wildlife photography.
Wide Angle Lens
This lens allows you to shoot with a very wide perspective and with a larger depth of field. Typically shorter in focal length than 35mm, it is ideal for landscape and interior photography. A wide angle lens is also used to keep a subject in the extreme foreground in focus while also keeping the background in focus, thus creating a dramatic effect
Specialty Lens
There are a few different types of specialty lenses, each of which has a very specific purpose. Here are the two most common:
· Macro Lens: This is a prime lens that takes extremely close-up shots. A macro lens exposes tiny details that we would not see with the naked eye and is often used in still-life and nature photography.
· Fisheye Lens: Photos taken with this lens show a distorted perspective of a scene, with the subject matter in the center magnified and the surrounding objects diminished in size. A fisheye lens typically offers a 180-degree view of the subject matter.
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