Lenses
(brought to you by QuickPro Camera Guides)
Lenses can add creative control to your photography. Generally speaking, there are two different kinds of lenses; telephoto and fixed or prime lenses. Telephoto lenses have a range of focal lengths to choose from; while fixed, or prime lenses only have one focal length to choose from. Many steps have been taken to improve the quality of telephoto lenses. However fixed lenses, though not as flexible as telephoto lenses, usually give greater clarity.
When buying lenses there are a couple of features you should be aware of before purchasing. The first being focal length. Lens zoom capabilities are measured in focal lengths. The smaller the focal length, the wider angle the picture will be. Wide angle lenses range from 1mm-24mm. “Normal” lenses range in the 24mm-125mm range. Zoom lenses range from 125mm and up. The larger the number the greater the zoom capability.
The lens you shoot with will also affect the general look of your picture. Sometimes it’s more convenient or practical to simply change the lens instead of actually moving closer to or further away from your subject.
One great advantage of a digital SLR camera is that you can attach different lenses depending upon your needs and circumstances.
Assignments
Even if you do not have access to different lenses practice these assignments with your lens and become comfortable with its features.
-
Focus is an essential part of your photographs, as we learned with image sharpness and quality. Your lens is a key part to achieving this focus. Practice photographing anything near you. Continue to shoot until optimal focus is received. If you are photographing a person or an animal be sure the eyes are in crystal clear focus.