How to Choose a Camera Lens
One does not choose a camera lens by throwing a wad of cash and scream I choose you! This guide will walk you through the various considerations when buying camera lenses - http://xlightphotography.com/how-to-choose-a-camera-lens/
One does not choose a camera lens by throwing a wad of cash and scream I choose you! This guide will walk you through the various considerations when buying camera lenses - http://xlightphotography.com/how-to-choose-a-camera-lens/
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HOW TO CHOOSE A<br />
CAMERA LENS
HELLO<br />
I am Lor Tee. I love pho<strong>to</strong>graphy<br />
and share the passion by giving<br />
free presentations.<br />
You can find me @lortee
“Pho<strong>to</strong>graphy is the s<strong>to</strong>ry I fail <strong>to</strong><br />
put in<strong>to</strong> words.”<br />
– Destin Sparks
1) YOUR NEEDS<br />
• What kind of pho<strong>to</strong>graphy are you in<strong>to</strong>?<br />
• Casual shots? A simple generic lens?<br />
• Travel quite a lot, need a light lens but still<br />
decently good?<br />
• Professional work, need some good glass?<br />
• Need <strong>to</strong> shoot some video, need a good lens<br />
with built-in stabilization?
2) LENS MOUNT<br />
• Please check if your lens can be removed on<br />
your camera.<br />
• An interchangeable lens system and lens<br />
attachment are 2 different s<strong>to</strong>ries.<br />
• If the lens on your camera is fixed, you are<br />
stuck with that lens.<br />
• Start by checking your lens mount system.<br />
• For example: Nikon – F Mount, Canon – EF-S,<br />
Sony – A Mount.
3) FOCAL LENGTH<br />
• Which focal length should you get?<br />
• Landscape recommended – Wide angle 16-<br />
35mm.<br />
• Street, portrait, food – 35-85mm.<br />
• Wildlife – 200mm or more.<br />
• Macro – For the guys who likes <strong>to</strong> shoot insects<br />
and small stuff.
4) ZOOM OR PRIME?<br />
• There are plus and minus <strong>to</strong> each.<br />
• Zoom lenses are more convenient.<br />
• Zoom lenses are typically more complicated<br />
with a zoom mechanism.<br />
• Prime lenses are generally better built.<br />
• Prime lenses typically have better optical<br />
quality.
5) BUILD & QUALITY<br />
• Build – A lens of cheap plastic or metal tank?<br />
• Weather sealing – Will this lens survive light<br />
rain and dust?<br />
• Au<strong>to</strong>focus – <strong>How</strong> well does it work? <strong>How</strong> fast<br />
and accurate?<br />
• Optical Quality – Do you like the pho<strong>to</strong>s that it<br />
produces?
6) OTHERS<br />
• Test before buying – Rent it or borrow it, don’t<br />
buy and regret.<br />
• Read online reviews – Do your homework<br />
before buying.<br />
• Check before buying – New or used lenses,<br />
do take time <strong>to</strong> check the mechanics and take a<br />
few sample pho<strong>to</strong>s. Check on the spot.
THANK YOU<br />
You can find the full guide at X-<br />
Light Pho<strong>to</strong>graphy.<br />
http://xlightpho<strong>to</strong>graphy.com/how<strong>to</strong>-choose-a-camera-lens/
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