One of the biggest benefits of purchasing an SLR or compact system camera is the availability of multiple lenses. These lenses make it possible to achieve far more than the standard snapshot. From microscopic close-ups to creative fish-lens shots, each option has its own set of advantages, capable of producing a specific effect and adding to the artistry of a particular photo.
Nearly all new cameras that feature interchangeable lenses are of the digital single-lens reflex, or DSLR, variety. However, some smaller versions, known as compact system cameras, also feature removable lenses. Popular manufacturers of DSLR cameras include Pentax, Nikon, and Canon.
1. Kit Lens
Many introductory-level DSLR cameras come with a beginner's lens. These are sometimes referred to as "kit" lenses and generally provide only very basic zoom capability. Until quite recently, a kit lens was almost exclusively a simple lens, with little or no zoom. Now, some manufacturers have started to offer a slightly upgraded, low-end zoom lens with their entry-level DSLR cameras. When a camera comes with one of these lenses, its exact specifications are wholly dependent on the maker. Higher-end DSLR cameras often come without any lens, because it is assumed that the purchaser will already have a working knowledge of single-lens reflex camera and know the basics of lens purchases.
2. Telephoto Lens
A telephoto lens features a long focal length and is capable of high magnification. Telephoto lenses are the ideal choice for individuals who plan to routinely take photographs in places where they will have to remain a certain distance from their subject at all times. For this reason they are popular amongst celebrity, sports, and wildlife photographers. Though the standard telephoto lens is not capable of an extreme close-up, it can be used to capture clear, high-quality shots at a moment's notice and from a far enough distance to suit most needs.
3. Macro Lens
Macro lenses are used for close-up photography involving small items, like flowers and bugs. These lenses are typically represented by a small flower-like symbol. They are capable of taking images at a 1:1 ratio and normally feature an exceptionally high level of optical quality. Some digital cameras feature an option that provides the right settings for shots similar to what the macro lens is capable of producing, but the quality is not going to be as high as it would be if the photographer were using a separate lens.
4. Zoom Lens
Zoom lenses are extremely common and highly beneficial. Most novice photographers will get the most value out of a high-end version of this lens type, since many are capable of obtaining several different levels of focal length from wide angle to zoom. The nature of an SLR camera makes it possible to visually see changes in depth, focus, and size through the viewfinder when taking a picture with a zoom lens. There are three main types of zoom lenses available for most cameras.
Type of Zoom | Description |
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Optical Zoom
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Optical zoom lenses affect the amount of image that is actually falling on the camera's sensor. The result is a sharp final image.
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Digital Zoom
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Digital zoom is not capable of providing images of the same high quality of an optical zoom. It works by adding new pixels to a subject to digitally enhance its size. The result is an image that has far fewer unique pixels, and therefore does not appear as sharp.
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Cropping Zoom
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Cropping zoom works quite similarly to the way digital zoom does. However, instead of adding pixels to the center of an image to expand it, it uses some of the image sensors to record a duplicate. This is the same way that cropping works in photo-editing software.
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6. Super-Zoom Lens
Super - zoom lenses combine the benefits of multiple lens types into one convenient-to-carry package. They are capable of producing ranges from standard to telephoto distance, as well as wide-angle shots in some cases. Though the quality is not as good in a super-zoom lens as it likely would be with separate lenses for each function, the advantage of not having to carry multiple lenses around for a single photo shoot is generally enough to merit their value. These are a good compromise for individuals who are still in the beginning stages of their photographic exploration and wish to acquire a range of zoom options with a modest investment.
7. Wide-Angle Lens
Wide - angle lenses offer the combination of a short focal length with a wide view. They are ideal for getting shots of buildings and landscapes, as well as any other image where you want a close foreground and a distant background to both be in focus. They are capable of magnifying the distance between two objects, or a subject and background, while allowing greater depth of field. Depth of field is a term used to describe the distance between the nearest and farthest thing in a scene; that is, it is a measure of which parts of an image are in focus.
8. Pancake Lens
Pancake lenses are especially slim in design, for added convenience. Many are small enough to fit inside a photographer's pocket. They are available not only for DSLR cameras, but also compact system cameras. They are generally capable of taking standard or slightly wide images. These lenses, which have been around in one form or another for more than 100 years, are also sometimes referred to as "short barrel" lenses.
9. Microscope Lens
More of an attachment than a lens, microscope lenses like the Nikon Fabre EX Stereoscopic are capable of taking detailed images with a magnification of up to 66x. This is great for nature photography, insect-shots, or simple exploration. The images produced range from truly beautiful to absolutely terrifying, but one thing's for sure, they are pretty amazing. This style of lens is often used to take remarkable pictures to enhance scientific articles and books.
10. Fish-Eye Lens
Popular fish - eye lenses distort image perception by magnifying the center of an image, while reducing size and clarity in surrounding areas. Generally these lenses are capable of producing a total 180, but some go as far as 220 degrees. First developed in the 1960s, they are named for the way a fish would view things from beneath the water.
Tips for the Beginner
Camera lenses are typically the most valuable and largest expense related to photography. Photographers should always take care of their lenses to the best of their ability. Remember to keep the lens capped whenever it is not in use, especially if you are shooting outside. Additionally, cameras and lenses should be stored away from extreme temperatures and dust. Moisture, humidity, and other natural elements can all wreak havoc on photographic equipment and increase wear and tear. On the other hand, well-cared for equipment may last a lifetime.
When it comes to selecting the first lenses for your bag, do so conservatively. Lenses are expensive and many people will get by just fine with the kit lens during the beginning stage. If you are an inexperienced photographer, it is ideal to start out with a camera that comes with a standard lens, and eventually move up to a high-quality zoom lens. Most photographers will next add a wide angle and telephoto lens to their collection. Macro, microscopic, and fish-eye lenses tend to be more popular with individuals who have a higher level of skill. They are not used as often with general photography and may not be used at all by a budding photog.
Finding Camera Lenses on eBay
To find a wide range of lenses, but new and used, visit the Lenses & Filters page on eBay. From within this section, you can narrow your results to include only a certain type of lens, as well as a specific brand, condition, or seller location.
In addition to browsing within the Lenses section for the perfect option, try searching for specific types using the search bar. This feature works best when you have a specific idea of what you wish to purchase. For example, you could type "Nikon EX' to get results for listings which contain only that particular make and model. To get even more exact results, try searching only within the Lenses & Filters section for a desired model.
Once you have found the lens that you wish to purchase, learn more about the seller by clicking on his or her username to visit the seller profile. From there, you can read reviews, see other items that the seller has available, and ask any questions that you may have.
Conclusion
Having a good selection of quality lenses on hand is key to producing creative, well-shot photographs. Nearly all professional photographers, and most students, will benefit from having a choice selection on hand. Switching out a lens can change the final outcome of a photograph more than nearly any other adjustment.
Though technology has greatly improved in recent decades, multi-functional lenses and standard digital cameras simply cannot produce the quality images that come from using the perfect individual lens for each desired shot. Anyone who has invested enough financially and interest-wise into photography to purchase a DSLR, or even a compact system camera, should learn more about the merits of specialty lenses and take the necessary steps to obtain the lenses they need for an enjoyable foray into photography.
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