When it comes to buying a digital slr lens for your digital SLR you may be totally confused about where to start. Is it just the case that bigger is better? Do you have to understand all that confusing technical terminology? How can you be sure to select the best lens and get a good price at the same time? If you have some basic knowledge to help get you started, it does not have to be a daunting process.
About Focal Length
One of the main things you have to consider is what is known either as focal-length multiplier or focal-length magnification. This refers to the conversion in a digital SLR from its APS-size sensor. Put simply, your digital SLR lens is going to act in a way larger than it really is.
A 50 mm lens really gives you an angle of view compatible to a traditional 75 mm lens, because the conversion is about 1.5 to 1.6. 200 mm would be 300 mm and so on. However, it’s important to note that this only accounts for the angle of view, and doesn’t actually change the optics principles or distortion of a particular lens sense or style.
Look Out for Apochromatic Correction
Aprochromatic correction, image stabilization and digital only lenses are a few other features or options to keep in mind. Digital only lenses won’t be compatible with a traditional camera, or potentially future SLRs with 35 mm lenses, though they provide great value. The Nikon DX is an example of this.
Image stabilization will help you get better shots by counteracting camera shake or blur from slow shutter speeds, and apochromatic correction helps to improve image sharpness. Also note that some camera bodies, such as those from Sony and Olympus, are designed to provide stabilization effects, and other cameras rely on the lens to provide image stabilization.
What Are the Best Brands?
When it comes to brands you will definitely have a wide range to choose from. The most recognizable of the bunch undoubtedly are Canon camera lenses, which have a great reputation as being high quality lenses in keeping with Canon camera bodies, as well. Furthermore, you will find some great choices from Olympus, Tamron, Panasonic, Nikon and a range of other manufacturers as well.
You’ll find that some of these brands may offer more customized solutions for a particular setting or style of photography. You also may only be interested in using the same brand for the camera body and the lens. This often offers greater synergy and performance for your shots, but it isn’t a necessity in most cases. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you’d like to do this.
This has been just a simple starting guide for digital SLR cameras and camera lenses. You’ll have to cross the bridge of how much money you need to end up spending as well, and there are surely other things to consider. You will always be able to find a great match for your specific needs and your budgetary constraints, whatever they may be, but it’s always better to purchase one versatile, high quality lens than needing to get a range of more limited and lesser quality lenses.
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