The Basics of Photographic Lenses
If you’re a novice photographer or someone who is considering the photographic arts, it is important to recognize the many different camera lenses and what types of images they can help create. Even understanding the basics of what each type of lens can do will help you choose the ideal lens for your subjects. From fast moving action, to portraits, to landscapes – choosing the right camera lens for job will help you produce amazing photographs.
Standard camera lenses are usually 50mm. The standard 50mm lens is a can produce a good reproduction of what the human eye can see. They are the most popular choice for SLR cameras and have a fixed focal length. This type of camera lens is used for your everyday photography. It is quick lens and allows for less lighting because of a low aperture. You can buy standard lenses with apertures as low as F/1.4. The lower the aperture, the more light the lens lets in, making the standard lens ideal for candid pictures and photographs taken in low-lighting, common conditions.
A wide angle lens will enable you to capture a photograph that encompasses a larger area than what would be possible with a standard lens. An image captured with a wide angle lens appears to be from a different perspective than from what the human eye can see. These camera lenses are shorter and usually have focal lengths of less than 50mm; typically 35mm or 24mm. Wide angle lenses are ideal for photographing landscapes or areas containing many focal points. They have apertures of F/2 or F/2.8, which allows for a higher depth of field. The extreme wide angle lens, or fish-eye lens, can take a photo that contains almost 180 degrees of the environment. Taking photos of close-up subjects with a fish-eye lens creates a rounded and distorted effect, while using a fish-eye of a far off landscape can produce a stunning panoramic.
The zoom lens is not limited to only one focal length. The lens is able to move and take a photograph from multiple focal ranges. Typically, a zoom lens can achieve focal lengths anywhere from 35mm up to 200mm. More expensive zoom lenses can have apertures under F/4.0, which need to be used in brighter lit conditions such as sunny daylight. Many photographers use zoom lenses to capture sports action from the sidelines or for capturing images of wildlife from a safe distance while giving the perspective of being up close.
A telephoto lens is similar to a zoom lens in that it can capture an up-close image of a subject from far away. However, a telephoto lens is fixed and does not allow for a variety of focal lengths. They come with a smaller aperture and are capable of shooting anywhere from 100mm to 500mm. Because of the long lens, telephotos are heavier and are more susceptible to blurring the photograph with even slight bumps or movements. In order to get up close shots from far distances, though, a telephoto lens may be required.
There are many other specialty lenses, but the four outlined here – the standard, the wide angle, the zoom and the telephoto – are the basic lenses that every photographer should eventually add to their camera bag. Learning what each lens can do and gaining experience by taking photographs with them will allow you to become a knowledgeable artist and a better photographer.
By: Budda Oliver
About the Author:
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of David Proett Photography. The professional photographer provides wedding portraits, family portraits, event photography, and has many print and media options. Primarily serving customers throughout the Richmond Virginia area, David Proett Photography will travel to accommodate your special needs. For more information on their Portraits Richmond VA please visit their website.