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Which is the Right Camera Lens for You?

Which is the Right Camera Lens for You?

Yesterday, Judi Barrett posted an interesting question - what was the right camera lens for her needs? The answer, it depends.

Glass for SLR's or DSLR's can get expensive. The cost of the lens will be directly related to the size, MM focal length, and the f-stop rating. The lower the f-stop, the better the optics, hence, higher price.

What do you want to do? Should be the determining factor. Will you be mainly shooting close ups? Out-door scenes? Wildlife? Buildings? Sports? Night scenes? Once you have determined your primary use, then select a lens that will fit your price range and need.

There are many "shot-gun" lenses on the market. By shotgun, I am referring to a wide range of focal lengths. Avoid getting too wide a range. The wider the range, the more distortion you will experience. I generally try to stay within 100-150 mm range if possible. Additionally, if the lens has a shoe mount, it will be heavy.

Low light or night shots will need a tripod period! You just cannot hold the camera still that long. Even the best photographer can only hold the camera still for 1/8th of a second with out getting a blurred shot. A good tripod is a must.

Action shots depend upon speed. Good lighting is essential. While the size (MM) of the glass will get those close-ups, the fast action of the shutter will prevent blur. I have gotten excellent shots sports shots using a 300MM f-4.5 lens.

Auto/Manual focus. Today's world has left many novices in the auto focus world. Save for wildlife or fast action shots, I use manual focus. Manual focus lenses will work on most DSLR's. Auto focus lenses will be more expensive.

Pawn shops and used camera shops next to colleges or universities are excellent places to purchase good used lenses at a fraction of the price. Use CASH! Money TALKS! Determine what you want to pay and lay the money down. You will be surprised how many times you can walk out with a good deal.

This is only a short guide that I hope will help you make some decisions. Nothing is worse than spending a lot of money for a lens that just sets in your camera bag gathering dust.
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Posted by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector on 11/15/2009 07:17 AM

Comments (14)

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14 Comments on Which is the Right Camera Lens for You?

NOV

Michael - This is a very informative post with some important factors to consider. You must be a Nikon user since your photos are all Nikon lenses.

Marc, yes, I do use a Nikon camera, but I have Tamron, Sigma, and Nikkor lenses that fit my camera...

Michael, I have been thinking about getting some really good lenses----but first I need to get a really good camera:)

Very good advice. You're pictures are always amazing. Hope you have a great Sunday

I must admit, I am not the best photographer, but boy, things sure have come along way in the last few yrs!

Hi Michael,

Thank you for the link, the comments on that post, the phone call, and now this post. I am so very appreciative of the help.

Funny that you mention one gathering dust, that was what finally made my decision. I decided that a 5 pound lens might make a heavy camera bag and might not get used much. I may come back to that lens later... I keep learning but decided that it was more lens than I needed right now.

Bless my hubby, he said to get whatever I wanted so I guess he was tickled when I decided on a lens that was less than $500 instead of the $3000 one that I had thought I wanted.

I believe the one that I settled on will do most of what I want and will let me experiment with the extended zoom capabilities at a much lighter weight so I'll be more spontaneous with it and it will pack better on my trips.

Again, you are so wonderful for extending all of the help and I do sooo appreciate it.

Thanks again,

Judi

Michael,

No wonder you have such great photos. I will not post a photo of my camera.

Michael, before kids we were into photography, had a nice Canon withvseveral lenses, now I'm lucky to get a pic with my BB! Thanks for the tips!

NOV

The last line says it all. Figure out what you're going to take photo's of, then search for the lens. I do the bulk of my shots with my 28-135 IS. The others have specialized uses that I don't drag out ever day. For most that would be a waste of money. However, I would just about cut my leg off before I would give up my 500.

Very cool lesson on lenses. I need to get a nice camera to take better photos. The pic of the Thunderbirds flying in formation was taken from my iPhone, LOL!

Michael, What a fantastic tutorial on the lenses...and I particularly like the college tip. I am sure many a parent has groaned as they bought the "must have lenses" for their kids, only to have the equipment end up in a nearby campus pawn shop!

NOV

I have walked into pawn shops and felt like a dummy. The pawn shop clerk asks questions to find out how knowledgeable you are. The inventory at one pawn shop was in such bad shape I had to walk out...

NOV

Hi Michael,

Good information. Something else people may want to consider is whether a lens has something to minimize movement, like Canon's IS (Image Stabilization) or Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction).

NOV

Michael.. this is something one should think about when choosing a new camera. I currently have a Samsung Pro 815. Of course I can't change my lense.. I'm looking for a good external flash.

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