DSLR Tips: A Guide for Buying Lenses

Many consumers who move from a Compact Point and Shoot to a DSLR are often confused about which lens to purchase. They may be tempted to purchase the kit lens that comes with a DSLR. They may not be aware of the difference between a kit lens and a specific type of lens, or they might even purchase it, only to regret it later. These tips will help you select the right lens for your new DSLR.

Focal length

As an offer from the manufacturer, a kit lens is a lens that is packaged together with a camera. A typical entry-level DSLR will include an 18-55mm lens. The two longest focal lengths that the lens can take pictures of are 18mm and 55mm. It doesn’t have to do with how long the lens is. The smaller the number, the larger the field of view it can capture. Technically any lens less than 50mm has been called a wide-angle. The lens’ optical zoom range is also affected by the number. The human eye is typically 50mm long. This is why street photographers prefer to shoot with a 50mm prime lens. More on prime lenses later. A kit lens of 18-55mm will suffice if you only want to shoot every day. If you want to photograph wildlife, you’ll need a longer focal length, like 55-300mm. If you’re a landscape photographer or are interested in architecture photography, you will need a larger lens, such as a 17-55mm.

Compatible lenses from other manufacturers

You have two options when shopping for a DSLR: either buy it with a kit lens or ask the shopkeeper to bundle the camera and another lens. The kit lens purchase is not a mandatory requirement. Professional photographers prefer to purchase a body and then choose the lens they want. You can mount compatible lenses from other manufacturers by purchasing the body only. There are many compatible lenses on the market. There are many options available if you want to buy a Nikon DSLR or a Canon DSLR.

Use lenses with an adapter ring

You can use lenses that aren’t directly compatible with each other using an adapter ring. It is important to remember that if you use an adapter ring with a lens, you will likely lose the Auto-Focusing capabilities.

Prime lenses and zoom lenses

Prime lenses are fixed focal length lenses. Because the focal length is fixed, manufacturers can focus on the optical quality of the lens and not the moving elements. Prime lenses are generally faster due to their larger maximum aperture. They also offer the possibility for photographers to choose a faster shutter speed. A wider aperture is ideal for fast action and low light photography.

Zoom lenses, on the other side, have a variable focal length. They can also be adjusted to focus on a subject using a focusing wheel on the lens body. A zoom lens body contains many moving parts, so it tends to be heavier. The maximum aperture of a zoom lens is slightly smaller than that of a prime lens.

Image stabilisation system

It is important to check whether the lens comes with an image stabilization system. Although they are called different things by different manufacturers, the basic function of an image stabilization system is the same. They reduce camera shake during the photo-taking process. The lens body has tiny gyro sensors that can detect horizontal and vertical movements and adjust for them by moving certain lens elements to align the image with the focal plane. You will need an image stabilization system if you plan to use your lens for hand-held photography.