Understanding Digital Camera Lens

The advantage in DSLR cameras is being able to switch lenses, depending on the type of shot you want. With a good lens, you will be able to produce decent high quality photos.

Since there are so many different lenses with varying specifications available on the market, many people are confusing when purchasing a perfect digital camera lens for their DSLR.

To understand digital camera lens better, you need to know about some factors related to the lens itself. These factors are important to know when purchasing a digital camera lens.

Lens Focal Length

Lens focal length is measured in mm. This lens focal length is probably the most important factor that should be considered when purchasing a lens for your digital camera. The focal length of a lens determines the viewing angle of the lens.

The focal length determines if a digital camera lens is a Wide Angle (small magnification, wide angle of view. 20mm to 35mm) or a Telephoto (high magnification, narrow angle of view; 105mm to 300mm). A wide-angle lens is perfect for landscapes photography, while a telephoto lens is best suited for portraits.

Aperture

A digital camera lens speed refers to the lens’s aperture. Maximum aperture means the maximum amount of light that a lens can let in. It is measured in f/stop number. The smaller the number, the larger the opening. This means more light is let in.

A fast lens gives you a wider aperture also enables you to have a faster shutter speed. A type of lens like this is best suited towards successful photography in low lighting conditions.

In addition, you have to pay attention to the other feature such image stabilization. Slower shutter speed can result to blurry images when cameras are handheld. Image stabilization prevents this blurry image.

Also important, if you are purchasing a digital camera lens, it is better to stick with a camera lens from well known manufacturers like Nikon, Canon and Pentax. Be sure to purchase a lens that works with your digital camera. A Nikon digital camera lens may not fit in a Canon digital camera.