Camera Lens

 

As stated before this is the whole of the Camera and what you get out of it. There is no substitute for your glass, bar none…nothing. Buy the best you can buy, and that does not always mean that it is the most expensive. Before we get into that let’s take a look at what you need to know:

 

Point and Shoot

 

Optical vs. Digital Zooms

 

When looking at Point and Shoot Cameras (PS) pay close attention to the “Optical” Zoom. Almost every Point and Shoot Camera will have both. The actual optic lens will take you to 1 point and the digital will extend it from there.

 

PS Digital Only

 

If it does not state that it has an “Optical Zoom” this means that it is a Digital Camera only. This also means that there is no glass what so ever in the cameras optics. I would stay away from these when at all possible in Cameras. Digital Optics gives you the best representation of what the computer sees, it will never be as clear as a glass lens photo. However, it can get you into a zoom range where nothing else will and at least you will have a memory.

 

“The Exception on Digital Only”: This is the type of lens that your phone has, so most of the time it does a pretty good job and you really don’t have a choice. It will never be a pro shot but it does capture the memories and that is what it is for. I know I use mine a lot and the quality is improving.

 

PS Optical Lens

 

This is where you need to do some research on any Camera you intend to buy when it comes to the Point and Shoot Line. On high end models - research, research and research some more. Look at sample shots, read reviews and watch some video. Features on these units do vary and you need to make sure you get what you need and want. On the lower end it probably not going to matter as much, get the features you know you want, it probably come with more than you think.

 

DSLR Lens

 

This is where you are going to layout all your money for the next several years. Research is vital here, even renting or borrowing a copy of the lens you are looking at is not a bad idea. You can waste a lot of money in a hurry, so know what you want.

 

Something to keep in mind is that no matter what Brand you go with, you will be with that same Brand for the next 10-20 years just because  of all the money that is tied up in the lenses you bought.

 

The next question that is usually asked is what lens do I need?

 

My Answer - I personally shot Canon and if I had to limit my bag I would have 3 lenses: the cheap kit lens 18-55mm that came with the body (retail about $60-80), the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 ($499) every bit as good as the $1200-1300 Canon “L”, and to finish off with the Canon 70-200 “L” f/2.8 non Image Stabilized ($1300-1400) (They do sell the Image Stabilized version ($2100-2200)).

 

Those are my picks on the minimum for my bag. It gives me the entire range for everything I shoot and at f/2.8 I can shot any and everywhere with no flash. That means that I never miss that performance or awards ceremony at school, any sporting events personal and professional or portraits, again both personal and professional.

 

The next question “to you” is –

 

• What are you going to shoot?
• What do you like?
• How often will you shoot it?

 

Your answer(s) will determine what extra lenses you will pick up – Macro, Wide Angle, Tilt Shift, Fish eye, Portrait, Super Telephoto.

 

I cannot stress again put your money in the glass – buy the best you can buy and you will be happy and amazed at the same time. Save your money and don’t buy lesser quality glass. Remember, the most expensive is not always the only option. That Tamron 28-75mm mentioned earlier – I own 2 copies and still spent less than 1 Canon and there is no quality difference.

 

Tip: The 50mm Lens represents what you actually see and are generally under F/2.0. You will have to zoom with your feet but these are great lenses. Every bag needs this lens.