Hands-On Review: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

This budget-based extreme telephoto lens from Nikon is one of the best bargains in photography

By David Schloss

Judging by the name and specifications alone, the new AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm ƒ/5.6E ED VR from Nikon doesn’t seem like it’s going to be an exceptional lens—with a minimum aperture of ƒ/5.6 and a street price of under $1,400, even Nikon’s own press release doesn’t talk up the power of this new super-tele zoom. While the company often praises... Read more

Lenses For Portraiture

Considerations when choosing a lens for flattering photos of people

By Wes Pitts

Though there’s no "perfect" lens for portraiture, it’s generally agreed that a moderate telephoto in the range of 85mm to 135mm (35mm equivalent) is a reliably good choice. For tight headshots, an even stronger telephoto in the 200mm or even 300mm range may be a better choice. A lot depends on the space in which you have to work,... Read more

Optics For Macro

Three ways to get closer to your subject

By Mike Stensvold

Want to try exploring the miniature worlds accessible through close-up photography? There are options for every budget, from premium lenses specially designed for macro work, to relatively inexpensive extension tubes and close-up lenses, or "diopters", that resemble optical filters and attach to the front of your lens. Here are the basics... Read more

The Do-It-All Lens

All-in-one zooms that can cover wide-angles to telephoto

By David Willis

Canon EF 24-105mm ƒ/4L IS USM Over time, many pros build up an impressive arsenal of lenses for specialized use, but if you’re just starting out, superzooms are a great way to save on cost while still being able to cover most subjects. Digital lens design has mitigated the difference in image quality between zooms and prime lenses for the... Read more

Lenses

If you’re looking to buy a new lens with the latest optical technology, you’re in luck.

By William Sawalich

If you’re looking to buy a new lens with the latest optical technology, you’re in luck. Manufacturers have spent 2012 introducing many new models from which to choose. Whether you’re shopping for an extreme zoom for your mirrorless camera or a superfast wide-angle prime for your DSLR, there’s literally something for everyone.... Read more

Using A Teleconverter

Get extra reach with an affordable alternative to extreme tele lenses

By Mike Stensvold

Supertelephoto lenses are really expensive, but worth it for those who can afford the cost, due to their superb optics and AF performance, and fast maximum apertures. But there’s an accessory that can give those on a budget access to supertele "reach" at a much lower cost: the teleconverter. PROS AND CONS A teleconverter (or tele-extender)... Read more

Intro To Macro

Macro photography is a passport to a world of details and new perspectives

By Wes Pitts

Macro photography is a passport to a world of details and new perspectives. It’s also one of the most challenging types of photography to master, but don’t let that stop you. Whether you want to get into product photography or explore the intricacies of nature, with the right lens, camera support, lighting accessories and practice, you can... Read more

All About Lens Adapters

If you use an interchangeable-lens camera, a simple accessory can broaden your creative possibilities.

By Mike Stensvold

If you use an interchangeable-lens camera, a simple accessory can broaden your creative possibilities. Lens adapters let you attach and use lenses that weren’t made for your camera. Among the benefits are a wider choice of lenses, access to "premium" lenses (e.g., Leica, Schneider, Zeiss) and the ability to use manual-focus lenses with... Read more

Lenses

Although it may be more fun to shop for a new camera, a new lens probably will do more to spark creativity and open new possibilities.

By William Sawalich

Although it may be more fun to shop for a new camera, a new lens probably will do more to spark creativity and open new possibilities. So how do you select the perfect new lens for your photography and camera system? There’s a lot to consider when weighing a lens purchase, not the least of which are those technical specifications. Even more, though,... Read more

Lenses

Some photographers still ask if they can use old 35mm-film lenses on new DSLRs.

By William Sawalich

SOME PHOTOGRAPHERS still ask if they can use old 35mm-film lenses on new DSLRs. The answer is yes you can, but you probably won’t want to. Why? Because digital sensors handle light differently than film. Designed-for-digital lenses focus light differently to better register on the image sensor, and digital-specific coatings maximize color and... Read more

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