Lenses

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

It’s The Lens, Baby!

Selective focus is a hot trend in photography. The soft, dreamy look is ideal for portraits, close-ups and scenics, directing attention by blurring your subject’s surroundings.

By The Editors
Selective focus is a hot trend in photography. The soft, dreamy look is ideal for portraits, close-ups and scenics, directing attention by blurring your subject’s surroundings. When you want the creative effects of selective focus in-camera, you can’t beat the simplicity of Lensbaby lenses and optics. A big part of the appeal of Lensbaby... Read more

Ultimate Travel Lenses

Now more than ever, traveling light is a pleasure.

By David Willis
Now more than ever, traveling light is a pleasure. While the amount of gear photographers typically carry has expanded in the digital age, airlines are increasingly restricting what we can bring on board. Minimizing gear without sacrificing creative options is a huge benefit. That’s where big-range zoom lenses can help dramatically cut the weight... Read more

Beyond The Kit Lens

Buying a digital SLR as part of a kit that includes a lens is a popular option, especially for those moving up from a compact camera or switching brands.

By Jon Canfield
Buying a digital SLR as part of a kit that includes a lens is a popular option, especially for those moving up from a compact camera or switching brands. Usually for just a small increase in price, you get the camera body with a zoom lens—enough to get you started. It probably won’t be long before you start looking at other lenses, though, either... Read more

A Traveler’s Lens

To outfit my first SLR, purchased in what seems like a hundred years ago, I acquired a 28mm and an 80-200mm zoom.

By Seth Weber
To outfit my first SLR, purchased in what seems like a hundred years ago, I acquired a 28mm and an 80-200mm zoom. Now, decades later, my basic travel kit still relies on two camera bodies and this simple lens combination; only today, the wide choice is a 10-20mm lens (to achieve the roughly 16mm view that I grew accustomed to with film) and a 70-300mm... Read more

Designed For Digital Lenses

From fixed-focal-length prime lenses to wide-angle to telephoto zooms, modern lenses use a complex combination of high-end glass, unique materials and chemical cocktails capable of producing optics with incredible power.

By Dave Willis
From fixed-focal-length prime lenses to wide-angle to telephoto zooms, modern lenses use a complex combination of high-end glass, unique materials and chemical cocktails capable of producing optics with incredible power. Digital optical design has advanced so much that zooms now can extend up to an incredible 15x range, while wide-angles produce images... Read more

Tele-Zooms

A tele-zoom is the convenient solution for getting close to the action, even when you need to remain at a distance.

By Dave Willis
A tele-zoom is the convenient solution for getting close to the action, even when you need to remain at a distance. For portrait, sports and wildlife photography, these zooms give you the compositional flexibility you need to frame your subjects creatively. Telephoto lenses tend to be large and often heavy, so one of the big advantages of a tele-zoom... Read more

Buyer's Guide 2009: Lenses

Cameras get all the attention. When a new camera is expected from one of the big players, the rumor mill starts up and bloggers frantically conjecture at what new features and technologies it might have.

By William Sawalich
Cameras get all the attention. When a new camera is expected from one of the big players, the rumor mill starts up and bloggers frantically conjecture at what new features and technologies it might have. Photographers and tech junkies get excited, and soon the buzz is a juggernaut. Lenses, on the other hand, aren’t the stuff of rumors and anticipation—but... Read more

Lenses: Designed For Digital

Far from simple marketing hype, the term “designed for digital” encompasses the entirety of lens technologies unique to the demands of image sensors and their various sizes.

By Harlon Mitchell
Far from simple marketing hype, the term “designed for digital” encompasses the entirety of lens technologies unique to the demands of image sensors and their various sizes. Unlike film, image sensors have a shiny, flat surface. That surface is prone to causing internal reflections of light that bounce back and forth between the image sensor... Read more
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