Imagine a photographer shooting in low-light conditions and needs to keep their ISO and shutter speed as high as possible without getting too much noise in the image. This is where having a fast lens will be of great benefit to them.
Focal length might sound technical, but it’s a vital aspect of photography. Choosing the right lens will help you get the most out of your camera.
Focal Length
Focal length is an important lens specification that determines how much of the scene is included in your image. It also affects the perspective of the subject, which is why it’s crucial to understand the effect different focal lengths can have on your photographs. Focal length is usually written in mm on the side of your lenses and may seem technical, but it’s a key factor that determines how you capture your shots.
For instance, a wide-angle lens like 16mm or 24mm is great for landscapes, auroras and Milky Way images because it creates a broad expanse of space in the image. On the other hand, a zoom or prime with a longer focal length like 100, 200 or 400mm will compress the subject to make it appear closer together.
These longer lens are perfect for portraits or isolating subjects from busy backgrounds. They are a great choice for street photographers because they allow you to capture a moment without disrupting the subject or having to approach them too closely.
In addition, long lenses help you to work with layers. For example, distant mountains in the background of a photo taken with a 300mm lens can look larger than life so that they can balance your composition with a close-up of a yucca in front.
As you experiment with your lenses, you will begin to develop a sixth sense of which one to pull out of the bag as soon as you start composing a shot. This is because you will start to find a range of lenses that suit your photography style and creative vision best. Using different lenses allows you to fully explore your creativity, which is why most photographers end up with an arsenal of lenses ranging from wide angle zooms to telephoto primes. As you start to use your lenses, you’ll develop a special relationship with each of them. Some may gravitate toward a certain type of lens, like a telephoto lens for sports or a wide-angle lens for landscapes, while others will develop an understanding of how to use each lens and create a unique perspective.
Aperture
Aperture is a key factor when it comes to choosing the right camera lens for your style. It has a huge creative impact, primarily in terms of controlling depth of field. It also affects your images’ brightness and can make them more or less sharp.
Apertures are denoted by f-numbers and range from 1.4 to f/32. The larger the number, the wider the aperture. A wide aperture allows more light into the camera, which is great for low-light conditions. It can also create a shallow focus effect known as bokeh. This can be a beautiful way to separate your subject from a busy background.
However, it’s important to understand that aperture is merely one tool in your kit. Aperture is best used in combination with shutter speed and ISO to achieve the image you want. Many photographers will use a wide aperture to blur backgrounds and achieve a bokeh effect, then stop down to create more sharpness in the subject. Others will set a very narrow aperture, like f/22, to maximize depth of field. This can be particularly useful when a subject is close to the camera.
Regardless of your specific style, it’s important to experiment with different aperture settings. By doing so, you’ll learn how each affects your photographs and which ones are better suited for specific scenes. It’s also a great way to get familiar with your camera’s controls and learn how to shoot in manual mode.
Once you’re familiar with the basics, it’s time to start figuring out which lenses will work best for your photography needs. Focal length, aperture, if it’s a prime or zoom, and whether it’s compatible with your camera are all important factors to consider. However, it’s also crucial to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a lens. It’s no good buying a lens that fits your style if you can’t afford to keep it.
Prime Lenses
For many photographers, prime lenses are an indispensible part of their camera kits. The fact that they’re fixed in focal length limits their versatility compared to zoom lenses, but they offer a host of benefits like stunning image quality and better low-light capabilities. They’re also typically less expensive, and they can help you achieve a shallow depth of field that’s perfect for separating your subject from the background, says photographer Clare Gelderd.
So if you’re ready to take your photography to the next level, consider upgrading your kit with a versatile and affordable prime lens. These lenses are a great choice for beginners and professionals alike, but they’re particularly popular with amateur photographers who want to master the art of focusing on their subjects.
The first thing to do when selecting the right prime lens for your style is to assess the focal lengths you’re most comfortable shooting at. You might find that you subconsciously favor a certain length, or you might be surprised to discover that you enjoy capturing images at a focal length you never expected.
Once you know the lens that’s best for your style, consider what kind of shots you’re most often taking. If you’re shooting landscapes or scenery, a wide angle prime lens is likely your best bet. These lenses are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travelling and capturing wide establishing shots of a scene.
For portraits, a telephoto prime lens is the way to go. These lenses are great for grabbing portraits of people, and they can produce an ultra-sharp image with a beautiful and attractive bokeh effect.
When choosing a portrait lens, remember that the longer the lens is, the shallower its depth of field will be. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on the situation. For example, if you’re shooting in a tight and cramped space, like a narrow European street or a busy indoor setting, a long prime lens can be a huge help in isolating your subject from the background. On the other hand, if you’re shooting an expansive beach or countryside scene, a short prime lens might be more suitable.
Zoom Lenses
While most camera bodies come with a standard kit lens, most photographers will want to expand their lens collection to better suit their photography styles. The right lenses can create a stunning visual aesthetic and help you capture the perfect moment. The choice of lens can be confusing and overwhelming, but there are some basic factors you should consider to ensure that the lens fits your needs.
First, you need to know your camera’s lens mount. You should also determine how fast you need the lens to be, i.e., its fixed max aperture (f-stop number). You should also choose between a zoom lens or a set of primes. Finally, you need to decide whether you are primarily going to be shooting video or still photos.
For example, if you want to shoot portraits, a prime lens with an aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.8 will provide you with a beautiful bokeh effect. If you are primarily taking landscapes, on the other hand, a wide-angle lens will allow you to take in more of the scenery and frame your subject.
A zoom lens allows you to adjust your focal length without having to move, which is great if you’re photographing animals or people who can’t be moved. A zoom with a long range, such as 70-200mm, will let you zoom in on distant subjects or get close ups of flowers and plants.
If you’re primarily shooting video, it’s important to consider whether or not your lens has image stabilization functionality. This feature will help you record sharp videos even when the lens is shaken or vibrating.
Once you’ve figured out your photographic style, set a maximum budget and spend it on a kick-ass lens! You’ll never regret it. Just be sure to factor in any additional costs you might need to purchase, such as a tripod, filters, gimbal, more batteries or a light. And don’t get sucked into the lens marketing madness – buy what suits your needs, not what you see influencers hawking in their YouTube or TikTok videos! You’ll be happier in the long run.