The deeper you delve into photography the more you begin to notice the limitations your standard kit lens. At that time you may want to consider upgrading it or even just adding to the one you all ready have. Your average DSLR kit lens is fantastic for your every day run of the mill occasions. However, when you do come upon a situation out of the ordinary you will find yourself wondering about what else is out there and how you can improve your lens and if there is one suited for this specific event. There are many factors you need to consider when purchasing new lenses. Some of the factors include focal length, prime or zoom options, maximum aperture, image stabilization, minimum focus and premium glass.
Focal Length
Focal length is the most important factor in choosing a new lens and it will regulate how much of a scene you will fit into your photograph. You can choose between telephoto and wide angle lenses. Telephoto lenses are great for sports and wildlife but they may be heavy and require the use of a tripod to prevent shaking. Wide angle lenses are usually used for home interiors but can give a circular effect to your images.
Prime or Zoom
Most new lenses are zooms which give you the ability of several different focal lengths in a single lens but the quality is not as good. With prime lenses you only get one focal length but the image is of a superior quality.
Maximum Aperture
At times you will find two lenses with the same focal range but one will be nearly twice the price. This is usually because the more expensive one will have a wider maximum aperture. Having a wider maximum aperture means it has a brighter viewfinder, a faster autofocus but with these positives comes with the negatives of heavier and bigger.
Image Stabilization
Camera shake is often a problem especially when using telephoto photography. Some manufacturers put stabilization in the lenses. You can purchase a non-stabilized version but you will need to use a higher shutter speed or a tripod to prevent shake in the images.
Minimum Focus
If close up photography is where your interests lie, you will need a lens that can focus close to your subject matter. Buying a dedicated macro lens is important because they offer a one to one ratio for life-size reproductions. Some zoom lenses advertise that they are macro lenses as well but they are just a close second. Their ratio is closer to one to four opposed to the dedicated
macro lens’ one to one ratio.
Premium Glass
Premium glasses used in lenses will raise the price and can be identified by acronyms in their names. The raised price is well worth it because with the raised price comes a huge raise in optical quality.