Narrowing Down the Best Digital Camera Lens
Feb 13th, 2009 by admin
Whatever type of lens you might need for your digital camera, the wide variety of choices available means that you should be able to find the perfect lens for you. You can buy anything from plastic lenses that are small, with a fixed focal length, to big lenses with removable zoom. There are main types of lenses, and you can find them below.
Lenses With Fixed Focal Length
This type of lens doesn’t have an optical zoom. Instead of choosing fixed focus, you should find one with autofocus, landscape focus and selectable macro. This type of lens is best for those with a small budget or snapshooters.
Advantages:
• You can use them on cameras of ultracompact or compact design.
• You can use them easily.
• Cheap
• You can use them for group shots and landscapes, since the angle of view is wide.
Disadvantages:
• When the subjects are far, you can’t zoom in properly.
• You can’t use converters for different filters and focal lengths.
• The quality is quite low.
Folded optics lenses
Optic lenses that can fold are usually found in ultracompact and slim cameras, where they can fold sideways. This type of lens belongs in cameras that are usually bought by trend setters, budget buyers and snapshooters.
Advantages:
• Can be used in cameras with ultracompact designs.
• A built-in cover usually comes with the lens.
Disadvantages:
• You can’t use filters or lens converters with them.
• They cost more than lenses that are external and the quality is lower.
Zoom lenses that are retractable
Retractable zoom lenses will extend out of the camera when it’s on and will go back when it’s shut off. These cameras work well for budget buyers, trendsetters, snapshooters and people that are undecided.
Advantages:
• Can be used in portable and compact cameras
• A cover protects the lens usually.
Disadvantages:
• You can’t use filters or lens converters with them.
• Starting the camera takes a bit longer since the lens needs to extend.
• You can use the switches and buttons to focus the camera manually.
Fixed zoom lenses
The fixed zoom lenses don’t retract inside the camera, since they are fixed on the digital camera.
Advantages:
• Use up to 18x zoom.
• It can accept filters, lens converters and flash units.
• You can zoom much easier and control the camera manually.
Disadvantages:
• The digital camera is heavier.
• It’s a much more complicated to use camera.
Interchangeable lenses
On a digital SLR you can change the lenses anytime you need to.
Advantages:
• You get the best photo quality.
• You can take a photo of almost anything, with the lens that suits the situation best.
Disadvantages:
• It cost more.
• Lenses are usually heavy and big.
By Chris Campbell
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