#38. Getting a new lens

Because I sold off my 75-300, I'm looking for another lens that can get me over 100mm at least. I don't think I need a stalker lens any time soon. I currently only have 3 lenses. 18-55 kit, 50mm, 28mm.

Here's a super helpful lens discussion from the Picture Social forum. Check them out HERE.

There are two main categories of lenses:

Prime lenses or fixed focal lenses (no zoom e.g. 50mm, 80mm, 100mm, etc.)

- Zoom lenses - versatile lenses that can change their focal length (e.g. 55-200mm, 70-200mm, etc.).

- Prime Lenses have the following main characteristics:

-convey a better image quality;
-know to be sharper!? (this is relative)
-are smaller and lighter;
-faster (better light-gathering ability-larger maximum apertures)
-have a better light-gathering ability, being recommended for both low-light and fasCam shutter speeds, ideal for sports / theatre / events photography;
-can achieve shallower depth of field;
-are simpler in terms of construction;
-are cheaper;
-make you more proactive;
-are less versatile;

The popular focal lengths: 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 80mm, 105mm, 135mm, 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 600mm.

1.Zoom Lenses have the following main characteristics:

-portability;
-are great when covering an event while unable to move around at will;
-ideal for photographing groups of people indoors;
-entails speed when adjusted to framing;
-instant capability to get a tighter shot when the moment dictates so;
-easier to achieve a variety of compositions or perspectives (since lens changes are not necessary);
-using a zoom lens does not necessarily mean that one no longer has to change their position - zooms just increase the flexibility.

1.Lenses categorised by focal length (a rough guide, actual uses can vary):

FOCAL LENGTH TYPE USE

Less than 21 mm         Extreme Wide Angle         Architecture
21-35 mm                     Wide Angle                        Landscape
35-70 mm                     Normal                               Street & Documentary
70-135 mm                   Medium Telephoto             Portraiture & Event
135-300+ mm               Telephoto                          Sports & Wildlife

Please note that these focal lengths apply only to 35 mm equivalent cameras.

Macro lenses

- specifically designed for macro photography

- have similar properties to normal lenses

- have very high optical quality

- focus distance shorter then other lenses

- can have various focal lengths but long focal lengths a real advantage; come in very handy for taking close-ups of subjects that might otherwise be scared away (start from 100mm if you wish to photograph insects)

You can also consider the extension tubes and Teleconverters

Teleconverters (TC):

Are optical devices which can be attached to the rear of a lens increasing the effective focal length.
The most common are:
- 1.4x (stops down the lens by 1 stop of light);
- 2x (stops down the lens by 2 stops).

How do TC operate:

-work better with fairly long focal lengths and prime lenses;
-do not produce good results while used with short focal length lenses and zoom lenses;
-some TCs can only be used with certain types of lenses (you might need to check when you buy them);
-the autofocus does not operate for all apertures (you need to check your body camera when you buy a TC).

Are Teleconverters worth it?
The answer is yes, as long as you use them (preferably) with a prime lens / long focal length. However, they are not useful with zoom lenses and short focal lengths.

Extension tubes:

-simply moves the lens farther from the sensor;
-does not contain optical elements;
-gives you closer focus (very useful for macro work);
-gives greater magnification;
-stops down the lens (1 or 2 stops);
-those without electrical contacts disconnect the lens from the camera (there is no AF).

Taken from this thread.