by Eugene Struthers
As we near the end of the Basic photography course. It is important at this stage of your photography journey with us. To fully understand how to select a lens and establish a reason for a particular lens choice. After all, you can't capture an image without a lens. And ultimately it's not the camera that controls the images you capture - it's the type of lens you use.
The process of finding your first digital SLR camera can be a very daunting process. Add into the equation the fact that you will require a lens. And the fact that you can't capture an image without the two working together seamlessly and the whole process becomes overwhelming.
By knowing specifically what your camera can do in conjunction with the type of lens you have chosen. Can have an overall influence on the direction of your photography. It highlights what the lens will allow you to do and how as photographers we can exploit these lens characteristics to there full potential.
Like with any process and procedure. It is far more beneficial and financially sound to have a plan of action, a frame of reference and a strategic formulae to work from. Which will serve as a guide for you to pinpoint and outline your own specific requirements?
This is a 6 step guide which was written back in 2004 when the website www.Glamour-Photography.co.uk was up and running. It has been tried and tested and has saved a lot of photographers time and money. Because it is easy to use and apply to their own particular genre of photography.
In order to establish what lens to purchase. We first have to know what brand of camera you have or are going to purchase as well.
The reason being. The modern digital lens has an electronic connection with the digital SLR camera. These connection points must connect exactly in alignment with one another. In order for the transfer of information to occur between the camera and the lens.
The digital lens and camera connectors are manufacturer specific. Which basically means. The lens needs to be the same brand as the camera or designed and modified to be compatible with the camera. As in the case of a third party lens.
The connection mount of the body of the camera must align with the lens. In order for the camera to lens electronic transfer of information to occur.
Each camera and lens manufacturer has their own specific body and lens mount. These are detail specific and prevent brand crossovers from occurring between i.e. Canon, Nikon etc. However; there are adapters which allow a Nikon lens to be used with a Sony camera. The only disadvantage of using an adapter is the loss of specific functions within the lens. And you may find that you are unable to zoom or use autofocus.
To make your selection of a lens more easier and less of a hassle. I have put together "6 Steps". Which will make you question: What you require? Why you require that type of lens? What characteristics and functions do you need from a new lens? What are the lens limitations? What are it's advantages & disadvantages? What extra functions is the lens able to assist you with?
Please download the pdf doc, so that you may follow and fill in the lens specifications form as we progress to the end? I'm sure you will agree. That once you have followed all six stages. The whole process is easy to understand and it gives a logical explanation to your final choice of a lens. Rather than just guessing and being rather vague.
To fully understand how to choose a lens and grasp the fundamental principals to doing a comprehensive search. Please follow this guide in a logical sequence to prevent confusion and doubt. Download the pdf guide and then fill in each section as you compile your search criteria and narrow down the specifics of your requirements. It will save you time & money.
See you all
next month