Lenses are critical components in the photographer’s toolkit. While novice shooters often believe the camera to be the most important aspect of a gear system, those with more experience recognise that the type and quality of the glass in front of the sensor is the bigger factor in the success of the final image. Regardless of how many pixels a CMOS chip may be equipped with, or how effective the signal-to-noise ratio, if the optic used to focus light into the camera body is inferior, the fine-detail resolution will never be fully realised. Similarly, if a less-than-optimal focal length is utilised, it may result in an ineffective or inferior composition.
There’s more to focal-length choice than how ‘zoomed in’ the frame becomes: the choice of setting impacts foreground and background elements, altering the balance between them in the frame. Meanwhile, the choice of focal length within the zoom range of a lens can influence the maximum sharpness, as lens contrast and resolution can vary from setting to setting. Only with a good knowledge of their lenses, and of the common pitfalls of different lens types, can we make informed decisions.
In this guide to lens choice we’ll explore the world of optical science, and its practical applications in our day-to-day work.
UNDERSTAND YOUR LENSES
Get to grips with the most common lens features
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 30, 2020-Ausgabe von Photography week.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 30, 2020-Ausgabe von Photography week.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
SONY FE 24-50MM F2.8 G
A compact standard zoom with compromises
HOW TO...BOOST RAW PORTRAITS
James Paterson shows you how to use the Develop Persona in Affinity Photo to enhance portraits
INFRARED ON A BUDGET
Mike Harris shows you how to shoot infrared images without investing in a costly camera conversion
THE ONLY WAY IS UP FOR THESE AERIAL PHOTO ACES
SkyPixel contest showcases stunning stills and video captured using drones
MASTER THE MODE DIAL
Learn when and how to use every exposure mode on your camera for pro results
16-25MM F/2.8 G IS SONY'S NEW ‘MINI TRINITY' LENS
Sony has announced the FE 1625mm f/2.8 G, the companion lens to the recently released Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G (see this issue's review).
NEW 8K INSTA360 X4 RAISES THE BAR FOR 360 CAMERAS
Successor to X3 brings serious upgrades to resolution and battery life
SONY WORLD PHOTO AWARDS ANNOUNCES 2024 WINNERS
Prestigious contest celebrates outstanding photography from around the globe
ROLLEI 35AF WILL GET A 35MM F/2.8 LENS AND AUTOFOCUS
Mint Camera confirms key specs for upcoming reboot of classic film model
SIGMA 500MM F/5.6 DG DN OS SPORTS
This relatively lightweight lens packs a load of upmarket features