A Guide to Lens Buying Part I

It is jokingly said that all serious photographers are always one lens short regardless of what they have! If you are one of them then, do not worry, as you are just one among the millions.

- Ashok Kandimalla

If you start searching for a lens, then you will quickly realize that there are a bewildering number of choices available, making the selection difficult and tricky. After all, no one would like to throw hard-earned money only to realize a few months later that the choice was wrong. This article tries to help you arrive at logical and informed lens-buying decisions. It also gives an overview of some of the features that you need to look for. Let me also say what this article is not. It is not a buyer's guide in the traditional sense, where you will see a list of all lenses available with their prices. Many Internet sites give you that information and this article does not attempt to do so. Now, we are ready to start.

It is not uncommon for me to receive requests asking me for guidance on buying lenses. In response, I ask the question - "What are your requirements" or "What are the genres or subjects you wish to photograph?" The answer usually is - street, travel, architecture, macro, landscape, wildlife (including birds in flight), sports, portraits, low light, etc., plus the lens should be light, small, and most importantly it must be reasonably priced! My answer (in a lighter vein of course), stop searching as such mythical beast does not exist!

Seriously, what is needed is some 'focus' (excuse the pun) or prioritization. No doubt that you would like to attempt all genres but the same lens will not do all the jobs at least, efficiently. If it were, then there would be no such concept as interchangeable lenses. To better understand or crystalize your thoughts and needs, ask yourself questions like - What are the genres you practice most often? And some you do but less frequently or perhaps not at all? Are you trying to get into a new genre? Your selection would be greatly simplified if you are clear about your needs.