:: Photography Tips + Tricks: choosing a dSLR lens | part one ::

As I mentioned last week, I generally do not recommend getting the kit lens that is usually sold with the camera as a set. Why? Because 1) the image quality is probably not going to be great (unless you are purchasing a pro set) and/or 2) the focal length range and/or aperture range may not be ideal for your needs. By choosing a lens purposefully, you are in control of the style and look of your images.

The two most important properties of the camera lens are the FOCAL LENGTH and the APERTURE.  These values together describe the lens, and are generally printed on the barrel of the lens itself.

The lens focal length (usually represented in millimeter or mm) gives us 1) the angle of view = how much of the scene will be captured, and 2) the magnification = how large individual elements will be.

The longer the focal length = narrower angle of view + higher the magnification

The shorter the focal length = wider angle of view + lower the magnification

Courtesy of Dave Black/Nikon USA

The lens aperture (usually represented in f/stop values) is the size of the opening in the lens diaphragm through which light passes -- larger the f/stop value, smaller the opening; smaller the f/stop value, bigger the opening. For instance, an aperture of f/.2 has a larger opening than an aperture of f/4, which means the f/1.2 will allow more light to pass through the lens, giving more exposure. Aperture size also affects how blurry your background will be. A blurry background will not only direct attention to the elements in focus, it could also help camouflage a messy, cluttered scene.

Nikon USA

The lower the f/stop = larger opening in the lens + less depth of field + blurrier background

The higher the f/stop = the smaller opening in the lens + greater depth of field + sharper background

Nikon USA

If you are someone who wants an all-around good lens that will do well in different scenarios, a zoom lens with variable focal lengths might be the best option for you. On the other hand, you might find a prime lens with a fixed focal length more suited to your style of shooting because 1) it is lighter & more compact, and 2) it will most likely have a lower f/stop value (f/1.2 to f/2.8), which will allow you to shoot in low-light conditions.

Please check back next Tuesday for "Choosing A dSLR Lens | Part II." I will tell you which lenses, I feel, are best for close-up portraits, and which ones are best for images that use the environment to tell a story.

Also, check back tomorrow for details on this year's *HOLIDAY MINI PHOTO SESSIONS*. I am doing them a little differently this year, so stay tuned!