Many customers switching from a Compact Point & Shoot to a DSLR would frequently be perplexed about which lens to buy. They might be persuaded to purchase the kit lens included with the DSLR they are purchasing. They may even decide to purchase it without understanding what a kit lens is or what kind of lens they actually need, only to find out later that their purchase was a mistake. The following suggestions can assist you in selecting your first lens if you’re looking to purchase a new DSLR.
Focal length
When a camera is purchased, the manufacturer will often include a kit lens as well. A 18-55mm lens would typically be included with a beginner DSLR. 18mm and 55mm are the two extreme focal lengths within which the lens can shoot pictures. The lens’s focal length has no bearing on it. The wider the field of view that it can capture, the smaller the number (technically, a wide angle lens is any lens that is less than 50mm). Once more, the higher the number, the greater the optical zoom range of the lens. Many street photography enthusiasts favor using a 50mm prime lens because the human eye typically has a focal length of about 50mm. Prime lenses will be covered in more detail later. A kit lens like the 18-55mm will do for you if all of your photography is just everyday snapshots. However, a longer focal length, such as a 55-300mm, will be required if you prefer to photograph wildlife. if you are a landscape photographer or shoot architecture, then you will need a wider lens something like a 17-55mm.
Compatible lenses from other manufacturers
If you’re buying a DSLR, you can either buy it with the included kit lens or ask the store clerk to include a different lens of your choice in the package. The requirement that you purchase the kit lens is not a set requirement. Professional photographers prefer to purchase a camera body only and then use a lens of their choice. The option to mount a compatible lens made by a different manufacturer is available if you only purchase the body. The market is filled with a variety of additional compatible lenses. The options are pretty varied if you’re buying a Nikon or Canon DSLR.
Using lenses via an adapter ring
By using an adapter ring, it is even possible to use lenses that are not directly compatible. The Auto-Focusing (AF) capabilities of a lens will most likely be lost if you use it with an adapter ring, it is important to note.
Prime lenses and zoom lenses
A prime lens has a fixed focal length. Because the focal length of the lens is fixed, manufacturers have fewer moving lens elements to manage and can instead focus on the optical capabilities of the lens. Because prime lenses have a wider maximum aperture and give photographers the option of choosing a faster shutter speed, they are typically faster. For shooting quick action or in low light, a wider aperture is ideal.
Zoom lenses, on the other hand, have a variable focal length and can be turned to focus on a subject by turning a focusing ring on the lens body. A zoom lens’ body contains many moving parts, so the lens is typically heavier as a result. Additionally, compared to a prime lens, the maximum aperture is somewhat smaller.
Image stabilisation system
If an image stabilization system is built into the lens, it is important to consider this before buying the lens. Different manufacturers have different names for image stabilization systems, but they all essentially accomplish the same thing. They compensate for camera shake while the photo is being taken. On the lens body, there are tiny gyro sensors that are mounted. These sensors can detect the vertical and horizontal movements of the camera and correct for them by moving particular lens elements to bring the image onto the proper focal plane. Your lenses must have an image stabilization system if you intend to shoot most of your photos while hand-holding.
