There are several types of digital camera lenses and terminology associated with them. The focal lengths of lenses are described in terms of the 35mm equivalent. It’s important to note that just because your camera is digital doesn’t mean your zoom lens should be!
Fixed focal length lens
The camera lens does not change at all. With a fixed focal lens the only way you can get a close up is to move closer to your subject. But don’t get too close ot your subject’s features are likely to become distorted.
Types of zoom Lenses
Optical zoom lens: a true zoom
An optical zoom is a true zoom. Its focal length changes and the zoom mechanism itself extends and retracts so an image is magnified by the lens itself. An optical zoom produces the best quality images.
Digital zoom lens
A digital zoom is not a true zoom. It is a simulated zoom that enlarges the central portion of an image in the camera. The actual length of the lens does not change. Digital zoom produce images with reduced visual quality.
Interchangeable and converter lenses
Single Lens Reflex digital cameras (DSLR) accept a wide range of interchangeable lenses. Some lenses used with a 35mm film SLR may be compatible with the same brand DSLR, though features such as auto-focus may not work if the lens in old.
You can get decent consumer level lenses for reasonable prices, however high quality professional lens can cost $1000 or more. There are specialized lenses for any photographic scene or subject.
Add-on converter lenses are available for many compact (non-dslr) digital cameras. Converter lens are relatively inexpensive and extend the flexibility and capability of a built-in lens by allowing you to attach another lens.
Related reading: extended optical zoom
great article.
thanks
Thanks 4 the great info on lenses…nice1…
I am looking for buying a telephoto(?) lens for my Nikon D80 camera to be used during our tour of our National Parks this summer? Don’t know much about lenses to know what I need-tele/zoom/whatever. Please help. Thank you.
We have information at the site that you will help you gain a better understanding about DSLR lenses. If you decide to buy what is known as a kit lens, which is adequate for many peoples needs, be sure to get the latest model. It should have image stabilization (Vibration reduction).
DSLR Lens Basics – Discusses some of the features to look for when buying a lens.
Interchangeable lens quality – Discusses some of the quality differences between lenses.
DSLR lens types – provides info about the many types of lenses and what they are best suited for photographing.
Buying a used DSLR lens – Even if you don’t buy a used lens, this article will give you information about Nikon (and other) lens mounts.
Depending on they type of scenes and subjects you plan to photograph, two zoom lenses may cover all your needs: a wide to mid telephoto lens for scenes and a mid-telephoto to long zoom lens to zoom in close to subjects in the distance (eg; 18-55mm & 55-200mm Zoom Lenses). There are plenty of other lenses, limited only by your pocketbook.
Have a great trip! You have a fine camera and I’m sure you’ll take plenty of memorable photos.
Good information. What about prime lens for digital SLRs?
Prime lenses often have superior image quality over most zoom lenses. They are generally less expensive and lighter than zoom lens and have less moving parts…but they are also less versatile. If you could only have one lens, many recommend the 50 1.8mm prime lens as mentioned in this article about the 10 top DSLR accessories.
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