Camera lens
tips & insights

This page on lenses is written for SLR, not compact digital camera users. And, it refers to optical, not digital zooms.

Optical vs. digital zoom

This web page deals exclusively with optical zoom. Digital zoom is not worth commenting upon except to say that it produces muddled photos. I strongly recommend that you use only optical zoom, which delivers good resolution.

Zoom vs. fixed-length lenses

A zoom lens lets you use a range of focal lengths, which are measured in mm (millimeter) units. The higher the number, the greater the magnification and the narrower the angle of view.

A fixed-length lens cannot zoom. It shoots only at its proscribed mm focal length. Fixed-length lenses produce slightly sharper pictures than do zooms. They are also somewhat faster.

Popular zoom configurations

Three of the more popular zoom configurations:

28 to 105mm

80 to 200mm

100 to 300mm

Fixed-length configurations

Popular sizes include:

24mm (wide angle)

28mm (wide angle)

35mm (wide angle)

50mm (standard)

85mm (low telescopic)

100mm (low telescopic)

135mm (mid telescopic)

300mm (high telescopic)

There are also 600mm lenses. They are big and heavy - and costs as much as US$9,000. Professional sports and wildlife photographers use them.

Lens collections

Professionals assemble a set of fixed-length and zoom lenses to suit their every need.

Which is best for the traveler?

I believe most travelers would be better off taking one zoom lens instead of a large set of fixed-length lenses because of the bulk and weight factors.

I recommend a zoom at or near the 28 to 105mm range. For wildlife environments, an 80 to 200mm zoom would make more sense. For traveler's with broad needs, both lenses might fit the bill.

If the traveler wishes to bring one zoom lens plus a focal-length lens, he should select a focal length that is appreciably greater or lesser than his zoom's range. This gives him added flexibility.

When to use certain lenses

Each excels in taking certain types of photos:

Wide-angle – Use it for photographing landscapes because of its broad view and large depth of field. It's also excellent for building interiors.

Standard - Use it when taking group shots - or when you're not sure which lens would be best.

Telescopic – Use it to bring distant objects closer - or to expand the depth of field.

Macro -  Use it to take very up close photos of, for example, flowers (some lenses can focus within two inches of the subject).

More lens tips & insights

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