For a professional photographer, SLR camera lenses will probably be in abundance to ensure that the most suitable lens is available to utilize for a specific photograph. However, for amateur photographers who are looking to purchase a new lens to increase their photography capabilities, it can be somewhat daunting as the array of camera lenses that are available is considerable.
One of the most important points to note about SLR camera lenses is that they are always camera brand specific, meaning that a Nikon camera lens would not be compatible with a Canon camera and vice versa. However, a lot SLR camera lenses are generally interchangeable between different models from the same brand. For instance, the 18-135mm kit lens that comes with the Nikon D80 will work on the D90, with no particular issues arising.
Whichever SLR camera is owned, the lenses available vary considerably in purpose, size and price and can generally be easily placed into one of the following five categories.
Standard –
Most SLR cameras that come with a kit lens will feature a standard lens. Not designed to take photographs of any specific form that a dedicated lens would be purchased for, standard lenses are extremely suited at taking regular photographs that do not require any change of image perspective.
Wide Angle –
With a shorter focal length than a standard SLR camera lens, wide angle lenses provide, as would be suggested by their name, a wider angle image. Offering somewhat of a distortion on the picture’s perspective, wide angle camera lenses give the effect that the item which is closest to the camera is a lot bigger than it is, producing a surreal looking photograph.
Telephoto –
In essence, a camera with a telephoto lens attached has the ability to bring items that are further away closer to the camera, in much the same way that a telescope or pair or binoculars work. One of the SLR camera lenses that vary in price most, they can cost in excess of $100,000 at the higher end of the market, which although unnecessary for the vast majority of photographers, are ideal for professional wildlife photographers.
Macro –
The opposite of a telephoto lens, a macro SLR lens has the ability to make small things that are close appear extremely large. Not detracting from the detail in the image, high quality macro lenses are more than capable of taking a photograph of a one inch sized insect with such detail that it can be blown up to fit a large poster without losing any of the insect’s features.
Fish Eye –
Often seen as an extension or progression to a wide angle lens, using a fish eye lens can encompass a wider view, but give the photograph a different perspective, to the extent that it appears to effectively bend. Not used particularly widely in general photography, fish eye lenses offer a great and unusual effect to produce some fantastic images.