Lens Purchasing Guide: What You Need to Consider

Choosing the right lens can significantly impact your photography. This guide addresses frequently asked questions and highlights eleven key considerations for purchasing a lens.

Lenses Hold Their Value

Lenses are a worthwhile investment. Unlike camera bodies that frequently upgrade with new technology, lenses improve in small, incremental ways over long periods. For example, the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens had only one update over twenty years. Buying high-quality lenses ensures you can resell them at a reasonable price in the future.

Consider Your Focal Length

Think about what you plan to shoot. Telephoto lenses (e.g., 200mm) offer narrow angles of view and higher magnification, while wide-angle lenses (e.g., 24mm) provide broader views and less magnification. Choose a focal length that complements your subject and shooting style.

Lens Types

Lenses come in various types, each serving different purposes. Macro lenses allow for extreme close-ups, fisheye lenses create ultra-wide-angle shots with significant distortion, and tilt-shift lenses control perspective and depth of field. Determine if any specialty lenses are necessary for your work.

Aperture and Low Light

Your aperture choice affects your ability to shoot in low light and achieve a shallow depth of field. Lower apertures (e.g., f/1.8) perform better in low light but consider if this is essential for your photography needs.

Zoom vs. Prime Lenses

Decide between zoom lenses, which offer flexibility, and prime lenses, which typically provide better low-light performance. Your shooting environment and requirements for flexibility versus performance will guide this decision.

Lens Mount

Consider if you plan to upgrade to a full-frame camera. If so, investing in full-frame lenses now can save you the hassle of selling crop sensor lenses later. Be aware that some crop sensor lenses are designed with full-frame mounts, which may cause black edges in images.

Weight and Size

Lens weight and size can impact your shooting experience. Mirrorless lenses are generally lighter than DSLR lenses, and prime lenses are usually lighter than zoom lenses. Consider how much gear you need to carry and if a wide aperture is necessary for your work.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is less critical for wide-angle lenses but more important for telephoto lenses and video shooting. Determine if your camera has built-in stabilization (IBIS) or if you need lenses with this feature.

Weatherproofing and Build Quality

Durable, weatherproof lenses are essential for outdoor shooting but might be less critical for studio work. Consider your shooting environment and the importance of these features to your photography.

Focus Speed

Autofocus is crucial for fast-moving subjects like sports, but manual lenses can be a cost-effective option for other types of photography. Decide based on your shooting needs and whether you require rapid autofocus.

Lens Brand

Deciding between the same brand lenses as your camera or opting for third-party lenses involves considering image quality, autofocus performance, and cost. Third-party lenses have improved significantly and may offer unique focal lengths not available from camera brands.

Common Questions

Kit Lenses: Kit lenses vary in quality. While some are not great, many are highly reviewed and offer good starting points for new photographers.

Lens Hoods: These protect the front element and prevent lens flares from bright light sources outside the frame.

Extenders: Only use extenders with high-quality prime or zoom lenses to avoid magnifying flaws in cheaper lenses.

Superzoom Lenses: These lenses cover a wide range of focal lengths but do not excel at any particular focal length, making them suitable for casual but not professional use.

Used Lenses: Buying used lenses is a great way to save money, but discounts are often minimal due to the value retention of lenses. Ensure to inspect and test used lenses before purchasing.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a lens that best suits your photography needs.