Being lucky to be part of the 21st century means reaping the benefits of all the technological advancements on a daily basis. Most of us nowadays have digital lifestyles based on the use of electronics, doing all the chatting, purchasing, reading and payment of bills through a device, be it a mobile phone, iPad, laptop or PC. Instead of being at one with nature, we learn how to be at one with technology. Though this leads to unhealthy habits, that is leading a sedentary life, technology is also essential. Take cameras for instance, the devices that make us get as close to time-travelling as we can (for the time being).
Social networking has made it possible for many, amateurs and professionals alike, to share their photos, the places that surround them, the things they see, the events they are part of, making memories that last a lifetime. However, there’s more to creating a jaw-dropping photo than choosing the right object or angle. Along with picking the right digital camera and learning about viewpoint, rule of thirds and use of full resolution, you still have to consider the kind of lens you have if it’s quality you’re after.
While some people may deny the importance of a good lens, we might as well say it’s what separates a potential award winning photo from an ordinary one. A wise photographer invests in lenses and with the chance to buy lenses online, differing in price, cost and specifications, all it takes is having the basic terminology in mind and the kind of photography you are into to make the most of your purchase. Since they have an immense role in the outcome, lenses are the ideal investment, because, unlike cameras which are constantly being upgraded and changed, lenses are the piece of essential equipment that can be used for years to come if you take proper care of them as they can fit different cameras and don’t go out of date. In other words, they should be part of your photography kit.
What you pay now for a lens made of glass of superior quality, can more than pay off eventually, and you’ll primarily get to see the positive results in your photos (prepare to be amazed!). Before you begin your search and buy lenses online, you have to be able to differentiate between focal length and aperture as both are characteristics of a certain lens. We can best explain them in simple terms, focal length of a lens determines the zoom of the photo, whereas the aperture of a lens refers to the diameter of a lens opening, the part that collects light. The focal length is expressed in millimetres; 14-24mm are ultra wide angle, 24-35mm wide angle, 35-70mm standard, 70-105mm mild-telephoto, 105-300mm and above are telephoto. Aperture is expressed by F-stops, such as F2.8, F/4-32, the bigger the number is the smaller the opening so the less light is let through and vice versa. With higher aperture you can get perfect focus with blurry surroundings, while with less aperture you can have more into the focus.
The choice you make comes down to the kind of photography you are dealing with. If it’s portraits you’re interested in opt for the mild-telephoto, for animal photography go for telephoto, architecture can look great through an ultra wide angle, and wide and standard are great for landscapes and events. Pick wisely and you won’t regret the purchase.
