Thursday, May 19, 2011

Popular Lenses


You've asked for information about dSLR lenses and most inquiries are for Nikon and Canon. 





Here are the most popular lenses according to Amazon:

For Nikon owners:










For Canon owners:





When I’m considering a new lens I consider the type of image I’ll be shooting, which lenses are popular and my budget. Why do I consider the popular lenses? They must be used by lots of folks who get excellent results and that narrows down my list. 


Here’s a description of lens types:



Kit Lenses – Entry level lenses packaged with a camera. Purchasing the camera and lenses together may save you money but you may sacrifice quality. However, depending on your budget and photo interests this may be a good starting point.


You may prefer buying the camera body and purchasing upgraded lenses separately. A good idea is to rent a lens from a camera shop and try it.





Telephoto Lenses – These are the most popular. They come in a range of configurations. With zooms you do not need to get physically closer to your subject to frame your image.





Prime Lenses – A prime lens has one focal length like the popular 50mm. To focus you physically move closer or further away from your subject. These have great image quality and speed (fast aperture).

Macro Lenses – Specifically designed to shoot objects up close, they give you life sized images.

These are the basics. You may also want to check out wide angle and fish eye lenses.


You’re now equipped with a starting point for purchasing your next dSLR lens. Happy shopping!


What other information or tips would like like regarding lenses, cameras or photography?









31 comments:

A.Rozinov said...

"Kit Lenses – Entry level lenses packaged with a camera. Purchasing the camera and lenses together may save you money but you may SACRIFICE QUALITY. "
Yes, Mari. Teoretecly I agree with you,
but there is some example - many years ago I bought my first Minolta 505 with kit lens 75-300. It's was my beter lens ever! Fast, sharp, detailed (and light!). Today I am using Sony 300 SSM and I am completely unsatisfied! conclusion - Kit lens it's test how lucky you are!
:-)

Ravenmyth said...

Mari...I love zoom. It is always comforting to know you can actually get a shot when you are not up close and personal...your posts are always so informative and we get amazing photo's to boot...

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

A.Rosinov - I absolutely agree. When I purchased my Nikon D90 I bought it with the kit lenses because I trust Nikon's quality and budget was a big issue. I also know I can sell the kit lenses as I move up into more expensive lenses. Thank you for your comment.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Ravenmyth- thank you. Your comments are always appreciated.

Kriti said...

Mari those clouds did something to me. Lovely!!!

JIM said...

Really good information Mari..Funny I own three of these lens but my 2 go to lens are not listed....Your statement regarding the reasons to buy a certain lens was excellent. People should conceder what type of photography they shoot and keep in mind that a zoom ( mid range) will give them lots of versatility

http://brandano19152.c4.cmdwebsites.com/blog/?p=264

SandyMDesigns said...

I am following you back. I can use some photography tips. Love the photos and good information about the Nikon D90.

Judie said...

Mari, your blog is very interesting. I scrolled down through your recent entries. Your photos are wonderful. The same principles apply in all 2D art. The golden mean is a principle that I stress with my students.

Unknown said...

Hi Mari, great post.
I'll keep in mind when I will decide to buy a new camera (if anything I'll do it)..
Meanwhile, if you want I have reserved an award for you here on my blog
xoxoxo

JJ said...

Mari: Great site with great info. Thanks for stopping by mine as well. I am now following.

Sailor said...

If I ever upgrade, I think I should probably go for the kit lenses. As always fantastic post.

lakwatsera de primera said...

I just purchased my 50mm recently and still getting used to it. I usually use my 18-200mm whenever I travel because I don't have to change lens often but the image quality is not that great. Looking forward to more of your informative post Mari.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

lakwatsera de primera - excellent idea and thank you for your comment. I do the same. Less to carry. I also use one lens when going to the beach or other dusty/dirty places. that way I'm not changing lenses and risking getting dust in my camera.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Saru' - thank you for the "One Lovely Blog Award". Receiving this award is almost as sweet as receiving one of your beautiful cakes! I will post my answers this weekend!

Matt Considine said...

Mari, nice post on lenses.

Typically, I like to carry a range of Canon lenses. 16-35mm, 24-105, 70-200 and a fish-eye lens and 14mm.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Thanks Matt - I appreciate your feedback. Your photos are my favorites!!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic blog, super informative.
Your photos are wonderful and very well composed.
I love photography as much as painting.
Thank you Mari, for inviting me into your creative world!
And thank you for your comment on my art.
We can exchange links if you want.
I will be honored to do.

cookingvarieties said...

hi mari, wow ! both the images are stunningly beautiful..simply mesmerizing, cant take my eyes off them..
the cones, visions thru camera are usually more beautiful huh, all the minute artistic details can be seen very clearly

Theresa Plas said...

Hi Mari! I am enjoying your blog and all the fabulous info you are sharing. I recently bought a Canon Rebel T1i and am lusting after a macro lens. Appreciate all your tips and fabu photos!

Teamgsquare said...

Nice piece of information , sure i too need to buy a new lens. this info will help me .

Alfandi said...

what everyone should have is just one lens..the 18-200mm lens..good enough for travel, weddings and family shots..the lens is light and small enough not to burden your travels..quality wise..good enough unless you're printing poster sizes..well, my 2 cents worth..great info anyway, Mari..

Lola said...

Hi Mari!

Many thanks for stopping by. So pleased you like my blog and are following! Am most flattered. I love visiting lovely blogs like yours but I don't follow any more on Blogger (too many snafus!) :(

I'm already looking forward to returning and reading through your earlier posts - so much invaluable information!

XOXO Lola:)

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

@Alfandi-good info. Limiting oneself to only one lens doesn't work for everyone. Different people have different interests and needs and like to experiment.

THE SNEE said...

Hi Mari,

Thanks so much for dropping in on The SNEE, and leaving such a lovely comment. I really enjoy Judie at Rogue Artist Speaks. Your photos are breathtaking. All II have is a point and shoot camera, but have always wanted a new camera with a strong telephoto lens. I feel a bit braver after reading your tips.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

@Sailor - I would love to own an elephant too!! it's not expensive to buy a horse like mine, but feeding her and vet bills add up. I'm sure it would be many times more to feed and pay vet bills for an elephant :D

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

@Alfandi-good info. Limiting oneself to only one lens doesn't work for everyone. Different people have different interests and needs and like to experiment.

Team G Square said...

Nice piece of information , sure i too need to buy a new lens. this info will help me .

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

lakwatsera de primera - excellent idea and thank you for your comment. I do the same. Less to carry. I also use one lens when going to the beach or other dusty/dirty places. that way I'm not changing lenses and risking getting dust in my camera.

Sarù @ Dolci Creativi said...

Hi Mari, great post.
I'll keep in mind when I will decide to buy a new camera (if anything I'll do it)..
Meanwhile, if you want I have reserved an award for you here on my blog
xoxoxo

Kriti said...

Mari those clouds did something to me. Lovely!!!

A.Rozinov said...

"Kit Lenses – Entry level lenses packaged with a camera. Purchasing the camera and lenses together may save you money but you may SACRIFICE QUALITY. "
Yes, Mari. Teoretecly I agree with you,
but there is some example - many years ago I bought my first Minolta 505 with kit lens 75-300. It's was my beter lens ever! Fast, sharp, detailed (and light!). Today I am using Sony 300 SSM and I am completely unsatisfied! conclusion - Kit lens it's test how lucky you are!
:-)