What to look for when choosing a camera lens

What aperture optical stabilization, manual focus, diameter and other characteristics of the camera lens.

Digital cameras are still largely outperform miniature sensors embedded in mobile devices. If you know what to look for and how different companies use the same function, then select the optics becomes much easier.

Aperture

The aperture of the lens is similar to the pupils - it was called so, how much light must reach the camera's sensor. The maximum aperture is denoted by letter f. It can range from f / 0.95 to f / 22. Indicate different - instead of f / 2.8, you can see the 1: 2.8. But the number always refers to the same thing - the maximum aperture.

The lower the number, the wider the lens will open and the more light it will pass. Optics with low aperture allows you to achieve the effect of bokeh, which is suitable for portrait shooting. If you are using a zoom lens, you will see the maximum aperture range. The more you zoom in the image, the lower the maximum aperture.

Focal length

Lens focal length, ie the distance from the most clear image to the camera's sensor, given in millimeters. The lens, without increasing the number of this one, and those who can zoom in picture, two numbers, eg 18-55 mm.

The smaller the focal length, the bigger piece of the photographed object gets to shoot. Therefore, for example, wide angle lens focal range anywhere from 4.5 to 30 mm. This rate is usually indicated on the lens near the aperture.

The diameter of the lens

To reduce reflective glare, color change or achieve beautiful effects, you can use filters to the lens. But first you need to know its diameter. It is measured in millimeters - can find next to the symbol ø, denoting diameter. Most often, this indicator provides lens front or engraved near the top of the side where the filter is attached.

Automatic or manual focus

Auto Focus, which can be operated from a conventional motor or a quieter ultrasound, allows you to keep the subject in focus without adjusting the depth of field by hand. If you see an optician with a switch marked AF / MF, you can quickly enable and disable this function - depending on whether you precise control over focus is needed.

jargon manufacturers

The most interesting feature is usually hidden behind the symbols that are unique to a particular manufacturer. But do not let yourself cheat abbreviations - technology from different companies often identical.

Optical Image Stabilization

This function can be integrated in the lens, and in itself camera. It counteracts the vibrations and other microscopic movements, due to which the photos are blurry. Image stabilization makes clearer images, especially when you're shooting with a wide aperture. Different brands of the function is indicated as follows:

• Sony: OSS (Optical SteadyShot).
• Nikon: VR (Vibration Reduction).
• Canon: IS (Image Stabilization).
• Sigma: OS (Optical Stabilization).

Full-frame lens

Full-frame cameras use large size sensors, so that the camera transmits more light, but the pictures are better. To use the entire surface of the sensor, you need a full-frame lens, which can have the following abbreviations:

• Sony: FE (mirrorless cameras).
• Nikon: FX.
• Canon: EF.
• Sigma: DG.

Crop lens

Cameras with crop sensors are usually designed for the mass market or enthusiasts. They do not allow for the same high-quality images, both full-frame cameras, but still give a better picture than smartphones. Crop lenses can be identified by the following abbreviations:

• Sony: E (mirrorless cameras).
• Nikon: DX.
• Canon: EF-S.
• Sigma: DC.

Ultrasonic focal motor

These engines allow you to adjust the focus quietly and quickly. They are more accurate than slower electronic motors, which are installed in low-cost lenses, and are designated as follows:

• Sony: SSM.
• Nikon: SWM.
• Canon: USM.
• Sigma: HSM.

professional lenses

These lenses are much more accurate and durable than ordinary consumer. They use higher quality glass and faster focus motors. Usually they are protected from moisture and dust. Professional lenses usually designed for full-frame cameras. They can be found as follows:

• Sony: G.
• Nikon: a golden ring on the lens perimeter.
• Canon: L.
• Sigma: EX.

low-dispersion lenses

Such optics eliminates chromatic aberration - the problem, due to which the color, as it were stratified. Usually it is visible on the edges of a photo. There are programs to eliminate chromatic aberration, but in fact the difference is able to note not everyone. Such distortions are able to clean and special lenses that use different technologies:

• Sony: ED.
• Nikon: ED.
• Canon: ED.
• Sigma: APO.