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| | | Most single-lens-reflex (SLR) cameras come with a standard 28mm to 90mm zoom lens, but photographers who want more flexibility will have to purchase additional lenses. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The typical cost for a camera lens varies widely, but for most non-professional purposes, ranges from $200 to $800, depending on the lens. Some professional quality lenses cost as much as $2,000 or more. Other than the standard lens, there are a few basic types: the 16 to 35mm extreme wide angle, the 70 to 500 mm telephoto, the macro and the fish-eye. Each camera manufacturer makes lenses compatible with its own cameras, while third-party manufacturers, such as Tamron and Sigma, generally make a version of each lens to fit each major camera brand.
- PopPhoto.com offers lens recommendations, including the $400 Tamron AF28-300mm f/3.5-6.3, an all-purpose zoom lens that can be used with film or digital SLR cameras, and the $889 Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 APO EX DG HSM AF, a versatile telephoto zoom lens.
What should be included: | - The capabilities depend on the type of lens and its features. Extreme wide-angle lenses are good for taking panoramic photos of landscapes, while telephoto lenses are good for zeroing in on a subject from afar, such as in sports or an animal in nature. Macro lenses take clear, close-up photos of extremely small objects, such as insects, and fish-eye lenses provide a distorted bubble effect
- Lenses are also differentiated by lens speed; the lower the "f-stop" number on the lens, the faster it is. Faster lenses are usually heavier and more expensive.
Additional costs: | - Tip: To protect your new lens, you will want to purchase lens cleaning kit, a lens cap and a lens pouch, which will add up to about $30. You also might want to purchase one or more lens filters to create special effects. If you are buying a telephoto lens, you will probably need a good tripod to keep your camera still. Photography.About.com offers a guide to choosing filters, tripods and other accessories.
Discounts: | - Tip: Check the manufacturer's website for current lens rebate offers. Sometimes you can save between $15 and $50 or more this way.
Shopping for a camera lens: | - Lenses come in either fixed focal length or zoom, which allows the photographer to change focal length. Many photographers prefer zoom lenses because it is more cost effective to buy one lens rather than several. PopPhoto.com offers a camera lens buying guide that allows you to search by type and price range.
- When purchasing a lens, consider its ease of use. For example, if you purchase an auto focus lens, but plan to use the manual focus feature sometimes, make sure it is easy to use. Also consider the filter size; if you buy several lenses with different filter sizes, you will either need to spend more money to buy a filter for each lens, or you will need an adapter. And finally, consider the weight and size of the lens.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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