with Courtney Slazinik
Menu
Camera Lens Series: Everything You Need to Know
Gear

Last year we put together a 6 part series called Everything You Need to Know about Camera Lenses. Seriously, there is so much useful information in this series I felt the need to give it it’s own post that you have one place to find all the posts. Whether you are buying your first lens or adding to your collection, there is something in this series for you.

camera lens seriesUnderstanding the writing on the lens
Reading the writing on your lens can seem like a foreign language. Don’t be intimated any longer and really understand what you are purchasing. You no longer need to rely on the sales person to explain what a certain lens has to offer.

What lens should I buy?
This is such a tough question as everyone’s photography journey is different. In this post, one photographer breaks it down in the order she bought certain lenses as well as recommendations for different lenses you may want to consider.

Our favorite lenses
Picking a favorite lens is like picking a favorite child. But we narrowed it down to our 5 favorite lenses.

Lenses on crop vs. full frame sensors
Depending on whether you have a crop camera or a full frame camera, one lens will show more or less depending on your sensor. In this post, we do a direct comparison of certain lenses on both camera bodies so you can see what you are getting.

Comparing different lenses
Ever wonder what a the range of a 24-70mm looks like? Or maybe a 50mm vs an 85mm. This is the post for you. It compares several different lenses to help you figure out what lens is a good fit for you and your style.

Read more: Master Depth of Field with 4 Simple Tips

50mm 1.8 vs 50mm 1.4
Besides, which lens should I buy first, this is one of the most popular questions I get asked. Is there a big enough difference between the 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.4 to justify the price difference? You decide.

As if that isn’t enough information for you, we have written a few more posts about camera lenses.

Read more about camera lenses

What lens should I buy first?
Comparing a 20mm, 35mm, and 50mm on a crop sensor camera
Camera lens rental: Your questions answered
Wedding Photography Lenses: What you need to know
Canon lens comparison
How to Decide if 35mm vs 50mm is Right for You
– Ultimate Lens Comparison for Finding your Perfect Lens

17 Comments
  • September 13, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    Thanks Courtney it was a pleasure to read this! I posted a link on my website to this post!

  • October 6, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    I just stumbled across your blog via pinterest and I’m so thankful I did. My husband was nice enough to buy me a camera when my son was born 2 years ago and I have fallen in love with using it so I’m always looking for tips to improve my photography!

    • October 9, 2013 at 2:20 PM

      That is awesome! What a sweet husband you have! Enjoy your journey :)

  • Lucille van ommering
    October 17, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    Your site on my iPad is a disaster. A TV show plug keeps corrupting your pages and the screen goes black when I try to “x” out of it. What gives?

    • October 22, 2013 at 11:06 AM

      That is odd. Thanks for the heads up, I’ll look into it.

  • November 13, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    Just found your blog this morning…..look forward to reading more. Those who can write well are awesome in my eyes as this is not a gift I have in my tool box. :)

    Lisa
    http://www.capturedbylisamarie.com/blog

  • Amy Hansen
    December 14, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    I absolutely LOVED this blog! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am an aspiring photographer and finally made the leap a few years ago to a “grown up” camera (Nikon D3200). The kit lenses were awesome step up from my cellphone and my cool pic, however I could not understand why I was not able to capture the photos I wanted. I was so brutally intimidated by the camera shops and felt a bit silly trying to ask question about lenses. After reading all the articles I not only feel confident but I know the next lenses I’m looking to buy. Thanks again, I am now a loyal follower and looking forward to more.

    • December 24, 2013 at 11:06 AM

      Thank you for your kind words, Amy :) I love hearing that! I can’t wait for you to get your new lens and shop with confidence. Yay!

  • Diane
    February 24, 2014 at 5:55 PM

    What a fantastic site this is, your pictures are amazing! I was so confused about what lens to buy next and how to get the best from the lens I have now, which at the moment is just a kit lens. Is it possible a achieve decent photos with this lens?

  • Diane
    February 24, 2014 at 5:58 PM

    * Sorry should of stated my lens is a 18-55mm*

  • Tom Mewborn
    March 25, 2014 at 2:49 PM

    Hello,

    Like everyone, if I knew when I first bought my gear….and funds no issue..

    I would have gone with the 50mm f1.8 prime, the 24-70mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f2.8 and then a couple of extender’s.

    Those would serve me well, cut down on all the misc lens I have purchased and seldom use as I have learned a little and gained some experience.

    As always Thanks for all your efforts hosting the site, all the training, tips, etc.

    I learn something new each time I bring up your site.

    Thanks to You, I have ordered Lightroom 5, been reading your Tutorial’s and like a kid at Christmas waiting for Amazon and UPS to get it to me, so I can doctor up my poorly taken photos to fool the Family and World that I am a great photographer…ha ha

    Blessings,

    tom

    • March 27, 2014 at 4:22 PM

      Hey Tom!

      That is awesome that you got LR5. I hope you love it. It is truly a life saver.

  • March 25, 2014 at 9:53 PM

    I needed this information. Thank you so much for this post! I’ll read the others as well.

Leave a Comment