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.
Understanding 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
Thanks Courtney it was a pleasure to read this! I posted a link on my website to this post!
Thank you so much!
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!
That is awesome! What a sweet husband you have! Enjoy your journey :)
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?
That is odd. Thanks for the heads up, I’ll look into it.
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
Thank you so much! <3 and Welcome!
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.
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!
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?
Of course, you can achieve decent photos no matter what lens you have :) However, certain looks are better achieved with other lenses. Did you see the post about which lens to buy first? http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/04/what-lens-should-i-buy-first/
* Sorry should of stated my lens is a 18-55mm*
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
Hey Tom!
That is awesome that you got LR5. I hope you love it. It is truly a life saver.
I needed this information. Thank you so much for this post! I’ll read the others as well.
So glad you found it useful!