Camera Lenses

Camera Lenses: See Through A Different Perspective

Camera lenses: any photographer will tell you that there's more to taking pictures than the body of the camera itself. You need the right tools for the job, from tripods to carrying bags to the most important of all: what you look through. These glassy attachments come in a wide variety of styles, brands, sizes and focal lengths, making this category a tough one to shop through—even for experienced pic-snappers. If you're just starting with your first camera, there's one way to narrow down what you want and separate it from what you need: consider what will actually fit your device. Depending on brands and sizes, these will most likely only fit their dedicated brand. If you're going to invest in one, make sure you're getting something you can use, like a Nikon lens for a Nikon camera.

Capture Up Close & Far Away

Different camera lenses allow photographers to capture images from both up close, far away and in between. It's all about the focal length of the product you're choosing. A higher focal length will allow users to see things that are far away, bringing them into focus. Models with a very high focal length are known as telephoto lenses, and are perfect for nature photography, catching graduation snapshots from the bleacher seats and any other reason you want to capture up close when you're far away. Meanwhile, the other end of the spectrum is a wide-angle version that lets you capture a wide field of view, taking in your surroundings.

When choosing between models, there are a vast variety of options that stray from telephoto and wide angle. Instead of looking for named ones, explore the measurements in mm to get a good idea of what will work best for you. A higher mm is a larger focal length, generally leading to a bigger zoom. Lower mm is made for wide shots. Your device likely came with a kit lens with a focal range between 35-70 mm for a truly happy medium designed for a natural look that can almost mimic how the human eye sees the world. If you're unhappy with the model that came in your kit, choose a higher-standard one.

There's more to camera lenses than just choosing the right model though: you'll need to keep it safe. Opt for a carrying bag that perfectly fits your device and the gear you'll need to bring along with you, as well as any accessories. These include filters, caps, cleaners and more.

If you're not sure that you know enough to pick between brands like Canon and Sony, how many millimeters your model should be, or are looking for purposes for your existing models, you know where to find the experts—here at Abt. Give our specialists a call at 800-860-3577 to learn more, or head into the store if you're a local customer. Either way, you'll receive personalized advice tailored to meet your needs, your snapshots and your lifestyle. If you'd rather do some research from home, check out our camera buying guide from our Learn Center