How to Choose the Right Camera Lens

By simply changing a lens, the scope of a potential image changes, too. Understanding the difference between lenses will help you get the best shot.

Step1
Choose a subject to photograph.

Step2
Opt for a telephoto lens (a lens with a focal length greater than 55 mm) to bring your subject closer.

Step3
Select a wide-angle lens (a lens with a focal length of less than 40 mm) to broaden the scope of your photograph.

Step4
Use a regular lens (a lens with a focal length of 40 mm to 55 mm) for most situations, because it offers the maximum aperture range, which allows you to photograph under a wider variety of lighting conditions.

Step5
Go for a zoom lens (a lens without a set focal length) to reduce expense and increase flexibility because it lets you shoot across a wide range of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto using one lens.

Tips & Warnings
Be sure to focus precisely when using a telephoto lens because it shortens your depth of focus.

Use a wide-angle lens in situations where you cannot back up to gain a broader perspective such as when you are indoors and when taking landscape shots.

The variable focal length, or area that will be in focus, of a zoom lens requires longer shutter speeds, which limits the range of lighting conditions that you can use it in without a tripod and fast film.