1.Zoom or Prime Lens
First, we need to decide is whether we need a zoom lens or prime lens / fixed. Lens zoom lens certainly a more flexible, but has the advantage of prime lenses in optical quality and are usually milder and shorter.
2.Range of Focal lens
Then, we must determine the focal range lens. There are several types of options, among others:
Ultra wide or fish-eye lens (fisheye) lens of this type has a range of about 8mm to 16mm lens. This type of lens can capture a very wide area.
Standard: The lens has a focal range of about 18-55mm. This type of lens is usually in the bundle when you choose a digital SLR camera. These lenses include all-purpose lens because it is often used for various purposes.
Telephoto: Lenses with focal range of approximately 55-300mm. This type of lens to capture images from a distance like a bird, wildlife, portraits and sports activities.
Lens broom universe / superzoom: This lens has a focal range lenses are very large, ie from 18-200mm or some are reaching 270mm. The lens of this type as a combination of standard and telephoto lens so it is very flexible. Suitable for users who do not want to carry more than one lens. Lack of this lens is the higher price.
3.Aperture lens
The larger the aperture, the more light can be absorbed into the camera. Therefore, a large aperture lens with both if you often take pictures indoors or in dark situations. Moreover, large berbukaan lens, lets you control the depth of focus, making it easier to make the background blurred. But unfortunately, the lens has a large aperture, usually more expensive. Typically, prime lenses have larger openings than most zoom lenses. So when a large aperture priority, better look around prime lens.
4.The functions of the lens
There are several functions that need to be considered include:
IS / VR (Image Stabilization / Vibration Reduction) lenses that have this functionality can help reduce camera shake when taking pictures with a low shutter speed to reduce blur in photos. This function is very useful to take pictures of objects that are not moving, but not useful to photograph moving subjects like sports photo.
Macro: Macro function allows the lens to focus at close range, so that a small object to be great. If you liked the photos of insects, flowers, or other small objects, you should look for this lens. A good macro lens is usually categorized as prime lenses.
There is also a lens that is weather resistant and water. Such lenses are suitable to be carried in outing or hiking activities.
AF-S/SDM/USM/HSM: If you find code like this on your lens, it means that your lens has an auto focus motor is almost / no voice when it takes focus. Most lenses have a function is also faster than ordinary lenses.
5.Choose another brand of lens?
There are several well-known lens manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, and several others. Typically, these third-party lenses are cheaper. But if an artificial lens can be relied upon third party? It depends on the class of lens. Each lens manufacturers typically provide two types of lenses: a regular classroom, and upscale high-quality.
The lens offered by third parties vary widely, making it difficult to be generalized. But in my experience, this is its main characteristics:
Tamron: Auto focus is slow, less accurate and less noisy. Famous for its cheap, and offers six types of lenses broom universe.
Sigma: Auto focus performance is better than the Tamron, the lens has a fairly complete series of the low quality and low to high. Sigma is also famous for telephoto lenses zoomnya.
Tokina: Tokina lens collection is not as much as Sigma and Tamron. Specialization Tokina is the ultra wide lens. The quality construction and optics Tokina arguably very good.
6.Others
Specifically for users of Canon cameras, many are asking about the differences and non-L lenses - L. The lenses are labeled L (luxury or fancy acronym) is a high quality of the lens optics and construction. Most of the L lenses are more expensive than non-lens L.
Then there is the Canon EF-S lenses. The lens EF-S is not designed for digital SLR cameras Canon full frame, like the Canon 5D, 1d mark, so it can only be used for regular Canon SLR digital cameras.