Equipment LENSES

Talk to any semi-pro or serious amateur photographer and they will have a wish list of at least three new lenses. They’ll probably tell you about all the various f-stop benefits, or the new image stabilization/vibration reduction it offers. Or, maybe it’s a prime lens, ultra-wide, or mid-range telephoto. Lots of descriptors and jargon, right? Well, here is your source for understanding a little more about how to formulate your own lens wish list and quickly master the language of lens-speak.

A Note On Quality And Price

For each “category” of lens, there are usually many versions that fluctuate in price and ultimately quality. In many cases, two lenses will be the identical brand and identical focal length (eg, Canon 70-300mm f/4 –5.6), but the quality of the optics and build of the lens differ significantly, resulting in a $1,000 difference between the two. Because there are so so many options out there, this section will not be a review of each lens, but rather a guide for what lens specifications you should be on the lookout for when assembling your ideal travel and nature photography kit. In addition, like understanding wine regions and vintages can improve your ability to find a good wine for dinner, understanding f-stop ranges and focal lengths will allow you to spot a good deal when shopping for your next lens (or formulating your wish list).