Types of Camera Lenses in Photography—How to Choose the Right One

With so many camera lenses to choose from, how do you select the right one? This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Selecting the optimal lens is essential for any photographer aiming to elevate their work.

The right lens can transform a mundane shot into a masterpiece - the grandeur of a sweeping landscape, the intricate details of a macro shot, or the dynamic movement of wildlife.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll help you navigate the myriad types of camera lenses available. We'll explain their unique characteristics and how they can enhance your photography.

Whether you're a photography beginner eager to learn, or a professional seeking to refine your craft, understanding the nuances of each lens will empower you to capture stunning images.

Table of contents

What is a camera lens?

A camera lens is an essential component of your photography gear. Think of it like the eye of the camera. It gathers and focuses light onto the camera sensor or film, forming an image.

Different types of camera lenses have various focal lengths and apertures. This allows photographers to achieve diverse effects and styles in their photos.

Below are key terms to remember:

• ‍Focal lengthThis is the distance between the lens and the camera sensor when the subject is in focus. Measured in millimetres (mm), it determines the field of view and magnification of the image.For instance, a wide angle lens has a short focal length (e.g., 18mm), capturing a broader scene. Conversely, a telephoto lens has a long focal length (e.g., 200mm), magnifying distant subjects.
• ‍ApertureAperture refers to the size of the lens opening that allows light to enter. Denoted by f-numbers (e.g., f/2.8, f/16), a larger aperture (smaller f-number) lets in more light and creates a shallower depth of field. This is ideal for portrait photography to achieve a blurred background. On the other hand, a smaller aperture (larger f-number) lets in less light but increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus, which is perfect for landscape photography.
• ‍Depth of fieldThis term describes the range of distance within a photo that appears acceptably sharp. A shallow depth of field means only a small part of the image is in focus, making it great for isolating subjects against a blurred background. You keep more of the scene in sharp focus with a deeper depth of field, making it useful for detailed landscapes or architectural shots.

Types of camera lenses

Standard lens

A standard lens (often referred to as a normal lens) typically has a focal length of around 50mm. It closely mimicks the field of view of the human eye. This makes it incredibly versatile and ideal for everyday photography.

Standard lenses are popular among street photographers and those who enjoy capturing candid moments. They offer a natural perspective without the distortion seen in wide angle or telephoto lenses - this also makes them perfect for portrait photography.

Wide angle lens

Wide angle lenses have shorter focal lengths usually range from 10mm to 35mm,  allowing them to capture a broader field of view. If you're a landscape or architecture photographer, these are indispensable - well-suited to capturing vast scenes fitting buildings into the frame.

The ultra-wide angle lens (a subset of wide angle lenses) can go even further, creating dramatic perspectives and unique compositions.

Macro lens

Macro lenses are specialised for close-up photography, and enable you to capture intricate details of small subjects like insects, flowers, and textures. These lenses have high magnification ratios and can focus at very close distances.

Macro photography often reveals details that are not visible to the naked eye, making it a favourite among nature photographers and anyone interested in capturing the minutiae of the world.

Fisheye lens

Fisheye lenses offer an ultra-wide field of view, typically around 180 degrees, creating a distinctive, circular distortion. These lenses are great for creative and experimental photography, allowing you to capture wide panoramic scenes or add an artistic touch to your images.

Fisheye lenses can make everyday scenes look extraordinary with their unique perspective.

Zoom lens

Zoom lenses provide variable focal lengths, giving you the flexibility to switch between wide angle, standard, and telephoto views without changing lenses.

This versatility makes zoom lenses an excellent choice for travel photography and situations where you need to quickly adapt to different shooting conditions. A common example is the 24-70mm zoom lens, which covers a wide range of photographic needs.

Prime lens

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning they don’t zoom in or out. What they lack in flexibility, they make up for in image quality and wide maximum apertures. Prime lenses, such as the 50mm standard prime lens, are known for their sharpness, light-gathering ability, and ability to produce stunning bokeh effects.

They are highly favoured for portrait photography and low-light situations.

Tilt-shift lens

Tilt-shift lenses are specialised tools primarily used in architectural photography to correct perspective distortions. By allowing the lens to tilt and shift independently of the camera body, these lenses can keep lines straight and parallel, preventing the “leaning” effect commonly seen in photos of tall buildings.

Tilt-shift lenses also offer creative control over the plane of focus, making them useful for unique photographic effects.

Telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses

Telephoto lenses, with focal lengths starting from 70mm to 600mm or more, are ideal for magnifying distant subjects, making them perfect for wildlife and sports photography.

They create a shallow depth of field, isolating subjects against a blurred background. Super telephoto lenses, with even longer focal lengths, excel in capturing faraway subjects like birds in flight or distant athletes in a stadium.

Telephoto zoom lenses offer the magnification of telephoto lenses with the added flexibility of a zoom range. Covering focal lengths such as 70-200mm, they allow photographers to zoom in and out on distant subjects, providing versatility for various shooting scenarios.

This makes them invaluable for wildlife, sports, and event photography, where adapting to changing distances is crucial.

How to choose the right lens for your needs

Selecting the correct lens can significantly impact the quality and style of your photographs. Here’s how to match the right lens to your specific photography genre:

Portrait photography

For portrait photography, prime lenses with a wide maximum aperture (like f/1.8 or f/2.8) are ideal. A 50mm standard prime lens or an 85mm short telephoto lens can create stunning portraits with a beautifully blurred background, helping your subject stand out. The shallow depth of field produced by these lenses isolates the subject and adds a professional touch to your portraits.

Landscape photography

Wide angle lenses are the go-to choice for landscape photographers. Lenses with focal lengths ranging from 10mm to 35mm capture expansive scenes and dramatic skies.

An ultra wide angle lens can add depth and scale to your landscapes, making them appear more dynamic and engaging. The larger depth of field of wide angle lenses keeps everything from foreground to background in sharp focus, ideal for detailed and immersive landscape shots.

Wildlife photography

Telephoto and super telephoto lenses are essential for wildlife photography. These lenses, starting from 70mm and extending up to 600mm, allow you to capture distant animals without disturbing them.

A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 100-400mm, offers flexibility to adjust the focal length depending on the distance to your subject. The long focal lengths also help create a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background and making it stand out sharply.

Street photography

For street photography, a standard lens or a wide angle lens is often preferred. A 35mm or 50mm prime lens provides a natural perspective and is less conspicuous, allowing you to capture candid moments without drawing attention.

These lenses are versatile and excellent for low-light conditions, making them perfect for urban environments and spontaneous shooting.

Macro photography

Macro lenses are specialised for capturing tiny details and small subjects. With high magnification ratios and close focusing distances, these lenses reveal intricate textures and patterns that are invisible to the naked eye.

Ideal for photographing flowers, insects, and other small objects, macro lenses can transform mundane details into stunning visual art.

Architectural photography

Tilt-shift lenses are invaluable for architectural photography. These lenses correct perspective distortions, ensuring that lines remain straight and parallel, even when shooting tall buildings. This capability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of architectural lines and shapes.

Tilt-shift lenses also offer creative opportunities to control the plane of focus, allowing for unique photographic effects.

When choosing a lens, consider the subject, environment, and desired effect. Understanding how different focal lengths and lens types affect your images will help you make the best choice for any photographic situation.

Lens compatibility and camera bodies

Choosing the right lens isn’t just about focal lengths and types; it's also crucial to consider compatibility with your camera body. Different cameras and lenses are designed to work together, and understanding these compatibilities will help you make the best choices for your photography gear.

Getting to grips with lens mounts

Every camera brand has its proprietary lens mount system, which determines the lenses that can be used with a specific camera body. For example, Canon uses the EF and EF-S mounts for their DSLR cameras and the RF mount for their mirrorless cameras.

Nikon uses the F mount for DSLRs and the Z mount for mirrorless cameras. Ensuring your lens has the correct mount for your camera body is essential for seamless functionality.

• ‍Canon EF and EF-S lenses – EF lenses are compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR cameras, while EF-S lenses are designed for Canon’s APS-C sensor cameras. EF-S lenses can’t be used on full-frame cameras
• .Nikon F mount lenses – These are used with Nikon’s DSLR cameras. Nikon Z mount lenses are for mirrorless cameras, but an FTZ adapter allows F mount lenses to be used on Z mount cameras.
• ‍Sony E mount lenses – Sony’s mirrorless cameras use the E mount system. There are also FE lenses, which are designed for full-frame sensors but can be used on APS-C cameras as well.

Sensor size and its impact

The size of your camera’s sensor also plays a critical role in lens compatibility and performance. There are two primary sensor sizes: full-frame and APS-C (crop sensor).

• ‍Full-frame sensors – These sensors are equivalent to the traditional 35mm film frame and offer a wider field of view. Lenses designed for full-frame cameras will provide their full field of view, making them ideal for wide angle photography.

• ‍APS-C sensors – These sensors are smaller and crop the image, effectively increasing the focal length of the lens. For example, a 50mm lens on an APS-C camera might act like a 75mm lens. This crop factor can be beneficial for telephoto photography but less so for wide angle shots.

DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras

Understanding the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is key for help making an informed lens choice.

• DSLR cameras – These cameras have a mirror mechanism that reflects light into an optical viewfinder. They use a variety of lenses with specific mounts, like Canon’s EF and Nikon’s F mounts.
• Mirrorless cameras – These cameras lack the mirror mechanism and rely on an electronic viewfinder. They are generally more compact and use different lens mounts (e.g., Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E). Adapters are available to use DSLR lenses on mirrorless bodies, but it’s essential to check for compatibility and functionality.

Adapters and their use

Lens adapters can bridge the gap between different lens mounts, allowing you to use a broader range of lenses on your camera body. For example, an EF to RF adapter lets you use Canon’s EF lenses on an RF mount mirrorless camera.

However, using adapters may affect autofocus performance and other features, so it’s important to research and choose high-quality adapters to ensure the best results.

Maintaining your camera lenses

Properly maintain your camera lenses to ensure their longevity and consistent performance. Dust, dirt, and smudges can affect image quality, and improper storage can lead to damage. Here are some essential tips to keep your lenses in top condition.

How to clean your lenses

• Use a blower – Start by using a blower to remove loose dust and particles from the lens surface. This helps prevent scratches that can occur if you rub the lens while it's dusty.
• Microfibre cloth – Gently wipe the lens with a microfibre cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints and avoid using rough or abrasive materials that can scratch the glass.
• Lens cleaning solution – For stubborn spots, use a few drops of lens cleaning solution on the microfibre cloth (never directly on the lens) and gently clean the affected area. Lens cleaning pens are also a convenient tool for on-the-go cleaning.

How to store your lenses

• Lens caps – Always use front and rear lens caps when your lens is not in use. This protects the glass from dust and scratches.
• Lens pouches and cases – Store your lenses in protective pouches or hard cases to shield them from physical damage. This is especially important when travelling or transporting your gear.
• Dry environment – Keep your lenses in a cool, dry place to prevent fungus growth, which can occur in humid conditions. Consider using silica gel packs in your storage area to absorb moisture.

Common issues and troubleshooting

• Lens fungus – If you notice spots or web-like patterns inside your lens, it could be fungus. This typically occurs in humid environments. To prevent this, store your lenses in a dry place with good airflow. If your lens is already affected, professional cleaning is recommended.
• Focus issues – If your lens is not focusing properly, check for dirt or smudges on the contacts between the lens and camera body. Clean these contacts carefully with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Zoom and focus ring stiffness – Over time, zoom and focus rings may become stiff. This can often be resolved by gently working the rings back and forth. If the issue persists, professional servicing might be necessary.

How to handle your lenses

• Avoid touching the glass – Fingerprints and oils from your skin can damage the lens coating and affect image quality. Handle lenses by their barrels, not the glass.
• Be mindful of weather conditions – Extreme temperatures and moisture can harm your lenses. Use weather-sealed lenses and protective covers when shooting in challenging conditions. Allow your gear to acclimate to temperature changes gradually to avoid condensation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right camera lens can profoundly impact the quality and style of your photographs. By understanding the unique characteristics of each lens type and considering your specific needs, you can make informed decisions that enhance your photography.

Whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or macro shots, the right lens will help you achieve your creative vision. Keep your lenses well-maintained and experiment with different types to discover new possibilities in your photography journey.

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