How to Use a Wide-Angle Lens on a Camera

Wide-angle lenses offer you a greater field of view for subjects to appear in. Normal lenses display the subject as it appears, whereas using a wide-angle lens distorts the image and pushes the edges of the frame out slightly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove the existing lens from the camera's lens mount. Typically, you can do this by pressing a lens release button and gently twisting the lens away from the camera body.

2. Attach the wide-angle lens to the camera body by lining up the lens mounting marks on the mounting ring. Insert and twist lens into place.

3. Note that if you use a wide-angle lens adapter, the existing lens stays in place and the wide-angle lens attaches to the end of the lens itself. Many wide-angle adapters screw on.

4. Program the camera to acknowledge and accept the newly mounted wide-angle lens. Many newer digital cameras have a menu item to change lens information.

5. Verify the lens is producing the results you desire by taking a few test photos. Landscape photos or home interior photos provide a benchmark for the wide-angle lens' performance.

6. Inspect the lens after use and remove any debris or dust. Wide-angle lenses are sensitive to foreign objects and display them quite prominently.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wide-angle lens creatively by shooting up close for a neat fish-eye effect.
• Keep a bottle of lens cleaner handy during outdoor shoots.