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.

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.