How to Use an SLR Camera Lens

The most important part of a camera, its lens, determines the quality of your photographs. Experienced photographers have long considered Single Lens Reflex or SLR cameras the best. Once SLRs only used 35mm film, but today you'll also find digital SLRs. The best thing about SLR cameras is that you can switch lens to match your photographing conditions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Match camera lenses to your camera. Camera bodies come with a lens mount that tells you what SLR lenses work with your camera. For example, Canon EF lens mounts accept EF lenses. If you want to try a different lens, you must buy the appropriate lens mount adapter.

2. Learn about aperture, which is the opening in your lens where light passes through. Many cameras come with a variable aperture that allows you to adjust the depth of field. Other lenses remain at the same aperture.

3. Choose wide-angle lenses for shooting landscapes and interior shots that benefit from a great depth of field. Wide-angles use a focal length of 35mm or less. A standard lens is 50mm.

4. Select telephoto lenses with a longer focal length to allow you to focus in on a subject that is at a distance from you. Telephotos start at 85 mm and continue up. The focal length of a camera 600mm or larger makes such a large lens that it's difficult to hold steady, so it's best to use a tripod.

5. Find the best in both worlds with a zoom lens. A zoom lens lets you adjust your focal length. Although some zooms include wide-angle shots in a 24-70 lens, most work for zooming in on distant shots, like with a 70-200mm lens.

6. Sacrifice image quality with a zoom lens or purchase a prime or fixed focal length SLR lens for the best quality images.

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer to shoot in automatic mode, you might be better off buying a good quality point and shoot camera.
• Check digital camera specs to see if you need a digital only lens.

[lexiconJ]

on 3/19/2009 This is great information. It is important to know how the camera works in order to use the features better. I also learned a lot about my SLR here: http://www.mindbites.com/person/5664-bdratty