How to Use a Camera Lens

All single lens reflex (SLR) film and digital based cameras require a lens to be attached to the camera body to function. Although each lens is unique in its ability, there are a few keys features on each lens that every photographer needs to be familiar with to get sharp pictures, use their lens to the fullest capacity available and know what size filters will work with the lens.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the barrel of the lens and locate the focusing toggle switch. A small button should allow the photographer to change the lenses ability to be focused manually or use the cameras auto focus feature. The toggle switch will be labeled M or MF for the manual focus option and A, AF or AUTO for the auto focus option.

2. Locate the narrow rotating band on the barrel of the lens. This is the focusing ring, when the toggle switch is set to manually focus the lens. Use your hand to rotate this band, to focus the image. Once the image appears clear, press the shutter button to capture the image. Change the toggle switch to auto focus, and the lens will focus by pressing the shutter button lightly, half way down, then all the way down to take the photo.

3. Find the widest rotating band on the barrel of the lens. This will only be found on zoom lenses with multiple focal length options. By rotating this wide band, you can change the angle of view seen through the camera and the lens. A smaller number will yield a wider angle of view. A larger number is a more narrow angle of view, making the subject appear "zoomed in." Examples of a wide angle lens would include 17mm, 22mm or 24 mm. A telephoto or longer lens might have a range of 70mm, 200mm or even 300mm.

4. Look at the end or barrel of the lens to find information about the lens including the focal range, maximum aperture setting and filter size. The filter size will be near a symbol of a circle with a line through it. Common filter sizes range from 52mm to 77mm. An example of lens information may look like this: 17-35 f2.8-3.5. This indicates the lens is a wide angle zoom lens, with focal lengths ranging from 17mm to 35 mm. On the wide end of the lens, the aperture will open to f2.8 and when the lens is zoomed to a more narrow 35 mm, the lens aperture will open at the widest to an aperture of f3.5. This lets the photographer know this lens is a good choice for wide angle photography, when you need to get a large wide view in the frame. This is not a good option for close-up photos.