How to Choose a Digital SLR Lens
You will need to answer several important questions before choosing a lens for a digital single-lens (dSLR) reflex camera. What do you want to do with the lens? Do you need a zoom or a prime lens? How fast should the lens be? Another critical consideration is your budget. Armed with answers to these questions, your final task will be to locate reviews of the lens choices available.
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Instructions
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How to Choose a Digital SLR Lens
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Determine how you'll be using the dSLR lens. Do you need a telephoto lens (with a longer than normal focal length) which functions to bring distant objects closer? Or will a wide angle lens (with a shorter than normal focal length) provide the wider angle of view that you desire? If close-up photography is your goal, then you'll want to consider a macro lens.
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Decide whether you want a zoom or a prime lens. A zoom lens (as in 18-270mm) offers flexibility with its variable focal length. A prime lens (as in 100mm) provides a fixed focal length which can secure a sharper image.
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Select the speed of your lens. The speed of a lens is based on its largest f-stop or lens opening. The larger the lens opening, the more light will reach the camera's sensor. Fast lenses allow you greater flexibility when shooting in low-light settings. Faster lenses are generally more expensive.
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Calculate your budget. You'll find a lens in every price range; however, more expensive lenses offer better optics and additional options (including image stabilization).
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Research as many sources as possible for reviews on the lens you are considering. Websites including Photozone, CNET and Fredmiranda.com offer evaluations from both professionals and consumers.
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Tips & Warnings
Many photo stores will allow you to test a lens on-site, employing your own camera body. Shoot some photos in the store, take them home, and view the quality of the images on your computer. By actually using the lens, you also can assess your comfort level with the equipment. According to Popular Photography writer Dan Richards, if the lens you're considering "has a cranky zoom ring, sluggish autofocus, clumsy switches, or illegible markings, you'll be unhappy with the lens."
Be intimately familiar with your dSLR. Digital single-lens reflexes are available in APS-C or full-frame formats. Lenses designed for full-frame cameras can be also used on APS-C dSLRs, whereas those created for APS-C cameras are not compatible with full-frame models.
