Digital SLR Lenses

What about SLR lens systems?

Experts say most users will be happy for awhile with the standard kit lens that comes with a digital SLR, usually an 18 mm to 55 mm F3.5 to 4.5 zoom lens of medium quality. F3.5 indicates the widest F-stop -- lens opening -- at the shortest lens length. This indicates the maximum amount of light that can pass through the lens, which is especially important for shots in dim lighting. The wider the lens can open, the faster shutter speeds you can use, minimizing camera shake and thus making sharper photos.

Once you see what a digital SLR can do, you'll probably want more lenses -- perhaps a long telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens and a macro lens for close-ups, as well as a prime lens that gathers more light than the kit lens, such as a 50 mm F1.8. Canon and Nikon dominate the digital SLR market, with the largest lens systems available. Experts say that while several companies have stopped making SLR cameras, both Canon and Nikon are committed to manufacturing and developing new photographic equipment, including body upgrades over the long haul, so your lens investments will pay off in the long term. Another big advantage of these two brands is that in most metro areas, you can rent a specialized Canon or Nikon lens -- giving you a chance to try out new lenses before you buy.

In an older article at Photo.net, Philip Greenspun notes the specific advantages of each lens system. Canon excels in image-stabilized lenses, especially useful for long telephoto shots of wildlife and for anyone who has trouble holding a camera steady. Canon also makes the best lenses for architectural shots of tall buildings, while Nikon makes better wide-angle lenses for shots of interiors and landscapes. Nikon macro (extreme telephoto) lenses are slightly superior for close-up shots of flowers, jewelry and other small objects.

Olympus digital cameras use a smaller sensor with a four-thirds format. This can be an advantage if you like to make 8-by-10-inch prints, since you don't have to crop the image down from 8 inches by 12 inches. The Olympus lenses are compact and light, nice for a camera you carry with you all the time. Extra lenses don't need to be image-stabilized, because most Olympus digital SLRs build image-stabilization into the camera body itself. With an adapter (*Est. $100) you can also use regular Olympus digital SLR lenses, albeit only for manual focus.

Reviews often recommend Pentax as a budget SLR brand, especially because Pentax digital SLR cameras can use any Pentax lens ever made. Plenty of good secondhand Pentax lenses are available, making it easier to assemble a full set of lenses at moderate cost. Though Minolta no longer makes lenses, the Sony Alpha DSLRs can use not only Sony lenses, but any of the basic Minolta A-mount lenses as well. (See the Useful Links section for more information on SLR lenses.)