question about lents

hrodbar · 11-19-2008, 12:13 PM

Hello,
I'm new in photography world and I need some info about “How do I know if a lens is good or not” I just want to know what is the most important technical Details that the cam has to have … can you give me some help about it.

Thank you for your time

Hugo

nulla · 11-19-2008, 12:59 PM

I think reading reviews and users comments (if the lens is listed here) is a good starting point.

See the 2 forums here on Lens Review Database

Neil

**Kerrowdown** · 11-19-2008, 01:31 PM

I guess if you stick to the known brands you wont go far wrong, it all depends what it is your trying to achieve.

It's very easy to get caught up in the whole lens thing, remember at the end of the day it's all about the image, not the equipment used.

Enjoy your photography.

Isaac314 · 11-19-2008, 02:28 PM

f number is the most important thing (thats f/2.8 or whatever). it tells you how much light the lens gathers, so how good it is in the dark. Other than that it is very hard to tell how good a lens is.
The best advice probably is to go to a shop and try it all out!!!

ftpaddict · 11-19-2008, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by IsaacEastgate

f number is the most important thing

I beg to differ. There's horrible fast lenses, and then there's the wonderful slower lenses. Optical quality is much much more important (IMO) than wider aperture.

Aegon · 11-19-2008, 03:40 PM

Rule of thumb: Expensive lenses are better.
The game: find exceptions to the rule.

hrodbar · 11-19-2008, 03:57 PM

thank a lot for or help ...

please if you know a website with more info about lents ... please tell me ..

thanks once more

Aegon · 11-19-2008, 05:34 PM

This thread hasn't quite run its course.

You can rely on measurements of optical characteristics from websites.

You can trust a brand and stick with them.

You can judge by sales rank and popularity.

Front element size is a good indication of light gathering ability.

Some lenses have better focusing mechanisms, such as SDM.

You can take photos of brick walls and search for distortion.

Many people will buy a lens and use it for a while and see if they like the pictures.

Some people think heavier lenses are better.

Some people judge a lens by its bokeh.

There are too many methods for this thread to be over so quickly.

11-19-2008, 12:13 PM	#1
hrodbar Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London Posts: 2	question about lents Hello, I'm new in photography world and I need some info about “How do I know if a lens is good or not” I just want to know what is the most important technical Details that the cam has to have … can you give me some help about it. Thank you for your time Hugo

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11-19-2008, 12:59 PM	#2
nulla Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,560	I think reading reviews and users comments (if the lens is listed here) is a good starting point. See the 2 forums here on Lens Review Database Neil

11-19-2008, 01:31 PM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,835	I guess if you stick to the known brands you wont go far wrong, it all depends what it is your trying to achieve. It's very easy to get caught up in the whole lens thing, remember at the end of the day it's all about the image, not the equipment used. Enjoy your photography.

11-19-2008, 02:28 PM	#4
Isaac314 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Photos: Gallery Posts: 417	f number is the most important thing (thats f/2.8 or whatever). it tells you how much light the lens gathers, so how good it is in the dark. Other than that it is very hard to tell how good a lens is. The best advice probably is to go to a shop and try it all out!!!

11-19-2008, 03:31 PM	#5
ftpaddict Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Yurp Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,666	Originally posted by IsaacEastgate f number is the most important thing I beg to differ. There's horrible fast lenses, and then there's the wonderful slower lenses. Optical quality is much much more important (IMO) than wider aperture.

11-19-2008, 03:40 PM	#6
Aegon Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,416	Rule of thumb: Expensive lenses are better. The game: find exceptions to the rule.

11-19-2008, 03:57 PM	#7
hrodbar Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: London Posts: 2 Original Poster	thank a lot for or help ... please if you know a website with more info about lents ... please tell me .. thanks once more

11-19-2008, 05:34 PM	#8
Aegon Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,416	This thread hasn't quite run its course. You can rely on measurements of optical characteristics from websites. You can trust a brand and stick with them. You can judge by sales rank and popularity. Front element size is a good indication of light gathering ability. Some lenses have better focusing mechanisms, such as SDM. You can take photos of brick walls and search for distortion. Many people will buy a lens and use it for a while and see if they like the pictures. Some people think heavier lenses are better. Some people judge a lens by its bokeh. There are too many methods for this thread to be over so quickly.