Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S: Versatile All-Around Performer

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens Review

What Does ED Mean on Nikon Lenses and Other Lens Abbreviations?

There are hundreds of camera lens brands created by different manufacturers. One trusted manufacturer is Nikon, which is a Japanese company that specializes in imaging products and optics. Nikon lens terms come in various abbreviations, so we are here to help you understand what does ED mean on Nikon lenses.

We will also focus on the different abbreviations used in Nikon lenses as well as some useful facts about prime lenses.

What Does ED Mean on Nikon Lenses and Other Abbreviations?

The different terms and abbreviations used to describe the features of Nikon lenses are usually confusing, especially if you are a beginner. This is because Nikon has a long history of producing high-quality, reliable lenses that are manufactured with different technologies.

To ease the burden and help familiarize you with Nikon lenses, listed below are some of the most widely used Nikon lens terms.

• ED means extra-low dispersion. When the lens has this abbreviation, it means that it utilizes extra-low dispersion glass for high image quality particularly at wide apertures.
• IF means internal focus. It states that the focus is achieved without the lens barrel altering or rotating the length. IF is an advantage when you use a polarizer and other position-sensitive filters.
• D means distance. This is the information given by the lens to the camera to aid in accurate light metering.
• G means that the Nikon lens has no aperture control ring. It comes with Nikon cameras where the user can set the aperture from the camera body. This letter also gives D (distance) information to the camera.
• AF-S is a type of focus driven by a “silent wave” motor in the lens rather than by the focus drive motor in the camera. This focus is faster than standard AF-Nikkors and is almost entirely silent.
• DC means Defocus Control which is the optical qualities of the lens. It can be adjusted to alter the appearance of the elements in the background or foreground which are quite out of focus.
• VR is Vibration Reduction which means that the lens can be handheld at lower shutter speeds. VR is equipped with a system that identifies and counteracts the vibration related with hand movements when holding the camera or lenses. While it is a truly convenient feature, it is only available to specific Nikon cameras.
• DX is a special type of lens that is only used in some Nikon DSLR cameras. DX shows a smaller image circle to give the user a more accurate and efficient imaging sensor coverage in the camera.
• E is an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism located in the lens barrel that gives very accurate electronic diaphragm or aperture blade control. This mechanism is beneficial when you utilize auto exposure during a continuous shoot.
• AI-P is a manual focus lens integrated with CPU that transmits data from the lens to the metering system of the camera.
• CRC is close range correction. With CRC, the lenses move independently to attain focusing. This is extremely important when shooting distant objects. It helps improve the image quality at closed focus spaces.
• ASP are aspherical lens elements that reduce coma and lens aberrations regardless of the widest aperture. This feature is specifically practical in correcting distorted images taken with wide-angle lenses. When necessary, it also helps minimize the number of spherical elements; hence, resulting in a lighter, more compact design.
• PC is perspective control. It is a lens with a specific axis mechanism that shifts laterally relative to the film plane.
• M/A is for manual and automatic. Available in some AF-Nikkor lenses, this M/A focusing mode allows the user to switch from automatic to manual focusing without the lag time. It is activated by turning on the focusing ring, which is found in the lens.

Nikon lenses are excellent brands that come in different features that best match any photography skills. Whether you are a starting or an experienced photographer, you can find specific Nikon lenses for you.

Other Important Information about Nikon DSLR Cameras

Here are other important facts that you should know about Nikon Digital Cameras:

• The raw image format of Nikon is abbreviated as NEF which means Nikon Electronic File. The DSCN which stands for Digital Still Camera Nikon is a prefix for image files.
• There is a wide variety of Nikon digital cameras. The Nikon Coolpix series alone comes in many variants such as bridge, Superzoom, miniature compact, travel-zoom, and waterproof or rugged cameras.
• There are also mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras such as the Nikon 1 series CX sensor, Nikon 1 mount lenses, and Nikon Z series FX sensor.
• Nikon also offers movie cameras which can be categorized into two: the Double 8 (8mm) and the Super 8 cameras.
• There are also Nikon professional underwater cameras such as the Nikonos I Calypso, Nikonos II (1968), Nikonos III (1975), and Nikonos IV-A.

What Are Nikon Prime Lenses?

Nikon also manufactures various prime lenses to suit different styles of photography. Prime lenses are basically types of lenses that have a fixed focal length. It covers only one focus as opposed to the zoom lens in which the focus is adjustable.

While zoom lenses are more versatile than prime lenses, the latter produces sharper, better images and often has higher optical quality, wider maximum aperture, and more compact, lightweight size. Since it has lesser moving parts, it is less complicated, and its optical elements are optimized for only one specific focal length.

Conclusion

The world of photography is an interesting place to be. While some useful photography abbreviations are confusing, they should not stop you from getting into this hobby. There are a lot of knowledge and skills necessary for improving, but these are learned as you go along your photography journey.

Whether you are an amateur or a professional, one good camera brand to start with is the Nikon. Nikon is a trusted Japanese brand that manufactures optical and imaging products. With its wide variety of digital cameras, you can choose the particular model that best matches your skills and styles in a budget that won’t break the bank.

Have a wonderful photography journey ahead, and we hope that we have helped you out by giving you an idea about what does ED mean on Nikon lenses, as well as the other abbreviations used by the company.

What Is a Prime Lens Nikon: Facts and Buying Guide

One major advantage of using DSLR or mirrorless camera systems is the ability to use different lenses to match specific shooting needs. While the zoom lens is versatile, the prime lens has better advantages. There are various brands but what is a prime lens Nikon? Is it better than any other brands?

To help out, we will discuss bits of information about Nikon prime lenses, their advantages, factors to consider when buying one, and more.

What Is a Prime Lens Nikon?

In general, a prime lens covers only a single focal length. A prime lens Nikon is the particular brand of prime lenses. It is a variety of a specific prime lens that matches the photography skills and budget of the user.

Advantages

Although you have more freedom to adjust the focal length in the zoom lenses, there are many reasons why prime lenses are also worth it.

1. Allows more light in the camera

The wider maximum aperture of prime lenses enables more light to get into the camera. The lens opens up widely; hence, more amount of light gets inside while the shutter is open.

This is truly a big advantage when shooting in low-light conditions. As such you don’t have to minimize the shutter speed or increase the ISO.

2. Shallower depth of field

What makes a sharp, clear shot is the one that focuses on the subject while blurring out the background. This is made possible by the lens’ depth of field. The wider maximum aperture of the prime lens makes this shot possible and easy.

3. Good value for money

Prime lenses come at various prices. If you are a beginner, there is no doubt that this is a good choice as you have more affordable options. You can compare the cost of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens to the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens which is more expensive, but both have good qualities.

Examples of Budget-Friendly Nikon Prime Lenses

With the Nikon brand alone, they come in different prices and features to match specific user needs and wants. Among the most affordable Nikon prime lenses today are the following:

1. Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens

Starting with the most affordable prime lenses is the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens which is an upgrade of the AF-D 50mm f/1.8 lens. However, buyers should not underestimate its features and capabilities.

It is best for taking beautiful photographs outdoors, portrait shots, and sharp images. It is compatible with many modern Nikon DSLR cameras, even the D3200 model without a motor.

2. Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G lens

The size, built, weight, and features of this prime lens are satisfying. More importantly, the qualities of photographs taken with this prime lens are superb.

It is a cheaper alternative to the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G which is usually used by professionals. Aside from the cheaper cost, this AF-S 50mm f/1.4G lens has two-thirds of a stop aperture larger than its expensive rival.

3. Nikkor AF-S 28mm f/1.8G lens

Although it is relatively expensive for beginners, the Nikkor AF-S 28mm f/1.8G lens has more specialized and longer focal length at 85mm f/1.8G. It is excellent for taking photographs in low-light situations and capturing full-body frames because of its wide angle of view.

Factors to Consider When Buying Prime Lenses

With the availability of various kinds of prime lenses, choosing the best one can be quite overwhelming. Among the major factors to consider when buying one is the kind of shot where you intend or plan to use it. If it is your first time to buy a prime lens, here are some important factors to keep in mind.

1. What do you want to shoot?

The kind of shot you intend to use the prime lens for is an important consideration for buying. For portrait shots, lenses between 24mm and 200mm are recommended.

Generally, telephoto lenses show less of the environment and scene. For shooting landscape, lenses between 12mm and 35mm are advised. For shooting farther landscapes, a telephoto lens such as the 200mm or 300mm can do a great job.

2. The location and time where and when you intend to shoot.

If you love taking photographs during the day, slower lenses (lens with higher F number) are more appropriate and less expensive. On the other hand, shooting in low-light conditions require a faster lens or the lens with a slower “F” number.

3. The sensor of the camera.

The type of camera sensor is also an important buying consideration. For example, an APS-C sensor is approximately a 1.5x to 1.6x crop, while a Micro Four Thirds sensor is a full-frame 35mm sensor with 2x crop capability.

Also, you should know where the sensor size recommendation you use is based on. This is to allow you to convert the bigger sensor recommendation into one that suits your sensor.

What Are the Most Utilized Focal Lengths?

Prime lenses work with various focal lengths. Among the lenses that are being or were produced are or near the 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 105mm focal lengths. For the aforementioned focal lengths, lens manufacturers produce two or more lenses with similar focal length but not with the same maximum apertures.

Particularly for the 35mm and full-frame cameras, the focal length is as follows:

• Ultra-wide (12 to 21mm) for shooting at very near distance
• Wide (24 to 35mm) for capturing a wider field of view
• Standard (50 mm) for shooting diagonal objects at 44mm and a human vision point of view
• Portrait (85mm) for shooting longer subjects and image framing
• Telephoto (135 mm) for capturing fast-paced objects
• Super telephoto (200 to 500 mm) used for action and wildlife photography

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, there are a few advantages of using prime lenses. Knowing what is a prime lens Nikon is the easiest way to choose high-quality lenses without spending too much. They are especially recommended for beginners but are also loved by experienced photographers who aim at shooting sharper, clearer images.

Nikon offers various prime lenses that vary in focal length, aperture, etc., and each of which best matches specific photography skills and preferences. Determine what kind of image you are going to shoot with the prime lens you intend to buy.

YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens Review

Buying a Nikon camera is not enough if you want to bring your photography skills to a higher level. You also need to purchase lenses (other than the kit lens) that are available in various models to use in different situations. You can choose between two popular types, namely a full-frame (FX) lens and a cropped sensor (DX) lens.

The common problem is that lenses can cost a lot, but nowadays, you will find some amazing high-quality lenses for Nikon offered by other top brands for an affordable price. To make it easier for our readers, we will talk about one such option: the YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N, which is a full frame (FX) lens. Read ahead to learn about its features, pros, cons, and how it fares against a more expensive lens.

YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens

Yongnuo Digital is an established manufacturer of high-quality digital photography equipment and accessories. Based in Hong Kong, the brand is popular in Asia, Europe, and North America for their affordable copy versions of the original Nikon lenses.

The YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens is one of their trendiest lenses for Nikon cameras that promise to deliver almost the same results as the original version.

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Features

The YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens is an affordable version of the Nikon 50/1.8G barrel lens. It offers you almost the same quality but at a lesser price—almost thrice less than the original version by Nikon). Another great thing is that it can be used with a wide range of Nikon camera models like the D40, D40x, D60, D800, D810a, D700, D750, D7000 series, D5000 series, D3000 series, D300, D500, and D600.

The lens also comes with a built-in micro-focus motor that makes it easier for beginners and students to focus the shot. Other features include a photo filter thread size of 58 millimeters, a minimum focal length of 0.45 meters, a maximum focal length of 0.55 meters, and a manual focus system.

Having two types of focus systems, you can easily switch between the auto (AF) and manual (MF) focus mode with the help of the Focus Mode Switch. It also shows the depth of field that makes it easier for you to calculate the overall depth of the area.

The aperture is from F/1.8 to F/16, which adjusts without the help of an iris control ring. The diaphragm blades include seven rounded blades, while the 58mm filter thread is made of plastic.

The dimensions of the lens are 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches, and the weight is around six ounces. It also has a multi-layer coating that makes it durable. Once you purchase this lens, you’ll also receive front and rear lens caps, as well as a cleaning cloth.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Extremely lightweight
• Offers great length for portraits
• No need to extend or rotate the filter when focusing
• High-quality images
• Designed for almost all full-size Nikon FX cameras

Cons:

• Only works with Nikon cameras
• Doesn’t have a zoom function

Summary

For those who are searching for a reasonably priced version of expensive Nikon lenses without sacrificing much on quality, the YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens might just be a perfect choice. It comes with a metal bayonet, a window with a focusing distance, an internal focus, an AF/MF switch, and a DOF scale.

The built-in focus motor makes it a good option for beginners and you can use it with almost all Nikon models. However, you can’t use it with cameras of any other brands.

It produces good quality images, making it an excellent option for portraits and nighttime photography activities. The level of distortion is also very low, which is unique for a third-party lens.

Do keep in mind though that it is a copy of the original Nikon lens, so the quality of the image is not exactly the same. Additionally, as similar to other fixed lenses in the market, the YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens doesn’t come with a zoom function.

Comparison

To determine if the YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens is really worth a buy, let’s compare it with the original version: the Nikon 50mm 1.18D AF Nikkor Lens.

One of the principal differences is the age of both lenses. The one from Yongnuo Digital was released in 2016, which is almost 14 years after the release of the original Nikon lens. The design of the barrels in both lenses is also different.

The Nikon lens is comparatively smaller as well as 50g lighter than the Yongnuo version. The Yongnuo lens comes with a built-in micro-focus motor, while the Nikon lens lacks it. Instead, it uses the focusing motor that is built in the camera.

That makes the Yongnuo lens a better option for cameras that don’t feature built-in focus motors. Additionally, the Yongnuo lens doesn’t extend when focusing unlike the original Nikon version, which makes it easier to use.

On the other hand, the Nikon 50mm 1.18D AF Nikkor Lens comes with a diaphragm control ring which is not the case with the Yongnuo version. In terms of performance, the image quality is slightly better in the original Nikon version, which is expected since it is three times more expensive than the Yongnuo lens.

In the end, the Nikon lens is slightly better in terms of image quality, but the Yongnuo version comes with its own set of unique features. That said, it all comes down to how much you want to spend on the lens.

Verdict

After looking at what the YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8N Lens has to offer, we can conclude that it is an affordable third-party version of the expensive Nikon 50/1.8G Lens with an almost similar design and features. It offers you the best results when you compare price vs. performance with any other third-party lenses.

Overall, it is an excellent option for amateur photographers, students, and beginners who are using non-motorized Nikon cameras, as well as for those who have a tight budget. You can also use this lens at the start before switching to more expensive options. However, if you are a professional photographer, it is better to buy the original Nikon lenses.

Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens Review

If you have a Nikon camera, the next thing you may want to look for is a nice lens. That is because you can only make your photographs eye-catching and high-quality if you are using a good lens.

In addition, if you want to add more creativity to your images, a good option is to use fisheye lenses that allow you to take images with natural curves. These are niche lenses that make an excellent addition to your camera bag.

Fortunately, there are a lot of good options available for Nikon cameras, many from the Nikon brand while some from third-party manufacturers. Nikon lenses are often expensive, even more, when it comes to fisheye lenses. However, the third-party options are often more affordable and almost have the same features, design, and quality.

If you are on the lookout for a good quality but an affordable lens for your Nikon camera, read ahead. We have reviewed the Ronkinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens in detail for you to determine whether this is the right one for you or not.

Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens

Ronkinon is a well-known, USA-based manufacturer and a subsidiary of Elite Brands Inc. that offers a wide range of lenses and other digital photography accessories under their brand names Rokinon and Xeen. The Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens is amongst their top sellers, so we have looked into its features, benefits, and drawbacks.

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Features

The Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens is one of the company’s latest and most popular lenses for Nikon cameras. It is compatible with Nikon DX and Nikon DX /35mm film, while the camera mount type is Nikon F. Likewise, it is designed to be used with APS-C format DSLRs.

This metal lens comes with ultra-wide, eight-millimeter focal length, a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a minimum aperture of f/23, and a 167-degree angle of view. The minimum focus distance is one feet or 30.48 cm. Additionally, it is a manual lens with no autofocus feature, but it comes with 11 elements in seven groups that also include one spherical lens.

Available in black color, the dimensions of the lens are 3x3x3 inches while its weight is approximately 15 ounces. It is a fisheye lens that allows you to capture distort images. It also uses HD optics for sharper and high-quality images.

The fisheye lens will produce rounded images, unlike other lenses. It also features a multi-layer coating to reduce ghost images and flare. Lastly, the package comes with a petal-style lens hood that can be removed with ease before use.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Comes with a large-sized focusing ring
• Produces high-quality images
• Offers exceptional color rendering in images
• An excellent option to shot landscape images

Cons:

• Need to be focused manually
• Doesn’t give information about the depth of field
• Not zoomable

Summary

An extremely easy-to-use lens, the Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens is a great option for those who want to work with manual lenses. That is because the large and well-designed manual focusing ring allows you to focus with ease.

It is a wide-angle fisheye lens that captures rounded images, so it is not for everyone. If you are interested in getting creative, this is a good option. It is also a good choice for outdoor photography without flash because of its high-quality color rendering and HD optics.

With its ultra-wide angle, you can use the exaggerated perspective to add dramatic effects to your images. The lens is also made of hybrid aspherical elements to produce high-quality images.

However, keep in mind that it is a manual lens with no autofocus feature. It is also not a zoomable lens, and it doesn’t offer you the depth of field when taking images.

Comparison

The fisheye lenses are not used by every photographer out there but allow you to add creativity to your images. You can find some excellent options from other brands that you can compare with the Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens. One product that we have found is the Nikon AF DX Nikkor Fisheye Lens.

The primary difference between the two models is the price. To be specific, the Ronkinon lens is three and a half times cheaper than the Nikkon fisheye lens. With such a drastic difference in price, you also have to sacrifice a little on features and picture quality.

Another main difference is that the Ronkinon lens is a manual lens, while the Nikon lens comes with an autofocus feature. That said, they both are fixed zoom lenses, but Nikon has an angle of view of 180 degrees as compared to the 167 degrees offered by the Ronkinon lens.

Similarly, the close range focusing is 5.5 inches in Nikon, while it is 12 inches in Ronkinon. The image quality is also better in Nikon since it uses advanced Innovative Close-Range Correction (CRC) technology.

On the other hand, Ronkinon lens comes with larger and well-designed focusing ring. It is also made of metal that makes it safer to use. All-in-all, it all comes down to how much you can spend on the lens.

If you can spend more than $700 on a camera lens, you can buy the Nikon fisheye lens, but if your budget does not allow you to spend more than $200 on a lens, there is no better option out there within this price range than the Ronkinon.

Verdict

Fisheye lenses are considered as the most expensive lenses out there, but this is not the case with the Rokinon HD8M-N Fisheye Lens. It is among the most affordable fisheye lenses out there from a well-known brand.

Unlike many others, this one is made of metal instead of plastic, which makes it long-lasting and sturdy. As a specialty lens, it will be an excellent addition to the arsenal of professional photographers who truly want to get creative with their photography. Keep in mind though that you need to have some experience with well-rounded lenses before using this one.

Overall, this one is an affordable and high-quality fisheye lens that offers you a great result, especially for outdoor landscape photography. When it comes to value for money, it is one of the best options out there.

What Is a 70 300mm Lens Used For: The Basics of Telephoto Lenses

Contrary to popular belief, not all lenses work the same. It is a usual mistake of those new to the world of photography to think that the same lens can be used for any photography. It is always best to learn about the different kinds of lenses and where to use them best. For example, knowing what is a 70 300mm lens used for and how it differs from other lenses will go a long way in shooting excellent images.

Understanding Focal Length

One cannot understand the functions of the lenses without knowing what a focal length is. A focal length is the distance between the middle of a lens and its focus and is usually measured in millimeters.

Some people think that focal length is the actual length of lenses. It is instead the calculation of the optical distance from the point where the light rays meet to form a sharp reproduction or image of a particular object to the sensor of the camera located at the equipment’s focal plane. The focal length is determined whenever the lenses are focused at infinity.

A more straightforward way of understanding this concept is that focal length provides the view’s angle or how much of the photography subjects will be captured as well as magnified.

A photographer will have a narrower view angle and higher magnification with a longer focal length lens. On the other hand, one will have lower magnification and wider angle of view with a shorter focal length.

Different Kinds of Lenses

There different kinds of lenses, namely the fisheye or ultra-wide, wide-angle, standard prime, zoom, macro, and telephoto, which we will be giving more focus later on for the sake of simplifying our discussion.

The fisheye or ultra-wide lenses have a focal length of eight to 24 mm and are best for panoramic shots, landscapes, cityscapes, abstracts, and real estate. On the other hand, the wide-angle lenses have 24 to 35 mm focal length and are great for images of landscapes, architecture, interiors, and forests. Standard prime lenses have focal lengths of either 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm and are best for portraits, street, and wedding photography.

Zoom lenses have focal lengths of 55 to 200 mm and are perfect for taking shots of the wildlife, weddings, and portraits while the macro lenses have a focal length of 50 to 200 mm and are widely used for ultra-detailed photos.

What Are Telephoto Lenses?

Telephoto lenses are best for taking images of distant subjects such as sports event, astronomy, and the wildlife. These lenses are designed for the reproduction of pictures at moderate to far distances.

This kind of lens is also referred to as a long lens or a Tele lens and have a special internal construction that gives the lenses a focal length that is greater than the diameter of the lenses themselves. They are lighter, smaller and portable compared to others.

What Is a 70 300mm Lens Used for?

Telephoto lenses come either with a fixed focal length and zoom variants. Lenses with fixed focal lengths usually are of higher quality than zoom variants. Zoom lenses, however, provide greater flexibility to photographers.

Focal lengths of telephoto lenses often start roughly at 85 mm and can extend to 800 mm and even beyond. Lenses with longer focal lengths have the advantage of capturing more distant details, but they tend to be pricier, more massive and larger.

Tele Lenses can be categorized into three kinds, namely short, medium and super.

• Short Tele Lenses

Short Tele lenses are best for shooting candid shots and portraits like those in wedding photography where the photographer is quite close to the subject but also needs to keep some distance. The short tele lenses are lightweight and compact and can be held by hand for fast shooting. The focal length of these lenses ranges from 85 to 135 mm.

• Medium Tele Lenses

Medium telephoto lenses are ideal for sports and action photography where photographers can get close to the live action. They have a focal length of 135 to 300 mm.

• Super Tele Lenses

Super telephoto lenses have more than 300 mm focal length and are often used for nature and wildlife photography. Most amateurs do not need such a lens, but professional ones do. Lenses with long focal lengths are great for astrography, but they are very pricey.

Many cameras and lenses manufacturers sell the 70 to 300mm lenses, which makes many people wonder, “What is a 70 300mm lens used for?” These lenses are considered as telephoto lenses given the focal length range.

A 70 to 300mm lens a is a telephoto lens that has a zoom function. There is an advantage in using the 70 to 300mm lenses as they offer versatility. Such a lens can be used for daylight telephoto subjects including wildlife, travel, candid and portrait shots due to its wide range of focal length. These lenses are also lightweight.

This kind of lens allows for flexibility in its use as it has a working distance of close to far, which means the lens can produce sharp images of objects that are located nearby as well as those found in a far distance. Photographers who need to either travel or keep moving around with their equipment prefer the 70 to 300mm lenses as they do not have to bring multiple lenses with them since this lens is already enough for their needs.

The 70 to 300mm Lens Might Just Be What You Need

There are different kinds of lenses, and knowing what type of photography one will use the lens for will come a long way in helping a buyer know which lens to buy. Unfortunately, lenses do not come in cheap, and for amateurs or even professional photographers, it will take time to complete all kinds of lenses.

The telephoto lens with 70 to 300mm focal length is an excellent choice for those who want versatility in their lenses. After all, it has a wide range of focal distance, which means one can indulge in different kinds of photography with it like sports and live action, travel, astronomy, nature, wildlife, and portrait. This kind of lens is great for travelers, and live action photographers who value portability in their cameras, lenses, and equipment since it is lightweight.

What Is the Purpose of the Lenses in a Camera?

One can take photos anytime and anywhere, thanks to technology as even mobile gadgets like smartphones and tablets have cameras. However, if one wants to take photography seriously, then its best to get a pro-level camera. It is also imperative to understand how the equipment works. For one to be good at taking photos, he or she must know the basics of the camera including understanding what is the purpose of the lenses in a camera as well as identifying the different types of camera lenses and their uses.

What Is the Purpose of the Lenses in a Camera?

A camera lens also popularly known as the photographic objective or photographic lens is an assembly of lenses. A camera lens is used along with a mechanism and camera body to produce images either on photographic film or other media that can store pictures electronically or chemically.

It is not enough to know what a camera lens is to take great photos. One also has to understand the different kinds of lenses to know which type is best to use for a particular purpose.

The Different Types of Camera Lenses

Camera lenses come in different types, namely, the Fisheye or ultra-wide, the wide angle, the standard prime, the zoom, the macro, and the telephoto.

Standard Prime Lenses

Standard prime lenses have a fixed focal length of either 35, 50, 85 or 135 mm. These lenses are great for portrait, architecture, wedding, street, and documentary photography.

Having fixed focal length means that the photographer will not be able to zoom in and out as choosing a particular lens will give the photographer only one perspective. For example, selecting a 50mm lens will only provide a 50 mm perspective. One can just shoot at a single length.

Using standard prime lenses have its advantages. For one, this lens type typically delivers sharper images than zoom lenses. They are also lightweight and performs better than other lenses in low light situations. This lens also works great for general photography.

However, standard prime lenses won’t be able to zoom, and thus, the photography will need different kinds of lenses.

Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses have a focal length of 55 to 200 mm and are preferred by many due to their versatility. This kind of lens allows the photographer to stay in just one place due to its multiple focal lengths rather than move in distances to get the perfect shot. It also has an auto-focus function, which allows for quick snapping at a maintained focus while the photographer changes the focal length.

The zoom lenses are perfect for portrait, wedding, and wildlife photography. However, they are also heavy and usually have a high aperture. These lenses also do not produce sharp images, unlike prime standard lenses.

Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses are often used for taking photos of sceneries located from a far distance. The focal length of this kind is anywhere from 100 to 600 mm. Such a lens can zoom, which means it cannot fall under the prime standard category. These lenses are perfect for photography of the wildlife, nature, stars, and sports.

One can shoot in a single position with this lens. It also has a shallow depth of field, which makes it ideal for great blur in the background. Telephoto lenses, however, are usually heavy and requires the use of a tripod. Plus, this lens is pricey.

Wide Angle Lenses

Wide angle lenses, as the name suggests, allow photographers to take a picture with a broader field of view with the lens’ focal length of 24 to 35 mm. They are perfect for landscape photography. Wide angle lens is also versatile, lightweight and easy on the pocket. Plus, this kind of lens also has more depth of field, which means it can produce more focused images.

The downside of wide angle lenses is its poor ability to achieve compression or more popularly known as a blurry background. Wide angle lens can also produce distorted images.

Fisheye Lenses

Fisheye lenses have a focal length of eight to 24 mm and are often referred to as ultra-wide lenses. As its name suggests, the glasses look like fish eyes that can provide a panoramic view of between 100 to 180 degrees.

This kind of lens is mostly used in abstract photography as it allows one to take the most panoramic view than any other type of photography lenses due to its ability to distort lines to get a more convex appearance purposely. Fisheye lenses are the most commonly used lens in security cameras given their ability to provide the broadest view.

Fisheye lenses, however, are not for taking portraits as they have significant line distortion.

Macro Lenses

Macro lenses have 50 to 200 mm focal length and are excellent for extreme close up photos. Using this kind of glass will produce detailed images where even water droplets and fine hair, to name a few, will be highly visible. Using this kind of lens can reproduce a lifesize image of the photo’s subject. It has excellent magnification features of up to five times the actual size of the subject and provides the best-quality images.

Macro lenses have their downside, as they have limited use and are highly expensive. The lenses are also difficult to focus.

Taking Great Photos Can Be Easy

Those who are serious in becoming competent in photography should understand what is the purpose of the lenses in a camera and how a particular kind can affect the photo quality. Lenses, after all, come in different types, and it is best to understand the pros and cons of each kind.

For example, standard prime lenses are highly flexible and can be used for various kinds of photography. They are also lightweight and can take sharper images than the zoom lenses. It has a downside as the photographer cannot zoom and will need to walk around to take photos of subjects located from a distance.

In contrast, a zoom camera is great for taking photos of subjects located in some far distance. However, it does not produce sharp images, unlike the standard lens. Knowing the difference between the two will help a person choose which lens to buy or bring along depending on what they intend to shoot. Hence, it is essential for a photographer to know the pros and cons of a particular lens type.

Taking excellent images will require some patience and lots of practice. And being a great photographer starts by knowing about what a lens does and how it affects the reproduction of images.

Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon Review

Whether you’re meaning to dabble into wildlife photography or looking to step up your architectural or landscape photography game, it is about time you add a telephoto lens in your gear. And if you are searching for something that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, then the Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon might be for you.

Let us walk you through what this powerful and inexpensive super-telephoto lens can do and see how it fits your requirements.

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Features

The Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon comes with the following features:

• 500mm telephoto lens with 2x converter

The Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon boasts of a 500mm focal length, which doubles to 1000m with a 2x teleconverter. Even without the 2x teleconverter, this telephoto lens has a minimum focus distance of 33 feet or 10.06 meters.

With such power, the Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon is highly suitable for taking wildlife photos, celestial images, and surveillance shots. Magnification power is up to 10 times.

• Manual focusing

This telephoto lens requires a fully manual operation. To focus, you need to use the focus ring on the camera. Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO adjustments also have to be made on the lens.

If you are thinking of having the lens interact with the camera, then this is not the lens for you. The Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon is for those who love old school photography and don’t mind learning about a manual operation.

• F/8 to f/32 aperture

With a maximum aperture of f/8, the Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon requires ample lighting to get decent shots. You can take magnificent landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, and wildlife with it in bright to medium lighting conditions.

• Good optical construction

This high-power telephoto lens has four elements in four groups. It also comes with a high index, low-dispersion multi-coated optical glass to fetch you crisp, high-contrast, and flare-free compositions.

• Built-in tripod collar

The Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon requires a tripod to get a stable shot. It is outfitted with a rotatable tripod collar for this purpose.

• Compatible with all Nikon DSLRs

The Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon is compatible with 35mm film or full-frame digital sensor cameras. Matching models include Nikon DF, D40, D40X, D70, D80, D90, D100, D200, D300, D300S, D500, D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D810A, D810, D850, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5600, D7000, D7200, and D7500.

The kit comes with a T-mount adapter for the camera to work with digital and 35mm Nikon DSLR cameras.

• Lightweight and compact

For an 11.73 x 2.76-inch telephoto lens, this one is surprisingly lightweight, tipping the scales at only 638 grams or 22.5 ounces. It owes this to its aluminum alloy construction.

Pros

• Very powerful magnification capability
• Comes with a 2x teleconverter that doubles it telephoto powers
• Has a built-in rotatable tripod collar
• Works well with a solid tripod and a remote shutter trigger
• Images taken within the golden hours come out crisp and clear.
• Suitable for outdoor, wildlife, celestial, and surveillance photography
• Lets you get a close-up view of your subject without distracting them
• Lightweight and compact for a telephoto lens in its range.
• Can be had at a very affordable price
• Great beginner telephoto lens

Cons

• Lack of weight makes the lens sensitive to movements.
• As with most telephoto lenses, it requires a tripod or monopod and a remote for a steady shot.
• Requires decent lighting conditions
• Not suitable for taking sports action shots and concert photos
• Operates on a completely manual mode
• Takes some practice, especially if you are new to the manual lens focusing
• Has no vibration reduction capability
• Not for serious or professional photographers looking for an investment piece

Summary

The Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon is a high-power telephoto lens that offers you a minimum focus distance of 33 feet or 10.06 meters.

Used with its complimentary 2x converter, it doubles its magnification power, giving you an incredibly close-up view of your subject from a good distance.

Comparison

If you’re happy with the 500mm/1000mm focal length of the product-in-review but curious with how it compares to a Nikon telephoto lens of its range, then let’s check out the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens. Be forewarned, however, that if you are tight on the budget, then the lens will cost you around 11 times more than the Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon.

But if you are looking for a real investment piece, then the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens is sure to leave an impression. With a higher maximum aperture of f/5.6, it will definitely allow you to breach the limits set by the f/8 stop of the Vivitar model. For one, the competition lens lets you shoot sports action.

And if old school manual lens operation doesn’t appeal to you, then this lens allows you to use your camera’s auto functions. On top of that, this longer and heavier lens comes with a Vibration Reduction technology that fetches you sharper images. And if you want to increase its focal length limits, then this Nikon lens works with a 1.4x, 1.7x, and a 2x teleconverter (sold separately).

Verdict

For its telephoto power and price, the Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon makes for a great learning tool. As though its 500mm focal length is not enough, it comes with a 2x converter that doubles its telephoto capabilities. Great for capturing lunar phenomena, wildlife in their natural habitat, far-off cityscapes and landmarks, and more without breaking the bank!

However, this entry-level telephoto lens is completely manual. Unless you’re willing to put in the time to learn manual focusing and have the patience for it, you would want to keep searching. As it is, the Vivitar 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon offers a great deal for those looking for a beginner telephoto lens and who don’t mind learning manual operation skills on the side.