6 Tips for Choosing a Good DSLR Camera Lens

Choosing a Good DSLR Camera Lens - Lenses have an important role in photography. Like the retina of the eye, when the condition of the retina is impaired then the quality of vision will be reduced.

So it is with the lens. The quality of the resulting image is slightly influenced by the quality and condition of the camera lens itself.

However, sorting and choosing the DSLR camera lens is not an easy matter. There are many things to know and understand before deciding to buy a DSLR camera lens.

Moreover, the price of the lens is not exactly cheap. Especially for manufacturers brands. There are even lots of manufacturer output lenses that cost above the price of a set of entry level DSLR cameras.

Choosing a Good DSLR Camera Lens
 So no one choose that culminate with disappointment, following 6 tips on choosing a good DSLR camera lens.

1). Understand Your Needs

One source of confusion the beginner photographer will buy when the lens is they do not understand or understand what the required lens.

Does it need a telephoto lens, wide lens, lens fix, or macro lens? All types of lenses have their respective advantages.

Generally DSLR cameras sold in stores already offer package kits. This means you will buy a full camera body and lens. Like Canon that always include the 18-55 mm lens in each entry-level camera that is sold.

If only just to photograph a family event, the kit lens is enough. Now, where's your passion in photography going?


Is it fun to take pictures of animals, like human interest, or even interested in macro photography branch?

Each type of photography will determine what type of DSLR camera lens to buy. Taking pictures of animals or birds will need a telephoto lens, while for those who are fond of insect photographs obviously need a macro lens.

Understand in advance you are in which type. Thus, the lens will be purchased can support the maximum photography activities you do.

2). Adjust Type Lens with Camera Sensor

Of the types of sensors, DSLR cameras are divided into two types. DLSR with full frame sensor and APSC sensor.

The type of sensor affects the lens you should buy. Wrong to buy a lens that does not fit with the sensor photo address will not be maximized. Even very likely the lens can not be used.

The lens manufacturer then makes two different types of lenses. The lens for the camera with full frame sensor will have a larger diameter.

The goal is that the lens can produce images that maximize the size of a large full frame sensor.

As for the camera with APSC sensor, the lens diameter is usually smaller. Because the APSC sensor was indeed smaller than the full frame sensor.

With a smaller size automatic production costs will be reduced so that the selling price will be more familiar with the pockets of consumers.

If you already know the type of sensor that is in your DSLR camera, then stay adjusted with the lens to be purchased. Canon's brand DSLR cameras will code EF for full frame lenses, while EF S-coded lenses are for APSC sensors.

EF S code lens you can not use for the camera with full frame sensor like Canon 5D or Canon 1D. But the EF series can be used for all types of Canon cameras. With note, EF lens prices will definitely drain your savings and wallets.

While Nikon issued a lens with DX code for APSC bersensor camera. For full frame camera bersensor actually use FX code.

But in the field it is not included in the name of the lens. So if you find a lens without DX code it is certain that it is a full frame lens.

Slightly different, Nikon still allows DX lenses to be used for full frame cameras. But the result is certainly not optimal.

Recorded photos will adjust to the size of the DX lens, which means smaller than the ability of full frame sensors in the camera.

3). Know the Differences of Manufacturers Lens and Non-Manufactured Lenses
When you enter the camera shop to choose DSLR camera lens, it will be served with various brands.

Not only manufacturers such as Nikon, Canon, or Sony. There are also non-manufacturer or aftermarket brands that are offered by the store seller.

The advantage of non-manufacturing lenses is usually in terms of price. Aftermarket lenses such as Tokina, Tamron, or Sigma are sold cheaper than the manufacturer's lens for lenses with the same focal length.


But of course there are consequences. That said, the quality of the aftermarket lens is not as good as the manufacturer's lens. Because the production quality control process is not as stringent as the manufacturer's brand.

After all, in a number of forums have a lot to say if the quality of non-manufacturer lens also began to match the manufacturer's lens.

Another difference is in terms of features. Non-manufactured lenses usually do not have as complete and as good a feature as a manufacturer's lens. Perhaps that's why the price becomes cheaper.

4). Pay close attention to Lens Technical Specifications

Points you should consider before buying a lens is a technical specification.

These technical specifications include optical quality, water and dust resistance, lens focus motor power, and image stabilizer capability.

There are lenses that have the ability to find focus quickly, some are slow. Neither with the image stabilizer capability, there are able to withstand shocks with a large percentage of small ones.

Remember, the better the specifications you have will be directly proportional to the high selling price.

5). Test Lens Condition

In the process of choosing the DSLR camera lens in the store you are headed, do not forget to bring the camera you have. Minimal carry the camera body so that the lens to be purchased can be directly tested condition.

Sections tested include autofocus capability. How quickly the lens can get the focus should be known by this test test. Also, make sure the lens does not fail to focus, that is putting the focus behind or in front of the object.

Feel also the condition of the focus ring or ring zoom in the lens. Feel sluggish or light, or even loose because it starts wearing out.

Also make sure the lens optic condition is not moldy. Although the lens is new, but because it is stored too long, it is possible that there is a fungus that begins to settle in the lens.

6). Get Guarantee

If you buy a new lens, be sure to get a warranty from the manufacturer. Not a store warranty.

Warranty manufacturers such as Canon or Nikon ensure if there is damage due to failure of production, stay brought to the official service center at no charge.


Even if you can only buy used lenses, still ask for the warranty from the seller. Try to ask for warranty at least 1-2 months. Thus, you will have enough time to test all the capabilities of the lens.

If you are active photographing, 1-2 weeks warranty was enough. Why? Because you will definitely often try the lens and immediately find out if anything goes wrong.
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