How to Take

Better Pictures
Beginner’s Guide to Professional Photography
 www.idesigni.co.uk

The Interactive Design Institute delivers accredited distance learning

courses in art and design, from Foundation level to BA (Hons) and MA,
in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.

This free resource offers a beginner’s guide to professional photography:

covering everything from choosing the right equipment; how and when to
use different camera settings; and the importance of understanding and
measuring light.
 Contents

Introduction Getting started with photography 2

Chapter 1 Choosing the Right ISO Setting 3

Getting to know your ISO setting 3

Setting digital ISO 6

Chapter 2 Shutter Speed Vs. Aperture 7

Pt. 1 Shutter Speed Explained 8

Technical information and definitions of shutter speed 8

When to use different shutter speed settings 9
A few things to remember 12

Pt. 2
Aperture Explained 13

Technical information and definitions of aperture 13

When to use different aperture settings 14
A few things to remember 15
Balancing shutter speed and aperture 15

Chapter 3 Exposure - How to Measure Light in a Scene 18

Tonal values and light in photography 19

How to measure light using your DSLR 20

Chapter 4 Choosing the Right Lens 21

Begin by asking yourself some questions 23

The different types of lenses available to you 27
A few more lenses for you to consider 32
 Introduction
Getting Started with Photography

Ground Zero
The vast majority of people don’t like reading You’ve just got your hands on a DSLR and are
instructions. As a species, we tend to be intuitive, keen to get started. The only reason for having the
preferring to dive in and play as opposed to engaging camera is you want to take photographs. It doesn’t
in extensive reading and research before making matter whether you’re desperate to captures images
tentative forays into unfamiliar territories. That’s of people, pets, landscapes or leisure activities, the
probably why we all have a drawer full of left over same basic principles will apply.
bits and pieces from our IKEA purchases; we puzzled,
pegged and pinned when we should have been Photography is all about light, specifically the
considering, collating and constructing. amount of light that enters the camera and the
controls and buttons on your DSLR enable you
Admit it, following the instructions is time consuming to determine this in a variety of ways. The key to
and boring. And that’s why, when faced with the controlling light effectively is balance; how you
intricacies of the average Digital Single Lens Reflex choose to use each of the controls on your DSLR
camera, most of us turn the dial to “Auto”; it’s will have an effect on how you choose to use each
convenient, does an adequate job and fulfils most of of the others; always remember that everything you
our photographic requirements. But this is the lazy do will have a knock on effect.
option, intended for those who intend to snap rather
than learn how to take professional pictures. What follows is an explanation of these functions;
what their nomenclature means, what they do, how
However, with a little thought and effort the this can be controlled and the results we can expect.
first time digital photographer can increase their
proficiency, capability and understanding of the As you become more experienced, your use of
medium substantially… and take better photographs. these controls will become increasingly intuitive.
Unfortunately there are no shortcuts – you’ll have
In this eBook we aim to teach you how to take to experiment and explore but if we take one step
better pictures and unravel some of the mysteries at a time, hopefully you acquire the knowledge
associated with the operation of your DSLR by and confidence to venture away from the “Auto”
explaining what the control buttons and dials function.
actually do.
To begin, we’ll concentrate on the ISO setting.

2
 Chapter 1
Choosing the Right ISO Setting

Getting to Know Your ISO Setting

Basically the ISO function controls the DSLR’s Light sensitivity settings work on this basic principle;
sensitivity to light. The abbreviation I.S.O. stands
for “International Standardisation Organisation”,
• If there is a lot of available light, that is,
which is the governing body that determines
if the lighting conditions are good for
standard sensitivity speeds for cameras. Vintage
photography, then the ISO setting should
photographers used to the analogue system will
be relatively low, such as 100 ISO
remember this as the “ASA” setting which was
determined by the speed of the film in the camera.
• This setting will enable you to use
If you fall into this category you will also remember
favourable shutter speeds and aperture
what happened when you forgot to change the film
settings which will produce a clean, clear
speed setting… disaster.
image without the graininess associated
with higher ISO settings (this is known as
Whereas with analogue cameras the user had to
“digital noise”)
change the ISO setting before shooting with each
new film, the DSLR photographer has the option
• In poor lighting conditions, that is, when the
to alter this before each new shot, thus preparing
level of light available for photography is
the camera according to the available light at
low then the ISO setting should be relatively
that specific point in time. Technologically, this
high, such as 800 ISO
represents a huge leap forward.
• This setting will probably mean relatively
slower shutter speeds and wider apertures
and the greater risk of producing granulated
images

Locate the ISO button on your camera. This will vary

from camera to camera so you are advised to consult
the owner’s manual. Having read the instructions
relating to ISO settings thoroughly, all that remains
is for you to remember to adjust your camera to the
setting most appropriate to the prevailing conditions…
each and every time you switch it on.
3
Source ‘Top View of a Canon EOS 60D’ by Philip Klever on wikicommons
4
SHUTTER

SPORTS NIGHT
SPEED

ACTION SHOTS BLURRY SHOTS

WILDLIFE LOW LIGHT

Sharpest
APERTURE

Shallow depth Deep depth

of field of field

SUNNY DAY NIGHT PHOTO

ISO

OUTDOORS ASTRO PHOTO

EVERYDAY USE LOW LIGHT

Setting Digital ISO

Taking the Canon DSLR range as an example, your shot by using a shutter speed of 1/250th
to set the ISO speed on most of the EOS of a second, the usual f-stop would be f4 – if
professional cameras, you should hold down the maintaining the same exposure. However, with a
‘AF’ and ‘Metering mode’ buttons at the same DSLR you may wish to choose a specific Depth of
time, while on the EOS-1D Mark III, press the Field and opt to maintain your f8 setting by adjusting
ISO button and on the EOS 5D press the Drive the ISO setting to 400.
-ISO button. Again, check your users’ manual first.

Begin by judging the conditions you will be shooting In the next few chapters we will be continuing to
in and then check the current ISO speed on your teach you how to take better pictures by discussing
camera which will be displayed in the LCD panel on shutter speeds, aperture settings and depth of field
top of the camera. If necessary, adjust the speed by in more detail. First, however, you should aim to
rotating the electronic input dial in either direction. familiarise yourself with your camera’s ISO setting
When you release the two buttons, or have taken control and the capability this function has to
whatever action is appropriate, the new ISO speed influence the appearance
will be set. of your photographs.

As stated above, the big advantage that the DSLR

has over analogue is that the ISO speed can be
changed between each exposure. For example, you
can shoot your first image at ISO 100, the following
at ISO 800, and the next at ISO 400, if appropriate.
This should mean that the choosing of the correct
ISO value will become an integral part of your
exposure adjustment routine.

As you become more experienced, you will find

that selecting the ISO setting becomes part of your
balancing act when choosing f-stops and shutter
speeds. For example, if your subject suggests an
exposure setting of f8 at 1/60th of a second at
ISO 100 but you want to capture some action in
6
 Chapter 2
Shutter Speed vs. Aperture

History has given us some truly epic conflicts. These invariably feature
two parties with apparently irreconcilable differences; Noah and The
Flood, King Canute and the Sea, Sampson and Delilah, Beta and VHS,
Nikon and Canon…

In this chapter we address photography’s most divisive pair; shutter

speed versus aperture setting. As we have said before, photography
is all about light and this dastardly duo form your camera’s gateway
to this most important commodity. If you learn how to use aperture
and shutter speed correctly, they can be made to do your bidding;
all you have to do is understand what makes them tick.

In this chapter we will aim to achieve a basic understanding of how

these functions on your camera work and how you can apply them in
your photography.

7
 Part One: Shutter Speed Explained

Technical Information and

Definitions of Shutter Speed
Basically shutter speed describes the amount of
time that your camera’s shutter remains open to
admit light; the amount of light allowed into your Shutter speed is:
camera is controlled by the speed at which you
decide the shutter will open and then close. The
faster the shutter speed, the less time the shutter • The amount of time that your camera’s
remains open and the lesser the amount of light shutter remains open and can vary from
entering the camera. The slower of the shutter extremely fast speeds such as 1/8000 of
speed, the greater the amount of light that is a second to lengthy 30 seconds on many
admitted. digital cameras.

Your camera is being used to capture a subject • Set in different ways on different cameras
in motion (even if your subject is stationary, it’s but with a Canon camera for example,
useful to think of it in terms of motion); the faster shutter speed is designated “Tv” which
the subject is moving, the faster the shutter speed stands for “Time Value”. Having set your
required to freeze the action. shutter speed using the Tvdial, you can
alter this by toggling with the thumb wheel
that is located behind the shutter release
button on your camera. Depending on the
model of camera you are using, shutter
speeds can be set across a broad range
which includes:

1/8000,1/6400,1/5000,1/4000,1/3200,
1/2500,1/2000,1/1600.1/1250,1/1000,
1/800.1/640,1/500,1/400,1/320,1/250
1/200,1/160,1/125,1/100,1/80,1/60,
1/50,1/40,1/30,1/25,1/20,1/15,1/13,1/10,
1/8,1/6,1/5 and 1/4 of a second and lower.

8
SHUTTER

SPORTS NIGHT
SPEED

ACTION SHOTS BLURRY SHOTS

WILDLIFE LOW LIGHT

Sharpest
APERTURE

Shallow depth Deep depth

of field of field

SUNNY DAY NIGHT PHOTO

ISO

OUTDOORS ASTRO PHOTO

EVERYDAY USE LOW LIGHT

When to Use Different Shutter

Speed Settings

As a rule of thumb: How to apply this in practice by using a few

scenarios:

• The shortest and therefore the fastest

shutter speeds are used to capture rapid • If we consider attending a motor racing
action such as vehicles in motion or event, the passing of a high speed train
accelerating, objects or people travelling or a frog feeding on insects, we can envisage
in mid-air or natural phenomena such as the shot we would wish to capture and the
animal behaviour. Typically, shutter speeds of technical difficulties the situation presents
1/60th of a second or less are considered us with. Unless we want to incorporate
fast. a degree of blur to suggest motion, we would
be aiming to freeze the action at a single
• The longer, slower shutter speeds are used to point. Each of these situations would require
capture images when there is less available a very fast shutter speed and would mean
light and when there is less action. Typically setting the camera at a speed in excess of
slower shutter speeds are those which are of 1/3200th of a second.
more than 1/30th of a second in duration.
• At an outdoor sporting event with adequate
light involving people running or moving
relatively quickly, we would be using a
mid-range shutter speed in excess of
1/400th of a second.

• To capture images of movement such

as walking, aim for a shutter speed in excess
of 1/60thof a second – assuming that the
available light in appropriate.

9
A Few Things to Remember
The slower the shutter speed used, the greater
the danger of unwanted camera shake. Undue
movement of the camera during an exposure will
result in blurring of the final image. To prevent
this you should aim to keep your camera as still
as possible. This can be done by securing your
arms against your sides while leaning against a
robust structure such as a wall or building or
by using a tripod and remote shutter release.

If you are using a Canon camera in Tv mode, you

should be aware that the camera will automatically
set the aperture or f-stop when you choose the
shutter speed. This is ideal when you want to capture
motion by freezing the action. However, if you want
to select the aperture setting first, you should be
aware of the following.

12
 Part Two: Aperture Explained

Technical Information and

Definitions of Aperture
Basically, an aperture is a hole. On a camera, this
is the opening that enables light to enter the body
and reach the sensor. The size of this hole can be In many respects, the size of the aperture selected,
altered to allow more or less light through and serves the same function as the shutter speed
typically, apertures are described in terms of their control; it determines the amount of light reaching
size; large or small and are commonly referred to the DSLR’s sensor. However, the aperture setting
as “f-stops”. chosen also impacts on another element of the
image to be captured, namely the Depth of Field,
a term that describes the area within which our
images are in focus and out of focus, according to
their relative distance from the camera lens.

To understand this fully, it is vital that we identify

the various F stops and their importance.

If we take the Canon digital camera as an example

again, the aperture setting is chosen by turning the
upper dial to the Av mode which will allow you to
set the aperture first instead of the shutter speed.

On a scale going from largest to smallest, aperture

sizes on a DSLR are as follows:

f1.4, f 2, f 2.8, f 4, f 5.6, f 8, f 11, f16, f22 and f32

You will notice that the larger the number, the smaller
the size of the aperture. If the lighting conditions
are appropriate and we select the smallest available
f- stop, f32 we have the potential to create an
image with a large Depth of Field, that is, with the
nearest and furthest objects being in focus.

13
SHUTTER

SPORTS NIGHT
SPEED

ACTION SHOTS BLURRY SHOTS

WILDLIFE LOW LIGHT

Sharpest
APERTURE

Shallow depth Deep depth

of field of field

SUNNY DAY NIGHT PHOTO

ISO

OUTDOORS ASTRO PHOTO

EVERYDAY USE LOW LIGHT

When to Use Different

Aperture Settings

The most effective way to illustrate this is by The smaller aperture is favoured for landscape
considering a row of statues, such as those found photography where the image will be enhanced by
on Easter Island, positioned running away from the inclusion of distant features such as mountain
our camera, receding towards the horizon. With a ranges and/or cloud formations. It is typically used
large f-stop, giving us a wide aperture and a large where the photographer chooses to give equal value
Depth of Field such as f32, the nearest and furthest to everything within the composition.
statues would remain in focus.

Conversely, a larger aperture such as f 1.4 would

give us an image where the first statue is in focus
while the remaining statues would appear initially in
soft focus and then progressively more blurred as
they recede into the distance.

However, both these scenarios have their applications

and depend upon what the photographer wants to
achieve; having the skill and knowledge to use the
most appropriate aperture setting is part of the art
of photography.

A larger aperture enables the photographer not only

to capture photographs in poorer lighting conditions
but also to achieve the softer image typically seen
in portrait photography. The larger aperture also
enables the photographer to give prominence to
specific subjects within the composition.

14
 A Few Things to Remember Balancing Shutter Speed and
Aperture
If you choose to use your Canon DSLR in Av mode,
the camera will automatically set the shutter speed
in relation to the aperture setting you have chosen. Photography is a balancing act. As a beginner
Essentially, you will opt for the Av mode when photographer you have to identify the most
considering the Depth of Field or compensating for significant elements at the time of taking each
poor lighting conditions. Therefore, as discussed shot and weight these up against your experience
above, a wide aperture setting with a low f-stop and knowledge of your camera’s functions and
value will provide a shallow Depth of Field while capability. Hopefully, this chapter will have provided
a small aperture setting with a high f-stop value you with an indication of how to use aperture and
will produce an image with everything in focus, shutter speed settings to your best advantage.
front to back.
Of course, should you choose to you can also opt
for the Manual mode as designated by the “M”
setting. This enables you to set both the shutter
speed and aperture entirely as you wish, with no
automatic override.

15
Source ‘Manual mode of camera’s modes’ by Althepal on wikicommons
16
 Chapter 3
Exposure: How to Measure Light in a Scene

This chapter will be shorter and hopefully sweeter; deliberately so

because we want to concentrate on a single issue. The subject is
exposure… or rather how to gauge the most appropriate exposure
by understanding how your camera measures available light.

18
 Tonal Values and Light in
Photography

DSLR’s have an in built light metre which measures Matrix metering is the contemporary manifestation
the amount to light falling on the sensor within their of the Zone system which was developed by
body. This metre is calibrated to detect tonal values legendary landscape photographer, Ansel Adams
across a range that progresses from very light to
very dark.
to address the issue of variable readings within a
However, we will start with the premise that all single exposure. Adam’s technique involved studying
exposure metres – with the possible exception his subject matter, visualising the final print and
of high end, DSLR cameras which incorporate identifying areas of correspondence between what
matrix metering – assume that what they are he was viewing within the scene and tones within
photographing has an average tonal value, namely the proposed print. Adam’s mantra was, “expose
middle grey. Therefore if you capture your images for the shadows, develop for the highlights” –
according to the in-built metre reading, every unfortunately this doesn’t apply to digital images,
scene – from snowy landscapes to deep, dark but being familiar with the theory will help you to
foliage to interiors with brightly lit windows – will understand how exposure settings work in your
have the same reading and you will end up with DSLR and it’s worth investigating this topic further.
many, many incorrectly exposed photographs. Poor
lighting conditions will only serve to exacerbate this
problem.

For example, to combat this, DSLR matrix metering

has 10 segments which are “read” individually
before a clever piece of software determines the
optimum exposure setting – but even this can be
deceived by the influence of individual elements
such as strong backlighting.

19
How to Measure Light Using
Your Digital DSLR

Always begin with the premise that all cameras with On most DSLRs, you will see a row of numbers
a light meter are calibrated to see a tonal value of extending from -3 to +3 running along the bottom
18% middle grey and will default to this no matter of the viewfinder with “0” designated as the starting
where you point your lens; this does not make for point for determining your exposure setting.
achieving the most advantageous exposure setting.
However, you should not be deterred by this, nor Depress your shutter release button half way
should you opt for the auto setting on your camera while rotating the thumb wheel – this is known as
or be lulled into the false security of the built in “toggling”- until the indicator lines up in the centre.
flash. Read the manual… Depress the shutter release button fully down, take
the photograph and review; if the image is too light,
Alternatively, identify the centre spot in your toggle the thumb wheel towards the negative end
subject when you frame up and take your reading (-) of your row of numbers and repeat the process,
from there. When photographing people, you if the image is too dark, toggle towards the positive
should always expose for their skin by taking your numbers (+).
reading close up, locking it in and then adopting
your shooting position. This is a simple but effective way in which to
determine the exposure setting that you want for
your images.

20
 Chapter 4
Choosing the Right Lens

Having invested a considerable amount of your money in a state of the

art digital SLR, you will, in time, begin to look at acquiring additional
lenses. Suddenly, the standard 35mm or 18 – 55mm zoom that came
with your camera begins to feel restrictive. This is the point at which
photography starts to get serious.

Not only does another lens have the potential to increase the scope,
and hopefully quality, of your photography, but it can set you back
financially too. Therefore, it’s a good idea to decide which lens or
lenses you actually need to achieve the result you want and that
requires some research.

21
 Begin by asking yourself
some questions
• What do I want to achieve?

Asking yourself these simple questions will help you Following on from the question above, no doubt
to determine the type of lens that will best suit your you have a vague notion of the types of images
needs: you want to capture. If you haven’t, now is the
time to start researching. Use a Google image
• What type of photography most interests search to source work by established and emerging
me? photographers and/or subscribe to one or more of
the many photography blogs that exist to identify
Your answer might be landscape, portrait, the type of photographs that inspire you. Frequently
photojournalism, fashion or still life. Each will images are accompanied by technical details
have specific requirements and therefore require including the type of lens used.
particular pieces of equipment, including types of
lens. While you might be interested in several fields
within photography, you have decided that you want • How will I achieve the results I want?
to incorporate a degree of specialisation into your
work; that is why you are considering purchasing an The answer to this is more complicated. While a
additional lens. Consequently, you need to clarify good lens can help, it is only one of the tools in
your intentions. the photographer’s arsenal. However, don’t be
discouraged. The value of being familiar with the
functionality and knowing the capabilities of your
equipment should not be underestimated. Your
ability to select the lens you want for a specific shot
will be influenced by the extent and depth of your
knowledge of the natural and technical factors that
will impact on the result.

The more you know, the more likely you are to

achieve the photographs you want.

23
• How much is my budget? • How are lenses categorised?

Unfortunately, the majority of us are constrained Photography, like many subjects, is prone to jargon
financially; what we would like to buy and what and there is no doubt that you will come across
we can afford are often two separate issues. My many enthusiasts who will bamboozle you with tech
advice would be to buy the best quality lens you speak. This is especially true with camera lenses.
can afford rather than opt for a cheaper alternative. However, there are a few basic facts that will
It is better to wait until you have the money to enable you to negotiate this minefield successfully.
purchase the lens you actually want; don’t rush into Ultimately, the lens you choose will determine how
the purchase of a less expensive, generic version the camera sees the subject and different lenses
as you will regret this later. Decide how much you see their subject differently. Generally, lenses
have to spend and get online to try and source the are categorised according to whether they have
best deal. If you can’t find the lens that suits your a fixed or variable focal length and their “speed”,
budget, wait a month and try again; chances are which is determined by their maximum aperture
size and noted as an f-stop value. The focal length
of any lens is the measurement in millimetres of
prices will start to come down as newer versions of the distance between the front of the lens and
your lens come on the market. the image sensor contained in the camera body.
Consequently, we refer to 10mm, 35mm and 50mm
lenses.

24
Additionally, each type of lens has the capability to
alter the amount of light it allows into the camera
by varying the size of aperture, controlled by
adjusting the aperture ring to determine the f-stop.
Basically, the smaller the f-stop number, the more
light is allowed through and the faster the lens.
Consequently, an f-1.4 lens is faster than an f-2
lens. The significance of a faster lens being that
it will enable the photographer to capture images
in relatively poor lighting conditions. Therefore,
when a lens is described as a 50mm f1.4 lens, we
are provided with information about both its focal
length and speed.

Of course, there are other factors to consider when

buying a lens, such as the weight, availability of
an auto focus function and quality of the materials
used in its construction.

26
 The different types of lenses
available
Basic Lenses

Prime or Zoom? It’s worth remembering that there is no such thing

as a “normal” lens, although this term is frequently
This is one of the big questions in photography; do applied to lenses which aim to replicate how the
I buy a multi-functional zoom lens or a relatively human eye views the world; assuming of course that
more expensive, more specialised prime lens? everybody sees their world in a similar way.
Whichever you choose, you choice should be an
informed one and to do this, it helps to get to grips However, the lens that the vast majority of
with the terminology and functionality. photographers regard as fulfilling this function is
the 50mm. If we accept that this is our basic lens,
The focal length of any lens will either be fixed or we can use it as a convenient yardstick against
variable. A fixed focal length lens is known as a which to compare and describe the functionality
“prime” lens and a lens where the focal length can of other lenses. Consequently, if a lens has a
be varied is popularly referred to as a “zoom” lens. focal plane below 50mm such as 35mm, we could
Generally, prime lenses tend to be the preferred consider it to be more of wide angle lens and a
option for more serious – and cash rich – 24mm lens wider still.
photographers. This is because prime lenses are
more likely to produce sharper images and tend to Let us consider these definitions in more detail.
be described as “faster”.

Prime lenses usually enable the photographer to

focus more accurately (hence they are regarded as
“sharper) and because they have smaller f-numbers,
enable the photographer to capture an acceptable
image in poorer conditions by allowing more light to
enter the camera; in other words they are “faster”.

With this in mind, let’s consider what’s available in

terms of lenses.

27
Wide-angle lenses Typically, wide angle lenses are readily available
in 15mm, 17mm, 24mm and 28mm’s with more
To understand the concept of focal length, consider extreme, ultra wide angle or “fish eye” lenses
a shotgun. If we use it with both barrels intact and available in 8mm and 10mm. These are prime lenses
at their prescribed length, the shotgun will emit and designed specifically to enable photography
a hail of shot that will cover a certain area. If we which requires this particular function. In the
reduce the size of the barrels by cutting them off, next section, we will discuss zoom lenses which
the spread of shot will be much wider. enable wide angle photography in addition to other
functions.
In other words, the shorter the barrel or lens
the greater the coverage. All wide angle lenses
have short focal lengths. This means that images
taken with a wide angle lens will have two distinct
features; there will be a great deal of background
in the image and any subject in the foreground
will appear to have been moved away from the
photographer.

One of the problems associated with wide

angle lenses is a type of distortion known as
“convergence”. This is a phenomenon that makes
vertical lines, such as the edges of buildings,
appear to lean in towards the centre of the image.
Similarly, horizontal lines appear to curve thus when
these distortions are combined, we see a vortex like
effect. Cheaper wide angle lenses are more likely
to produce this type of distortion and the wise
photographer will try a few test shots before buying
such a lens.

28
Zoom Lenses The availability of specific types of zoom lens will
vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and we
Zoom lenses are lenses which can vary their focal can’t cover each and every combination in this
length and consequently are considered to be chapter but the same basic principle always applies;
extremely versatile. These lenses are available any zoom lens will be described in terms of its
in many, many forms and are described in terms shortest and longest focal length. Of course, any
of their shortest and longest focal length. particular focal length between the shortest and
Consequently, we have available to us examples longest quoted is also available to each zoom lens.
such as: Consequently any lens whose focal lengths cover
35mm and 50mm for example could be used as an
· wide angle zooms with a focal length of effective portraiture lens.
17mm to 35mm
Why then, if these lenses are so versatile, would we
· wide angle through basic to telephoto consider purchasing a variety of prime lenses?
zooms with a focal length of 24mm to
70mm The answer is, as already mentioned; that the prime
lens, when used for the purpose for which it was
· telephoto zooms with a focal length of designed, tends to produce better results. However,
80mm to 200mm the zoom lens should not be rejected as inferior nor
regarded as merely a cheaper option. Indeed, zoom
lenses can be expensive and this brings us to the
f-stop range rating. With zoom lenses, the f-stop
range is also quoted. For example, if we consider
the following description of a lens we can deduce:

30
 AF 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Wide Angle Zoom Lens There is no doubt that generally speaking, zoom
lenses offer flexibility and versatility, whereas prime
· This is a wide angle zoom lens lenses provide a higher degree of sharpness and
speed. Both types of lens come in a wide variety
· This is a lens with an auto focus function (AF) of prices and it is true to say that there will be a
lens available that suits your budget. However,
· The lens has a focal length of between ultimately, only you can decide which lens to
18mm and 200mm purchase but we hope that this chapter has given
you sufficient information to make an informed
· At 18mm, the lowest f-stop available to the choice.
photographer will be f3.5

· At 200mm, the lowest f-stop available will

be f6.3

As with all things relating to digital photography,

the buyer tends to get what they pay for. Given the
information available in the description, if you can,
aim to purchase the fastest lens you can afford. You
should also give the construction of the lens some
consideration. For example,

· Is the barrel of the lens plastic or metal?

· Does the lens have an Auto Focus (AF)

function?

· How does the lens handle; does it feel

comfortable when in use?

31
A few more lenses for you
to consider

For ease of explanation, we’ve assumed that lenses

for specialised use fall into two main categories;
close up and distance, in other words, macro or
telephoto.

Macro lenses

Basically, true macro lenses enable the

photographer to reproduce their subject at life
size (1:1) on the camera sensor. This is opposed
to “macro-lite” lenses which enable the capture of
subjects at ½ or ¼ life size.

These are the lenses of choice for photographers

who are interested in photographing the minute
detail of subjects that are relatively small, such as
insects or flowers. While the majority of non macro
lenses will not allow the photographer to fill their
frame from a distance of less than 18 inches (0.5
metres), the macro lens will thus allow the capture
of detail such as pattern, texture and subtle colour
variation.

32
 Most macro lenses are prime lenses, which as we Telephoto Lenses
discussed last week mean that they have a fixed
focal length, most commonly around 50mm and These are lenses which have long focal lengths,
100mm, although some ranges offer a 200mm lens. usually of 100mm and above. Using a lens with
It’s worth noting that these lenses can also be used a long focal length gives the photographer the
for more general photography as they can easily impression that the subject is closer to the camera
focus from a macro setting to infinity. But this and it increases the size of the subject in the frame.
leaves us with the question, “Which focal length is Additionally, using a telephoto lens will flatten your
best for me?” subject by reducing the depth of field; effectively
shortening the distance between subjects in the
Again, this will depend on the type of subject frame, giving a graphic, “objective” look to the image.
matter you are aiming to capture. If you want to
photograph inanimate, static subjects the 50mm Telephoto lenses tend to have relatively small
lens may suffice. However if you are intent on maximum apertures. This means that compensatory
capturing images of living subjects such as insects action is required to achieve the higher shutter
then the ability to photograph from further away speeds needed to freeze action; these lenses
offered by a telephoto macro lens is probably more are favoured by photographers who choose to
suitable to your purposes. capture sporting events and wildlife. Consequently,
photographers using a telephoto lens tend towards
A telephoto macro will also offer some practical shooting at high ISO’s, hence the graphic quality of
advantages such as enabling you to keep your own the final image.
shadow out of shot.

33
To combat this, some photographers – albeit more
cash rich, probably professional photographers –
will opt for a prime telephoto lens which provides
a wider maximum aperture. Apart from the cost,
the other downside is the weight of these lenses
meaning that a substantial tripod is required to
facilitate their use. Attempting to use a bulky
telephoto lens without a tripod can be counter-
productive as the increased difficulty in handling
can lead to camera shake and blurred images.

The most popular telephoto lenses in this category

would be within the 300mm to 500mm range
although longer and more expensive lenses are
available.
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