Camera Lens Buying Guide

Camera lenses are a lot more than glass in a tube. Not only do they come in diverse categories, such as fixed (prime), zoom, macro, and so forth, but they have many differences that are not readily apparent to the naked eye. As a scientist, I am particularly fascinated with some of the advanced materials, including high-tech glass and coatings. Also, what’s inside the barrel of the lens can be very impressive as well. Focusing mechanisms and image stabilization systems can be quite complex. Of course, the way to make the best purchasing decision is to educate yourself first.

Different people learn best by different methods. I personally like to tear things apart and figure them out for myself (“Alright! I got it all back together, except for 2 screws and this round thingy.”) Others prefer personal instruction, either as a structured curriculum (school) or in a 1-on-1 interaction, an advantage that brick-and-mortar stores have over the Internet. Still other people like study materials, be they books, magazine articles, videos or other media. Here is where the Internet, as the world’s largest library, shines.

There are some great Web communities that combine large collections of factual/instructional materials with thriving forums (my word processor flags the word “fora”, which of course is the correct plural of “forum”). For the serious professional or avid hobbyist, these are the place to be. However, for a specific purchase, your favorite Internet store may prove to be just as useful - and faster. Since Internet stores are transaction-oriented, they limit their articles and advice to subjects related to the products they carry. So for my research into camera lenses, I went straight to the stores for a helpful introduction. In particular, I quickly found extremely useful articles at two well-respected camera stores. B&H Photo had a straight-to-the-point article called "Purchasing a new lens". Adorama Camera had a virtual lens dictionary under the misleadingly-simplistic title of "What are Interchangeable Lenses?". I left with a much greater understanding of, and appreciation for, what makes a good camera lens.

If you like Internet shopping, with its innate advantages (low prices, shop-from-home convenience, etc.), remember that one of those advantages is the incredible library of educational material that you can find at a truly good store Web site. Buy from the people who go the distance to give you more. Even if it costs you a few shekels extra, it’s worth it.