An Introduction to Lens Concepts and Techniques
To take better photos, it helps to deepen your knowledge about lenses, how they work, and what they can do. Read these articles to find out more about different lenses and their characteristics, and about key lens-related techniques and concepts such as bokeh, deep focusing, and perspective.
Playlist
Articles
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1
The RF f/4L Zoom Trinity: A Professional Lens “Starter Kit”
Learn about this set of three professional lenses that combine portability, quality, and versatility.
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2
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3
10 Concepts to Know Before Buying Your Second Lens
Learn more about lenses so you can choose a better second lens.
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4
What’s the Difference Between RF-S and RF Lenses?
Explore the differences and how they make your picture different.
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5
RF Lenses vs EF Lenses: What's the Difference and How to Decide?
What is the difference between the RF and EF mount systems? Is it really worth buying an RF lens? Read on to find out.
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6
Lens Basics #1: Zoom Lenses
A zoom lens enables you to use a wide range of focal lengths without having to change lenses, making them very functional indeed. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of zoom lens and their special features. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
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7
Lens Basics #2: Prime Lenses
Prime lenses, sometimes also known as fixed-focal-length lenses, are great for creating bokeh as well as taking pictures with minimal camera shake. Let’s explore the unique features of this category of lenses, and take a look at how their huge maximum apertures can benefit our images. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
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8
Lens Basics #3: Creating Bokeh
Bokeh, which refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in the defocused parts of an image, is an expression technique that is unique to photography. It can give depth to an image, and is an essential way to draw attention to a subject of focus. In this article, we shall explore 4 important factors in bokeh, and find out how to control the bokeh effect created so that it appears as intended. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
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Lens Basics #4: Deep Focus
Deep focus, where all elements in an image are in focus, is a technique that is often used in landscape photography and street photography. Here, we learn about 4 factors that affect deep focus. How about trying them in your next photo shoot? (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
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10
Lens Basics #5: Perspective
Perspective is the phenomenon that makes nearby objects look bigger, and faraway objects look smaller. It is one of the concepts that is central to photography, and mastering and exaggerating it can make your photos have greater impact. In this article, we introduce the three elements that affect perspective. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
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11
Lens Basics #6: Wide-angle Lenses
Wide-angle lenses can capture an astoundingly wide scope of a scene, as well as create images with a strong perspective effect. In this article, we explore the characteristics of wide-angle lenses and pick up some techniques for mastering their use. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
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Lens Basics #7: Standard Zoom & Superzoom Lenses
With their versatility and focal range, standard zoom and superzoom lenses are very popular lenses especially for beginners. Let’s find out more about their special features. (Reported by: Tomoko Suzuki)
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Lens Basics #8: Telephoto Lenses
Telephoto lenses let you fill the frame with a subject and create a creamy background blur, all with little distortion. Read on to learn more about them. (Reported by Tomoko Suzuki)
