Explain to me about camera lenses?
Okay. I have used cameras before, but I don't understand about the lenses like Nikkor 18 - 55 mm and Tamron 10 - 24 mm. What does that mean and what are they used for? Also, how do you take a lense off and put another one on? I'm so confused, please don't be rude I just need someone to explain to me what the lenses are used for etc. Thanks!
Added (1). I understand more about what the lenses mean, I'm currently looking to buy the Canon Rebel T1i and I'm going to be using it for making videos more than taking photos. I think I would like a lens that can get all 3 snaps, which one would you recommend for a canon?
The names you see before like Nikon, Nikkor, Tamron, Sigma, Canon (I'm assuming you're dealing with a Nikon camera rather than a Canon though), etc, those are just the company names that make that lens.
The numbers you see after that are the focal lengths of the lens. Most beginner DSLR cameras come standard with a 15-55mm zoom lens(depending on the package that you choose) and after those numbers is the f/ stop. Then as you go higher into lenses that have focal lengths of 55 - 250mm or 70 - 300mm those are telephoto lenses used for long distance and many for up close. Many of times you'll see a lens with a single focal length, those lenses are called prime lenses, they don't zoom. The most common would be the 50mm f/1.8 lens also known as the "Nifty Fifty". Most of the other lenses vary for many different uses and cost more than $200.
Nikon cameras use Nikon F mount lenses that use 32mm filters I think(Not entirely sure, I'm a Canon person).To take off the lens you hold the button and twist. Glad to help!
Only DSLRs, SLTs (Sony) and CSCs have interchangeable lenses.
The figure in millimetres is the focal length.
In DSLRs using APS sized sensors, the diagonal is around 30mm. A lens of this focal length would roughly match the angle-of view of your eyes and is referred to as a, 'Standard,' or, 'Normal,' lens. (This value varies according to format, the larger the sensor/negative, the longer it needs to be - which is why you'll often see an old 35mm SLR with a 50mm lens, the standard for that format).
A shorter lens than this increases the angle-of-view and is referred to as a wideangle.
A longer lens decreases the angle-of-view, making the subject appear nearer, and is called a telephoto.
A zoom lens has a variable focal length, expressed by two figures, thus 18-55mm. This means that the lens can be a wideangle, a standard lens, a moderate telephoto or anything in between - simply by turning a marked ring on the barrel. The Tamron runs from very wide to wide.
Modern cameras have bayonet mounts - depressing a small button to one side and giving the lens a sharp twist removes it from the body. Reversing this sequence mounts it, or an alternative.
While virtually all cameras have three-claw bayonet mounts, the differences between position of the release, size of the claws, throat diameter and position of the various electrical and mechanical linkages means that a lens designed for e.g. A Canon, won't fit a Nikon etc.
Here is a link that shows you what various lenses "see"
http://imaging.nikon.com/...simulator/
And here is a link to the various lenses made by Nikon for their cameras
The Nikkor 18-55mm and the Tamron 10-24 mm lenses means how well they can take picture at different distances.
For example the Nikkor 18-55 mm has a larger range than the Tamron 10-24 mm.
Three main type of shots:
- Close up
- Intermediate
- Panoramic/ Wide angle
The lens mm ranges would help greatly. The Tamaron range is 10-24mm so good for close up and intermediate but not good for far panoramic scenes. They would be out of focus, distorted, blurry.
While the Nikkor 18- 55 mm, is good for taking all three type of shots which will keep the quality in tack. So the wider the range the better the camera is suited for a particular photographer.
Now there are different lens which can be exchanged for the 3 types of pictures that can be taken.
The various manufacturers would have e.g. 18-25mm on one lens for close up shots, 26-38 mm for intermediate shots, etc and so on.
Hope that helped without too much confusion.
Edit for update:
The Canon Rebel t1i is a good camera. It will do what you want: Good videos, pictures.
Why not get the Rebel t3i (its newer, lens and picture quality much improved but its more expensive)
If you like Canon, honestly I would recommend the Canon 7d or the Canon 5d Mark I (both exceptional cameras with lots of functionality more for pros and intermediate users due to its capabilities but you would not need to buy a camera ever again.
The Nikon N75 is just like the Canon Rebel t1i so the choice is yours.