The great thing about being a landscape photographer these days is that there are simply so many lenses that you can use to take great photos.

And while all that selection is nice, picking between them can be a tough task...Thankfully, Nigel Danson is to the rescue with his three favorite landscape photography lenses.

While you might not be able to purchase all three lenses, you can bet that any one of them will be well-suited to landscape photography.

Have a look at his side-by-side-by-side comparison above, and for more details about each, check out the quick review below.

Editor's Tip: Need a good prime lens for your Nikon camera? Don't buy a thing until you've investigated the top prime lenses for Nikon.

Best Landscape Lens: 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II

On the wide-angle end, the 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II from Nikon is an excellent choice for a Nikon shooter's landscape photography kit.

Though the f/4 aperture isn't particularly wide, a massive aperture opening isn't needed for shooting typical daytime photos of landscapes.

This lens is outfitted with Nikon's vibration reduction technology, so you can more confidently hand hold the camera without as much worry about camera shake.

That feature comes in handy when you need to work quickly and don't have time to set up a tripod for each and every shot.

This lens's performance is outstanding as well.

Its optical design includes two extra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements which give you improved image quality due to reduced aberrations and distortion.

Not only does that improve sharpness, but combined with a nano crystal coating, this lens also has reduced flare and ghosting, improved color accuracy, and better contrast as well.

The wide-angle range of 16-35mm is also perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes in greater totality.

For more details on this lens, consult the video above by Nikon Europe.

Must-Have Landscape Lens: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART

Sigma has come a long way in recent years and has quickly become a fantastic lensmaker, particularly when it comes to their ART line of lenses.

The 50mm f/1.4 ART lens by Sigma is a fantastic choice for landscape photography for a number of reasons.

First, this lens is lightning-fast with a f/1.4 aperture that allows you to get clean shots at dawn, dusk, and even in the middle of the night thanks to all the light that the f/1.4 aperture can collect.

Second, this lens is supremely sharp from corner to corner. There is little in the way of distortion or chromatic aberration, either.

The 50mm focal length on a full frame camera offers a beautiful representation of the landscape in standard view. On an APS-C camera, the effective focal length jumps into short telephoto territory, so you can more effectively capture distant elements or create more intimate landscapes.

Either way, this is one heck of a lens that offers top-notch performance. It's available for Canon and Sony cameras as well. It's on the pricey side, but if you buy pre-owned, you can find great deals that allow you to stretch your budget a little further.

Get more details on this lens by viewing the video above by DigitalRev TV.

Editor's Tip: In the market for a new camera? Learn why upgrading your lens is a better choice.

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8  

When you consider the best lenses for landscape photography, you have to include a telephoto lens in the bunch.

The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 gives you the extra-long focal length needed to take photos of very distant subjects and wildlife.

But this lens also has a large f/2.8 maximum aperture, which allows it to collect more light and gives you more possibilities for when you take photos.

Granted, it's not going to compete with the aforementioned Sigma 50mm f/1.4 in a low-light shooting competition, but f/2.8 is nothing to thumb your nose at!

What's more, this variation of this lens is smaller and lighter weight than its predecessor, so even though it's a big lens, you don't feel like you're bogged down by it.

Its performance is excellent, too.

The autofocus performs well in situations in which you need to fire off quick shots, and with Nikon's Vibration Reduction, you can shoot handheld in a vast majority of situations without worrying as much about camera shake.

It's a sharp lens as well, particularly in the center of the frame. There is some fall off to the sides, but that's to be expected. It's nothing that should deter you from thinking about buying this lens! Learn more about this lens in the video above by LensProToGo.

No matter which of these Nikon landscape lenses you buy, it'll be a great addition to your kit.

And even if they're prohibitively expensive brand new, remember that you can find great deals on pre-owned lenses, so before you commit to buying a new lens, see if you can find a quality used one instead!

A Must-Have Lens Accessory: A Good Filter Kit

 

You can shop for the best landscape photography lenses, but even if you buy good glass, you should take it a step further to maximize the quality of the images that your lenses can capture.

You can do that with a good filter kit.

Like lenses, filter kits - the good ones, anyway - can be pricey, but they're worth it.

And for my money, it doesn't get much better than the Colby Brown Signature Edition Landscape Photography Filter Kit by Formatt-Hitech.

 

I know that Photoshop and Lightroom can do amazing things, but when it comes to achieving the look of a good ND filter, grad ND, or polarizer, using the actual thing is still a much better option.

There's a lot of reasons for that - the high-quality construction among them - but perhaps more importantly, this kit has everything you need to rock out awesome landscape photos:

• A Firecrest UltraSlim Polarizing Filter, which cuts down glare, reduces haze, and improves contrast in the sky.
• A Firecrest 6-Stop Neutral Density Filter for creating gorgeous daytime long exposures that accentuate the movement of clouds and water.
• A Firecrest 2-Stop Soft Edge Graduated Neutral Density Filter for darkening bright skies and evening out the dynamic range between the sky and the landscape.
• A Firecrest 2-Stop Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter for taking improved photos at sunrise and sunset.

In other words, no matter what sort of landscape you want to photograph, this kit has the filters you need!

You also get a 100mm filter holder, step rings and adaptor rings, pouches to carry your filters, and a Colby Brown booklet to get your creative juices flowing.

Not bad, right? 

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It’s not like there isn’t a giant selection of lenses for virtually every camera system on the market today. That’s just a perk of being a photographer in 2019!

But some lenses are more important to have than others…like the Nikon telephoto lens.

In this post, I outline three lenses every beginner photographer should have in their camera bag.

Let’s see if your kit ticks all the boxes!

Upgrade your lens collection without spending tons of money. Search for used lenses now.

^{photo by studioportosabbia via iStock} 

When you bought your camera, the chances are that it came with a standard zoom lens, like an 18-55mm kit lens. 

These lenses aren’t usually dripping with features or build quality, but they’re a good starting point for beginners because they come with the camera, thus you can avoid the expense of buying a lens, at least initially.

The zoom range is sufficient for experimenting with everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits, so it’s nice for getting your feet wet with varying types of photography.

^{photo by wundervisuals via iStock}

Likewise, these kit lenses are good all-around lenses, so when you’re traveling, you can use just this one lens to capture photos. 

The downside of kit lenses is that they typically do not have good low-light performance, thanks to a maximum aperture that might only be in the range of f/3.5-5.6.

That means that if you want better performance in low-light situations, you’ll need to upgrade.

Lenses Every Photographer Should Have: A Good Prime Lens 

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Unlike zooms, prime lenses have a fixed focal length. Common focal lengths for prime lenses include 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, though there are a plethora of other options available.

What’s nice about prime lenses is that they are ultimately sharp. That’s thanks to their construction, which includes far fewer lens elements than a zoom lens, and the fewer elements light has to pass through, the sharper the resulting images will be.

Many prime lenses also have huge maximum apertures, like f/1.2, f/1.4, and f/1.8. Lenses with f/1.2 and f/1.4 apertures are often quite spendy - unless you buy one used - but there are plenty of f/1.8 lenses out there that are quite affordable, even brand new.

_{photo by Lusky via iStock} 

 Personally, I don’t think there’s a better beginner photography lens than a 50mm f/1.8.

It’s a versatile focal length that can be used for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and just about everything in between. Many 50mm f/1.8 lenses are great for video, and if you really want to get creative you can often reverse-mount the lens and use it for macro work as well. 

That’s why these lenses are so great - their sheer versatility allows you to try new things in photography and expand your skill set. 

What’s not to like about that?!

Ready to add a 50mm lens to your camera bag? Find a 50mm prime that works with your camera.

Lenses Every Photographer Should Have: A Telephoto Zoom

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As your skills advance and you need to add yet another lens to your kit, a telephoto zoom is the next logical choice.

A telephoto zoom extends your abilities as a photographer because it picks up where a standard zoom leaves off.

With the extreme reach of a telephoto zoom lens, you can get closer to the action without having to physically move closer. That’s advantageous for everything from photographing wildlife to sporting events.

Many telephoto zooms are hugely expensive, so budget-minded photographers should opt for a budget-friendly telephoto zoom like a 55-250mm lens or perhaps a 70-300mm lens. 

 ^{photo by joakimbkk via iStock}

Many different manufacturers make zooms like these that have a massive focal length range. Don’t expect superb optical quality, though. 

Budget telephoto zooms are not going to match a prime lens in the sharpness department, that’s for sure. Having said that, many budget zooms offer perfectly fine performance for the money.

Regardless of what lenses you elect to add to your kit, do your due diligence, read reviews from buyers, and only buy when you’re sure you’ve got the best lens for you nailed down.

The lenses you use are the most important gear in your bag, so the more time you spend researching and learning about possible lenses, the better off you’ll be.

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If you aren't a professional photographer, the chances are that you have a crop sensor camera.

That's not a bad thing - it just means you have to approach taking portraits a little differently.

One of those differences is in the lenses that you use.

Some lenses are designed specifically for full frame sensor cameras. That means you need to find glass that works well with a smaller sensor.

In this guide, I offer up a few suggestions for a good portrait lens for crop sensor cameras.

Best Portrait Lens for Crop Sensor: 90mm

I've talked about the virtues of prime lenses before, but as a quick recap, prime lenses tend to be less expensive, produce sharp images, and have very large apertures.

Naturally, getting sharp images without spending a ton of money is a great advantage.

And with a large aperture, you can easily blur the background in portraits (and shoot low-light portraits without a flash!).

On a crop sensor camera body, a 90mm lens has another benefit - gorgeous compression.

Depending on the crop factor - that is, how the size of the sensor impacts the effective focal length of the lens - a 90mm lens will behave more like a telephoto lens (135mm on a Canon camera and 144mm on a Nikon).

At that effective focal length, the resulting portraits will have nice compression that's very flattering on the subject - no big foreheads or noses here!

Additionally, many 90mm lenses have minimum focusing distances of less than one foot, which means you can get up close and take detailed shots of the eyes or lips, for example.

Editor's Tip: Fill out your kit with top-notch prime lenses. Find out which prime lenses every photographer needs.

Suggested Focal Length for Portraits on a Crop Sensor: 24-70mm

The great thing about a zoom lens like a 24-70mm is that it gives you incredible versatility in terms of focal length.

On the wide end, you can open up to 24mm and get full-body or half-body portraits, environmental portraits, and even casual street photography, too.

On the narrow end, 70mm gets you in closer to the subject for things like tighter headshots.

On a crop sensor camera, a 24-70mm lens will act like a 36-105mm lens on a Canon camera and 38-112mm on a Nikon camera.

That means you get a little more reach on the telephoto end, which as noted above, gives you more compression for flattering facial features.

Having a little more focal length also allows you to step back from the subject just a little bit, and with that extra room, the subject is more likely to feel a little more comfortable in front of the camera.

Learn More:

• Three Lenses Portrait Photographers Can't Live Without
• How to Find the Perfect Portrait Lens

An Out-of-the-Box Portrait Lens for Crop Sensor Camera: 70-200mm

I would assume that most portrait photographers don't typically use a 70-200mm lens for portraits, especially with a crop sensor camera.

On a Canon camera, this lens has an effective focal length of 105-300mm and on a Nikon camera, it's effective focal length is 112-320mm.

As discussed above, these greater effective focal lengths give you excellent compression - so much so that facial features in your portraits look much more true-to-life.

Additionally, the longer focal length will help minimize the depth of field, which helps set your subject apart from the background.

This lens is obviously incredibly versatile, too, which is a big part of the portrait photography game.

When considering the best portrait lens for crop sensor cameras, you want lenses that give you the ability to create different types of shots, and this lens (as well as the previous two) will certainly do that.

Editor's Tip: Learn how to stretch your lens budget further with these tips for finding budget lenses. 

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^{Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash}

If you’re new to the photography game, it can be overwhelming. You’re probably stressed about trying to start making money, or if it’s a hobby then you’re stressed about being able to see out your artistic vision. 

But, there are a few questions that every pro photographer is tired of hearing, and not because it’s annoying to answer them but because the answers to these questions really won’t help you to get better at being a photographer. 

That being the case, here’s a few photography questions you should stop asking...

“I’m Taking a (Insert Type of Shot Here). What Exposure Settings Should I Use?”

^{Photo by James Bold on Unsplash} 

People love asking this question because they assume you can use your exposure settings the same exact way for a particular shoot (like a portrait) everytime.  

Your exposure settings are difficult to learn because they aren’t formulaic. If they were, photography would be rather boring, and these annoying beginner photography questions wouldn’t exist. 

Sure, there are some general rules you can use to get a well-exposed photo - baseline suggestions for portrait photographyor landscape photography - but the specific settings you use are situation-specific. There’s simply no exact answer to this question, just suggestions!

The best way for you to learn what exposure settings you want to use for a particular shoot is to get out there and start experimenting.

If it’s really bothering you and you want to use another photographer’s exposure settings as a guide, try rephrasing the question. A simple, “I have my shutter speed at 1/125, do you think that’s appropriate for this shoot?” will get you so much farther. 

If you’re not quite comfortable shooting in manual mode and making on-the-fly adjustments to aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, check out the video above by Sawyer Hartman.

“Do I Really Need Filters?”

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Yes, you need filters!

Though programs like Photoshop and Lightroom offer very powerful editing tools that can correct some of the issues that filters correct, the effect simply is not the same. You just get higher-quality results when using filters.

This is especially true with a circular polarizer, because despite the power behind today's editing programs, the effect a polarizer has simply cannot be replicated in post-processing. 

When shopping for a filter system, it's important that you don't skimp and get bargain-basement filters. Cheap filters just don't work as well as quality filters, so investing in a quality system from the get-go is the way to do it.

I personally recommend Marumi's magnetic filter system because it's both well-made and easy to use.

Marumi uses the finest materials to ensure its products are durable and perform at their peak.

For example, the M100 filter holder shown above is made of lightweight aircraft aluminum that will stand the test of time.

The gaskets on the front of the holder make light leaks a thing of the past, while the magnetic attachment makes for easy changes of filters.

So, you can start with a solid ND filter for extending the shutter speed and getting dreamy motion in your photos, then swap it out for a graduated ND filter for managing the dynamic range of a beautiful landscape with a bright sky above it.

What's more, you can add a circular polarizer to the mix (shown above), which will reduce atmospheric haze, boost contrast in the sky, and minimize glare off non-metallic surfaces, ensuring that your landscape photos are beautifully rich in detail.

And since this filter system is magnetic, it couldn't be easier to use. You'll spend less time fiddling around with your gear and more time actually taking photos!

What's not to like about that?!

Learn More:

• Beginner Photography Tips From the Pros 
• Photography Gifts to Buy Yourself in 2019 

“What Lens Should I Buy to Take Photos Like You?” 

^{Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash} 

This question works hand-in-hand with my first question. Just because you’re using the same exposure settings as I am doesn’t mean our finished product will look identical. The same can be said for lenses - it’s not the lens that makes the photo, it’s the person using it! 

Besides, beginner photography gear is cheaper than professional photography gear, and you can use this to your advantage.

I especially hate this question because it makes me feel guilty. I’ve been in the industry for many years and I’ve made enough money to buy some expensive lenses. 

If I tell a beginning photographer what lens I’m using and they immediately begin looking it up on Amazon, I don’t want them to feel like they need to purchase that lens if they want to take photos like me. 

Which leads me into the most annoying question I get from beginner photographers… 

“How Much Was Your Gear?”

 

^{Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash} 

Yikes. This hypothetical question is making me cringe. 

The answer is a lot. Some of my equipment is expensive. As any photographer who makes a living from photography will tell you, a good chunk of our salary gets turned back around and is put into our business. 

If I’m not spending my client’s money on my mortgage, I’m probably saving it for a new lens! 

But, in the same breath, I own some very cheap equipment. I have been in situations where I’ve DIYed a filter before and it worked out so well that I kept it.

^{photo by welcomia via iStock}  

The reason I don’t think this question is helpful to beginning photographers is because usually the price of your equipment doesn’t tell you anything except how long that person has been doing photography professionally.

Unless they are bankrolled by a trust fund, many photographers take a fair portion of their expendable income for the year and save it to purchase new equipment. If I’ve been doing that for 15 years, then my equipment will be more expensive than someone who has only been doing it for 2.

Plus, the price of your equipment definitely does not mean you are a better or worse photographer.

This question is also misleading because I buy almost all of my lenses secondhand.

If you ask me how much my equipment costs, I will likely ignore the question and point you in the direction of a good secondhand shop, like Lensfinder. 

Beginner photographers can save so much money by buying their equipment secondhand, yet most beginner photographers I know don’t take advantage of it.

While a kit lens will work for you for a while, eventually you will need to upgrade. 

Lensfinder is a great starting point because it’s a community of photographers selling their old equipment, so all of your photography questions can be answered by the seller, unlike other websites like Amazon.

Stop googling, “how to get better at photography,” and start by saving some cash and buying one or two lenses to practice with!

Learn More:

• Best Nikon Lenses for Beginner Photographers 
• What Lens is Best for Portraits? 

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Prime Lens

If you're in the market for a new camera lens, you're in luck...

There are more lenses - and more good lenses available today than ever before.

The problem, of course, is figuring out what lens to buy for your camera. There is a great article about Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens, on our website PhotographyTalk.com, which is first auto-focus lens by Nikon.

Prime lenses are an excellent choice for many reasons, not the least of which is that they offer excellent sharpness and low-light performance.

Here's a quick guide to four primes lenses you should own.

What Lens to Buy: 24mm Lens

If you shoot a lot of landscapes, a 24mm prime lens is an excellent choice.

Not only do these lenses give you a wide-angle view of the landscape, thus allowing you to capture more of the scene in your shot, but they have top-notch optics, too.

Prime lenses typically have great glass and have fewer elements in the lens barrel than a zoom lens.

That translates to clearer, sharper images from corner to corner, so you can see the beauty of the landscape in gorgeous detail.

But 24mm lenses aren't just for photographing landscapes during the day.

Since they have large maximum apertures, their low-light performance is on point.

That's advantageous for photographing landscapes at dawn or dusk, and even for astrophotography as well.

The wide-angle view of a 24mm lens is also advantageous for other photography pursuits, including architecture, wedding and event photography, street photography, and even group portraits. That versatility is just one of the reasons why you need a 24mm lens.

See a 24mm lens in action in the video above by Christopher Frost Photography.

 

 

Get Creative With a 35mm Lens

One of the top reasons why you need a 35mm lens is that perhaps more than any other prime lens, a 35mm helps you be much more creative.

Like the 50mm lens discussed below, 35mm lenses are incredibly versatile and allow you to photograph virtually any subject.

So, rather than getting stuck in a rut photographing the same thing over and over, a 35mm lens lets you cut loose and try all manner and type of photography.

These lenses tend to have a small form factor, so they're easy to use, and though higher-end models can be a little heavy, they are nowhere near as bulky and heavy as a big zoom lens.

Without much weight to carry around, that makes these lenses perfect all-around lenses for everyday shooting.

A 35mm lens also has the advantage of being familiar...

That's because 35mm is the focal length that most closely resembles how we see the world with our own eyes.

That means that when you take photos of people, cars, animals, buildings, landscapes, and so forth, there's a familiarity about how the images look.

If you shoot with a 35mm lens, it's also good for videography. The large apertures that many 35mm lenses have help you create gorgeously smooth video even at night. And those same large apertures facilitate beautiful background blur in portraits, too.

Find out more reasons why you need a 35mm lens in the video above by Julia Trotti.

The Best Prime Lens: 50mm

If you were to poll a bunch of photographers and ask them what's the first lens a beginner photographer should buy, a good portion of them will say a 50mm "nifty fifty" prime lens.

That's because there are plenty of benefits of the nifty fifty that will help you take better photos.

Like the 24mm prime discussed earlier, 50mm prime lenses have excellent sharpness and low-light performance.

On top of that, they are small and compact, making them an ideal everyday lens that's easy to use and easy to carry around.

Fifty millimeter lenses are also one of the most versatile lenses you can buy.

On a full frame camera, a 50mm focal length is ideal for everything from architecture to portraiture to landscapes. The standard field of view is pleasing to the eye as well.

On a crop sensor camera, a 50mm lens acts like a short telephoto lens, giving you more reach in the 80mm range.

That means you can take closely framed portraits from a greater distance, get photos of wildlife, take detail shots of landscapes, and so on.

Given their incredible versatility, these lenses make ideal travel photography lenses.

Get more insights on the virtues of the nifty fifty in the video above by DigitalRev TV.

 

 

Benefits of Using an 85mm Lens

A final prime lens recommendation I'd make is the 85mm.

Though these lenses aren't as versatile as a 35mm or 50mm, if you take portraits, it's hard to find anything better.

The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits for a variety of reasons.

First, this focal length allows you to fill the frame with your subject without being right up in their face. Often, that means that the subject will be more relaxed, which means a better-quality portrait.

Secondly, 85mm lenses produce glorious bokeh, giving your portraits beautifully blurred backgrounds that help set your portrait subject apart from the rest of the features in the image.

There is very little distortion with an 85mm lens as well, so your subject's facial features - particularly their forehead, nose, and chin, look natural. These areas can look a little large with shorter focal length lenses.

Lastly, this lens gets you into telephoto territory (it's about 130mm on a crop sensor camera) so you can use it for close-up portraits and then use it for action shots of athletes or to photograph wildlife.

That makes it yet another versatile, easy-to-use lens that should be in your camera bag.

See why an 85mm lens is ideal for portraits in the video above by Shutterbug.

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^{Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash}

Improving your photography isn't something that has to be a long, drawn-out process.

Sure, time, patience, and lots of practice will certainly help, but that doesn't mean that there aren't quick and simple things you can do this weekend that will improve your ability to take a great photo.

Let's have a look at four ways you can improve your photography before the weekend is over.

Focus on Composition

^{Image Credit: m-gucci via iStock}

First and foremost, what sets professional photos apart from amateur photos is often an eye for composition.

The placement of the subject in the frame, having a strong subject to attract the viewer's eye, and understanding how to utilize tricks like leading lines to create depth in the shot will do tons of good for your photos.

Additionally, being aware of how changing the perspective from which you shoot impacts the look and feel of the image is important if you want to boost the quality of the photos you take.

So, this weekend, be purposeful about not taking photos from your eye level. Instead, get low-angle and high-angle shots that offer the viewer a different take on the subject.

You'll find that by practicing simple composition tips like these that you end up with more unique and dynamic photos.

Learn More:

• Beginner's Guide to Composition
• Composition Mistakes Every Photographer Should Avoid

Upgrade Your Lens

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One of the smartest things you can do as a photographer is invest in a high-quality lens.

Why?

More than any other piece of gear you have, your lens has the most responsibility for how an image looks.

Sure, your camera does a lot of work, but you can take better photos with an old or cheap camera paired with a really great lens than you can with a high-dollar camera and a cheap lens.

High-quality lenses have better optics, better construction, improved durability, better performance in low-light conditions, wider apertures, and the list goes on and on.

^{Image Credit: stockvisual via iStock}

If, for example, you're still rocking the kit lens that came with your camera - likely something along the lines of a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 - consider buying a 24-70mm f/4. Better still, try a 24-70mm f/2.8.

In either case, the wider maximum aperture enables you to get better shots in low-light situations. What's more, the wider aperture allows in so much more light that you can use faster shutter speeds. This means you can more readily freeze motion, even when the light isn't ideal, and you can shoot handheld with less worry of camera shake.

But don't buy a new lens - that will cost you an arm and a leg.

Instead, there are plenty of websites - Lensfinder, for example - where you can peruse used lenses and get great deals on high-quality glass that has a lot of life left in it.

The nice thing about sites like Lensfinder is that everything is self-contained - you can communicate with sellers right on the website, pay for your purchase, and even leave feedback once the transaction is complete.

And since Lensfinder is specifically for buying and selling used lenses, you don't have to sift through a million listings that have nothing to do with what you're looking for, as is often the case on eBay and Craigslist.

Buying used can save you a ton of money, too, so you might even be able to get a couple of used lenses (maybe a good zoom and a prime!) for what you'd pay for one brand-new lens.

If that doesn't sound like a good deal, I don't know what does!

Learn More:

• What to Consider When Buying a New Camera Lens
• The Best Camera Lens for Under $500 - and Why You Need One

Get a Polarizing Filter

^{Photo by Carmine Savarese on Unsplash}

After you snag a great deal on a lens, you should get a high-quality lens filter to put on the end of it.

And of all the filters you can get, a polarizer is the best one, especially if you shoot landscapes.

In just one filter, you get all of these benefits:

• Reduced glare off of non-metallic surfaces like water
• Enhanced contrast in the sky with a deeper blue atmosphere and brighter white clouds
• Minimize atmospheric haze, so objects far away appear crisper and more defined

But like lenses, not all filters are made alike, so buying a cheap one won't do you any favors.

That doesn't mean that all high-quality filters are expensive - just consider Kenko Puro Polarizing Filters as a prime example.

These Japanese-made filters have an exclusively formulated multi-coating that resists water, dust, and oils. Not only does that mean a cleaner shot, but it also means less damage over time to the filter itself.

The filter shown above also has a SLIM ring for mounting to the lens, which has a minimized profile to prevent vignetting, even on wide-angle lenses.

^{Image Credit: Dimitris66 via iStock}

There's no reason to buy a better lens and put a bargain-basement filter on it - the poorly constructed glass of a bad filter will negate any gains you make with the better lens.

Instead, purchasing a top-of-the-line filter like a Kenko Puro Polarizer will allow you to reap the benefits of a meticulously designed and constructed filter.

As far as improving your photography in short order, it's tough to top what a good polarizer can do!

 

Editor's Tip: Get Kenko’s latest updates and access to promos for discounted gear. Click here to sign up.

 

Learn More:

• Beginner Photography Mistakes and Tricks for Avoiding Them
• A Step-By-Step Process for Improving Your Photos

Spend Time Thinking About Why You Like Certain Photos

^{Image Credit: Bearinmind via iStock}

One of the easiest things you can do to help advance your photography is to spend some time looking at other people's photos.

And I don't just mean taking a cursory glance at them, either...

Instead, really focus on what it is about certain photos that you like. Is it the lighting? The colors? The subject matter?

Maybe you like how the photo was edited. Perhaps the perspective is what interests you.

The point is that by taking a deep dive into other people's images, a couple of things happen for you.

^{Image Credit: PeopleImages via iStock}

First, you begin to develop your creative eye and notice things about photos that you might like to try or might make your photos look better.

Second, you develop a critical eye as well. In addition to discovering what you like, you'll also find plenty of things you don't like.

In the end, this will all help you grow as a photographer because you'll discover what you should and shouldn't do with your own photos.

Give these four things a shot this weekend. You might just find that it opens you up to all kinds of new creative photography possibilities!

Learn More:

• Best Camera Settings for Landscape Photography
• Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography

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^{Photo by Caryle Barton on Unsplash}

I love vintage lenses, and it’s my guess that you do too. 

Vintage lenses add what no other piece of photography can to your photos. It adds nostalgia to them in a way that is both genuine and kitschy, depending upon how you shoot. Besides, there’s something so satisfying about a manual focus lens, isn’t there? 

The issue, though is that when you go to buy a vintage lens you need to know exactly what you’re looking for because the vintage lenses that are still around on the market today are still around because they offer something exquisitely different than every other vintage lens. 

Basically, if you don’t know what type of a vintage lens you’re looking for, you could accidentally end up buying something that 1) doesn’t work with your DSLR and 2) doesn’t work with the look you’re going for.

So, here are our 5 favorite vintage lenses that work with DSLRs. 

Table of Contents

• Pentax 85mm f/1.8 Super Takumar
• MC Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
• Minolta STF 135mm f/2.8 T45
• Super Takumar 135mm f/2.5
• Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f/4 Flektogon
• Where to Buy the Best Vintage Lenses

Best Vintage Lenses: Pentax 85mm f/1.8 Super Takumar

What Mark Holtze covers in this video is what I love best about vintage lenses.

He says, in reference to the Pentax 85mm, “this thing is built to outlast me.” 

And they just don’t make lenses like that anymore.

This Pentax lens is best known for taking sharp photos at wide apertures, beautiful bokeh and honeycomb-shaped highlights that most consider an issue, but I consider a nice bonus.

This lens was created from 1962 to 1971, and unlike a similar Pentax that was created around the same time, the 85mm f/1.9 Super Takumar has no radioactive components (although I’m a little daring and might shoot with it for the day regardless).

You can find one of these bad boys for somewhere between $200 and $300. 

Vintage lens photography on this Pentax is relatively easy because it has an M42 lens mount, which means this lens can attach to 35mm cameras, mostly single-lens reflex models, without any hassle. 

M42 lens mounts are also so popular that you can pick up a M42 adaptor for almost all DSLRs. 

Here is a list of current cameras that will work with this Pentax lens and a M42 adaptor:

• Canon EF-mount
• Pentax K-mount
• Minolta/Sony A-mount
• Sony E-mount
• Samsung NX-mount
• Fujifilm X-mount

Best Vintage Lenses: MC Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8

 ^{Carlosdisogra [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] via Wikimedia Commons}

This lens was crafted in East Germany from 1969 to 1990 and is mostly used for portraiture given it’s smooth transitions, sharpness and bokeh. 

This lens can focus down to 13.8 inches, which is a huge plus for those of you who are into vintage-styled extreme close-ups. 

Plus, this lens also utilizes an M42 mount. 

I found a video by John Elfers that perfectly captures what I love best about this lens, it’s creamy close-ups: 

Shooting with this lens is like shooting a neo-noir without trying! 

Here is a list of current cameras that will work with this lens and an M42 adaptor:

• Canon EF-mount
• Pentax K-mount
• Minolta/Sony A-mount
• Sony E-mount
• Samsung NX-mount
• Fujifilm X-mount

Best Vintage Lenses: Minolta STF 135mm f/2.8 T45

^{Shao Zhang [CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)] via  Wikimedia}

Ever heard of the Sony 135mm f/2.8 STF telephoto lens? This is that lens’s grandfather.

This lens uses apodization to thin the light at the edges of the lens in order to transition smoothly between in-focus and out-of-focus fields. 

So, this lens shoots insanely sharp photos, but it can’t soft focus at all. 

This is one of the more expensive lenses on my list. You can pick one up for around $600-$1,000. 

This lens, unlike the previous two, uses an A mount.

As you can see in JoshuaStokesFilms lens test, this lens produces blue-tinted flares in a classic vintage lens way. 

Best Vintage Lenses: Super Takumar 135mm f/2.5

 

^{s58y [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)] via Wikimedia} 

This is absolutely the best lens money can buy on this list and it’s because this lens can be found for anywhere between $75 and $125.

This lens was crafted from 1968-1971 and is known for its natural rendition, even though is uses a 6-bladed diaphragm. 

 It’s got excellent depth-of-field control, can isolate a subject in a way not many lenses of this generation can, and is built to last. 

It also uses an M42 mount, which is convenient for those of us looking to get away with a vintage lens on the cheap.  

Best Vintage Lenses: Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f/4 Flektogon

^{Gisling [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] via Wikimedia} 

This is probably the most fun lens on the list because it’s a gigantic ultra-wide-angle prime. It was produced from 1963 to 1978, again in East Germany, and is known for taking shots that compare with any of its modern counterparts. 

It’s images are never distorted, even when you stop down to f/22, and while it has a 6-bladed diaphragm it handles highlights well and almost never produces a honeycomb pattern.  

It also can focus down to 6.3 inches, which is unheard of with a lens of this stature. 

Most of these lenses were produced with an M42 mount, but make sure you double check before you purchase one. They can be found for anywhere from $200-$400. 

Where to Buy the Best Vintage Lenses

I use Lensfinderfor all of my vintage lenses because of the impressive selection of lenses.

You can purchase lenses for well over $100,000 on Lensfinder, if that’s your thing, because Lensfinder is a second-hand store like eBay, but just for photographers.

I love being able to ask the seller questions about a lens before I buy it, and I especially like getting an answer. There’s nothing more frustrating than checking eBay 12 times hoping a seller responded, but in reality, some of the sellers on eBay don’t care to answer your questions because they know they are going to sell their stuff anyways.

Lensfinder also has an advanced search feature if you’re looking for something really specific, like maybe a Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f/4 Flektogon. 

You also know exactly what you’re going to pay because there’s no bidding and all the fees are really upfront on their website. What’s not to like about that?

Truly, if you’re in the market for a vintage lens to use with your DSLR, give Lensfinder a try.

 

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One of my favorite lenses to use is a 50mm, otherwise known as a Nifty Fifty.

And I know a lot of other photographers that are in love with the Nifty Fifty as well.

But that got me wondering, are we looking at this lens through rose-colored glasses? Or is it really as good as we think it is?

Overrated or Underused?

If you ask me, 50mm lenses are certainly not overrated.

I'll get into the virtues of using a 50mm lens in a moment, but for now, let me address the second part of the question - are 50mm lenses underused?

If we're talking about enthusiast and professional photographers, no, I don't think Nifty Fifties are underused.

That's because people that have been behind the camera for a good, long while understand how valuable a 50mm lens can be.

Having said that, I do think that 50mm lenses are underused by the largest population of photographers - beginners.

I think this is the case for a couple of reasons.

First, some beginners simply don't know what lenses to buy and which ones to avoid.

And second, photography can be an expensive hobby, so buying additional lenses isn't always in the cards.

There's ways to get around the expense, though. More on that in a minute.

Editors Tip: Want to buy a new 50mm lens? Unload some lenses you aren't using. List your lenses for free, take the money you get from selling them, and invest into glass that you will use!

The Virtues of Nifty Fifties

Nifty Fifty lenses have been around for decades, and for good reason - they offer tons of advantages for photographers.

First and foremost, 50mm lenses are highly versatile and can be used for a host of photography pursuits.

It's a great focal length for portraiture whether you use a full frame camera or a crop sensor camera (which changes the effective focal length of the lens to about 80mm, depending on the camera).

A 50mm lens is also well-suited for landscape photography, again, regardless of whether you use a full frame or a crop sensor camera.

These lenses typically have very large apertures as well, somewhere in the range of f/1.2-f/2.8

With such large apertures, you can use a 50mm lens to do a couple of things that are difficult (if not impossible) to do with lesser lenses.

First, you can shoot in low-light situations without having to boost the ISO. That's advantageous for creating clean, crisp images with less digital noise.

Second, since a large aperture helps create a shallow depth of field, you can more easily blur the background of your images with a 50mm lens.

 

Nifty Fifty lenses are also small and lightweight, meaning you aren't bogged down with carrying a big, bulky lens.

That's a great feature for all kinds of photography, but particularly for something like street photography in which you want to be able to blend into the crowd.

With the small form factor of a 50mm lens, you can do that much more easily than you can if you're shooting with something like an 85mm lens or a 24-105mm zoom lens.

See a 50mm lens in action in the video below from Adorama TV.

A final feature that's great about 50mm lenses is the price.

Though models with a larger aperture, like f/1.2, can be quite spendy, others, like f/1.8 or f/2 models, can be found brand new for well under $200.

When it comes to lenses - especially ones that are as good as 50mm lenses - that's a fantastic price.

Learn More:

• What is Focal Length? A Beginner Photographer's Guide
• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera Lens

Why You Need a 50mm Lens

If my long list of virtues of the 50mm lens isn't enough to convince you that you need this little powerhouse in your camera bag, consider this...

A 50mm lens will simply make you a better photographer.

The fixed focal length means you can't rely on a zoom to frame your shots. Instead, you actually have to move around to get the image that you want.

That's excellent practice for brushing up your composition skills, no matter what kind of photography you undertake.

What's more, 50mm lenses can help you be more creative than you can with something like the kit lens that came with your camera.

For example, you can use a 50mm lens to get sharp, clear video.

You can also reverse mount a 50mm lens on your camera to use it for macro photography.

And with the large apertures I noted earlier, you can experiment with depth of field to give your photos an artistic flair.

In other words, a 50mm lens is one of the best investments that a photographer can make.

It'll do what you want, give you tons of flexibility, and help you develop your creative eye, all at the same time.

And since they can be found on the cheap, there's no excuse not to get one, as Peter McKinnon points out in the video above.

Editor's Tip: Strapped for cash but want to upgrade your lens? Search for quality pre-owned lenses here.

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Of all the lenses you can have in your bag, a 50mm or "Nifty Fifty" is probably the most useful.

Why? Well, as Jordan Matter from Shutterbug Mag explains in the video below, there's plenty of reasons to have a 50mm lens.

Have a look at what Jordan has to say, and for a few more details on some of his favorite reasons for having a 50mm lens, check out the article below.

Editor's Tip: No matter if you're looking for a 50mm f/1.4, a 50mm f/2, or a completely different focal length, buying used lenses will help you save some money and stretch your budget. For the best deals on used lenses of all sizes and types, check out Lensfinder.

With a 50mm Lens, You Need Less Gear

One of the reasons why I love shooting with my smartphone is that I don't have to carry around a ton of heavy gear.

Well, if you have a 50mm lens for your DSLR or mirrorless camera, you don't need a ton of gear, either.

That's because the Nifty Fifty is such a versatile lens that you can shoot all day long with it.

Take portraits. Photograph landscapes. Head into the city for some street photography. Heck, you can even reverse mount a 50mm lens to create a macro lens. It's that versatile!

Learn More:

• The Top 3 Lenses You Need to Buy
• The Sharpest Canon and Nikon Lenses on a Budget

A 50mm Lens Can Achieve a Shallow Depth of Field

Because many 50mm lenses have large maximum apertures, they can create gorgeously shallow depth of field.

That's advantageous for a lot of types of photography, but particularly for portraiture.

By opening up the aperture and minimizing the depth of field, you can get a nice, sharp subject in front of a beautifully blurry background.

Not only does that help you set the subject apart in the shot, but it can also help you minimize any distractions in the background of the image as well.

Another point that Jordan makes in the video above is that the Nifty Fifty allows you to vary the blurriness of the background.

So, in a close-up shot, the background can be maximally blurred for effect. But you can also take a few steps back from the portrait subject and compose an environmental portrait with a background that's more visible, but still gives that blurry effect for separating the subject.

Again, you can see how the Nifty Fifty is so versatile!

Editor's Tip: Do you have too many lenses cluttering your camera bag? If so, you can sell your old lenses on Lensfinder! It's easy to list your lenses for sale, and with built-in communications, rating tools, and fraud protections, it's a safe marketplace for selling your gear, too. Find out more about Lensfinder.

50mm Lenses are Great for Stopping Action

As noted earlier, 50mm lenses typically have very large apertures, like f/1.2, f/1.4, and f/1.8.

That's not only advantageous for minimizing the depth of field, but it's also advantageous for maximizing the shutter speed.

Why?

Well, the more light that the lens can collect, the faster the shutter speed you can use.

So, with a 50mm lens, you're getting tons of light, which allows you to bump up the shutter speed.

With that faster shutter speed, you can freeze movement in your shots whether that's your kids running around in the backyard or waves crashing on the beach.

That opens up plenty of opportunities for getting creative shots in which your subject appears to be frozen in time without any blurred movement.

In other words, a 50mm lens can challenge you to create new things unlike any other lens can.

And when it comes down to it, improving your craft, getting more creative, and making photos that have tons of visual impact is what this is all about, right?!

Learn More:

• What Lens is Best for You?
• Three Lenses Portrait Photographers Can't Live Without

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^{Photo by Dương Trần Quốc on Unsplash}

I love to travel and I love to take photos, and I have the perfect bag set-up for both. There are so few moments in our day that only belong to us; why spend these precious moments trying to haphazardly slap our equipment together?

My street photography kit includes everything I need to wake up early, pull on my running shoes, and immediately hit the streets.

While it’s true that no photographers can agree on which street photography gear is best, we can all agree that having the right resources is important.

Since your street photography kit will either make or break your experience, you should probably look into streamlining that process. Here’s the kit that’s helped me do just that.

Table of Contents

• A Street Photography Kit is Nothing Without Lenses
• Is Your Street Photography Kit Lacking the Right Camera?
• Street Photography Kit 2020: Backpacks Are Out, Sling Bags Are In

A Street Photography Kit Is Nothing Without Lenses

^{Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash} 

There are two major debates raging amongst street photographers when it comes to lenses. The first is telephoto lens vs. wide-angle lens vs. standard lens.  

The second is whether you like to shoot with a prime lens or a zoom lens. 

We’ll break down both.

Telephoto Lens

^{Photo by dhe haivan on Unsplash} 

There are some major pros to shooting with a telephoto lens, particularly that you can take photos of people without them realizing it, and while this may seem creepy, genuine photos of real people going about their daily lives is sort of the essence of street photography. Plus, you can always ask their permission to use the photo after you’ve taken it. 

Also, the telephoto lens does something that most street photography lenses can’t do, which is provide you time to wait for some action from your subjects. With any other lens, it would be apparent you were staring at someone and waiting for them to smile or frown or show any other emotions. 

But, where there are pros there are cons too - carrying a big, heavy telephoto lens around all day is certainly one of them. 

Additionally, it’s not like you can be discreet with a 300mm lens on your camera!

Standard Lens

^{Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash} 

Standard lenses are a top choice for street photographers because they allow you to capture a scene pretty much exactly how you saw it with your own eyes.

If you’re the type of street photographer who views street photography more like photojournalism, then this is the perfect street photography lens for you simply because of that fact.

Standard lenses are often quite small, too, so they have the discrete component that telephoto lenses lack.

Wide-Angle Lens

^{Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash} 

Wide-angle lenses are a personal favorite of mine because you can capture the whole street in one photo, which is most realistic to me.  

There’s no cropping in real life, and sometimes I enjoy street photography that echoes this chaos.  

Sure, the wider you go, the more distortion you’ll find in your images, but that doesn’t bother me at all. For some, it does though, which is understandable. For those folks, standard lenses are the way to go.

Zoom vs Prime Lenses

^{Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash} 

On the one hand, zoom lenses give you a level of versatility that prime lenses simply cannot provide. With the flick of the zoom ring, you can shoot wide to short telephoto with many zoom lenses, which gives you loads of options for framing up your shots. 

The problem, of course, is that zoom lenses tend to be larger and heavier than prime lenses, so you might miss out on being discreet, as discussed above.

Another thing to consider is that zoom lenses typically aren’t as sharp or fast as prime lenses.

^{Photo by Alexandru G. STAVRICĂ on Unsplash} 

Prime lenses, on the other hand, are usually small, lightweight, and easy to maneuver - three characteristics that are certainly important for street photography.

What’s more, many prime lenses have very large apertures, which allows you to shoot in low-light conditions with greater ease. Having the ability to open the aperture, minimize the depth of field, and blur the background is a bonus as well. 

There’s something to be said for how prime lenses force you to move around to frame the best shot. Without a zoom, you have to “zoom with your feet” and find the best framing, perspective, and angles for the shot. This can help you develop your creative eye, and that’s a good thing!

Where to Buy Lenses

Lensfinder is a personal favorite of most of the crew over at PhotographyTalk. 

We like that you can find almost any lens you could need, from antique lenses to lenses that just dropped. 

Plus, whenever you use a lens marketplace like Lensfinder, you know you’re getting quality glass from photographers. You can ask questions about your lenses and actually get answers directly from the sellers

But, my favorite thing is that all of the fees are upfront, which is my biggest qualm with eBay. And those fees are only for sellers, and are minimal, so if you have gear you need to unload, Lensfinder is a great choice!

Is Your Street Photography Kit Lacking the Right Camera?

^{Photo by Jonathan Wards on Unsplash} 

What do you look for when you’re looking for your street photography camera? My street photography camera is lightweight and nondescript, because it’s never fun to get yelled at by angry people in public. 

But it also features a vari-angle lens to take shots from waist-height (again, to not allow my subjects to know they’re my subjects). People are always so camera shy, so the best way to get them to continue to be themselves is to camouflage your street photography camera.

A good example of a camera that has all of these traits and more is the Sony a6400.

Not only does this camera have a lightning-fast autofocus acquisition of 0.02 seconds for quick shots, but it also has real-time Eye AF and real-time tracking features. It shoots at up to 11 fps (8fps in silent shooting mode), and offers 4K UHD video recording. Not bad, right?

You can get all the details on the a6400 in the video above by iJustine.

Learn More:

• Awesome Camera Accessories 
• Top 5 Camera Sling Bags 

Street Photography Kit 2020: Backpacks Are Out, Sling Bags Are In

I used a backpack as my street photography bag for years, but with the resurgence of sling bags in the past year, I started looking into them. 

As it turns out, sling bags are much more useful for street photography equipment because you can easily access all of your equipment without digging through a bag due to the zipper structure.

Also, it’s lighter than a backpack, which means traveling miles and miles on the streets will be much easier, and good sling bags, like the Hex Ranger, keep your camera gear incredibly organized and safe inside faux-fur lined pockets. 

The construction of this bag is next-level awesome, too.

Not only is it well made, but it’s cleverly designed. For instance, there are collapsible interior dividers that allow you to customize the interior space to fit different kits. These dividers are also removable in case you need to pack the bag flat for traveling.

It’s also compact at just 1.3 pounds and 14.5"L x 7.25"W x 4.75"H, and it sits comfortably on your body. In fact, it hugs your body and stays close to you, unlike some sling bags that swing out as you walk.

This bag fits a ton of gear, yet has a small form factor. It’s unassuming, built like a tank, and offers you tons of functionality. In other words, it’s the perfect addition to your street photography kit! 

Learn More:

• Why a Sling Bag is the Perfect Bag for You 
• Mirrorless Camera Accessories You Need Right Now 

 

 

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Not that long ago, one of the primary complaints about mirrorless camera systems is that they simply did not offer much in the way lens selection.

But as mirrorless cameras have become more predominant in the photography market, more and more lenses have come to bear.

That includes many excellent prime lenses for compact systems from Sony, FujiFilm, Olympus, Panasonic, and others.

If you're in the market for the best mirrorless camera lenses, look no further than this short list.

Editor's Tip: Confused by all the numbers and letters on your lens? Learn how to read lens markings.

Best Mirrorless Lens for Sony: Sony 85mm f/1.4GM

One of the best prime lenses you can buy for a Sony mirrorless camera is the impeccable 85mm f/1.4GM shown above.

Not only does this lens produce fantastically sharp images, but it also produces gorgeous bokeh, thanks in part to its 11-blade diaphragm. It's also compatible with both full frame and APS-C Sony cameras.

Sony has incorporated its Nano AR coating onto the lens elements, making aberrations like flare and ghosting less likely to occur, as noted in the video below by DigitalRev TV:

At 85mm, it's an excellent portrait lens, but don't discount it for other pursuits like videography.

On the downside, this is a pricey lens at nearly $1,800 brand new. But if you look in the right places, you might find a quality pre-owned lens for a fraction of that.

You can also opt for something like the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS, which is only compatible with Sony APS-C cameras, but is far less expensive.

Learn More:

• The Best Lenses for Travel Photography
• Awesome Budget Lenses for 2018

Best Mirrorless Lens for Fuji: FujiFilm 35mm f/2

 

If you shoot with an X-mount FujiFilm camera and are looking for a high-quality prime lens to add to your bag, it's tough to beat the 35mm f/2.

With an effective focal length of 53mm, this lens sits squarely in the standard focal length that's so versatile for photography.

At 53mm, you can photograph landscapes and cityscapes, take portraits, and even shoot video if you like.

It's a pleasing focal length, too, with little in the way of distortion.

This is a bargain lens, too, with a brand new price tag running about $400. That alone makes it one of the best mirrorless lenses for Fuji!

For that price, you get pro-level optics, excellent sharpness, and good low-light performance, all in a lens that weighs just six ounces.

Editor's Tip: Getting new gear can be exciting - and expensive. Learn why a new lens is more important than a new camera.

Best Mirrorless Lens for Olympus and Panasonic: Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8

Last but not least, for all you Olympus and Panasonic shooters sporting a micro four-thirds mirrorless camera, this 75mm f/1.8 lens should be on your radar as one of the best mirrorless camera lenses.

Like the Sony 85mm lens reviewed earlier, this lens is ideal for portraits due to its longer focal length.

Not only that, but this lens produces fantastically sharp results even at f/1.8. Though there is some softness in the corners, this lens is sharp where it really matters - in the middle. Get more details about this lens in the video below by Reviewed:

With its Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical Coating, you can expect clear, crisp results, too, with minimal aberrations.

The biggest problem with this lens, though, is its price - well over $700 at the time of writing.

Again, you can often find excellent deals on used lenses that will save you tons of money, provided you know where to look.

Learn More:

• What is Focal Length? A Beginner Photographer's Guide
• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera Lens

Wrapping It Up

While this is by no means a complete list of the best mirrorless camera lenses, the three examples I've provided here definitely offer excellent value and performance.

For me, the value of prime lenses is inherent in their ability to be versatile, their excellent performance in low light, and their small stature.

That makes each of these lenses a good bet if you want a high-performance lens that isn't too big for day-to-day photo-taking, travel photography, and the like.

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If you clicked on this article, I'm assuming that you already know what bokeh is, but if not, here's a quick explanation:

Bokeh is the out of focus area of a photo. Simple, right?

There are many facets to bokeh, however.

On the one hand, there is such a thing as good and bad bokeh.

On the other hand, several factors influence how bokeh looks, including the aperture and the focal length of the lens and the distance between you and your subject.

What's more, bokeh can be used as a creative tool to add dimension to your shots while also helping you mask unwanted features in the background.

See how bokeh is much more than the blurry part of the photo?

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create incredible bokeh effects that will enhance the portraits you take. 

Step 1: Get the Right Lens

Editor's Tip: You can create bokeh with any lens, but for the best quality bokeh, consider a prime lens - something like a 50mm or 85mm - with a large aperture like f/1.2 or f/1.4. Either of these lenses are ideal for portraits anyway, and with beautiful bokeh, the portraits you take will be that much more impressive. You can find great deals on pre-owned lenses at Lensfinder.com.

Getting the right lens is the first step in creating gorgeous bokeh in your portraits.

When shopping for a lens, there are a couple of things you need to bear in mind, both of which I outline in detail below.

You Want a Large Aperture

One of the primary factors that influence bokeh is the depth of field. And one of the principal factors that determine the depth of field is the aperture that's used.

The larger the aperture, the shallower the depth of field. So, when shooting at f/2, you have a shallower depth of field than if you shoot from the very same spot using an aperture of f/22.

That makes lenses with wide maximum apertures advantageous for creating bokeh-filled backgrounds.

An f/1.2 lens would create the shallowest depth of field, and therefore the best bokeh, as seen in the image above. However, those lenses can be pricey.

For something that's a little easier on the pocketbook, try finding a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4, f/1.8, or f/2.

You Want a Longer Focal Length

Another factor that influences depth of field - and therefore, bokeh as well - is the focal length of the lens.

All else being equal, longer focal lengths create a shallower depth of field and larger bokeh.

That means that a 135mm lens will produce more pronounced bokeh than a 24mm lens.

That's not to say that a wide-angle lens can't create nice-looking bokeh, but it's just easier to do with a longer focal length.

Learn More:

• A Beginner's Guide to Aperture and Depth of Field
• Focal Length and Field of View Explained in 4 Steps

Step 2: Get the Distance Just Right

It's not just the lens that influences the quality and quantity of bokeh in a portrait.

The distance between your lens and the subject as well as the distance between the subject and the background also have a say in how bokeh appears.

More specifically, the closer you are to the subject, the blurrier the background will become.

Likewise, the further the subject is from the background, the blurrier it will be.

So, when framing up your portraits, minimize your distance to the subject and maximize their distance to the background to get the most pleasing bokeh effects.

Learn More:

• How to Blur the Background in Portraits in Four Simple Steps
• A Guide to the Perfect Portrait

Step 3: Keep an Eye on the Background

Even with the right lens and the perfect distance, you'll still need to keep an eye on what's happening in the background of the image.

For example, if you're taking a portrait outdoors and your subject is in front of a busy street, vehicles on the street might still be distinguishable, even if they're blurred out (like the school bus in the image above).

Those big blocks of color might be distracting in the background, so you'll need to take steps to adjust your shooting angle to crop them out of the shot.

That might mean kneeling down and shooting up toward your portrait subject or changing your positioning relative to the subject so you can incorporate other elements into the background.

Another important point to consider with the background is its level of contrast.

Yes, it'll be blurred out, but if there's a ton of contrast with a lot of bright highlights and dark shadows, the background could be a little on the distracting side.

The whole point of blurring the background is to help the portrait subject stand out in the frame, separated from the background.

If you put them in front of a busy background, even if it's blurred out, it can still be a little much.

So, look for backgrounds that have muted tones and contrast so your portraits have a nice, even-keeled background.

Learn More:

• Got a Bad Background? Save Your Portraits With These 3 Easy Tips
• Portrait Tips for Beginner Photographers

Step 4: Touch It Up In Photoshop

I recommend that you strive to create good bokeh in-camera with the tips outlined above, but if you find that your bokeh just isn't up to snuff, you can enhance bokeh or add new bokeh effects to your images in post-processing.

And though Photoshop might seem complicated, adding bokeh is actually pretty straightforward.

In fact, you can blend one of your portraits with a bokeh image by placing the bokeh image on a layer above your portrait, change the blend mode to "Screen," and voila - bokeh!

For a detailed look at how to create stunning bokeh effects, check out the video above by PHLEARN. 

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Let's face it...

We're all looking for ways to improve our photos, regardless of whether we just started in photography or have been at it for years.

And the great thing about photography today is that there are tons of things you can do that will help you improve the quality of your photos.

You can read tutorials, watch YouTube videos, and get gear that will facilitate better photo-taking.

In this article, I'd like to focus on a few steps you can take to ensure your photos are the highest possible quality and review some gear that will help you achieve that goal.

Stabilize Your Camera for Sharper Photos

Blurriness in photos is one of the most common problems that photographers experience, especially beginner photographers.

Yet despite being so common, it is a problem that's easily addressed with a good tripod.

A tripod can solve the blurriness issue because no matter how sturdy of hand you think you are, there will still be minute movements as you take the photo.

But by putting your camera on a tripod, you eliminate the possibility of camera shake and ensure that the photos you take are nice and sharp.

Editor's Tip: Don't have a tripod? Get a high-quality tripod from Sirui. Two of their most popular models - the ET-2004 Kit and the W-1004 (both shown above) - offer tons of features that make them easy to setup and use (including some models that have a built-in monopod). Sirui's tripods are also well-priced, so you can get a great tripod without busting your budget. Learn more about Sirui products by clicking here.

Learn More:

• How to Choose a Tripod for Landscape Photography
• Easy Tricks to Get Sharper Photos With a Tripod

Work Hands-Free

Blurry photos are such a common problem that there's another step you should take to protect against them.

That step is to work hands-free and use a camera remote.

A camera remote allows you to trigger the shutter without actually touching your camera.

The benefit of that, is, of course, that you don't inadvertently cause your camera to move or vibrate. That means sharper photos.

Of course, not all camera remotes are alike.

The best camera remote on the market is the Alpine Labs Spark.

This thing gives you much more power over your camera than simply triggering the shutter for sharper photos.

In fact, not only can you control your camera in three different ways - as a wired remote, an infrared remote, and via an app on your phone - but you can also take still photos, long exposures, real-time videos, and time-lapse videos as well.

Perhaps best of all, Spark comes in a tiny package that sits on top of your camera, so you don't have to lug around a big, heavy apparatus to reap all the benefits of sharper (and more creative) photos.

Combined with a good tripod, a camera remote will help you get your photos beautifully sharp and fine-tuned for maximum visual impact.

Learn More:

• This is the Future of Photography
• 3 Photography Gadgets to Take Your Photography From Basic to Boss

Upgrade Your Lens Game

One of the best gear upgrades you can make to get higher-quality shots is in the lens department.

The kit lenses that come packaged with many cameras are just fine for learning the ropes, but they aren't the highest-quality glass (which is why they're bundled with cameras).

These lenses often have plastic bodies, fewer lens elements, and lower-quality glass, which means photos that are less sharp with poorer color fidelity than higher-end glass.

What's more, more expensive camera lenses have less aberrations, ghosting, and flare, all of which can reduce the quality of your photos.

If you're upgrading your lens for the first time, a great choice is a 50mm lens, which is often called a "Nifty Fifty."

These lenses are great because they are extremely versatile and can be used for anything from portraits to landscapes to architecture and just about anything in between.

They often have a very large aperture as well, so you can shoot in low-light conditions and get improved results without having to resort to using a flash or a very high ISO.

Nifty Fifties are often inexpensive, too, so you can get a great lens for your kit and not have to spend a ton of money!

Editor's Note: Get outfitted with a higher-end lens and save money at the same time by buying a pre-owned lens. The ideal marketplace to do so is Lensfinder, which gives photographers like you and me a platform for buying (and selling) used lenses. The process is quick and easy, with tons of protections to ensure it's a smooth transaction. Learn more about Lensfinder by visiting their website.

Learn More:

• Why a 50mm Lens is the Best Lens in Your Camera Bag
• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera Lens

Use Filters to Add Drama

Perhaps one of the simplest steps you can take to create more eye-catching photos is to use filters.

Some photographers these days shirk the use of filters in favor of using programs like Photoshop or Lightroom to add effects in post-processing.

But if you ask me, the impact of using a good filter simply cannot be replicated when you edit the photo.

For example, if you're shooting landscapes, a polarizing filter can do a number of things to bring out the drama in the shot.

That includes boosting the contrast of the sky, such that the blue is deeper and the white of the clouds is brighter for more pop.

Polarizing filters also reduce the glare of the sun off the surface of water and other non-metallic objects, which means viewers get to see the color of the water (and even into the water) and not be distracted by a sharp glare.

Polarizers reduce atmospheric haze as well, so viewers can see the landscape in clear, crisp beauty.

If you're shooting portraits, you can use a neutral density filter to create an ethereal look in which there's blurred movement in the shot.

That might be blurring water, as is the case in the image above, or it could be blurring clouds, passing cars, or even people.

You can also pair an ND filter with your flash to get improved results, or use an ND filter when shooting outside to get improved dynamic range in your photos.

Of course, ND filters are also ideal for creating landscapes with beautifully blurred motion, too.

The moral of the story is that dramatic, eye-catching photos might look complicated to create, but if you have the right filters, you too can make these kinds of images!

Just be sure you get the right kind of filters for the job, as some are certainly better than others.

Formatt-Hitech, for example, has a great line of filters, including their Firecrest Ultra filters that take quality to the next level.

These filters are the only professional filters that are bonded to protect the filter coating. That means better durability over the long-term.

What's more, Firecrest Ultra filters are lap and polish filters, which means they have improved clarity and sharpness.

With Firecrest Ultra NDs, graduated NDs, and reverse NDs, you'll be ready to go to create highly dramatic photos!

Learn More:

• A Guide to Lens Filters for Absolute Beginners
• Why You Need an ND Filter for Portraits

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^{YouTube Screenshot/Titan Top List}

I've seen a lot of crazy camera lenses over the years, but I have to say that this one might just take the cake.

It's a Laowa 24mm f/14 relay "snorkel" macro lens that was introduced at Photokina back in 2016.

As you can see, nothing about the appearance of this lens is normal...

That's because it has an extremely long lens barrel that allows you to shoot in odd positions and unusual conditions as well.

^{YouTube Screenshot/Cinema5D}

For example, you can actually submerge the lens in water to get 2x macro shots of whatever is under the water's surface.

Just trying doing that with your Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro!

Editor's Tip: Are you itching to buy a new camera?Learn why an upgraded lens will be far more beneficial than an upgraded camera.

If you've ever dipped your toes into the world of macro photography before, you understand that sometimes you have to get so close to the subject that the shadow of your lens appears in the shot.

Well, with this bad boy, that won't be a problem...

You can get up close to macro subjects without physically being all that close, and that should help you get better shots with less worry of what's happening shadow-wise with your gear (and you, for that matter).

The video above by Titan Top List explains this topic in a little more detail.

Of course, a 2x macro lens with a lens barrel that's a foot long presents other problems...

For starters, this is an f/14 lens, so it's not like you can do a lot of low-light shooting given that the aperture is so small.

Secondly, handholding this lens - even though it's quite light - would be an impossibility given the propensity for exaggerating camera shake.

If you were to use this lens, a tripod would be an absolute must.

You can see what I mean in the video above by Cinema5D. The live footage of using the lens (beginning at about the 1:30 mark) is enough to make you seasick - it's that hard to hold still.

Editor's Tip: If you're a Canon shooter and take a lot of landscape photos, there's plenty of lens options. Learn more about the top four lenses for landscape photographers.

Nevertheless, having a lens like this could make for a fun and interesting photo outing, that's for sure.

The f/14 aperture means you can get more detail in the background of your macro shots due to a greater depth of field.

At the same time, the wide-angle 24mm focal length allows you to get a wider shot of your subject's surroundings, too.

It's a crazy combination of features to say the least!

The prototype of this lens debuted at Photokina in 2016, but a quick Google search came up with nothing on whether this lens actually ever made it to market.

I'm assuming that because I couldn't find any information on it from the last two years that this lens made its way to the trash heap and was never produced.

Still, it's a cool concept if you're into macro photography, but if you want this particular lens, it looks like you're out of luck.

Learn More:

• What Lens is Best for You?
• The Basics: What You Need to Know About Camera Lenses

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One thing that you often hear in photography is that if you're going to spend money on anything, it should be on a good lens.

Good glass gets you much better results than cheap glass, at least most of the time.

But there are some budget-friendly lenses that are an exception to that rule.

In the video above, Christopher Frost outlines an array of inexpensive lenses - 10, in fact - that will get you high-quality results without breaking the bank.

Most of the lenses are for Canon camera systems, but many of them can be found for Nikon and other major camera brands as well.

Below, I've outlined a few of my favorite lenses from Christopher's list.

Editor's Tip: Don't let your old, unused lenses sit around in a drawer. You can sell them and use the money you make to buy a new lens. Find out how to sell your old lenses here.

Budget Wide-Angle Lens: Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC

For wide-angle photography, it's tough to beat the Samyang 14mm f/2.8 manual focus lens.

It offers a decent f/2.8 aperture for low-light shooting situations, as well as a deliciously wide field of view that allows you to incorporate much more real estate into the shot.

This lens offers superb sharpness, too, especially for a rig that costs about $300 brand new. Compared to name brand lenses of the same capabilities, that's a savings of about hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

It fits Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other systems, and works on full frame and crop sensor cameras as well.

Learn More:

• What is Focal Length? A Beginner Photographer's Guide
• How to Find the Perfect Portrait Lens

 

 

Budget Kit Lens Replacement: Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM

Though most kit lenses are of the 18-55mm variety, the Sigma 17-50mm is close enough in the focal range department.

But where this lens vastly outdoes its kit lens competitors is with its constant f/2.8 aperture.

My Canon kit lens has a variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6, which clearly lacks the same low-light performance as this Sigma.

Granted, the Sigma has a rather antiquated autofocus system and the image stabilization isn't the best, but its sharpness and its constant, wide aperture make up for it.

This lens fits Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax camera systems, and runs about $370 brand new.

Learn More:

• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera Lens
• How to Safely Sell Your Used Lens

Budget Superzoom Lens: Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC

As far as zooms go, the Tamron 18-200mm offers incredible variability in focal length, taking you from wide-angle to telephoto with a flick of the wrist.

Like many zoom lenses, the aperture range is a respectable f/3.5-6.3, which will suit you just fine in most shooting conditions, though low-light shooting will be a problem without increasing the ISO or opening up the aperture.

This autofocus lens doesn't offer the same sharpness or image quality as the other lenses on this list, but at about $200 brand new, this is far and away one of the least expensive superzoom lenses on the market today.

It fits a number of camera systems, too, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony, and makes an ideal travel photography lens, given its wide focal range.

Learn More:

• What Lens is Best For You?
• Crazy Camera Lenses You Won't Believe are Real

 

 

Best Standard Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

No list of excellent budget lenses would be complete without the venerable Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

This incredibly versatile lens offers a robust f/1.8 aperture, making it a rock star in low-light shooting situations. That large aperture also produces beautiful bokeh, which is ideal for portraiture.

But portraits aren't this lens's only strong suit. Whether you use it on a full frame or crop sensor camera, it can shine when used for landscapes, architecture, and street photography. You can even reverse mount it for macro work.

Fifty-millimeter lenses are also ideal for learning the art of composition and framing, as they challenge you to use your feet to zoom, rather than relying on a zoom lens to do it for you.

Best of all, this little guy is just $125 brand new!

If you aren't a Canon shooter, no worry - there are similar lenses for Nikon, Sony, and other manufacturers.

Learn More:

• 7 Reasons Why a 50mm Lens is All You Need for Great Photography
• Rookie Photography Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Editor's Note: If you want to save even more money, consider buying a pre-owned lens. Buying pre-owned means you can get a better lens for less money, and reap the benefits of improved performance and added features over lenses like those listed above. Search pre-owned lens inventory now.

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^{photo by Natashia Shukla on Unsplash}

We’ve all been there…

You’re out shooting a beautiful landscape or taking photos of your kid’s soccer game when a friendly fellow photographer sidles up and starts offering you advice.

In many situations, the advice given can be quite helpful. Besides, I enjoy talking shop with other photographers. 

But sometimes, the photographer giving the advice has no earthly idea what they’re talking about. Their bad photography advice should be ignored! 

Here’s just a few dumb photography tips people have given me over the years.

Editor’s Tip: Do you have old lenses you no longer need or use? Are they collecting dust on a shelf somewhere? Get rid of them! By selling your old lenses, you can use the money to invest in new glass that better suits your workflow. At the same time, other photographers can benefit from buying your affordable old lenses. It’s a win-win! Start selling your old lenses now.

Bad Photography Advice: Shoot Wide Open 

  ^{photo by scyther5 via iStock}

“Shoot wide open,” they said. “It’ll make the depth of field smaller, and you’ll get a professional looking shot.”

While making the aperture of your lens as big as possible will help reduce the depth of field and facilitate background (or foreground blur), there’s a couple of problems with this piece of advice.

First, aperture isn’t the only factor that influences the depth of field, so slamming the aperture to its largest value and hoping it will produce beautiful bokeh isn’t the right approach for minimizing depth of field.

 ^{photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash}

Second, no lens - not even super expensive professional lenses - is its sharpest at its maximum aperture. 

Instead, lenses have a sweet spot that gets you the sharpest possible details. Though the sweet spot varies from one lens to the next, it’s typically in the f/8 to f/11 range.

That being said, if the maximum aperture of your lens is f/1.8, and you step it down to f/2, you’ll notice improved sharpness, just from that one-stop difference.

So, ignore the bad photography tip to shoot wide open, and instead rein it in a stop or two to get improved sharpness.

Learn More:

• How to Blur the Background in Portraits in Four Simple Steps
• Want Ultra-Sharp Photos? Try These Lenses 

Bad Photography Advice: Only Expensive Lenses Perform Well

 ^{photo by James Bold on Unsplash}

I’ll be the first to admit that a Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L lens is a better lens than the Canon 50mm f/1.8.

Canon’s L-series of lenses have better optics, better build quality, better sharpness...basically better everything.

But, there’s two issues with the advice that only expensive lenses perform well.

First, expensive lenses are, well, expensive. Not everyone has $1,300.00 to spend on a 50mm f/1.2 lens.

^{photo by Guillaume Briard on Unsplash}

Second, some cheap lenses - like the aforementioned Canon 50mm f/1.8 - are fantastic, inexpensive lenses.

In fact, if you ask any Canon shooter, my guess is that they’d recommend this very lens (which costs about $125.00 brand-new, by the way.

The same goes for 50mm f/1.8 lenses from Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands.

When it comes to lenses, yes, the spendy ones will outperform the cheap ones. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some really great cheap camera lenses that will still help you get excellent results.

Editor’s Tip: Need to add a lens to your camera bag but don’t have a huge budget? Consider buying a used lens! Buying used not only helps you stretch your budget, but it also makes higher-quality, albeit older lenses something you can afford. Beware of where you buy used lenses from, however. Craigslist is often full of scams and eBay charges tons of fees. I’ve bought (and sold) lenses on Lensfinder before and had a great experience. Check it out now.

Bad Photography Advice: The Composition Must Be Perfect 

^{photo by Cecilie_Arcurs via iStock}

Obviously, your images will be much more successful if you spend time doing what’s necessary to get a solid composition. 

This might include using the rule of thirds to get a balanced photo or incorporating leading lines (like below) to draw the viewer’s eye deeper into the shot.

But if anyone has ever told you that you have to get the composition perfect in-camera, they’re simply wrong.

^{photo byfranckreporter via iStock}

Yeah, it would be great if every photo you take is absolutely perfect in-camera, but that’s just not going to happen. If you spend all your time worrying whether your composition is perfect, you’ll get home with one or two shots when you could’ve taken dozens more.

This isn’t to say that you should spray and pray or use post-processing methods as a crutch to fix bad shots.

The point here is that if your composition isn’t perfectly ideal in-camera, you can do all sorts of things in post-processing to make it more perfect. 

Learn More:

• Beginner Photography Mistakes and Tricks for Avoiding Them 
• This Simple Photography Composition Tip Will Make Your Portraits Pop

Bad Photography Advice: Avoid These Tips Too!

In the video above, James Popsys offers his take on some of the worst photography advice out there.

If you’re a beginner photographer and you’re inundated with tips and tricks from all around you, be sure to watch this video so you know which bits of advice you can throw out the window!

 

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^{Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash}

Let's face it - photography can be tough to learn.

Not only is there a lot of technical stuff to learn like what camera settings to use in what situation and how to use artificial lighting, but there's also a ton of artistic considerations to make, too.

That includes how to pose people for portraits, how to use leading lines to create depth in landscape photos, and using unique angles to create eye-catching shots.

And on top of all that is learning what gear to use and what gear is best for you.

It's a lot...

In this guideline, I review critical beginner photography mistakes - most of which I committed at one point or another - in the hopes that I can help you minimize your mistakes and help you learn how to improve your photography.

Beginner Photography Mistake: Using Free Editing Software

^{Photo by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash}

Let me start by saying that while some free editing software - GIMP, for example - is actually quite good, most of it is definitely not.

To make it free, there's often tons of ads for web-based editors and tons of fee-based add-ons for software that you download.

And while that might not sound all that terrible, having reduced functionality and/or annoying ads popping up all the time can severely disrupt your workflow.

Editing is not an optional process - it is an integral component of creating dynamic, beautiful photos.

As such, get yourself the real deal - Lightroom, Photoshop, and so on - and avoid the beginner photography mistake of using free software that just doesn't cut it.

Editor's Tip: The worst part of using Lightroom is manually tagging your photos. Learn how to use AI to tag and organize the photos in your Lightroom libraries.

The Focus is Off

^{Photo by Michael Amadeus on Unsplash}

While today's cameras have incredible autofocus systems, they aren't infallible.

This is especially true in situations in which you're shooting through something - like the foliage in the foreground of the image above.

Instead of focusing on the model, in autofocus mode, the camera will likely focus instead on the plants in the foreground. This is a problem that is impossible to fix in post-processing, so learning how to avoid this mistake in-camera is critical.

It's pretty easy to get around, too.

Perhaps the easiest way to accurately focus on the subject is to select the autofocus point yourself, that way you're sure that the camera is focusing precisely where you want.

This is done differently depending on your camera system, but this tutorial offers a great general overview of camera focus modes and what you can do to increase your chances of getting the focus just right. You can also learn how to control the focus points on your camera in the video above by Photo Genius.

Skimping on Your Camera Strap

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

Back in the day when I got my first DSLR, I thought the camera strap that came with it was just fine.

But as I got more and more involved in photography and spent more time out shooting, I quickly realize how incredibly uncomfortable that strap actually was.

It cut into my shoulder like nobody's business, and as the hours dragged on, I simply didn't want to shoot anymore.

So, I set out to find a better camera strap.

Over the years I tried out dozens of straps. Some of them were terrible. Others were okay. And a few have been excellent.

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk}

One of the best straps I've used yet is the Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo shown above.

It's ideal for beginner photographers because it's incredibly comfortable, so you can shoot forever without getting fatigued.

It's also made of full-grain leather and has stainless steel hardware, so it's a durable strap that will last you for years and years to come.

But on top of all that, this thing is crazy functional. It has a stabilizer strap to keep the shoulder pad in place and also has a belt anchor that allows you to carry your camera on your hip and keep it there - unless you release the anchor, the camera stays put, even if you're bending over!

^{Image Credit: Brandon Burk} 

One of the first things that beginner photographers buy is a new camera, and that's totally fine.

But I've learned that the accessories you use can make a huge impact on your ability to take photos.

Believe it or not, a camera strap is one such item.

Don't make the mistake I made and try dozens of straps (and pay for dozens of straps). Instead, invest in the best and get yourself a Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo!

Learn More:

• This Will Change How You Approach Photography
• How to Comfortably Carry Your Camera Gear

Not Understanding the Basics of Photography

You have to start somewhere when learning how to improve your photography, and your starting point should be with the very basics.

Before you ever pick up a camera and start to take photos, there's a few things you can do to build a solid foundation upon which you can learn:

• Read your camera's owner's manual. Yes, boring I know, but beneficial nonetheless.
• Learn basic photography terms. Try this comprehensive list.
• Think about why you want to take photos. If you can identify an underlying purpose, you can more readily direct your learning about photography.
• Check out photos from other people. Doing so helps you identify what you like and don't like, and can inform you of the types of photography you want to pursue.

These are super easy tasks that you can knock out in a few minutes a day over the course of a week.

And once you really start going with photography, don't be afraid to seek feedback and ask for help from other photographers!

Buying New Lenses

One of the best things you can do to improve your ability to take better photos is to invest in better lenses.

Don't get me wrong - the kit lens that likely came with your camera is just fine to learn with. But those lenses have their limitations that better lenses don't.

I'm a big fan of every beginner photographer investing in a 50mm f/1.8 lens for that reason.

These lenses are versatile, durable, and perform well in low-light situations. They can also be used for videography, so they pull double-duty.

The mistake that people make when buying lenses is that they buy brand new lenses.

Buying lenses is sort of like buying a car - if you buy new, you'll pay a lot more and its value will quickly depreciate.

However, if you buy used lenses, you can't save a ton of money and still get a lens that has a lot of life left in it. In fact, you might be able to find lenses cheap enough that you can get a couple of them for the same price as one new one.

So, avoid the rookie mistake of buying new lenses and instead find great deals on used ones.

But don't just hop on Craigslist or eBay to do so.

Instead, use services like Lensfinder, which was made by photographers, for photographers.

Think about it - Lensfinder has nothing but lenses, so you don't have to sift through a million unrelated products like you do on eBay.

What's more, Lensfinder is a one-stop shop, so you can search for the lens you want, ask the seller questions, pay for the lens, and leave feedback for the seller, all in one place.

It's just a simple, easy, secure way to get better gear and get it on the cheap!

Editor's Tip: Confused by all those markings on your lens? Learn what lens markings mean so you can get the most out of your photos.

Not Investing in a Polarizing Filter

Far and away, one of the best things you can add to your photography kit is a polarizing filter. That's especially true if you photograph landscapes.

Polarizing filters do amazing things for your photographs...

On the one hand, they minimize glare off of non-metallic surfaces, like water or wet foliage. That means that without the distracting glare, viewers can more thoroughly enjoy the scene you've captured.

On the other hand, polarizing filters also reduce atmospheric haze, so even though the distant mountain peaks look hazy to you, with a polarizing filter, your image of those same mountains will look crystal clear.

And that's not all - polarizers also boost contrast in the sky (as shown above), so any clouds in the shot will appear a brighter white while the blue atmosphere will be deeper and more robust.

That makes polarizing filters one of the most versatile photography accessories you can buy!

But don't just buy any old filter...

Cheap filters are a huge mistake because slapping a cheap piece of poorly made glass in front of your lens isn't going to enhance the images you take. Instead, it will merely detract from your images.

If you want a high-quality polarizing filter without breaking the bank, I highly recommend Formatt-Hitech polarizers.

These things are made to the highest standards with quality materials that not only make them durable but ensure high-performance, too.

With Formatt-Hitech's Firecrest anti-reflective coating, these filters offer you the highest contrast and fidelity for your images.

The glass is encased in a SuperSlim or UltraSlim rotating polarizer ring that's precision milled. That means they're easy to use, will help you improve your photography, and will last you a good long while as well!

Being Afraid

Starting out in photography can be scary, especially when it comes to trying new things.

One of the worst things you can do as a beginner photographer is be afraid to get out there and take photos.

Whether you love portraits or landscapes, street photography or macro, or something in between, try your best to challenge yourself to find new and interesting ways to take photos.

That might simply be finding unique angles or just trying a different type of photography for a while.

The point is that there is always something to learn in photography, so don't be afraid to try new things, to mess up, and to take some epically bad photos.

You'll learn just as much - if not more - from your unsuccessful photos as you will from the good ones!

Learn More:

• Build Your Creativity With the 30-Day Creative Eye Challenge
• This Photography Challenge Will Help You Break Out of Your Creative Rut

Not Completing the Process of Creating a Beautiful Image

I mentioned earlier that post-processing isn't an option - it's a critical component of creating a great photo.

But even once your image is completely edited, there still should be another step for your very best images - printing them.

Digital photography has been great in so many ways, not the least of which is opening photography to so many more people.

But in the digital age, we often take photos and forget them on our hard drives or cloud storage accounts. That's a mistake.

Excellent quality printing, superior build quality and A+ customer service. I wish I came to you first before trying others. Thanks CanvasHQ! - Eric S., Haverhill, MA

Your best images deserve to have a place on your wall where you and others can enjoy your handiwork.

But just like so many things in photography, trying to take the cheap way out is a big mistake.

I have dozens and dozens of prints in my home, most of which came from my favorite printer, CanvasHQ.

They're my go-to printer for a ton of reasons, not the least of which is the quality of the materials they use.

We're talking about archive-quality canvas, kiln-dried frames, and top-of-the-line inks that resist UV rays, water, and scratches.

 

Aside from the impeccable quality of these prints, I also appreciate how quickly CanvasHQ gets them made.

Often, I get my prints on my doorstep just a couple of days after placing my order. That's crazy considering I live in California and CanvasHQ is in Arkansas!

On top of that, the folks at CanvasHQ are just genuinely nice people that care about each customer. They make you feel as though you're they're top priority, and they treat your images with the love and respect that a dear friend would.

That dedication to quality and service should be enough to convince you that these guys deserve your business, but it gets even better...

CanvasHQ is affordable!

I cannot believe how easy it was to get my canvas from Canvas HQ! I submitted my photo on a Wednesday and my canvas was at my door on Saturday! And it was absolutely perfect! I will definitely order from Canvas HQ again! - Kara O., Manchester, IA

Their prints start at just $20, and if you ask me, that's a small price to pay for a gorgeous print of your photos.

It's just one more thing worth investing in, and another way that you can improve your photography while minimizing silly beginner mistakes, too!

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 ^{photo by cokada via iStock}

The great thing about photography is that it’s a pursuit that’s open to virtually anyone. That’s especially true these days since so many people have smartphones with pretty good cameras.

But sometimes the hardest part of photography isn’t getting the gear, it’s the ability to afford it. After all, even smartphones are quite spendy… 

Additionally, it can be difficult to know where to start the process of learning photography too. With technical considerations like camera settings and artistic considerations like composition, there’s a lot to learn!

In this quick guide, I offer up three beginner photography tips from the pros that will help you kickstart your photography.

Beginner Photography Tip: Always Be at the Ready

 ^{photo by MarioGuti via iStock}

The first step in becoming a more accomplished photographer is to take a lot of photos.

Practice is essential if you’re going to start figuring out how to frame up a pleasing shot, let alone learn to take control of your camera settings.

This doesn’t mean that you need to devote five hours a day to shooting photos, but at least have your camera with you so you’re ready to shoot should you eye a potential subject to photograph.

  photo by MarioGuti via iStock

A good way to approach this is to challenge yourself to take a handful of photos at different times of day.

On the one hand, this will help you get the practice you need, but on the other hand, it will also help you see how light changes over the course of the day.

Light is obviously a crucial component to photography, so by getting your practice in morning, noon, and night, you will more quickly develop an understanding of when the best time of day is for photography.

Learn More:

• 3 Essential Lenses for Landscape Photography
• How to Take Epic Photos With Your Kit Lens

Beginner Photography Tip: Save Money on Gear

 ^{photo by ArisSuvia iStock}

As I noted earlier, photography isn’t exactly a cheap hobby or profession. 

As such, it’s important to save money on gear when you can, that way you can stretch your budget and get more gear for your buck.

Though I will admit that the feeling of opening a brand-new camera or lens is intoxicating, it’s an even better feeling finding a great deal on a camera or lens and still having money in the bank!

^{Photo by Søren Astrup Jørgensen on Unsplash} 

I’ve bought a number of used lenses on Lensfinder over the last few months and I’ve found it to be an awesomely easy experience.

What’s great about sites like this is that it was built by photographers, for photographers. That means that the lenses that are listed are typically well cared for and the descriptions are full of detail. That’s important when you’re trying to find a new-to-you lens! 

And since the entire transaction takes place on Lensfinder (apart from processing payments, which are done via PayPal), it’s a quick process as well.

^{Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash} 

With built-in anti-fraud filters, you can browse and shop for a new-to-you lens with confidence, too. You can even communicate with sellers right on the Lensfinder platform if you have questions before you buy.

You can even leave feedback to let other Lensfinder users know how your experience was with the seller.

It’s a much better way to find the lenses you need than something like Craigslist or eBay. I’ve used all three, so I should know!

Learn More:

• How to Buy and Sell Used Lenses
• The Best Lenses for Travel Photography

Beginner Photography Tip: It’s All About the Angles

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Since composition is such an important component of creating an engaging photo, try to devote some of your time practicing photography to concentrate on how you’re composing your images.

Rather than standing up straight and taking every photo from eye level, you should move around, kneel down, stand on your tippy-toes, and find other ways to find a more unique perspective.

Most people take most of their photos from their eye level, and that gets really boring.

 ^{photo by kunchainub via iStock}

By adjusting your angle of view, not only do you find ways to highlight the subject in an interesting way, but you also make your photos stand out from the crowd.

You don’t even have to go into it with a specific type of shot in mind. Just commit yourself to a little exploration from a composition standpoint, and see what works and what doesn’t.

Remember - photography is art, so there’s really no right or wrong answers! Have the confidence to explore and experiment, and before long, you’ll likely find that the quality and interest level of your photos drastically improves.

Learn More:

• What Aperture Should You Use?
• 5 Essential Photography Tips for Beginner Photographers

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^{Photo by Nielsen Ramon on Unsplash} 

Prime lenses, or fixed lenses, may seem odd if you’ve never worked with them before. Why would you not want the ability to zoom? And to answer that question, Canon has four options. These are some of the best Canon prime lenses you can get your hands on today.

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM

The best Canon lenses of 2019 just so happen to be a few years old, or at least most of them are.

The Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is one of two of Canon’s widest angle lenses. Astrophotographers frequently lean towards the 24mm for this exact reason so they can capture a huge swath of the sky in one shot.

It has close to zero distortion, despite the fact that it is now over a decade old.

The one con of the 24mm is that it doesn’t have image stabilization. But, it’s heavy and weather-resistant so if you’re the type of photographer to drop (whoops) your camera from time to time, the 24mm might just be for you!

Get more details on this lens in the video above by Christopher Frost Photography.

 

 

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM is the Canon prime lens you need if you are a low light photographer. Event, concert, and wedding photographers go wild over this lens for its extreme clarity due to its wide aperture.

Canon’s 35mm is also incredibly more impressive than its Tamron or Sigma equivalents, both of which have won wide acclaim.

This is also part of Canon’s L series, so it is going to be able to handle weather like a champ and the improved optics give you sharper images with fewer aberrations.

Julia Trotti gives us a full breakdown of this lens in the video above.

 

 

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM 

As you can tell by the title of Steve Huff’s YouTube video above, this Canon prime lens is pretty well known the world over. Photographers call it the “nifty fifty,” because of its incredible versatility for all sorts of situations. As such it has garnered legendary status amongst the photography community.

This lens has no chromatic aberration, or that annoying thing that happens when the color purple starts popping up in your photos where there was no purple before. It’s an issue with older lenses or lower quality lenses, and Canon’s 50mm was one of the first lenses to beat the issue.

Plus, this lens can open up to f/1.2, so you get huge amounts of light that make this a low-light monster of a lens.

 

 

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM 

The 85mm rocks a creamy aperture, but with a much longer focal length than any other options. The 85mm is frequently used by photojournalists for its capabilities to capture intimate moments, like the reaction on a politician’s face, from a great distance.

The 85mm is a difficult lens to learn, so it’s not recommended for beginners. In the video above, Shayne Robinson shows you exactly why this lens is considered one of the best in a way that we can’t justify by talking about only its specs.

 

 

Where Can I Buy The Best Canon Prime Lenses?

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Almost anywhere. But maybe you shouldn’t. I won’t send my child off to just any nanny, and I care about my camera at least as much!  

Ebay: A Questionable Marketplace

There’s the tried and true Ebay method, but as anyone who has worked with Ebay knows… they are a lot of undisclosed fees and a lot of fraud issues.

While you may save some money initially, you may lose a lot more money in the long run with undisclosed faulty products, scams you don’t realize are scams, and sky-high shipping fees. Seriously, nobody charges $150 to ship from California to Arizona. How is that even possible?

Craigslist: For When You Want to Spice Up Your Boring Life

There’s also Craigslist, if you don’t mind a little grit. There’s a number of reasons I swore off Craigslist years ago, but the main one everybody forgets about is a lack of options.

I live in a relatively small town, but even for those who live in large towns if you need a specific lens you’ve had your eye on it might require you to travel for it. And then you inevitably get to where you’re going and the seller cancels, or just plain doesn’t show up.

While I did have a number of good experiences with Craigslist, for me the bad far outweighs the good.

Lensfinder: If You Want to Be Protected

Let’s face it, camera lenses are a really specific art. And for really specific art you need a really specific medium to convey it.

Lensfinder has been my go to used camera and camera equipment marketplace for years. The good sellers are rated as such and the bad sellers are kicked off the site. If you have a really in-depth question, chances are you’re going to get a really in-depth answer.

We are all camera enthusiasts after all. 

Lensfinder is upfront about their fees (4% taken from the seller), and you can calculate exactly how much shipping you can expect to pay. Plus, sellers are required to use the cheapest shipping method (finally, and thank god).

You can find anything on this website, from an $80,000 astrophotography camera to your-run-of-the-mill prime lens.

My favorite part of Lensfinder is that you can pay with PayPal, so if something does go wrong, you are not only protected by Lensfinder’s incredible customer service, but PayPal’s buyer protection too.

 

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^{Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash}

The best Canon lenses of 2019 just so happen to be a series of their zoom lenses. This list of the best Canon telephoto lens features much cheaper lenses than any series by Sony or Nikon. They are also new versions of old lenses, so if you’ve shot with Canon in the past many of these lenses will be familiar.

Instead of searching through forums on Canon lenses guides, just check out our list!

Our List of the Best Canon Lenses 2019 

Canon EF 16-35mm F/2.8L USM III

This lens is the sharpest f/2.8 ultrawide that Canon carries. Version III, as compared to Version II, is much sharper. Every point of the picture will be just as sharp as your focus, which was an issue with the Version II.

Furthermore, you can expect superb sharpness, even when shooting wide-open at f/2.8. Not a lot of lenses can claim that. See it in action in the video above by Georges CamerasTV.

While the lens is technically designed for architecture and landscape photography, you can also use it for some portraiture because the focusing and zooming is done internally.

Best feature: Aside from eye-popping sharpness, the best feature of this lens is what you can do with it. Play with the distortion, explore interesting angles, and compose unique shots of all kinds of subject matter. This is a lens for experimenting with your photography style.

Editor’s Tip: Have old lenses you no longer need? Sell them to finance one of the best Canon lenses below! There is a huge market for used camera gear, particularly lenses that have been well cared for. See what your lenses might be worth, and list them for sale today.

Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L USM II

The quality of the bokeh on this Canon lens is almost unreal. Like the reviewer said in this video, it’s a great lens for events. Low light photography, like weddings, need one of the best Canon lenses. This one does it. 

This lens, as opposed to the older model, features better image sharpness and AF speed.

Version II is also much faster than Version I.

As Jessica Kobeissi says in her YouTube video reviewing this lens, “You are going to build up some arm strength with this lens.”

It’s on the heavier side. But, it’s still lighter than the Version I.

If you’ve ever shot with a 24-70mm in the past, this version is similar but better in every way.

Best Feature: This lens is as versatile as it gets. If you need a walk around lens that can tackle anything from landscapes to portraits to events and everything in between, this is it!

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM III 

Any lens over 60mm is considered a telephoto lens, and Canon’s EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM III is considered many photographers’ favorite.

This lens comes with impressive image stabilization, plus it’s part of their L series which are weather sealed. Telephoto lenses are frequently used at night for astronomical photography or in the elements for landscape and animal photography. The L series ensures you can do this without worry.

Comparing this Canon lens with Nikon’s and Sony’s version of the lens proves why Canon zoom lens are far superior - their cost.

Canon’s version will save you at least $500, depending upon where you buy it.

Get more details on this lens in the video above by Jared Polin.

Best feature: This lens has superb autofocus performance, and with image stabilization, you can work without a tripod without the worry of camera shake.

Where to Buy the Best Canon Zoom Lenses

 ^{Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash}

Obviously you can turn to Ebay or Craigslist for your used canon zoom lenses. I recently purchased a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM on eBay for $1,600 (as opposed to the original price tag of $2,100).

But I’ve also had issues with eBay, like really high fees, fraud and unexpectedly high shipping prices. In an age of Amazon Prime, absolutely nobody wants to pay for shipping and if you have to pay for shipping we at least want to know exactly how much we are going to be charged up front.

^{photo by AleksandarNakic via iStock}

Another option for used canon zoom lenses is Craigslist. However, fraud is even more rampant on Craigslist than it is on eBay. Plus, Craigslist limits you to the zoom lenses you can find in about a 50-mile radius, so if you live in a small town your options could be very few to none.

Since, as I’ve previously mentioned, I live in a rather small town I turn to Lensfinder to purchase the best standard zoom lens for Canon.

Lensfinder is upfront about their fees. Sellers are expected to use the cheapest shipping method, and when you plug in your zip code, it will tell you exactly how shipping costs.

Each seller is reviewed and has the opportunity to offer refunds. Like in the case of this Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 L tilt-shift lens,the seller allows you to return your purchase within 7 days for a full refund. This is definitely not something you would receive with Ebay, which you know if you’ve ever had to deal with Ebay’s customer service. Yikes. 

God forbid something goes wrong with your order, but Lensfinder’s customer service is out of this world. Plus, they like to have a little fun with it too. Their customer service email is [email protected]. 

^{photo by filadendron via iStock}

You can use PayPal to purchase your order, which means you have double protection if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.

Finally, you’re going to be dealing with people who know what they’re talking about. This website is filled with lenses that are near the $100,000 mark. These are serious camera enthusiasts who can answer in-depth questions about their products. 

Their website serves as a type of Canon lenses guide because of the amount of sellers with Canon zoom lens options.

If you can’t find the best standard zoom lens for Canon with one of their sellers, you won’t be able to find it anywhere!

 

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^{Photo by Dmitriy Nushtaev on Unsplash}

You may be wondering why to shoot with film in this age of digital cameras. Good question, since many of the current digital cameras beat out film in several ways. From the ease of stitching together panoramas or HDR exposures to the capability for ultra high resolution images, digital has a lot to offer. 

Film photography has a lot to offer, too. One of the best things about film photography for beginners is that it teaches the fundamentals of photography at its most basic level. Understanding film photography makes you a better digital photographer.

Best Film Camera: Where to Find Them?

Admittedly, there aren’t many 35mm SLR film cameras being made today, but there are still a few. Plus, we have options in another film format, 120 roll film. We found several different film cameras available brand new, but the majority of them are professional models that are quite expensive and probably not well suited as the best film cameras for beginners.

These brand new cameras can be found from a variety of retailers, including major online camera stores.

A great option for many wanting the best film cameras for beginners is the used market. One place I have used successfully for purchasing these is Lensfinder. You’ll want to use a place that has good consumer protection and a wide variety of cameras and lenses. 

Check your local camera stores, too, but you will find that a large online used camera store often has great prices and great selection.

Best Film Cameras for Beginners - New

Nikon FM-10

One of the best film cameras from the 35mm range in recent years came from Nikon. In the 1970s through to recent years, such cameras as the Nikon FE, FM, FE-2, FM-2n, and FA were near the top of many lists for advanced users and many pros. They had relatively compact size and weight, were very rugged and dependable, and had lots of usable features and accessories.

The current version is the Nikon FM-10. It has the Nikon F lens mount, so plenty of new and used lenses will fit. Note that the lens will need to be for FX format and have a way to mechanically set lens aperture. New DX lenses won’t cover the film format and any G or E lens won’t have any way to set the aperture on this body.

Everything is manual on this 35mm SLR. Focus, shutter speed, aperture, and film advance. There is a built in light meter to aid in setting exposure values. It comes in a kit with a 35-70mm lens. Brand new, it costs what many entry level DSLRs cost, maybe a little more. 

Voigtlander Bessa R4M

Also an all manual camera, this model is a rangefinder, as opposed to an SLR, and accepts lenses in the Leica M mount. It is a bit more expensive than the Nikon FM-10 and you will need to provide a lens since it doesn’t have one. 

What you get with this camera is a throwback to a way of taking pictures that many beginners in 35mm photography learned as a matter of course. Even if all you were doing was taking snapshots, you still had to know something about rangefinder focusing, manual exposure, and other aspects of photography.  

With adapters, you could use lenses made from as far back as the 1930s. For anyone wanting a way into classic lenses, this camera may be among the best film cameras for beginners. 

Lomography Diana F+

You can find this camera brand new for amazingly low prices. Beware, though, it isn’t an SLR, has no meter, it doesn’t even have a rangefinder to assist in focusing. The biggest difference, it uses a totally different film format, 120 roll film. 

What you get is a huge film frame and a whole lot of fun. For lovers of minimalism, this may be the perfect hipster film camera.

Best Film Cameras for Beginners - Used

Pentax K-1000

High school photography classes everywhere used this camera as the basic 35mm SLR to learn the basics of photography. While it hasn’t been made for several years, it can be found at many places, including online at stores like Lensfinder.

It is all mechanical, all manual, and uses the Pentax K lens mount. Not only are many samples of the camera available at super low prices, you can also find lenses just about anywhere for very low cost. 

Canon AE-1

This camera line debuted in the mid 1970s and it set amatuer photography on fire with its combination of ease of use, low price, and tons of dedicated accessories like automatic flash and motorized film advance auto winder. Focus is manual, exposure automation is shutter speed priority (you set shutter speed, camera choose lens aperture) or fully manual. 

Using an older lens mount system, the Canon FD/FL mount, this 35mm SLR is a popular choice for best film cameras for beginners. Lightweight, compact, but full featured, it’s still an awesome camera for any film user. 

Minolta X-700

Long ago, in a far away galaxy, the tag line “From the Mind of Minolta” meant that Minolta designed and produced amazing cameras. 

From the mind of Minolta came many innovations that are in use in current digital cameras, such as autofocus and through the lens flash (TTL) off the film plane (OTF) exposure automation. Photographically, Minolta’s mind still lives on in Sony digital still cameras. 

This camera is a 35mm SLR with full exposure automation, TTL-OTF flash automation, motor drive, and other accessories. It uses the Minolta MD/MC lens mount, so scores or hundreds of lenses will fit. Prices for the camera and its lenses are very reasonably priced on the used market. 

Still one of the best film cameras for beginners, back in the day, this was one of the top line choices for adventurous amatuer photographers.

Olympus OM-2

Few cameras caused as much excitement when first introduced as the ground breaking Olympus OM-1 and OM-2 cameras did. What made them special was that these were professional level full frame 35mm SLRs that had a compact size and weight that were virtually unthinkable at the time they came out. 

While the Olympus OM-1 has all mechanical, all manual exposure control, the Olympus OM-2 has an electronic shutter that can be controlled by a TTL-OTF meter. That meter may have been a Minolta innovation, but Olympus was the first to use it (fully licensed) in a professional level camera.

Using the OM lens mount, users quickly found out that the OM-2 was great for astrophotography through telescopes as well as imaging through a microscope. Flash automation was extremely accurate and simple as well.

The OM-1 and OM-2 are a little bit higher in price, but still extremely affordable as some of the best film cameras for beginners.

Leica M3

Since we’ve broached the subject of higher prices, let’s look at this premium 35mm rangefinder film camera from Leica that was introduced in 1954.

Before Leica was legendary for extreme quality and very prices in digital imaging, they developed a reputation in 35mm film cameras for extreme quality in their cameras and lenses. Quality commands high prices, then and today, these cameras are expensive. The fact that they are sought after by collectors also drives up prices.

Still, if you have the finances, these cameras are arguably some of the best film cameras for beginners or any level of photographers. Their mechanical precision is superb and the optical quality of the lenses is virtually perfect.  

Current M mount lenses will fit and work on this 50 year old camera, plus there are many fine lenses available used. Everything about this camera is mechanical and manual. Shutter speed, aperture, focus, film advance. There is no meter, so that requires either some tried and rules such as the Sunny 16 Rule or a handheld meter.

All things considered, what makes this one of the best film cameras for beginners is that you will learn something every time you use it. Plus, you will be using one of the all time great 35mm cameras that helped make photography what it is today. 

Minolta Maxxum 7000

From the mind of Minolta came one of the earliest autofocus 35mm SLR camera lines, the Maxxum. The Maxxum 7000 makes its way onto the list of the best film cameras for beginners because it is a great camera, very high quality. 

Also because it is among the first to have everything available as either manually controlled or on automation. It has programmed automatic control of both shutter speed and aperture. It has autofocus. It has motorized film advance and an easy load system for the film. It has fully automatic flash exposure.  

The Maxxum 7000 introduced the Minolta A mount, now known as the Sony A mount, for interchangeable lenses. So, you could find full frame format lenses brand new for it. Plus, a huge array of used lenses. 

Used pricing of the cameras and lenses from an online website such as Lensfinder is very reasonable. A fabulous choice as one of the best film cameras for beginners if there ever was one.

Canon EOS-650

 

While Minolta may have gotten there first with their AF Maxxum series, Canon really hit it out of the ballpark with the EOS system of 35mm SLRs. 

The Canon EOS system of 35mm SLRs had all of the same features and functions of the Nikon AF cameras such as the N2020 and N90, and the same as the Minolta Maxxum 7000 and 9000. What Canon added was their EF lens design. 

Canon EF lenses didn’t just use a new lens mount, they changed  the basic operations of lens controls from external to internal. The only external control was the focus ring for manual override. 

Other manufacturer’s AF lenses were driven from a motor contained in the camera body. The Canon EF lenses each had their own built in focus motor. A motor in the lens was employed for aperture setting as well. There were no moving parts connecting from camera to lens at all, it was all done electronically.

That method of lens control is the general standard used by almost every brand today for their digital camera lines.  

While the EOS 620 was a great camera, too, it was the EOS 650 that was considered at the time to one of the best film cameras for beginners, and it still is. It is also very affordable as a used camera. Current lenses for full frame EOS DLSRs will fit and work, plus there are a plethora of used lenses available.

Best Film Cameras for Beginners - Other 

There are many used cameras out there that use film. In addition to 35mm SLRs, there were compact rangefinder cameras with a fixed lens, and small AF point and shoot (P&S) cameras, many of which can be found for around the price of a nice meal at a chain restaurant. 

Other options include 120 roll film cameras, such as folding cameras and TLR style cameras. You might even find a nice Polaroid or two! Be sure to find out if there is new film for whatever format you decide on.

Whatever you choose as your own best film camera for beginners, enjoy the camera, enjoy the experience, and see if you can find one on the cheap by visiting Lensfinder.

 

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^{photo by 1MoreCreative via iStock}

You have a shiny new (or used) Nikon camera, and now you need a shiny new (or used) lens to go with it.

Nikon Lenses

The question is, what are the best nikon lenses for beginners?

In this Nikon lens guide, I offer up my choices for three of the best lenses you can buy as a beginner photographer.

Table of Contents

• Best Nikon Lenses: Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• Best Nikon Lenses for Beginners: Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5 – 5.6G ED VR II
• Best Nikon Lenses for Beginner Photographers: Nikon AF-S DX 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
• Nikon Lens Guide: How to Find a Great Deal

Best Nikon Lenses: Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G 

 

Far and away, the best nikon lens for beginner photographers is the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G or “nifty fifty.”

Though it’s designed to work with Nikon FX cameras, which have a full frame sensor, this lens will also work just fine with a Nikon DX, or crop sensor, camera. This lens is best suited for cameras like Nikon D3500.

The only difference is that due to the crop factor, this lens has an effective focal length of 75mm, which puts it in the short telephoto range. This focal length also helps to capture images with shallow depth of field.

That’s not a bad thing at all, though, because having more length with the lens means you can photograph your subjects from a greater distance.

 

 

This is ideal for things like wildlife photography (though, you will need a much longer lens if you’re truly serious about photographing wildlife).

The 50mm lens is also great for portraits because you can still get closely framed upper body and headshots without having to mash your lens in the model’s face.

Having a little more distance between you and your portrait subject will typically mean they’re more relaxed, and the more relaxed they are, they better they’ll look in the portrait. 

Better still, 50mm lenses make excellent lenses for video work, and you can reverse mount them to take macro shots. It’s that kind of versatility that makes this a top DSLR lens choice for beginner photographers.

Quick Tip: This lens also has a built-in autofocusing motor to aid in acquiring focus, even if you use a less expensive Nikon camera that doesn’t have a very sophisticated autofocus system.

Best Nikon Lenses for Beginners: Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5 – 5.6G ED VR II 

If you’d rather have a zoom lens that can basically do it all, a great candidate for one of the best lenses for beginner photographers is the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5 – 5.6G ED VR II.

This lens has maximum aperture of f/3.5 -f/5.6 and minimum aperture of f/22 -f/36.

Don’t get intimidated by the extremely long name with acronyms that don’t make sense… 

Not only is this lens affordable, but it’s also packed with features that will help you get better shots.

 

 

As already noted, this is a great example of a “do it all” lens. With a focal range of 18-200mm on a full frame camera and 27-300mm on a crop sensor camera, you can photograph wide-angle landscapes, telephoto shots of wildlife, and have a ton of range in between for everything from portraits to travel photos to street photography.

Another benefit of this particular DSLR lens is that is offers 3.5 stops of image stabilization.

This means that you can handhold the camera and use a slower shutter speed than you normally could and still get sharp photos.

Now, there’s a limit to this, so you can’t shoot a minute-long exposure and handhold the camera. However, slowing the shutter by 3.5 stops is a big deal when you need a bit more light for a good exposure and don’t have a tripod handy.

Quick Tip: This is a budget lens and as such, its optics aren’t as good as you’d find in Nikon’s pro lenses. But with a bargain price and excellent focal range, this is still a great buy, even if it’s more susceptible to things like chromatic aberration and vignetting.

Best Lenses for Beginner Photographers: Nikon AF-S DX 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED

If landscape photography is your passion, then the Nikon AF-S DX 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED lens is a solid choice.

Even on a crop sensor camera, this lens has an effective focal lengths of 18-36mm, so it’s plenty wide for taking sweeping shots of landscape scenes. 

This lens has got maximum aperture of f/4. With a constant f/4 aperture, you get the advantage of having plenty of light-gathering power for low-light landscapes as well. This is a bonus when shooting during blue hour after the sun has set.

 

 

But don’t think this lens is a one-trick pony…

On the narrower end at 36mm, this is a great walkaround lens for things like portraiture, street photography, and architecture photography.

The nearly 35mm angle of view is quite pleasing and closely matches what we see with our own eyes. The result of that is photos that have a normal, familiar look to them that people find eye-catching.

This is a more expensive lens than the others on this list, but with that higher price tag comes two extra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical lens elements. 

The result of these improved optics is improved image quality with better sharpness and reduced aberrations.

Quick Tip: Just because you can rely on the zoom of this lens doesn’t mean you should stand pat when composing photos. To get the most out of your lenses, make a habit of zooming with your feet, moving around the subject, and getting closer and further away to create the best composition.

Nikon Lens Guide: How to Find a Great Deal

As noted above, some of these lenses are pretty pricey, and when you’re just starting out in photography, you might not have the money (or the desire) to plunk down $1,000 or more for a lens.

Fortunately, there are tons of deals on pre-owned lenses on sites like Lensfinder.

What makes places like Lensfinder so great is that it’s a website built by photographers, for photographers.

This means that your shopping experience is photography-focused - there’s no sifting through unrelated search results like you have to do on eBay and no scams like you find on Craigslist.

^{Want more details on some of the best Nikon lenses? Check out the video above by TheTechMag.}

Instead, Lensfinder is an awesome little community where you can find the gear you need, ask the seller questions right within the platform, pay for the product via PayPal or BlueSnap, and arrange shipping without leaving the Lensfinder site.

Additionally, Lensfinder has a feedback system so you know how the seller has been rated in the past, and with built-in fraud protections, you can rest assured that the item you buy is the item you’ll get in the mail.

It’s simply the best way I’ve found to buy used gear. 

And as your collection of gear grows, you can come back to Lensfinder and sell the stuff you no longer need. It’s a win-win situation for sure!

 

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^{Photo by Marco_Piunti via iStock}

If you had your druthers, would you shoot portraits with an 85mm or a 135mm lens?

Personally, I like the 85mm option, but I know plenty of photographers who would never take an 85mm over a 135mm for portrait photography.

Of course, I know many other photographers that would opt for a 50mm for portraits over either of the other two, so really, it's different strokes for different folks.

But if you're on the fence between a long 85mm and a much longer 135mm for portraits, this guide might just help you make a decision!

Here's a few factors to consider in this best portrait lens comparison...

Want to upgrade your lens but don't have the cash for a brand-new one? Search for quality used lenses and save some money!

Best Portrait Lens - Consider Your Style

^{Photo by CoffeeAndMilk via iStock}

A lot of what should determine whether you shoot with an 85mm or a 135mm lens is your personal photography style and workflow.

For example, if you like to be physically closer to the subject to facilitate a more personal interaction, an 85mm lens is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you like to give the model a bit of room to do their thing, yet still have a nice, tight composition, a 135mm lens is the better choice.

^{Photo by thodonal via iStock} 

Another aspect of this personal style stuff is how you want the images to look.

The longer the focal length you use, the more compressed the scene will be. That means the model will appear to be thinner at 135mm than 85mm. That also means that the background of the portrait will have a greater level of blur with the longer lens.

So, if you really want to trim down your subjects and have uber blurry backgrounds, the 135mm option might be best for you.

Best Portrait Lens - What are the Space Restrictions?

^{Photo by Capuski via iStock} 

Building off the previous point, if you're cramped for space in a small studio, an 85mm lens is clearly the better bet...

After all, there's no point in investing in a 135mm lens if you can't physically get far enough away from the subject to actually take their photo.

On the other hand, if you typically shoot outdoors and space isn't an issue, a 135mm lens is a fantastic option.

Find the right lens for your camera (and save some money while you're at it). Find your ideal lens now.

Best Portrait Lens - Think About Versatility

^{Photo by MarioGuti via iStock}

When I invest in a lens, I prefer that it be something that I can use for different things.

For example, I use my Nifty Fifty for landscapes, portraits, street photography - you name it.

For me, the more versatile lens of the two is the 85mm, and that's true for one simple reason: it's easier to handhold.

At 135mm, I have to use a tripod, otherwise I find I have trouble finding and maintaining proper focus.

This isn't to say that an 85mm lens is the easiest lens to shoot with handheld, but it's certainly easier (for me anyway) than the 135mm.

Best Portrait Lens - What's Your Budget?

^{Photo by MarioGuti via iStock}

Money doesn't grow on trees for most of us, so budget will be a central consideration in your quest for a new lens.

Using Canon lenses as examples, an 85mm f/1.4L will run you about $1,600.00 brand-new. By comparison, a brand-new Canon 135mm f/2L costs about $1,000.00.

Granted, part of the difference in price is the difference in aperture size - f/1.4 vs f/2. Yet apart from that, you're looking at lenses that are of comparable construction, optical quality, and features, with the 135mm costing $600 less.

Of course, you can potentially save a ton of money if you buy a used 85mm or 135mm lens, so much so that you might find that you can afford both if you buy used.

You never know what you can find, so taking some time to search used inventory won't hurt anything.

If you're still on the fence about whether an 85mm or 135mm lens is best for portraits, check out the video above by Vivian Choi.

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If you've ever wanted to get into shooting cinematic video but just didn't have a highly capable, yet affordable camera to do it, your dreams have now been answered.

Blackmagic recently unveiled their Pocket Cinema Camera which is capable of shooting 4K RAW video at a price point under $1,300. Not bad, right?

What makes this camera so interesting (well...one of the things) is that it has a four-thirds HDR sensor with an incredible 13 stops of dynamic range.

Another interesting treat is that its sensor was specifically designed for MFT lenses, which minimizes the crop factor so you can get the most out of the sensor's 4096x2160 resolution.

But the crazy specs don't end there.

The Pocket Cinema Camera has an ISO range to 25600 for low-light shooting, an HDMI out to hook it up to an external monitor, 10-bit video output, and a gigantic 5-inch touchscreen display.

It's also got 4 built-in professional microphones for high-fidelity sound, but if you want to use external mics that's no problem - there is a mini XLR input with 48 volts of power so you can use lapel mics and booms. There's even a 3.5mm audio jack to hook up traditional video camera mics.

With a high-speed USB-C port, you can record right to flash drives and USB-C enabled SSD drives so you can edit your videos. This is the first camera to include that option.

 

Editor's Tip: In the market for a better lens? Before you buy, get insider tips on how to buy a bargain lens.

 

On top of that, this little camera is really, truly small and lightweight.

It's made of carbon fiber composite, so the body is incredibly strong without being bulky. It's 7-inches wide, 3.8-inches tall, and 3.4-inches deep.

But don't let it's small stature trick you...

With its micro four-thirds mount, it can be paired with a wide array of MFT lenses, so you can shoot wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and everything in between.

There's even adapters that allow you to use non-MFT lenses with this bad boy.

In other words, this is truly a cinema camera first and a still camera second. It's not your run-of-the-mill DSLR that happens to shoot 4K video.

To take stills, you just press a button on the camera to snap photos while you make awesome 4K cinema-quality videos. There's also buttons to control things like white balance, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and more.

That being the case, this isn't exactly a camera for a photography enthusiast that wants to take more videos.

Instead, it's a cinematic workhorse for videographers that might want to take a few still shots here and there.

 

Regardless, this is one heck of an impressive camera.

It's packed with amazing features that you simply don't find on cameras of this size.

And those features are certainly not something you commonly see on a camera that's less than $1,300!

Check out the full specs on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.

Learn More:

• Camera Lens Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Lens
• The Top 3 Lenses You Need to Buy

Via Blackmagic

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I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly excited about the direction that photography is headed.

We're seeing more innovation than ever in cameras, lenses, and other photography gear, which gives us more power to create epic photos.

Post-processing programs are evolving into highly powerful editing suites that allow us to take our photography to the next level more quickly and efficiently.

We're even seeing changes in how we buy and sell photography equipment, share our photos, and market our businesses.

It's exciting times, for sure!

Here's some of the top businesses in the photography industry that are leading the charge in innovating the artform we love so much.

Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Legacy Photography

Sew Trendy started humbly in a basement just a few years ago.

Today, it's one of the premier wardrobe manufacturers for maternity photography, girls' photography, and newborn photography.

Their success in growing their business is attributable to many different factors, not the least of which that they constantly develop new designs for their line of maternity gowns, girls dresses, and newborn clothing, so photographers have fresh looks to offer their clients.

And in an age in which customer service is often lacking, Sew Trendy certainly bucks the trend. They're with you every step of the way, ready, willing, and able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.

Valerie Best, the company's Founder and CEO has a lot to do with the success of her company as well.

She's committed to quality, and that shows in every handmade garment that leaves her company's warehouse.

Learn more about Sew Trendy Fashion & Accessories

Sirui

Over the years, Sirui has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the best photography tripods on the market.

I can attest to the quality of their tripods, as I own one!

But Sirui is much more than a tripod company...

They supply photographers the world over with high-quality gear that ranges from monopods to tripod heads, camera bags to lens filters, and even photography accessories for your mobile phone.

As if that's not enough, Sirui also offers a complete line of humidity cabinets, broadcast tripods, and various quick release plates, too.

In other words, Sirui is a one-stop shop for just about all your photography needs, and is definitely a company to keep your eye on in 2018.

Learn more about Sirui

CaptureLife

When talking about innovative photography companies that are sure to turn the photography world on its head in 2018, CaptureLife should immediately come to mind.

If you're not familiar with CaptureLife, check this out...

This app allows you to share photos with your clients right on their smartphone.

That means you can streamline how you get photos to clients as well as make it a more personalized process - the images are delivered via a branded text message that's personalized to the client.

On top of that, CaptureLife is a sales platform that allows your clients to order prints right from their phone. They can also share their photos with friends and family, which increases your sales footprint.

Mobile is the future, and if you're in the photography business, you need to capitalize on that by teaming up with CaptureLife!

Learn more about CaptureLife

Click Props

One of the challenges of staying relevant in the photography industry is keeping your ear to the pulse of what photographers need.

Click Props does just that.

With a huge collection of gorgeous portrait backgrounds, Click Props gives photographers the ability to create more impactful portraits no matter who the subject might be.

Aside from their commitment to crafting the best backgrounds in the business, Click Props understands the practical needs of photographers as well.

They offer backgrounds in various sizes, each of which is easy to setup and takedown. They're even easy to clean and easy to store, too.

That means you spend less time messing around getting things setup and stored away, and more time actually taking photos.

What's not to like about that?

Learn more about Click Props

Vanguard

Another company that's sure to make waves in 2018 is Vanguard.

I've been a fan of Vanguard for years now, and I can tell you firsthand that in the last couple of years, they've really stepped up their game with their product line.

In particular, their tripods and camera bags are among the best in the business, not just because they have innovative features that make photography easier and more efficient, but because their products are budget-friendly as well.

That means that Vanguard has figured out a way to offer photographers the best of both worlds - high-value, well-made products that won't break the bank.

Vanguard is at the tip of the spear of innovation in photography. If you aren't excited to see what they come up with in 2018, you should be!

Learn more about Vanguard

Artbeat Studios

Photography isn't just about the gear you use, nor is it just about your skills in composition, framing, post-processing and the like.

Instead, the process of creating an image isn't truly complete until you have a gorgeous print. That's where Artbeat Studios comes in.

I came across Artbeat Studios last year, and after touring their facility, I was blown away by their process and the products they make.

Among their best sellers are their acrylic and metal HD prints, the latter of which you can see in the photo above.

To say that Artbeat's prints are gorgeous is an understatement. What they produce is truly fine art.

That's because they're committed to using archival materials, paying close attention to color fidelity, and providing custom services so you get the exact print you want.

If you're looking to revolutionize the way your photos look, give Artbeat Studios a try!

Learn more about Artbeat Studios

Uniregistry

One of the best things about the photography industry is that there are so many companies doing so many awesome things for photographers.

In 2018, I strongly suggest that you change the way you market your photography business by partnering with Uniregistry.

These guys have two domains - .pics and .photo - that will help you get more eyes on your photos and more clients knocking on your door.

Why?

It's simple - Uniregistry's domains are photography specific, so you can promote your work on your website with a professional and credible domain name.

Not only do .pics and .photo domains tell the world exactly what you do right there in the URL, but they're fresh and new, so the chances of you getting the exact name you want are much greater.

It's just a better way to market yourself on today's crowded internet!

Learn more about .pics and .photo domains

MPB

Let's face it...

Photography gear can be expensive, and all that expense is cost-prohibitive if you're on a budget.

But MPB has changed the way that photographers buy gear because they've created an extensive marketplace where you can find high-quality pre-owned gear for excellent prices.

Not only that, you can sell your old gear to MPB and either pocket the money or get a credit toward the purchase of something on their site.

That means you can refresh your kit from time to time by getting rid of what you no longer want or need and replace it with well-priced, pre-owned gear for less.

Stretch your budget. Get more gear for less. Get better gear for less, too. Not bad, right?

Learn more about MPB

SHUTTERbag

Not that long ago, there was a lack of photography gear specially designed for female photographers.

But in 2010, that all changed when SHUTTERbag was founded.

SHUTTERbag specializes in crafting leather camera bags for women that are beautiful and functional, too. 

This commitment to quality is evident in every SHUTTERbag model. 

For mom photographers on the go, SHUTTERbag offers the Girls Day Out bag (shown top left, above). 

This ingenious camera bag has three separate compartments - one for your camera gear and two zippered compartments for things like a tablet for business tasks and books, toys, diapers and other items for your kids.

Like all SHUTTERbag models, the Girls Day Out is the height of form and function.

It’s an ideal size for daily use, and with its built-in organizational aids, you can keep your photography stuff separate from your personal items with ease. 

That means you can grab your camera, your phone or a diaper at a moment’s notice. 

Now that’s how you get more production out of your day!

SHUTTERbag’s Trailblazer bag (shown top right, above) is another example of commitment to innovation.

This bag has a unique style and flair that make a strong fashion statement, but don’t think that this bag is just about looking good… 

Inside, you’ll find room for a camera body and up to four lenses. Alternatively, you can carry two camera bodies and three lenses. There’s even a spot for your tablet or laptop!

With padded dividers that are removable and adjustable, you can truly customize this bag to suit your specific needs.

For mid-range carrying capacity, SHUTTERbag designed the Heirloom 5-in-1 bag (shown bottom left, above).

Not only can this bag accommodate a camera, three lenses, and up to a 15-inch laptop, but it can also be carried in a variety of ways - as a tote bag, a messenger bag, a shoulder bag or even as a backpack.

Talk about innovation! 

Their Journey bag (shown bottom right, above) is a tote bag that’s made of genuine leather and features a breathable cotton lining that provides a soft surface for your gear inside the bag.

The Journey has a detachable strap that has a slip-resistant shoulder pad that gives you confidence when carrying your bag either over the shoulder or across your body. 

The bag can easily accommodate a camera with a 70-200mm lens attached, as well as a laptop, a tablet, camera accessories, and personal items like your checkbook and smartphone as well.

And as if their bags aren’t enough to impress, consider this - SHUTTERbag is a small business, so they treat their customers like family.

That means that you not only get to choose from a wide array of incredible camera bags, but you know that you’ll get the service you deserve before, during, and after the sale, too.

Learn more about SHUTTERbag.

nPhoto

When you think of photo albums, you might think that they're all the same or that there's not much room for improvement.

But you'd be wrong.

nPhoto has proven that by becoming one of the top producers of photo albums and other products in the world.

Their handcrafted albums, triplexes, photo boxes, and other products are second-to-none in the industry.

nPhoto uses the best materials to construct their products, from fine textiles and leatherettes for their album covers to silk and metallic papers that give each page of their albums a hefty, crisp, and expensive feel.

What's more, nPhoto gives you plentiful options for customizing their albums, so you can get something that's truly your own or tailored to your clients' specific tastes.

Taking great photos is only half the battle - how you present them matters, too. If you work with nPhoto, you'll certainly have the presentation aspect of it down pat.

Learn more about nPhoto

MyStudio

The MS20PRO 20”x20”x12” tabletop photo studio by MyStudio is an ideal accessory to help you take your product photography to the next level.

Unlike many other tabletop studios, this one offers a seamless cyclorama infinity background with 90-degree corners that gives you many more shooting angles to highlight the products that you’re photographing.

The studio comes with dual 5000k color-corrected daylight fluorescent lamps, which offer tons of light for your images while providing excellent color as well. 

MyStudio also includes 9”x12” white and black bounce/fill cards with easel stands to create nice, even lighting, and a pair of 9.5”x11.5” white and black reflective acrylic panels to create beautiful reflections beneath the products you photograph. 

The folks at MyStudio have even produced a series of instructional videos that are available on their YouTube page to get you going with your new photo studio!

Learn more about MyStudio

MrStarGuy

I only became familiar with MrStarGuy in the latter half of last year, but they quickly became one of my favorite photography companies.

For starters, MrStarGuy is an authority on astrophotography gear - no matter what you need, whether it's a scope, a mount, a tripod, or something in between, MrStarGuy has what you need.

Secondly, these guys offer their high-quality products for prices that you can actually afford. You get tons of bang for your buck, which isn't always the case in photography.

But maybe most importantly, this family-owned business is committed to service before, during, and after the sale.

They're genuine folks that want their customers to feel like old friends.

If you're excited to expand your photography horizons this year and tackle some night sky photography, be sure to visit MrStarGuy to get all the gear you need.

Learn more about MrStarGuy

DJI

When I think about where photography is headed in the future, I can't help but think of drone photography.

And when I think of drones, DJI comes to mind.

DJI has some of the very best drones in the business. That's true whether you're a beginner drone photographer or an experienced veteran.

What makes DJI's drones so great is that they're packed with features - like collision avoidance systems and gesture-based flight controls.

Additionally, there are a plethora of options, upgrades, and add-ons that you can use to customize your drone to get the ideal flying and photographic experience.

As drones become more and more popular for photography, you can bet that DJI will be leading the charge in innovating how drones are built and how they perform.

Learn more about DJI

Macphun/Skylum

Macphun has been around awhile, and they've developed a reputation as one of the best in the software business.

As they rebrand and become Skylum, it's important to note that this small team of software experts continues to make waves in the photography industry.

In fact, they've won tons of awards over the years for their products, most recently for their impeccable Aurora HDR 2018, which was named by Apple as the app of the year for 2017.

Considering how many apps there are these days, that's quite the achievement!

Speaking of achievements, with Macphun's software, like the aforementioned Aurora HDR, as well as their Luminar 2018, you can achieve great things with your images.

Not only that, but you can create better-looking photos in less time and with less effort, all within platforms that are smartly designed and give you an effortless workflow.

My goal this year is to do a better job of processing my images, and with Macphun by my side, I have no doubt that I will achieve that goal.

Learn more about Macphun/Skylum

Lensfinder

Have you ever wanted a new lens but just couldn't bring yourself to shell out the kind of money needed to get truly high-quality glass?

Well, that worry is over now that Lensfinder is on the scene.

Lensfinder is a marketplace where - you guessed it - you can find lenses for great prices.

If you're looking for a rare or high-end lens (or everyday lenses, for that matter), you can use Lensfinder's easy search tools to locate what you need.

Then, you can communicate with the seller, ask questions, and even pay for your new-to-you lens via PayPal, right there within Lensfinder.

You can also sell the lenses you no longer want, too, so it's the best of both worlds.

Lensfinder has built-in fraud protections, seller feedback ratings, and other smart tools that help make your transaction as smooth as possible.

If you want to upgrade your kit this year, check out Lensfinder!

Learn more about Lensfinder.

Spider Holster

My biggest complaint about cameras is the terrible strap that comes with them at purchase.

The OEM straps are thin, uncomfortable, and just plain get in the way when you're trying to take photos.

That's why Spider Holster is such a game-changer, because they're responsible for getting your camera off your shoulders and onto your hips where you can carry your cameras with greater ease and security.

Just looking at the photo above, you can imagine how much more streamlined your workflow would be if you're using a Spider Holster.

You can carry one camera or two using the Spider Pro (for big DSLRs) or the SpiderLight (for compact, mirrorless, or small DSLR cameras).

They even make hand straps that put your camera right in your hand in the ideal shooting position, all without a long strap always getting in your way.

Spider Holster has revolutionized how to carry cameras. In 2018, I strongly recommend that you let Spider Holster revolutionize the way you work.

Learn more about Spider Holster

Next Insurance

When many people hear the word "insurance," they cringe.

But who can blame them? Buying insurance has historically been a process that's time-consuming and frustrating.

Not now.

Next Insurance has changed how photographers purchase insurance because they've cut out the middleman.

Instead of dealing with a broker, you can visit Next Insurance's website, get a free quote, and get the coverage you need faster and for less money.

By cutting costs, Next Insurance is able to pass those savings on to their customers, so you can get the best coverage without breaking the bank.

From equipment protection to liability for damages to advertising claims, Next Insurance has policies and coverages that will ensure your business will prosper for years to come.

Learn more about Next Insurance

CanvasHQ

Canvas is one of the oldest mediums that artists use for their work.

But, boy, is it still a gorgeous way to print your photos!

That's especially true if you order canvas prints from CanvasHQ.

Like many of the companies on this list, CanvasHQ demonstrates a commitment to crafting the highest-quality products using the finest materials.

And because of that, their canvases look like a million bucks. I should know - I have several in my house!

CanvasHQ gives you a mountain of options to customize your prints, and each print comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

These guys are a small family business, so when you order your canvas, you'll feel like a member of the family, not just another customer.

If that's not enough to convince you to buy from CanvasHQ, I don't know what will!

Learn more about CanvasHQ

Syrp

If filmmaking is your passion, then you need to see what Syrp has to offer in 2018.

As one of the most innovative companies in the photography industry, Syrp is always at the leading edge of what's new for filmmakers.

Their line of products helps videographers of all skill levels and experience to create breathtaking films.

Their Genie Mini motion control device (shown above) - which gives you control over your camera to create time-lapse videos using your cell phone - is just one of their incredible products.

They also have sliders, filters, ball heads, motion control bundles, and much more, so you can get outfitted for filmmaking quickly and without spending a ton of money, either.

Never before has making time-lapses and real-time videos been so easy!

Learn more about Syrp

Microsoft

I fully admit that I've been an Apple enthusiast for quite some time.

However, my love affair with Apple has waned in the last few years, and that's thanks to Microsoft.

Even though it's a household name and one of the largest companies in the world, Microsoft still approaches the process of creating products the same way - with the end-user in mind.

In particular, their Surface line of products is especially impressive for photographers because they have technologies that make the daily grind of business easier and make things like post-processing a more efficient process as well.

With touch-enabled screens, innovative tools like the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, and machines that are stocked with technology that makes them faster, more efficient, and with more battery life, there's a lot to love about what Microsoft is doing with the Surface product line.

If you want to maximize your workflow, consider seeing what Microsoft can do for you.

Learn more about Microsoft

Wolverine Data

Sometimes, being innovative means helping bring the past into the present.

That’s precisely what Wolverine Data does. 

Their new Wolverine 8mm & Super8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker is a fully automated gadget that digitizes all those old 3, 5, 7 and 9-inch film reels into high-quality movies at 1080p. 

It’s a standalone machine that handles the frame-by-frame conversion without the need for software or drivers, or even a computer. The film scans directly to the machine where it’s saved to a SD/SDHC card (not included). The entire process requires just a few steps to complete.

The resulting movies are compatible with all Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and you can playback the digitized movies directly to a TV with the included TV cable.

If you don’t have tons of old film reels collecting dust on a shelf in your house, I’m willing to bet you know someone that does...

Instead of letting those films degrade and take family memories along with them, this year, use Wolverine Data’s innovative new movie maker to convert your films to digital before those memories are lost forever!

Learn more about Wolverine Data

MyStudio

This company is so impressive, I decided to put them on this list twice!

If you photograph products that are bigger than what the MyStudio MS20PRO can accommodate, the MyStudio US31 tabletop photo studio is the perfect choice.

Measuring 31”x19”x16”, it gives you plenty of room to maneuver your products, and true to form, MyStudio has ensured that from every angle, your images benefit from a gorgeous infinity background.

This tabletop studio features two color corrected, 5000K ultra bright LED lights that bathe the studio (and your products) in bright, clean, even light. These lamps are so bright, in fact, that you don’t need any additional lighting whatsoever. Just set up the studio, place your products inside, and you’re ready to go!

You can see just how clean and even the lighting is in the sample photo I took of my camera gear and bag. 

I took that image when I was at Photo Plus 2017. I had the pleasure of seeing the folks from MyStudio while I was there, and managed to closely inspect the craftsmanship and materials used in their US31 studio. 

They clearly took no shortcuts in the quality of materials used or in the build quality. The design allows for even distribution of light, and quick set up. In short, I was more than impressed with the US31 Studio! 

Learn more about MyStudio

Joy

One of the downers about taking photos is that eventually you run out of room to display them.

But the Joy Smart Photo Album takes care of that issue...

It's not your everyday digital photo album, either. Instead, Joy is a storytelling device that allows you to connect with your friends, family, and loved ones because it has voice notes that allow you to narrate each photo memory. You can even conduct voice calls between two Joy devices and share a screen so you can share memories together with loved ones that are far away.

The great thing about Joy is that it doesn't have to remain on the shelf or table - you can take it with you to the couch to enjoy up-close.

And when you aren't enjoying the photo album in your lap, it has a wireless charging stand that charges its batteries and displays your photos in slideshow mode.

Joy has a companion mobile and web app that allows you to load new albums and even invite friends and family to add their photos for display. You can easily pull photos from social media as well.

And with a 13.3-inch full HD display, your photos will look beautiful, too!

Learn more about Joy

Holdfast

One of the hallmarks of a great photo is attention to detail - ensuring that each aspect of the image is perfect.

Well, that sentiment holds true for photography gear, and there's no one better at the details than Holdfast.

These guys make some of the most incredible camera bags I've ever seen. And that's saying a lot because I've owned plenty of great bags over the years.

But what sets Holdfast apart is that attention to detail I mentioned, as well as the amazing materials they use to craft their bags and other products.

We're talking about bridle leather, water buffalo leather, American bison leather, and even python skin.

On top of that, Holdfast's products are smartly designed so you can carry more gear, more efficiently, all while keeping each piece of kit safe and secure.

If you're looking to upgrade your camera bag in 2018, look no further than Holdfast.

Learn more about Holdfast

Alpine Labs

When you talk about companies that have revolutionized how you take photos, Alpine Labs has to be in the conversation...

Their Pulse camera remote - and now their new Spark camera remote - have made taking great still photos, time lapse videos, long exposures, and real-time videos much easier and more accessible to even novice photographers.

These gadgets are packed full of powerful software and hardware that literally make it possible for you to create a time lapse video with just a few presses and swipes on your mobile phone.

Creating long exposures is equally as easy.

But don't think that because Alpine Labs has made things easy that their products are somehow cut-rate.

These are the best camera remotes on the market, and Alpine Labs is constantly making them better. That just makes me wonder what they have in store for us in 2018!

Learn more about Alpine Labs

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When I think back to my early days as a photographer, I recall how frustrating it was trying to figure out the photography basics like camera settings.

I'm talking about learning aperture, shutter speed, and ISO...

Though understanding these basics of photography is certainly needed, it's easier said than done.

It's just a lot to learn. And could the aperture scale be more confusing??

Thankfully, I've figured things out over the years.

But if you don't want to toil for years and years like I did trying to learn photography, perhaps this short tutorial photography tips for beginners will get you pointed in the right direction.

In the video above, Peter McKinnon offers a quick run-down of camera basics.

Below, I've expanded on Peter's discussion a bit and included links to relevant topics to give you an even more robust learning tool.

Let's get started!

Editor's Tip: Need to upgrade your lens but don't have the budget to do so? LEARN WHY BUYING A PRE-OWNED LENS IS THE WAY TO GO.

Photography Basics: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO

The three camera settings that control the exposure are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Here's what each element of the exposure triangle, does in a nutshell:

• Aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens. The aperture is controlled by a diaphragm in the lens that adjusts its width based on the f-stop being used. The higher the f-number, the smaller the aperture opening, and the less light coming into the lens.
• Shutter speed controls the duration of light that reaches the lens. It's controlled by a curtain in front of the camera's sensor. A fast shutter speed means that the curtain opens and closes quickly, thus minimizing how long the sensor is exposed to light.
• ISO is responsible for the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the sensor becomes.

Of course, these three settings aren't that simple, nor do they operate in a vacuum.

That is, each setting has other responsibilities and they all work together to help you get the proper exposure, as shown in the graphic above.

Learn More:

• Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO: The Exposure Triangle Explained
• 10 Beginner Photography Tips and Camera Settings You Need to Know

Creative Elements of Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO

In addition to their responsibilities regarding exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO impact your photos in a creative manner as well.

Let's start with aperture...

The size of the aperture impacts the depth of field in the photos you take. The depth of field refers to the area of the image that's in focus.

If you want a shallow depth of field with a blurry background as seen in the portrait above, you want to use a large aperture.

The confusing part for many people is that the size of the aperture is inversely related to the f-stop number, meaning, a large aperture is indicated by a small f-number.

So, f/2 is a very large aperture while f/16 is a very small aperture.

When it comes to shutter speed, it controls how movement is captured in a photo.

Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second, like 1/30 seconds, 1/100 seconds, 1/500 seconds, and so on.

Naturally, the faster the shutter speed (i.e., 1/500 seconds), the more likely it will be that you can freeze the movement of a moving target, as shown above.

Conversely, if you slow the shutter down, you'll begin to see motion blur appear in the photo.

The last element, ISO, controls how much digital noise is in the shot.

Digital noise looks like film grain, and it can add a grittiness to your images, as seen above.

ISO is measured on a scale that extends from about 100-6400 on most entry-level cameras, though the scale can extend much, much further.

The higher the ISO you use, the more grain will be evident in the photos that you take.

Quick Tip: Another way to ratchet up the creativity of your images is to use a high-quality neutral density filter. These filters block out light, allowing you to extend the shutter speed to get beautiful motion effects, even in broad daylight. Something like a 10-stop ND filter will give you long shutter speeds to blur the motion of rivers, waterfalls, clouds, passing cars, and so forth, for a gorgeous, creative look. Not all filters are made alike though. When selecting a filter, go with something that's well-made, offers hyper-neutrality, and offers water and oil-repellent features, like this one.

Ease Your Way Into Changing Camera Settings

You don't have to shoot in manual mode in order to take more control over your camera.

In fact, a good way to transition from shooting in full auto to shooting in full manual is to utilize your camera's semi-automatic modes: aperture priority, shutter priority, and program.

As you might've guessed, aperture priority mode (A or Av on your camera's dial) prioritizes aperture, giving you control over that setting (you also control ISO).

However, the camera controls shutter speed, so when you make an adjustment to the aperture, the camera makes an adjustment to the shutter speed so that you get a good exposure. This is advantageous when the depth of field is the most important thing, like in a portrait.

In shutter priority mode (S or Tv on your camera's dial), you control the shutter and ISO while the camera controls the aperture.

Again, when you make a change to the shutter speed, the camera will automatically change the aperture to get a well-exposed image.

This mode is ideal for controlling movement, like freezing the movement of your kids running around or blurring the motion of a waterfall, as was done above.

Lastly, program mode (P on your camera's dial) gives you even more control over your camera settings.

In this mode, the ISO is prioritized, so when you set the ISO, the camera will adjust the aperture and shutter speed accordingly. This is an ideal mode for low-light shooting when you need to be able to push the ISO, like when shooting at dusk, as pictured above.

However, you can override the aperture and shutter speed selections that your camera makes, whereas you can't do that in aperture priority or shutter priority.

That makes program mode a step closer to manual mode without actually being in manual mode.

So, the goal with learning about the photography basics of exposure, the exposure triangle, and various shooting modes is to help you get on track with getting out of auto and into manual mode.

This isn't to say that you have to shoot in manual mode all the time - not even the pros do that.

But equipping yourself with a better understanding of how your camera works will certainly have a positive impact on the photos you create.

Learn More:

• Best Camera Settings for Landscape Photography
• Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography

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Though many new photographers focus their attention on the camera they buy, it actually has less to do with great photos than the lens that you use.

As such, it's important to give lenses some love in the gear-buying process.

In fact, you'd be better off using the camera you have or buying an entry-level camera and then finding a higher-end lens to work with that camera, than if you buy a brand new, high-end camera and use a low-end lens.

Camera lenses are that important!

In this camera lens guide, I offer up a few tips for what to look for when buying a lens.

Guide to Camera Lenses: Price

Obviously, price is the most significant factor for most people when buying anything.

The problem is that most of us don't have an enormous budget, and a lot of good lenses are not cheap.

That's because you really do get what you pay for when it comes to camera lenses.

Cheap lenses have cheap optics, aren't constructed that well, and don't give you the sharp results with minimal aberrations that we all want.

For example, if you took a photo with your camera's kit lens (the lens that came with it), and compared it to a photo taken with an 85mm f/1.4 lens, the latter would be sharper, clearer, have less distortion, better color contrast, and so forth.

That makes the higher-end lens worth it because it has a significant impact on the quality of the images you take.

Unfortunately, an 85mm f/1.4 lens runs around $1,600, making it out of reach for many photographers.

There are other options for great lenses, like the 50mm f/1.8 shown above, that perform well and are inexpensive.

Buying pre-owned lenses is also a smart move because you can often find higher-end lenses for far less than what they cost new.

That's especially true if you look for used lenses in the right place, where there are buyer and seller protections in place so you're sure you get the lens you pay for.

Learn More:

• How to Buy and Sell Used Lenses
• Need a Lens? Try These Excellent Budget Options

Lens Buying Guide: Lens Purpose/Versatility

Another important factor to consider when buying a camera lens is the purpose of the lens.

For example, if at this point you take photos of a variety of subjects, a good all-purpose lens like a 24-70mm zoom might suit you the best.

On the other hand, if you've been behind the camera long enough to know that macro photography is your passion, buying a macro lens would make sense.

Along with that is the need to think about the versatility of the lens you buy.

Again, if you take photos of all sorts of subjects, you need a lens that can accommodate such varied subject matter.

As mentioned above, zoom lenses offer all sorts of versatility, particularly those in the wide-angle to short telephoto range.

These lenses allow you to shoot wide for landscapes, shoot at a standard focal length for things like portraits, and give you enough range on the short telephoto end to capture things like wildlife from short distances.

Editor's Tip: Find the lens you need at a price you like.

Camera Lens Features: Aperture is Important

The aperture of a lens controls the amount of light that is allowed in. The larger the aperture the more light; the smaller the aperture, the less light.

When looking for a lens, the aperture range is an important factor because the wider the aperture goes, the better the lens will perform in low-light situations.

For example, a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 will produce better images in low-light than a lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.6.

Additionally, aperture is one of the factors that influence the depth of field of an image, or the area of sharpness in the photo.

Large apertures produce a small depth of field, so if you find a lens with a large maximum aperture, it can help you create a soft, blurry background like the one shown above.

Many lenses that have large maximum apertures are pricey (though the 50mm f/1.8 mentioned earlier is quite reasonable).

But, again, if you buy pre-owned lenses, you might be able to find a good deal on a used lens that allows you to get a higher-quality lens for less.

There are other factors to consider when buying a lens, to be sure. But if you bear these three factors in mind, you'll be in a good position to get a lens that works well for you and works well for your budget!

Learn More:

• The Top 3 Lenses You Need to Buy
• Nikon's Best All-Purpose Lenses

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Earlier this week, Canon announced its EOS R - a full frame mirrorless camera that the company hopes will go toe-to-toe with Sony, Fujifilm, and other companies that have already established themselves in the mirrorless market. Read Canon EOS R review done by PhotographyTalk.com.

Canon no doubt hopes that the EOS R will also compete with Nikon's fresh duo of full frame mirrorless cameras, the Z6 and Z7, too.

The EOS R system - it includes lenses as well - is Canon's first serious foray into mirrorless cameras, and not a moment too soon, either.

The camera includes a 30.3-megapixel sensor and sports a native ISO range of 100-40,000.

As expected, the sensor makes use of Canon's excellent dual-pixel autofocus and comes with Canon's latest DIGIC 8 imaging processor.

Editor's Tip: Not sure what all those markings on your lens mean? Learn how to read the markings on your lenses.

On back is a fully articulating touchscreen LCD and an OLED electronic viewfinder.

On top of the camera is a secondary information panel that gives you quick access to camera settings and so forth.

In fact, the EOS R looks an awful lot like the Canon 5D Mark IV, perhaps just a little trimmed down here and there.

But while it might still look like a typical Canon DSLR, the EOS R is definitely all mirrorless and all modern.

Specifically, the EOS R has a different control scheme than its DSLR cousins which is most noticeable with the presence of a dedicated control ring on the EOS R lenses.

What's more, there's also dials for zooming and manual focus, which, all taken together means that you can adjust certain settings - like aperture - on the lens itself.

See a first-look of this and other features of the EOS R in the video above by Kai W.

Editor's Tip: Thinking of upgrading your camera? Learn why upgrading your lenses could be more beneficial than upgrading your camera.

 

Like Nikon has done for their Z mirrorless system, Canon is releasing multiple lenses specifically built for the EOS R.

That includes a 50mm f/1.2 L, a 35mm f/1.8 macro, a 24-105mm f/4 L (shown above), and a 28-70mm f/2 L.

Also like Nikon, Canon has designed a lens mount adaptor (well, three of them, actually) such that Canon shooters with EF lenses can use their old glass on the new R system camera.

That's great news for photographers that have invested in loads of Canon glass, or who want to add well-priced, pre-owned lenses to their bag for use with their DSLR and with a future EOS R camera, too.

All told, the EOS R can be had for just a shade under $2,300 for the body by itself, or if you want to spring for the kit that includes the 24-105mm f/4 L lens, you'll need to pony up $3,399.

Either way, the EOS R camera and lenses will be available in the latter part of October. Pre-ordering will get underway in just a few days' time on September 12th.

Via The Verge

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^{Photo by James Bold on Unsplash} 

EF, STM, USM, IS...there are a ton of acronyms that Canon uses to describe different features on their lenses.

But what do they all mean, and why are they important?

In this Canon lens terms guide, you'll learn what some of Canon's most often used acronyms mean so you can make a more informed purchase next time you're in the market for a new lens.

Editor's Tip: If you're ready to upgrade your kit but don't have the funds to purchase a brand-new lens, you might consider buying used. In fact, if you're looking for used Canon lenses, you can often find great deals that allow you to save enough money that you might be able to afford two used lenses for what you'd pay for a single brand-new lens! Look for high-quality pre-owned Canon lenses to round out your kit.

Canon Lens Term: EF, EF-S, EF-M, and RF Indicate the Type of System for Which the Lens was Designed

^{Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash}

In Canon parlance, EF means "electro-focus" whether the lens is EF, EF-S, or EF-M. This means the camera controls the lens's focusing system.

The addition of the S and M designations indicates the Canon camera system for which the lens was designed.

So, EF lenses (like the one shown above) are designed for use with Canon full frame cameras, though EF lenses can also be used on crop sensor cameras as well as EOS-M cameras, so long as you have an adaptor.

^{Photo by Dollar Gill on Unsplash}

EF-S lenses (like the one shown above) are built for usage with Canon's crop sensor cameras. These lenses can only be used on crop sensor cameras.

EF-S lenses are often smaller than their EF counterparts, and are typically also less expensive as well.

EF-M lenses are specially designed for the EOS M system. They are smaller still than EF and EF-S lenses and can only be used with EOS M cameras.

The newest Canon lens type is the RF mount lens, which is designed for use with Canon's EOS R mirrorless system.

The RF lenses only work on EOS R cameras, though you can buy an adapter that allows you to use EF lenses on an EOS R camera.

Canon Lens Terms: STM and USM Indicate the Canon Lens Motor Types

^{Photo by Maxime Agnelli on Unsplash}

Most Canon lenses have an Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which is named as such because the lens converts ultrasonic vibration into rotational force.

Not only does this result in improved focusing for sharper images, but it also results in quieter focusing when shooting still images and improved speed with which the lens can acquire focus.

Canon's stepping motor (STM) design, on the other hand, is better suited for shooting video.

STM motors are extremely smooth and incredibly quiet, so when shooting video you hear the subject of the video rather than the lens working to acquire focus.

Editor's Tip: Not sure what all those markings on a lens mean? LEARN HOW TO READ THE MARKINGS ON YOUR LENSES.

Canon Lens Terms: IS Lenses are Stabilized

^{Photo by William Bayreuther on Unsplash} 

Canon lenses with the IS designation are image stabilized, meaning the lens has stabilization built into it rather than having to rely on in-body image stabilization in the camera.

Image stabilization is advantageous because it allows you to use a slower shutter speed (up to four or five stops more) when handholding the camera with less incidence of motion blur. Most Canon telephoto lenses (like the one shown above) have IS as these longer lenses are more susceptible to camera shake.

Image stabilization is achieved by elements inside the lens that move to compensate for movement induced by the photographer. The result is sharper images when shooting handheld.

Canon Lens Terms: L Stands for Luxury

^{Photo by Tom Pumford on Unsplash}

Canon's top-of-the-line lenses have the L designation, which stands for luxury.

These lenses are designed for professionals and have improved optics (like ultra-low dispersion elements), wider apertures (for improved background blur and low-light shooting), and weather sealing that keeps dust and water out of the lens.

As you can see above, L-series lenses have a red ring around the barrel near the end of the lens. You can also see the EF and L designations on the lens barrel.

Quick Tip: Canon lenses often have a II or III in their name. These numerals indicate the generation of the lens.

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^{YouTube Screenshot/Digital Goja} 

Canon's new mirrorless camera system - the EOS R - was announced back in September to great fanfare.

At the time, a 50mm lens was announced as well, but it wasn't available for order until now.

That lens - the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM - is ready to roll, and Canon EOS R shooters have reason to rejoice again.

It's no secret that Canon's existing EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is incredible glass, so it stands to reason that their new RF version will also be a superb lens.

In the video above, Digital Goja offers a first look at the new Canon lens, and by all accounts, all the hype around it being one of the best Canon lenses ever made seems to hold true.

All that hype has a lot to do with Canon's EF 50mm f/1.2L USM for its full frame line of DSLRs.

That lens gets tons of praise for its build quality, impeccable sharpness, and gorgeous bokeh.

One of the complaints about the old EF 50mm f/1.2, though, is that it has a few optical errors. Specifically, fringing can be an issue.

Editor's Tip: The most important part of your kit isn't your camera - it's your lens. Learn why upgrading your lens is such a good idea.

YouTube Screenshot/Digital Goja

As discussed in the video, the new RF version seems to have carried over all the good qualities of its EF cousin while leaving the fringing issues behind.

There are differences between the two, though.

The EF 50mm lens has eight elements in six groups whereas the RF version has 15 elements in nine groups. That makes the RF lens a big lens that is both long and heavy, weighing in at nearly two pounds. You can see the size difference between the RF 50mm lens on the left above and the EF 50mm lens on the right.

The lens has a rounded 10-blade diaphragm (as opposed to the 8-blade diaphragm in the EF version) that helps produce the gorgeous bokeh Canon shooters are accustomed to with the 50mm focal length.

^{YouTube Screenshot/Digital Goja}

Another primary difference between the EF and RF 50mm lenses is that the RF lens is sharper.

For Canon shooters that have utilized the EF 50mm lens, this might come as a surprise given its reputation for superb sharpness.

But because the RF lens sits closer to the imaging sensor on the EOS R mirrorless camera, it produces sharper results, as you can see in the screenshot above.

Editor's Tip: Upgrading your lenses for your Nikon DSLR should include a top prime lens. Learn which Nikon prime lenses are the best.

Of course, this performance comes at a price, and a hefty one at that. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is priced at $2,299, so it's not exactly something anyone can run out and purchase.

That being said, if you've invested in the EOS R system and spent all your money getting the camera, you can sell your old lenses to fund a new RF 50mm lens.

In the end, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is just one of the first steps in a completely new line of lenses from Canon.

Also in the RF lineup are a 35mm f/1.8 macro, a 24-105mm f/4 L, and a 28-70mm f/2 L, with plenty more to come in the next couple of years, I'm sure.

If the quality and performance of the RF 50mm lens is any indication, Canon shooters will have a field day with some truly excellent lenses for their mirrorless cameras.

For a complete review of this lens, be sure to check out the full video above, and for more gear reviews, have a look at Digital Goja's YouTube Channel.

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^{Photo by Carlos Vaz on Unsplash}

I realize that many Canon shooters haven’t enjoyed the slow roll release of new glass for the EOS R system, but man, has it been worth the wait!

Just the other day, Canon unveiled their latest RF lens, the 85mm f/1.2, and it has been met with just about universal acclaim thus far. 

In fact, it seems that Canon shooters have already started to dub this the perfect portrait lens. Let’s see why this might be an accurate statement.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L Specs

Let’s first have a peek at this lens’s specs to see what’s under the hood:

• Format: Full frame
• Maximum aperture: f/1.2
• Minimum aperture: f/16
• 9-blade aperture
• Angle of view: 28-degrees
• Optical design: 13 elements in 9 groups
• Minimum focusing distance: 2.79 feet
• Integrated control ring for changing lens settings
• 1 aspheric element and 1 UD lens
• Fluorine coating
• Blue Spectrum Refractive Optic (BR) to reduce chromatic aberration
• Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to minimize lens flare and ghosting
• Dust-resistant and weather resistant

Clearly, Canon has made an effort to present us with a lens that’s at the top of its class in terms of performance.

The dust and weather sealing was a given since it’s an L-series lens, and I imagine when the weather turns and I can put it through its paces that it will reveal itself to be built like a tank.

All the coatings and optics that reduce aberrations, ghosting, and flare, is certainly a nice bonus too. The result of all that is clean, crisp images with a deliciously blurry background - ideal for portraits!

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L Autofocus & Image Quality

The autofocus on this thing is mind-blowingly good. That’s especially true of the face and eye detection. See it in action in the video above by TheCameraStoreTV.

You’ll find that when you’re tracking a subject, the lens is more than able to maintain its focus on them. More to the point, it can maintain tack-sharpness on the model’s eyes even as they move around.

Naturally, this means superb sharpness and excellent image quality, as you’d expect. Bokeh is off the charts. Compression is beautiful. It’s just a great look.

In fact, this lens at this focal length and at f/1.2 produces portraits that look almost like they were taken on a medium format camera. Even when shooting at f/1.2 with a flash, you still get jaw-dropping results in terms of sharpness, clarity, contrast, and minimal aberrations.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L Build & Handling

As the daniel life explains in the video above, this isn’t a small lens, by any means, but it also isn’t cumbersome. In fact, it feels great when paired with the EOS R. At first, you might think that a lens of this size would feel like it overwhelms such a small camera, but that isn’t the case.

At just over 4.5 inches long and 4 inches wide, it is a beefy lens that feels good in the hand. Weighing in at 2.6 pounds, it feels like an L-series lens for sure.

In fact, this lens looks and feels a lot like Canon’s other L-series lenses.

 

The programmable ring at the front, the focus ring, and the red “L-series” ring are all familiar components.

When you hold the lens, you immediately note the slightly rough, matte texture of the lens. This is a welcome addition because it makes the lens easier to grip. I suspect this will be a major benefit when shooting in the rain, cold, and other inclement weather. But I can assure you that even when it’s balmy and sunny out, it still gives you added confidence that you can grip the lens.

Like other RF lenses, this one is sleek and minimalist. There’s two autofocus switches (one to control the kind of focus and the other for focusing distance), and that’s it.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L: The Perfect Portrait Lens? 

 

First impressions are that this is one of Canon’s best portrait lenses thus far. It truly produces results that will make your jaw drop to the floor.

Some will say that a 50mm is all you need for portraits, but I disagree. In this case, if you have the money to buy a $2,700.00 lens, go for it. You won’t be disappointed!

If however, you don’t have $2,700.00 laying around, it might be worth it to sell your old lenses to ease the financial hit that the new RF 85mm f/1.2 L would make on your bank account.

 

Sites like Lensfinder specialize in dealing with vintage and used lenses, so you can unload a couple of your older lenses (or newer ones for that matter) and start saving up for this bad boy.

I’ve used Lensfinder on multiple occasions to buy and sell old lenses, and it’s been smooth sailing every single time. 

There’s no fuss, no muss, just a bunch of photographers coming together in one place to take care of their lens needs.

Give it a shot today and see how much you can get for your old lenses!

 

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If you've never heard of Canon's CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 cinema lens, you're not the only one.

For starters, it costs $70,000, so it's not exactly a budget friendly lens.

And secondly, it came to be because of a challenge laid down by a German wildlife photographer.

These aren't exactly factors that make it a mainstream 50mm or 100 lens...

But if you appreciate quality photography gear and interesting stories, you'll love this thing.

As explained in the video above by CanonUSA, Ivo Norenberg, a wildlife filmmaker from Germany, challenged Canon to create a virtually impossible lens back in 2010.

Interestingly, Canon accepted his challenge to make a dream lens that had the capability to do some pretty fantastic things:

• Full frame subjects between 4 and 5 feet tall from a distance of up to 350 feet
• The ability to shoot wide for landscapes
• Be compact and lightweight

The problem with the specifications outlined above is threefold.

First, to fully frame subjects that small from that distance, the lens had to have a massive focal length, so Canon decided on 1000mm.

Second, to take wide views of landscapes, the lens needed to have a comparably wide focal length, so Canon decided on 50mm.

 

Editor's Tip: Learn how to buy a lens at a budget price with these tips for buying lenses.

 

And third, the lens needed to be lightweight and small, which is incredibly hard to pull off for a lens that needs to be 50-1000mm.

But Canon managed to get around that issue as well, creating a massive superzoom lens that weighs less than 15 pounds and comes in at under 16 inches long.

Granted, that doesn't sound very small and lightweight, but given this lens's capabilities, it's weight and length are impressively small.

The lens also shoots in 4K in 35mm format and has a built-in 1.5x extender, meaning it can shoot at up to 30x zoom at 1500mm.

It took four years for Canon to brainstorm, design, and manufacture the lens, an understandably long time given how crazy the lens is.

It's interesting to see Ivo working with his dream lens for the first time.

I thought the best part was the fact that the lens was used in -40 degree weather and still worked like a charm. To say that this is one of the best Canon lenses ever made is an understatement.

I don't have any idea what kind of features I'd request Canon to put in my dream lens. Maybe I should give it some thought and see if they'll make one for me.

If you're ready to buy this bad boy, head over to B&H Photo Video, but at $70,000, you'll need a credit card with a very high limit!

Via CanonUSA

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^{Photo by James Bold on Unsplash}

When Canon jumped full force into the mirrorless market with their EOS R (and now their EOS RP), they had just a handful of lenses to go with the new cameras.

Granted, Canon developed a handy FTZ adapter that allows shooters to use their old EF lenses with the new mirrorless bodies, but a great selection of RF lenses is a must.

Canon will soon deliver on that front, with six new RF lenses slated for release later this year.

Ready to upgrade your kit? Sell your old lenses and use the profits to get something new. Start the process now.

Current Canon RF Lenses 

 

At the moment, the Canon RF lens family includes the following: 

• 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM
• 50mm f/1.2L USM
• 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
• 28-70mm f/2L USM

There are obviously some glaring omissions, most notably the ever-popular 85mm and 70-200mm lens options.

Get a quick overview of each lens in the video above by Canon USA.

Future Canon RF Lenses

 

Sometime in the latter half of this year, Canon will unleash six additional RF options: 

• 85mm f/1.2L USM
• 85mm f/1.2L USM DS (defocus smoothing)
• 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
• 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
• 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
• 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM

 

Personally, I’m most excited about the 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, given that that’s a lens I often use as my daily shooter and primary lens when I’m traveling.

Portrait photographers will no doubt snatch up the 85mm options as well.

 

  

But the most intriguing lens in this group might be the 24-240mm f/4-6.3. It isn’t an L-series lens, so it can be expected to be cheaper than the others. It will likely be offered as part of a kit with the EOS R or EOS RP, which would give shooters a nice option for wide-angle to telephoto shooting right out of the box.

For a detailed discussion about what is known so far about these lenses and what we might expect, check out the video above by Jared Polin.

Can’t wait for the new RF lenses to come out? Pick up an FTZ adapter and find older Canon lenses to fit. SEARCH FOR USED CANON LENSES.

What the New RF Lenses Mean 

 

Ask anyone in the know about Canon’s foray into mirrorless cameras, and they’ll tell you that the company is only getting started.

While the EOS R is a really good camera, it is by no means a professional-grade rig. With the EOS RP positioned below it in the R lineup, that leaves a ton of room for future, higher-end cameras. 

That’s where these new lenses come in…

What Canon is doing is really smart. If all goes according to plan, by the end of the year, they will have a full line of L-series RF lenses already available for when the next, presumably pro-level R camera is released.

 

That means that shooters that want to immediately upgrade their existing DSLR or mirrorless system will be able to do so. While this is good news for Canon shooters, this is clearly a move by Canon to pull people away from Nikon, Sony, and others.

After all, Canon shooters can use the FTZ adapter to utilize their current glass, so the availability of pro-level lenses at this point isn’t as critical for that bunch.

But if you’re a Nikon shooter, for example, and you’re ready to jump ship, doing so will be much easier once all these lenses are available. Smart move, Canon!

Canon Rumors 

 

^{photo by Bryan Apen via Unsplash}

The rumor mill is always churning and new details about already-announced lenses and proposed lenses is coming out seemingly every week.

Read up on the latest Canon RF lens rumors right here. You can also check in on the latest EOS R rumors as well.

We’ll post more news as it comes down the pike, so stay tuned!

Have Canon questions? Ask in the Canon Camera Forum.

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^{Photo by DieterMeyrl via iStock}

When you are on a budget or just getting started, stretching that hard-earned dollar as far as you can, can be the difference between not having enough photography gear and sliding on through...

Of course, you don't just want to slide by with the bare minimum, but you also don't want to spend a ton of money.

That's where this list comes in.

Below, I've outlined some of my favorite budget-friendly photography accessories. Whether you're a beginner, enthusiast, or a pro, this gear will work hard for you without busting your budget.

Cheap Camera Accessory: Filters

 

 

If you're been in the photography game for any amount of time, you know that a lot of the best gear is also very expensive.

Good filters, by and large, can set you back hundreds of dollars. That's a big hit to your budget after buying a camera, a lens or two, a tripod, and other accessories.

You can save money without sacrificing quality by getting Kenko filters, though.

Kenko has two must-have filters for your kit:

• Kenko Nyumon Circular Polarizer - This filter helps reduce glare, improve contrast in the sky, and reduces atmospheric haze for improved landscape photos. Prices start at around $15.00.
• Kenko Variable ND Filter - A neutral density filter blocks a certain degree of light from entering the lens, thus allowing you to use a much slower shutter speed when shooting in daytime conditions. This enables you to blur water, cloud movement, and so forth. Variable ND filters are circular and screw onto the lens, and are adjustable by turning the filter in its housing. This one filter is like having a whole set of ND filters in your bag. Prices start at around $240.00, which is a bargain when compared to other filter sets that are double or triple that price.

 

Editor's Tip: Get Kenko’s latest updates and access to promos for discounted gear. Click here to sign up.

 

Cheap Camera Accessory: Camera Strap

One of the top accessories you need to buy to upgrade your kit is a better camera strap.

Though some straps cost hundreds of dollars, there are excellent budget options out there.

The HiiGuy Camera Strap is a great example of affordability and functionality.

It has a big, comfy shoulder pad to soften the weight of the load you're carrying. There's even a zippered compartment to keep your spare memory cards!

The strap is highly adjustable, too - I'm over six feet tall and I can adjust this strap perfectly, as can my wife, who's barely over five feet tall.

What's more, this strap is high-grade metal components, so it can support a great deal of weight. I used it to tote my Nikon D-850 with an L-bracket and a 70-200mm zoom lens attached around Boston last fall, and never once did I think the strap wasn't up to the task.

Better still, HiiGuy throws in some swag with the strap, including a microfiber cleaning cloth, a memory card case, an eBook, and a 3-year warranty.

Best of all, this strap retails for under $30!

Cheap Camera Accessory: Tripod

Tripods can be among the most expensive photography accessories - some are in excess of $1,500!

But when you're on a budget, that's simply out of the question, and a good, solid, affordable tripod is needed.

The Vanguard Espod CX 204AP fits the bill with loads of features at a great price.

This tripod weighs just 2.2 pounds, even with the included pan/tilt head attached. It folds down to 20.7-inches, so it's easy to pack away in your bag, too.

It's got 4-section legs that extend the tripod to a height of 61-inches, quick-flip leg locks that make deploying the tripod a quick task, and a central column anti-shock ring to dampen vibrations that cause blurry photos.

You get all that for about $71.50!

Cheap Camera Accessory: Editing Software

Okay, so editing software is probably something that will stay at home (but hey, bring your laptop and find some free WiFi and you can edit on the go!).

If you've looking into getting something like Photoshop or Lightroom, it can certainly be sticker shock.

Though many companies have moved to the monthly fee-based model, one that still offers its (really good) product for a one-time fee is Skylum.

Their Luminar 3 software has all the bells and whistles you could want in an editor, and then some.

The well-designed and intuitive UI is easy to use and puts all the controls you need to make beautiful edits right at your fingertips.

Luminar 3 has a library feature, so you can sort, organize, and rate your images quickly and easily. It also has presets (called "Looks," shown above) that apply a range of edits to your images automatically. They're a great way to get the editing process started.

Luminar 3 also uses AI to make editing simpler and easier. In fact, their Accent AI filter applies about a dozen edits to the photo, so you can literally drastically improve the quality of your images in mere seconds. The AI Sky Enhancer (shown above) brings contrast and definition to otherwise plain Jane skies.

It's software that's easy to use for beginners, yet has all the tools that veteran photographers need and want to edit their photos.

It's only $69, too, so of all the affordable photography accessories you can buy, Luminar 3 is one of the best-priced.

Cheap Camera Accessory: Lenses

^{Photo by yipengge via iStock}

If there's anything you DON'T want to skimp on, it's the lenses you use.

Cheap lenses often produce cheap-looking results that aren't quite sharp, have ghosting, show vignetting, and so forth.

That means investing in the best glass you can afford is the way to go.

To save money, you can buy a better lens at a lower price by buying a used lens.

When buying used, where you get it is as important as what you're buying.

I use Lensfinder to buy and sell lenses, and it's been an awesome experience every time.

Lensfinder was built by photographers, for photographers, so the platform speaks to your specific needs.

You don't have to sift through all sorts of unrelated products like you do on eBay, and there's no scams like you often find on Craigslist.

Just enter the details of the lens you want (a 50mm f/1.8 is a great, inexpensive choice!), search the listings, find what you need, and proceed with buying it.

Everything is taken care of right on the Lensfinder platform, from product searches to communicating with sellers to leaving feedback.

And it's less expensive than paying all those eBay fees. Nice!

Cheap Camera Accessory: Cleaning Kit

It's shocking how many photographers don't clean their camera and lenses on a regular basis.

It's not a task that needs to be done weekly, by any means, but every few months, for sure.

You can pick up a good cleaning kit on the cheap with all the tools you need.

Look for a kit like the one shown above that includes a cleaning pen, a lens brush, an air blower, and lens-cleaning cloths.

This one also includes three microfiber cloths and a refillable plastic spray bottle.

All that for $9!

Cheap Camera Accessory: Camera Bag

Of course, you need something to carry all your new accessories in, and a good, solid backpack is a great choice.

Like any other photography gear, you want to get something that's well-made and durable, but without breaking the bank.

The Vanguard VEO 42 backpack is a comfortable bag to carry thanks to the heavily padded shoulder straps.

You can fit a ton of gear in this thing as well - a mirrorless camera with a lens attached, 1-2 additional lenses, spare batteries and memory cards, a flash, a tripod, and a 13-inch laptop, too.

Vanguard has made it easy to get your gear out of the bag with a bottom access panel that makes swapping out your gear a quick task.

This bag is even convertible. Just remove the padded camera insert and you have a regular backpack that you can use for school books, clothes for a weekend trip, and so forth.

Best of all, this bag is just $49!

Cheap Camera Accessory: Camera

I know a camera isn't a camera accessory, but I still wanted to offer a recommendation for an inexpensive camera.

I've used the Sony Alpha a6300 for years now, and it has proven to be an excellent little camera.

It's mirrorless, so it's small and lightweight and easy to carry.

It's got a 24-megapixel sensor, an astounding 425-point autofocus system, and a water-resistant body.

Add to that a 2.36-million dot OLED viewfinder, 4K UHD video capabilities, WiFi, and NFC, and you have the makings of a highly capable little camera.

Brand new, these things go for about $750 for the body only, but if you buy used, you can pick one up in like-new condition for about $644 at MPB. That's not bad at all!

---

^{Photo by Connor Hancovsky on Unsplash}

Looking for a cheap Nikon lens? You've clicked in the right article...

When buying an inexpensive lens, you don't want to sacrifice quality. That's the crux of the issue. Often, you can find cheap lenses, but they don't offer very good performance.

On the other hand, many top-shelf Nikon lenses are hugely expensive.

But there are some gems out there that perform well and won't cause your wallet to scream, either.

Here's just a sampling of some of the best budget-friendly Nikon lenses.

Editor's Tip: Need a new lens but don't have the cash to buy brand-new? Find great deals on pre-owned Nikon lenses.

Best Cheap Nikon Lens: 50mm f/1.8D

It doesn't get much simpler than this little 50mm lens, and that's one of the reasons why it's such a great addition to any Nikon shooter's camera bag.

With a big f/1.8 aperture you can more easily photograph subjects in low-light situations. It produces beautiful bokeh as well, which is great for separating portrait subjects from the background.

This lens has a Super Integrated Coating that's applied to individual lens elements, which reduced lens flare as well as ghosting for cleaner, crisper results.

Likewise, this lens offers superb color accuracy and contrast, even when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

Though it was designed for use with Nikon's full frame FX camera bodies, it can also be used on crop sensor DX bodies, which gives this lens an effective focal length of 75mm. With all those features, the $132.00 price tag is pretty astonishing.

For further details about this awesome little lens, check out the video above by Eric Rossi.

Best Budget Nikon Zoom: 70-300mm f/4-5.6G

As good of a deal as the Nikon 50mm is, this 70-300mm zoom lens might be an even better buy from a price standpoint.

Brand-new, these lenses go for just $134.00 (and even less if you can find a used one!). Given that it has a massive zoom range of 70-300mm, that's a steal.

While this lens isn't going to win any awards for best lens ever made, it's still a solid rig that will help you get great photos.

You have to love the versatility of a zoom like this - at 70mm, you can take nice-looking portraits. At 300mm, you can fill the frame with far-off subjects. And there's a ton of variance in between.

There are 13 lens elements in nine groups, and like the 50mm lens discussed above, this one also has Super Integrated Coating to keep ghosting and flare to a minimum.

The lens has a fast-acting autofocus system that's surprisingly precise. Manual focus is also available for those occasions when you need to be in control of focusing.

To top it off, for a lens with this zoom range, it's got a small form factor and it's lightweight, which makes it a great lens for travel photography.

Editor's Tip: Not sure if a zoom lens or a prime lens is for you? Use this guide to decide the best lens for your photography.

Best Inexpensive Nikon Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm f/2.8D

If you're a landscape photographer and you want a dedicated prime lens for wide-angle shots, it's hard to go wrong with the Nikon 28mm f/2.8.

For starters, it's small, compact, and lightweight, so it's easy to get in and out of your camera bag, and if you're hiking around looking for the ideal spot to take a photo, you don't have to worry about it sticking out so far from your camera that it will get caught on trees and other objects.

Though the f/2.8 aperture isn't as large as those on the other lenses noted above, it's still plenty big for typical landscapes and nature photos.

Again, we find Nikon's Super Integrated Coating to help the lens control lens flare and ghosting.

The result are images that have gorgeous colors and beautiful contrast, even when photographing in bright mid-day sun or backlit conditions.

When used on a DX crop sensor camera, this lens has an effective focal length of 42mm for a nice standard or normal view of the subject.

For more details about this and other great Nikon lens buys, see the video above by The Angry Photographer.

Bonus Tip: Put Good Glass in Front of Your Lenses

One of the best pieces of advice I can give to photographers that are looking at new lenses is to be sure to save some money to buy some good filters for those lenses.

There's really no point in getting a nice lens if you just put a cheap filter in front of it. After all, the light has to come through the filter first, so if it's of poor quality, it will negate the gains you make by having a nicer lens.

And just like you can find some good lenses that are easy on your budget, you can do the same with lens filters.

I've tested Kenko lens filters now for a couple of months, and for the money, I'm not sure there's a better buy out there.

Kenko's Puro Circular Polarizing Filter is inexpensive, yet is meticulously engineered such that you get the best results.

This filter is made with Japanese assai precision optical glass for excellent clarity. It has oil-resistant and stain-resistant coatings as well, which are a huge benefit for keeping the filter as clean as possible.

These filters are compatible with a wide range of lenses from Canon to Nikon, Sony to Fuji, Zeiss to Sigma, and many others.

They're also available in a variety of size, so no matter the size of the lens, you can find a Kenko filter.

 

Editor's Tip: Get Kenko’s latest updates and access to promos for discounted gear. Click here to sign up.

 

And since a polarizer reduces glare, maximizes the contrast in the sky, and minimizes atmospheric haze, it's an incredibly versatile filter.

Along with a new, more capable lens, a good circular polarizer is a perfect addition to your camera bag!

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 ^{photo byjacoblund via iStock}

One of my least favorite things about the photography industry is the fact that beginners, and oftentimes professionals who are well into their money-making photography careers, are looked down upon because they buy cheap photo accessories. 

Don’t get me wrong, expensive photography gear has its time and place, but I’d much rather buy a cheap tripod and spend more money on my lenses.

So, what cheap photo accessories are worth the purchase?  

Speedlights

NOM Creative, LLC takes this “cheap photo accessories” trend to a new high, or low depending upon how you look at it. He uses Amazon’s speedlight and puts it against a speedlight that costs ten times as much.  

There are no better budget-friendly photography accessories than speedlights. 

While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Amazon’s basic speedlight, Yongnuo has a $65 speedlight that contends with any of the pros. 

There used to be a stark difference between speedlights in different price ranges, but that’s a long gone era.

Plus, you have the added bonus of purchasing multiple speedlights when you save money on the first. It’s a win-win!

Reflectors

Jessica Whitaker so easily creates DIY reflectors for portrait photography because expensive reflectors are a sham, so much so that she makes one out of a posterboard. 

While the movement against reflectors is building, I still think they can add something special to particular shoots, especially when the client is asking for a shoot to be completed by a specific day, no matter the weather.  

If you, like me, need to deal with pesky clients who don’t understand the beauty natural lighting brings to a shoot, and is instead concerned about a marketing deadline, then a cheap reflector is the budget photography gear for you. 

This 5-in-1 reflector pack is a great option if you want to forego making a DIY reflector and don’t want to bust your budget, either.

Learn More:

• Using a Vintage Lens With a DSLR 
• These Crazy Camera Lenses Have to Be Seen to Be Believed 

Camera Bodies 

Blue Pacific Media’s video from 2014 still rings true today, many older (and cheaper) camera bodies are just as relevant as their newer (and more expensive) counterparts.   

We feature plenty of cheap camera bodies on our site, and our reasoning is simple: camera manufacturers want you to think that a slighter larger ISO range or a camera battery that lasts for an additional 50 shots is truly going to make a difference for your day-to-day photography experience, and it’s not true.

 ^{photo by ARTYuSTUDIO via iStock} 

Camera technology is so advanced now that cheap camera bodies, and cheap photo accessories, do the trick for all but the highest-performing photographers. 

The holidays just finished and if you can save $200-700 on a cheaper camera body, I give you permission to do so, but spend that money you saved on our next item. 

Don’t Skimp on Lens Quality

 ^{photo by Mehaniq via iStock} 

Lenses are the one photo accessory you should never spend less on. 

Well, that’s not entirely true, because I spend less on all my lenses. I buy them used. 

Lenses are in many ways the most important photo accessory in a photographer’s bag. In fact, an old camera body with a great lens will get you vastly better results than a new camera body with a cheap lens.

Furthermore, better lenses often have larger apertures, higher maximum shutter speeds, better build quality, and weather sealing, just to name a few options. In other words, the better the lens, the more capable it is of helping you achieve your creative vision.

Since really incredible lenses cost thousands of dollars, I buy all of my lenses used on Lensfinder. 

Lensfinder is a used lens marketplace, and they go through hundreds of products every day, so you can find the best, new lenses, as well as antique, vintage or rare lenses depending upon the day. 

I’ve definitely spent some hours at work perusing the site. I think you might too. 

Now that the long holiday season is coming to a close, think about buying yourself something for a change at Lensfinder. 

Learn More:

• How to Take Good Photos With a Kit Lens 
• Bad Photography Advice You Need to Ignore 

 

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^{Photo by Julian Santa Ana on Unsplash}

If you're frustrated by photography and aren't sure how to get over the hump, it might be because you're making a silly mistake.

If so, you aren't alone...

Every photographer makes plenty of mistakes, especially when they're just starting out.

There's a lot to learn and understand, and simple mistakes along the way are just part of the growing pains of learning how to be a better photographer.

In this guide, I offer up a few common photography problems and what you can do to solve them.

Problem: Editing Photos Takes Too Long (and is Expensive)

^{Photo by Anchiy via iStock}

There are two common problems when it comes to editing photos.

One, it can take absolutely forever, and two, some photo editors cost a big chunk of change.

Though programs like Photoshop and Lightroom have an incredible array of tools and features that give you tons of options for editing your photos, learning how to use all those tools can take a good deal of time. What's more, the workflow in some editors can be a bit on the laborious side.

Additionally, paying a monthly fee for a photo editor is a bit of a bummer, especially when there are one-time-only fee options out there.

The solution to these problems is simple: Luminar 3.

Not only is Luminar 3 easy to use with built-in "Looks" to get the editing process started, but it's also loaded for bear with dozens of filters you can apply to correct problems or get creative.

These tools are adjusted using sliders, so it's a simple matter of moving the slider to the left to reduce the effect and moving the slider to the right to increase it.

Another feature that makes Luminar an efficient editor is the pre-made workspaces.

If you're working on a landscape, fire up the Landscape Workspace and make use of the recommended tools to make your landscape look like a million bucks. You can even add other tools to customize the workspace as you see fit.

There's workspaces for black and white photography, portraiture, street photography, and more, too.

While ease of use is certainly an important factor, Luminar's price is important to note as well.

It's just $69, and that's a one-time fee.

When you consider all the different tools and features that Luminar has, from AI-powered filters to dozens of filters to enhance your photos to an intelligent library that helps you organize, sort, and browse your photos, $69 is a great price.

See what Luminar 3 has to offer in the video above by Trey Ratcliff.

Learn More:

• Luminar 3 With Libraries Hands-On Test
• Speed Up Your Workflow With This New Lightroom Alternative

Problem: Your Photos Aren't Perfectly Sharp

^{Photo by Scott Umstattd on Unsplash}

There are a number of reasons why your photos might not be sharp, but most commonly, a lack of sharpness is due to a lack of stability for the camera.

This is especially true if the scene is dark and you're shooting in fully automatic mode - the camera might choose a shutter speed that's too slow for you to hold the camera in your hand.

That means you need to stabilize the camera in some way, even if it's sitting it on a solid surface.

Of course, that's not a long-term solution to this problem...

Instead, invest in a good, solid tripod.

A tripod is a must-have photography accessory if for no other reason than it helps eliminate the camera shake discussed above.

But a tripod is valuable in other ways as well:

• Tripods help slow you down a bit, and that extra time can be used to perfect the composition.
• Many tripods have built-in bubble levels which help you keep horizons straight.
• Some tripods have multi-angle center columns which allows you to compose interesting low-angle shots.

In other words, a good tripod can help you minimize errors and create better photos in a number of different ways.

That being the case, it's important to invest in a good tripod that will last you for years and years.

I've used the SIRUI W-2204 tripod shown above for years, and it has served me well in all sorts of situations, from taking portraits of my family to taking landscape shots at the beach.

It's waterproof, so water, sand, snow, and mud won't harm it, and with easy twist-lock mechanisms on the legs, it's a breeze to set up.

Heck, one of the legs even detaches for use as a monopod, so it's a multi-functional, well-built, and reliable tripod that will help you get sharper, better-composed shots.

Learn More:

• The Best Tripod for Beginner Photographers
• What to Look for in a Travel Photography Tripod

Problem: You Can't Get a Beautiful Blurry Background in Portraits

If you look at portraits like the one above and lament that you have problems duplicating the blurry background, what you need to do is learn about depth of field.

In a nutshell, depth of field refers to the area of an image that's in sharp focus. In most portraits, the depth of field is shallow (the subject is sharp but the background is not).

Conversely, in landscape photography, the depth of field is usually quite large with everything from the foreground to background in sharp focus.

The question is, how do you manipulate depth of field?

I wrote a comprehensive guide on this topic, but here's a quick rundown of the factors that influence depth of field:

• Distance to the subject - the closer you are to the subject, the blurrier the background will be.
• Distance from the subject to the background - the further away the background is, the blurrier it will be.
• Focal length of the lens - the longer the lens, the shallower the depth of field (i.e., using a 200mm lens to photograph a subject from 20 feet away will produce a shallower depth of field than using a 24mm lens on the same subject from the same distance).
• Sensor size - the larger the imaging sensor in the camera, the shallower the depth of field will be (i.e., using a 35mm full frame sensor to photograph a subject from 20 feet away will produce a shallower depth of field than using a smartphone on the same subject from the same distance).
• Aperture size - the larger the aperture opening, the shallower the depth of field.

In other words, if you want a blurry background for portraits, get close to the subject, maximize the distance between the subject and the background, and open up the aperture as large as it will go.

These methods of manipulating depth of field are much easier (and less expensive) than buying a new camera with a larger sensor or buying a new lens with a larger maximum aperture.

However, I will say that a better lens is a sound investment (just like a good tripod!).

I always recommend that beginner photographers pick up a 50mm f/1.8 lens (like the one shown above) because they have a much larger aperture (f/1.8) than typical kit lenses (which usually range from f/3.5-5.6) and you can pick one up quite inexpensively - Canon's version of this lens is about $125.00 brand new.

Of course, if you want a better lens with a larger aperture, you can always buy a pre-owned lens.

Though buying used gear from a place like Craigslist might (and should) induce a bit of panic, if you buy from a reputable photography company like Lensfinder, you can rest assured that you'll be able to find what you want and for a good price as well.

Lensfinder was built by photographers, for photographers, and is a nice little community where gearheads can go to buy and sell their stuff.

It's all self-contained, too - you can search for what you want, make an offer, ask the seller questions, submit payment, and provide feedback all without leaving the site.

I've used Lensfinder a few times now and have been thoroughly impressed with how easy it is to buy and sell gear.

Learn More:

• Want Ultra-Sharp Photos? Try These Lenses
• What to do With Your Old Lenses

Problem: Your Landscape Photos Lack Punch

If your landscapes look a little blah - perhaps there's not much contrast in the sky or there's a ton of glare off of the surface of water - there's an easy solution...

A polarizing filter.

Polarizing filters are a little like magic - just screw one onto your lens and your photos will have less glare, less atmospheric haze, and the sky will be a deeper blue with brighter white clouds.

Nice, right?!

Though some polarizers are extremely expensive, you don't have to spend a mountain of money to get a high-quality filter that will help you take improved photos.

I've been testing Kenko Nyumon circular polarizer for several months, and it certainly hasn't let me down.

Kenko makes the best-selling filters in Japan, and their popularity makes sense - they are made with precision polished Asahi Japanese Optical Glass so you're sure to get clean, crisp, and clear results.

What's more, the filter has a slim profile alloy ring so it can be used with wide-angle lenses, yet won't cause vignetting.

No matter if you have a Nikon, Canon, Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron, or other major brand lens, Kenko has a circular polarizer for you!

Learn More:

• 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Photos This Weekend
• Step Up Your Landscape Photography Game With This Must-Have Filter

 

Editor's Tip: Get Kenko’s latest updates and access to promos for discounted gear. Click here to sign up.

 

Problem: You Have Neck and Shoulder Pain

^{Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash} 

I don't know about you, but when I go out to take photos, I go out for hours on end. After all, I want to get my money's worth!

The problem with shooting for long periods of time is that you can get quite fatigued from having your camera slung over your shoulder.

That shouldn't be a surprise, either, because the camera straps that come with cameras are, in a word, terrible.

The flimsy material has no padding at all, so after a couple of hours of it cutting into your neck and shoulder, it's hard not to want to give up.

^{Photo by Brandon Burk}

The solution to this problem, is, of course, to get a better camera strap.

I know that a camera strap might not be the sexiest of photography accessories you can buy, but like a good tripod and a better lens, a quality camera strap will do you a ton of good.

I have a Holdfast MoneyMaker Solo, and it has been worth every penny I spent.

It's got a nice, big, padded shoulder pad that helps distribute the weight of my camera over a larger area of my shoulder, which means I don't get sore, even after hours of shooting.

^{Photo by Brandon Burk}

This MoneyMaker Solo has a stabilizer strap that keeps the shoulder pad in place, that way you don't have to be constantly fighting it to keep it in place.

Likewise, Holdfast has devised a belt anchor that secures your camera in place, that way it stays put no matter if you're walking or running, standing or kneeling. See what I mean in the video above.

Of course, you can't help but notice how beautiful this thing is, either.

Not that having a pretty camera strap is required to take great photos, but hey, you might as well look good, be comfortable, and have an ultra-functional camera strap all at the same time, right?!

Learn More:

• Awesome Photography Gear That Can Totally Change Your Workflow
• The Worst Mistake You Can Make With a New Camera

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YouTube/Screenshot Photografica

Whether they've got crazy focal lengths, crazy angles of view, crazy-fast apertures or some other weird feature, these lenses take the cake for some of the strangest lenses ever made.

Most aren't available for purchase anymore, or if they are, they command a hefty price tag.

But some are still in production and can be ordered right now, today (but still for a hefty price tag).

Without further ado, check out the craziest camera lenses ever made.

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG

If you're looking for a small, discreet telephoto lens, this is definitely not it.

This giant Sigma is still in production and can be purchased for just under $26,000 (you get free shipping, though!).

Weighing in at nearly 35 pounds and almost 29 inches in lengths, this is one heck of a lens, that, with its military green paint, looks more like a rocket launcher than a camera lens.

You can even use the included 2x teleconverter to reach the 400-1000mm focal range if 500mm isn't enough.

It's got its own battery system to power the autofocus and zoom. It's also got a built-in LCD so you can easily read the focusing and distance numbers.

For wildlife, astrophotography, and sports photographers, this lens will surely get you some up-close and detailed shots!

Learn More:

• Positively Enormous Sigma Lens Gets Positively Hysterical Reviews on Amazon

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM

Image Courtesy of Canon Rumors

When this lens was originally developed in the 1980s, it was for Canon's FD mount cameras. Towards the late 80s they reappeared with an EF mount, but both times in small numbers.

Because of their enormity, each lens was handmade, which accounts for the small production numbers over the years.

That also accounts for the huge price tag of $80,000 back in the day. Yikes.

Most of these lenses were purchased by news organizations, wire services, and sports magazines to cover worldwide events. A few even went to government agencies like law enforcement who wanted a long lens to conduct surveillance.

These lenses are no longer in production, but every so often you'll find rumors on the internet that one is up for sale - for a giant price, too.

Canon 5200mm f/14 Mirror Lens

This enormous lens uses a host of mirrors that stretches its focal length to a precise 5,150mm. According to Canon's information sheet on this behemoth, they recommend using it for photographing objects that are between 18-32 miles away. Yes, miles.

In fact, its minimum focusing distance is 120 meters!

This isn't exactly a lens you can carry around with you, either, considering it weighs well over 200 pounds and is almost 76 inches long.

It's hard to wrap your mind around that sort of size, but if you watch the video above by HDCAMAN, you can get a feel for the sheer size of this thing.

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95

Way back in the 1970s, Leica introduced the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1 ASPH. At the time, it was one of the fastest lenses available.

Today, Leica offers an updated version of the world's fastest aspherical lens - the f/0.95 shown above.

It's called the "King of the Night" for obvious reasons...

Naturally, it also produces an incredibly shallow depth of field, just in case you want to take a portrait in the dead of night with a super blurry background.

This lens is actually still available, but doesn't come cheap. Brand new, you're looking at shelling out a shade under $11,000.

Learn More:

• Search Inventory of Pre-Owned Lenses

Carl Zeiss 50mm Planar f/0.70

By SpeckledJim (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The next time you're at a dinner party and want to impress the other guests with your knowledge of rare camera lenses, you might mention this Carl Zeiss lens.

This little guy was made specifically for one purpose - to be the first lens to photograph the backside of the moon. Given that detail, it's understandable why it has a maximum aperture of f/0.70!

At that speed, this is the fastest lens ever made...

Another fun fact is that Stanley Kubrick used this Zeiss in his film Barry Lyndon. Who knew?!

Nikon 6mm f/2.8 Fisheye

 

Perhaps the most ridiculous looking lens on this list is the Nikon 6mm f/2.8 Fisheye.

The original version of this lens - which was released in 1969 - was the first lens in the world to offer a 220-degree viewing angle.

That lens was an f/5.6, so the modern f/2.8 version is not only much faster, but it doesn't require you to lock up the mirror like its predecessors did.

If you're wondering how the heck you mount a filter to this thing, you can't...

Instead, Nikon created an in-lens filter system with five different colored filters for creating artistic effects.

What These Lenses Have in Common...

Apart from being odd, crazy, or expensive (or all of the above), what these lenses have in common is that they're rare, and in some cases vintage.

The great thing about vintage glass is that photographers like you and me take care of our gear, so there are all sorts of deals to be found on quality, pre-owned glass.

I'm of course talking about more mainstream lenses here, but hey, you never know when a crazy lens like one of those described above might pop up somewhere online!

Since we all know how expensive photography can be, buying quality used lenses is a great way to save some money. Heck, you might even be able to buy a couple of lenses for the price of one new one.

If you're in the market for new glass, there's no better place to look than Lensfinder.

Lensfinder is a marketplace by photographers, for photographers. Not only is it easy to search for the lens you want, but it's also easy to buy.

You can communicate with other Lensfinder members (creating an account is free) right within the platform. And when you find the lens you want, you pay via PayPal so everything is secure.

What's more, Lensfinder has fraud alerts built right in as well as a rating system so you know just how reputable each seller is.

There's lenses of all sorts and kinds (sorry...no Sigma behemoths at the moment), and with more and more folks choosing to use Lensfinder as their platform for buying and selling lenses, more inventory is constantly being listed.

I've used Lensfinder a couple of times already, and I have to say that it's been precisely the kind of experience I want - quick and painless!

Visit Lensfinder to search their inventory of pre-owned lenses and see what sort of lenses you can find.

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When you're buying lenses, there's a lot to consider.

Clearly, you need glass that fits in with the type of photography you do - a telephoto lens, for example, would be great if you photograph wildlife, but not so much if you like macro work.

You also need to buy quality glass, which, although it can be quite spendy, it's worth it to have the improved performance of a great lens.

Speaking of great lenses, one of the best focal lengths that you can have in your bag is a 35mm lens.

Let's review a benefits of 35mm lenses.

Editor's Tip: Don't buy that bargain lens before reading these essential tips.

Benefits of 35mm Lenses - They're Sharp 

YouTube Screenshot/Alen Palander

Since 35mm lenses are primes - they have a fixed focal length - there are fewer moving parts and elements inside the lens.

That means that the light has fewer barriers to make it through the lens and to your camera's sensor, resulting in clear, sharp images.

Granted, every lens has a sweet spot, or the aperture at which they perform the sharpest. But from one end of the aperture range to the other, a prime lens like a 35mm is going to give you sharper results at any aperture than most zooms lenses will.

That's true whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, cityscapes, or something in between.

Learn More:

• What Lens is Best for You?
• Awesome Budget Lenses for 2018

35mm Lenses are Versatile

YouTube Screenshot/Alen Palander

As noted above, you can shoot virtually any subject with a 35mm lens and get high-quality results.

That's because 35mm is a versatile focal length whether you have it paired with a full frame or crop sensor camera.

On a full frame camera, a 35mm lens produces images that look very similar to what we see with our own eyes.

As a result, these images have a familiarity and a comfort about them whether it's a portrait of a friend or a snapshot of an interesting building.

YouTube Screenshot/Alen Palander

On a crop sensor camera, a 35mm lens is effectively "zoomed in," and performs like a much longer lens (in the 53-56mm range on most crop sensor cameras).

At that effective focal length, a 35mm lens is perfect for portraits, more intimate landscape photos, and even wildlife or sports photography in which the subject isn't a great distance away.

In fact, for full frame and crop sensor shooters, a 35mm lens could very well be the only lens you carry with you on certain outings - it's that versatile!

Editor's Tip: The larger a lens's aperture, the more expensive it will be. Upgrade your 35mm lens to a faster, more capable version without breaking the bank.

Use a 35mm Lens to Get More Creative

^{YouTube Screenshot/Alen Palander}

Perhaps one of the best benefits of 35mm lenses is that they allow you to get more creative than some other lenses.

That's especially true if you pick up a 35mm lens with a very wide aperture, like f/1.4.

With such a large aperture, a 35mm f/1.4 not only allows you to create a beautifully shallow depth of field for interesting portraits, but it also allows you to shoot in low-light conditions without ramping up the ISO.

That, in turn, means that you get cleaner shots with less noise.

On top of that, wide-aperture 35mm lenses are great for videography.

These lenses aren't exactly light when compared to something like a 50mm f/1.8, but they're still small enough and light enough that you can easily shoot video without feeling like you're carrying around an enormous lens.

Learn More:

• What Aperture Should You Use?
• How to Buy and Sell Used Lenses

Final Thoughts

The benefits outlined above are just a few things you can expect to enjoy with a 35mm lens.

For more insights and a few tips on how to use a 35mm lens, check out the video above by Alen Palander.

He presents some compelling arguments in favor of shooting with this lens and has some beautiful sample images to show as well.

Editor's Tip: Short on cash? Fund a new lens purchase by selling your old lenses! 

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 ^{photo by recep-bg via iStock}

I love photography. But man, is it tough to master!

In fact, I’m not sure anyone truly masters photography. Even the greats will tell you that they never stop learning new things about the medium.

So, when you’re a beginner photographer, things can get a little overwhelming and you can feel like you aren’t really making much headway.

But if you stop and take stock of what you’re doing, you might see signs of progress…

If you’re wondering how to be a better photographer, do a self-assessment and see where you’re at with each of the following.

How to Be a Better Photographer: Learn How to Use the Histogram

If you check the LCD after every shot, you’re doing it wrong…

But if you regularly consult your histogram to get an idea of the exposure of your images, you’re definitely on the right track.

Where the LCD on your camera isn’t a reliable output of what the shadows, midtones, and highlights actually look like in the photo, a histogram is a super accurate representation of those qualities. 

That makes the histogram a hugely important tool for taking improved photos. Using it also means that you’re more likely to get the exposure right in-camera, and that, in turn, means less time trying to fix exposure issues in post-processing. Nice!

Learn More:

•  Demystified: An In-Depth Guide to Your Camera’s Histogram
  

How to Be a Better Photographer: Take Photos, Not Snapshots  

 ^{photo by Nathan_Allen via iStock}

Okay, so snapshots are fine, but as you learn the tricks of the trade in photography, it’s important to have an end-goal in mind of creating a photograph that reaches out and grabs people.

That is, a snapshot might be something you keep on your phone, but a photograph might be something you’re so proud of that you have it printed so you can hang it on your wall.

A photograph requires planning and preparation, the right camera settings and composition, a strong subject, an interesting point of view, great lighting, and so on and so forth.

It’s a lot of work…

 ^{Photo by Gemma Evans on Unsplash}

 But all that work pays off when you have a print that shows off your burgeoning prowess as a photographer, right?!

Personally, I enjoy having my prints made on canvas, and it’s something I highly recommend to you as well.

The slight texture of canvas adds an additional layer of interest to the shot. Canvas is just a classic substrate for photos, too.

If you get a canvas print, might I suggest you work with CanvasHQ. 

I’ve gotten dozens of prints from them over the years (most of them of my son, shown above), and I’m astonished by the quality of their work each and every time.

Ready to see your photographs as a print? Get the process started now.

 In fact, I did a secret shopper canvas test just last week, and CanvasHQ won hands-down. It really wasn’t a contest, either!

Their process of ordering a print was easy, they sent me a free digital proof, they offer touch-up services, have fast shipping...it’s the total package!

Part of the reason they won so handily is the quality of materials they use. Archival canvas, high-grade inks, handmade frames...you can’t go wrong with that!

As your skills progress, don’t be afraid to show off your work. To show off your work, you need a printer you can trust. That printer can most definitely be CanvasHQ!

Learn More:

• Things to Consider When Having Your Photos Printed
• Beginner Photography Mistakes and Tricks for Avoiding Them

How to Be a Better Photographer: Chase Good Light 

 ^{photo by vkbhat via iStock}

A surefire way to improve the quality of your photos is to seek out better lighting.

That is, the light at noon on a clear, sunny day is definitely not the same quality you find just after sunset.

The former is very harsh and bluish, and can create intense shadows or wash out the scene, as shown above. 

 ^{photo by skynesher via iStock}

 Test it out for yourself - photograph a landscape at midday and the same landscape early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is rising or setting.

The difference is quite incredible!

Learn More:

• 9 Spectacular Sunsets That Highlight the Beauty of Golden Hour
• The Best Lightroom Tools for Creating Amazing Sunset Photos 

How to Be a Better Photographer: Manage the Light

 photo by Koldunov via iStock

If you want to get the best results when you take photos, you have to learn how to manage the light. After all, you can’t always be out at golden hour taking photos of its rich, golden light.

To manage light, you need lens filters. And if you ask me, the most useful filter is a polarizer.

A polarizing filter not only helps eliminate glare off of water and other non-metallic surfaces, but it also helps reduce atmospheric haze.

 

On top of that, polarizing filters also boost the contrast in the sky, so the clouds appear to be whiter and the atmosphere appears to be bluer.

The result of all this is certainly a much-improved photo. 

I’ve been using the Kenko Nyumon Circular Polarizer for the last few months, and I have to say that I’ve been impressed.

 

This filter works like a charm thanks to its high-grade materials and high-quality construction. 

The filter glass is precision polished for clear, sharp results, and the slim, low-profile alloy ring reduces the chances of vignetting.

 

Editor's Tip: Get Kenko’s latest updates and access to promos for discounted gear. Click here to sign up.

 

What’s more, Kenko has versions available for a wide range of lenses from Sony, Fuji, Canon, Nikon, and other major brands.

It’s budget-friendly as well, so it’s a win-win all the way around!

Learn More:

• Step Up Your Landscape Photography Game With This Must-Have Filter
• 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Photos This Weekend

How to Be a Better Photographer: Get Out of Full Auto

^{photo by arisara1978 via iStock}

Ask any photographer, and they’ll likely tell you that they first learned photography in full auto mode.

So it’s not like full auto is bad…

But if you want to be a better photographer, it’s time to ditch full auto and start taking more control over how the camera behaves.

You can do that in a couple of ways:

• For still subjects like landscapes or portraits, use aperture priority mode (A or Av on the camera dial). This gives you control over the aperture, which also gives you more control over the depth of field in the shot.
• For action shots like wildlife and sports, try shutter priority mode (S or Tv on the camera dial). This gives you control over the shutter speed, which allows you to control whether motion is blurred or frozen in the shot.

You can also try program mode (P on the camera dial), which prioritizes the ISO setting, though you can override the aperture and shutter speed the camera chooses, which gives you even more control over the exposure of the shot. 

Of course, manual mode is floating around out there too. It’s not as big and scary as you might think it is, either.

The point is that better photos result from you having more input, not the camera. So if you’re still in full auto, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and take more control over how the camera performs!

Learn More:

• Best Camera Settings for Landscape Photography
• Best Camera Settings for Portrait PhotographyBest Camera Settings for Portrait Photography

How to Be a Better Photographer: Use Better Lenses 

 ^{photo by MarioGutivia iStock}

Like full auto mode, the kit lens that came with your camera is a perfectly fine learning tool. But it’s not exactly a fantastic lens, either.

If you want better photos, you need to invest in better lenses. The problem is that good lenses can be hugely expensive.

That’s why you should buy used!

^{photo by Deagreez via iStock} 

Buying used lenses can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. Places like Craigslist can be a hotbed for scams when it comes to buying lenses, and eBay can be difficult to use to find the lens you want.

Instead, give Lensfinder a try. It’s where photographers can go to buy and sell lenses, so it’s a nice little community of like-minded folks that help make the process of buying and selling used glass super easy.

 ^{photo by PeopleImages via iStock}

Just type in the lens you’re looking for, and Lensfinder will present you with all the matches. You can peruse them, ask the seller questions, and purchase a lens all right within the Lensfinder site.

Not only is it easy, but it’s less expensive than paying all those eBay fees, and since Lensfinder has built-in fraud protections and a rock-solid feedback system, you can rest easy that the lens you buy will be as described.

 Search for lenses that will fit your camera.

Best of all, since used glass is less expensive, you might even be able to afford a couple of lenses, which will only expand your creative abilities for taking awesome photos.

What’s not to like about that?!

Learn More:

• Must-Have Beginner Photography Gear
• These Canon Lenses are Excellent and Cheap

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You've heard the horror stories of buying or selling used lenses, I'm sure...

It goes something like this: someone sees an incredible deal on a great camera lens on Craigslist, they inquire about it, the seller says all the right things, so the lens is purchased.

Then, when the lens comes in the mail, it's not at all as it was described.

The buyer contacts the seller but gets no response, and since the transaction occurred on Craigslist, there's really no recourse.

If only there were a better way to buy and sell used glass...

Now, there is!

Try Lensfinder

I discovered a brand new website called Lensfinder that really caught my attention because it's a used lens marketplace for folks like you and me that want quality glass but want a great deal, too.

The key term there is marketplace...

Lensfinder doesn't sell lenses itself. Instead, they're dedicated to creating a community in which photographers can buy and sell used lenses with confidence.

There's a few things about this marketplace that photographers will really enjoy.

Lensfinder is By Photographers, For Photographers

First, it's not a free-for-all. To list a lens for sale, sellers have to first sign up for a Lensfinder account. The account is free, but people that aren't serious about selling lenses (or those that might seek to hoodwink someone on a deal) are less likely to go through the steps to create an account.

Second, Lensfinder is nothing but lenses. If you want a lens, this is the place to come as you don't have to sort through a million other items you don't need. Similarly, if you want to sell a lens, what better place than a website that specializes in buying and selling nothing but lenses?

Lensfinder Makes Communication Easy

Something else that I like about Lensfinder is that buyers and sellers can communicate directly with one another via Lensfinder's messaging system. That means no giving out phone numbers or email addresses to strangers - communicate right there on the website to ask or answer any questions.

Lensfinder has a seller feedback system, too, that way people that conduct business on the site can rate one another on transactions.

That means you'll know pretty quickly if a seller has a solid reputation or not!

Lensfinder Makes Payment Easy, Too

When it comes down to it, you want to buy and sell lenses on a platform that makes sending and receiving money a breeze.

Lensfinder does just that with PayPal as the preferred method of making the transaction.

Soon, though, Lensfinder will also support wire transfers and credit card payments to accommodate a wider range of payments.

And when it comes to paying Lensfinder, you don't have to worry...

There's no listing fees, so you can advertise your used glass all you want!

If your lens sells, a 3.99% transaction fee is included, but if you decide you don't want to sell your lens or your lens doesn't sell, just pull the listing, and you don't have to pay a thing.

Why Not Use eBay?

I'm sure some of you will wonder why you should use Lensfinder when you can just use another marketplace - eBay.

For starters, eBay's transaction fees are higher than Lensfinder's, so if you want more bang for your buck, Lensfinder is the way to go.

Speaking of which, I'd argue that since Lensfinder specializes in lenses, you might just find that you can get more money out of your used glass than you could on eBay.

After all, folks on Lensfinder are hobbyist and professional photographers and cinematographers, so rather than dealing with a bunch of potential buyers that have no idea what they want or what your lens is worth, you deal with knowledgeable buyers and sellers on Lensfinder.

What's not to like about that?

Besides, as I mentioned above, listing your glass on Lensfinder means it won't get lost in a sea of other stuff listed for sale like it does on eBay.

Instead, your lens will be front and center in a marketplace built specifically for glass.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, we all just want a safe, secure, and easy way to buy and sell gear, and Lensfinder provides just that.

With eBay and Craigslist being the wild, wild west of buying and selling, Lensfinder offers a better alternative, one that's focused specifically on glass just for folks like you and me.

I've got a couple of lenses listed for sale on Lensfinder, and I can tell you that it's been a fast and easy experience - much more so than eBay or Craigslist.

Creating a listing and communicating with potential buyers is a breeze, and with PayPal payments, I know that getting my money will be easy as well.

If you've got some used lenses to sell, give Lensfinder a try!

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^{photo by amesy via iStock}

In the market for a macro lens but aren’t sure what to look for?

You’re in the right place…

In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to choose a macro lens based on its features and your specific needs. 

Let’s get started!

Need a macro lens but are short on funds? Save money and buy a quality used macro lens.

Macro Lens Defined

^{Photo by Alex Keda on Unsplash}

Generally speaking, a true macro lens is one that has 1:1 magnification capabilities. 

Though that might not sound all that impressive, when you think about the fact that an APS-C sensor is only about the size of a stamp, and you’re filling the entire frame with a very tiny object, that’s quite the feat.

Don’t be fooled by compact cameras that have a “macro” shooting mode. Just because macro is in the name doesn’t mean it actually achieves 1:1 magnification.

In fact, most macro modes only muster about 0.5x magnification, so they’re way off the mark of what a true macro lens can do.

Learn More:

• This Might Just Be Canon’s Most Versatile Lens - and You Need One
• Cheap Nikon Lenses that Offer Amazing Image Quality

What Makes a Good Macro Lens?

 

photo by kwanisik via iStock 

For starters, the 1:1 magnification discussed above is the first thing that makes a good macro lens.

Secondly, when buying a macro lens, it’s best to avoid those that are specifically made for APS-C cameras.

The reason for this is simple - if you ever upgrade to a full frame camera, your macro lens won’t work with it. Conversely, a macro lens made for full frame cameras will work just fine on an APS-C camera.

By and large, full frame macro lenses aren’t terribly more expensive than those made for crop sensor cameras (that’s especially true if you buy used), so don’t worry too much about taking a big hit to your budget.

 

 ^{Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash}

The focal length of the lens is an important factor as well.

Unlike normal lenses, shopping for a macro lens is much less about the reach of the lens or its ability to shoot wide. Instead, it’s much more about minimum focusing distance.

The longer the focal length of a macro lens, the longer the minimum focusing distance. That means more space between you and the subject with which to work. The more room you have to work, the easier time you’ll have composing photos.

 

^{photo by DieterMeyrlvia iStock} 

Think of it like this - if you’re trying to photograph an insect, and your lens has a minimum focusing distance of an inch or two, the insect is more likely to be scared off than if you have a lens with a minimum focusing distance of five or six inches.

So, when shopping for a macro lens, pay close attention to the minimum focusing distance and try to find a lens that maximizes that space.

Quick Tip: Macro lenses with longer minimum focusing distances are less likely to cast shadows in the shot.

All told, the most popular focal lengths for macro lenses are around 90mm to 105mm. That’s because these lenses are generally quite affordable, have good minimum focusing distances, and aren’t too big or bulky, either.

 

 photo by jusantvia iStock

Another feature to look out for is a smooth manual focusing ring. While autofocus is great for things like portraiture (for which a macro lens is great!), when photographing insects, flowers, and other macro subjects, manual focusing is much more effective. 

As such, the focus ring needs to operate smoothly and precisely so you can nail the depth of field and get a beautifully sharp image.

Have too many lenses, none of which is satisfactory for macro work? Sell the lenses you no longer need.

How to Choose a Macro Lens: Image Stabilization

^{photo by FocusEye via iStock}

In the past, macro lenses seldom, if ever, have image stabilization. That has now changed.

Image stabilization can help you take improved photos because they can dampen vibration or wobbling that occurs when you handhold the camera.

Likewise, image stabilization can correct horizontal and vertical movements in the camera to help you get sharper images.

The problem is that many image stabilization systems really don’t benefit you that much when taking macro photos.

That’s because in the vast majority of situations, you’ll shoot with your camera mounted to a tripod, and in that situation, image stabilization can actually make your photos blurrier.

Learn More:

• 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Photos This Weekend
• The Best Sony Lenses for Just About Any Type of Photography

The Best Macro Lens 

 photo by AntonioGuillem via iStock

To recap, if you’re in the market for a macro lens, look for something with a focal length in the 90-105mm range.

Though autofocus will be nice for things like portraiture, the manual focusing abilities of the lens will be more important for macro work.

Image stabilization is something that could be beneficial when using a macro lens for non-close-up subjects, but if you’ll be working exclusively with close-up images, it’s not a feature that will prove all that beneficial.

Brand-wise, all the major players have macro lenses for their camera lineups. Do your due diligence and rent beforehand if possible so you can field test the lens. Doing so will help you find the best macro lens for you.

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^{photo byanyaberkut via iStock}

Hitting the road?

If so, you likely want a solid lens for tackling the varied subject matter you’ll encounter as you travel.

The question is, what lens is best for travel photography?

Learn how to choose a travel photography lens in this quick guide.

Editor’s Tip: Good lenses can be expensive, but don’t let that deter you. You want the best glass you can afford, and you can maximize your budget by buying a used lens. When looking for a good used lens, do your due diligence and ask questions of the seller: Is the lens in good working order? Are there any imperfections in the glass? Is there mold in the lens? Also be sure that the lens fits your camera!

How to Choose a Travel Photography Lens: Things to Consider

^{photo by urbazon via iStock} 

Deciding what lens is best for travel photography can be a bit of a complicated undertaking.

After all, in addition to deciding what focal length is best for travel photography, you also have to consider the size and weight of the lens since you’ll have a finite amount of space in your bags for your camera gear.

So, you want something versatile from a focal length standpoint and something that’s small and lightweight.

^{photo by yanik88 via iStock} 

This begs the question, is a zoom lens better for travel photography or is it best to have a couple of prime lenses? 

That’s a tough question to answer because the answer will be different from one photographer to the next.

On the one hand, some travelers swear by a single zoom lens - something like a 24-70mm - because it covers a good focal range and is relatively small and lightweight.

 ^{photo by franckreporter via iStock}

However, other travelers prefer having a couple of fast prime lenses for travel photography like a 24mm f/1.4 and a 50mm f/1.8.

Both of these options are small and lightweight, and they offer versatility in that you can photograph a wide variety of subjects with either lens. I’ll dive into the zoom vs. prime debate more in a bit.

^{photo by Goldmund via iStock} 

Regardless of whether you get a zoom or a couple of prime lenses, one of the primary features you should look for is the size of its aperture.

Though lenses with large apertures like f/1.2, f/1.4, and f/1.8 tend to be more expensive, the performance upgrades they offer over lenses that have f/2.8 or f/4 apertures are worth it.

In addition to improving your ability to take quality photos in low-light situations, lenses with large apertures also more readily blur the background (all else being equal), so you can take beautiful portraits with nice bokeh.

^{photo by MarioGuti via iStock} 

Of course, price is going to be a consideration as well.

The lens you use is much more important in terms of the quality of photos you take than your camera, so maximize your budget for your lens and buy the best you can afford.

I realize not everyone has $2,000.00 to spend on a lens, so keep your eyes out for bargains on used lenses.

^{photo by JTSorrell via iStock} 

One piece of advice I would offer is to avoid buying lenses from the likes of Craigslist and eBay, and instead look for a travel photography lens on a website that specializes in lenses, like Lensfinder.

I’ve bought and sold lenses on Craigslist and eBay in the past, and it just wasn’t a good experience. 

With Craigslist, there’s tons of scams, and on eBay, there’s high fees.

Lensfinder solves those issues by charging lower fees than eBay and they have built-in fraud protection so you can buy and sell with greater confidence.

What’s not to like about that?

Learn More:

• Which Canon 50mm Lens is the Best? 
• New Camera Lenses for 2019

How to Choose a Travel Photography Lens: Zoom vs Prime

^{photo byWitthaya Prasongsin via iStock}

Clearly, a single zoom lens is a good travel photography consideration because it offers the most bang for your buck from a focal length standpoint.

And, as noted above, lenses like a 24-70mm zoom aren’t all that big or heavy, so you get the versatility aspect while also saving on weight and space in your bag.

Some 24-70mm zooms also have quite a large aperture of f/2.8, so you can capitalize on the benefits of having a large aperture as well.

 photo by MarioGuti via iStock 

Of course, it’s possible to get a little too crazy in the pursuit of focal length variability.

For example, a 28-300mm lens is overkill for the vast majority of us, not to mention that such lenses violate the “small and lightweight” requirement for travel lenses.

Along with that point is something else to consider…

  photo by MarioGuti via iStock 

With a single 50mm lens, you can photograph much of the same subject matter just as effectively as you can with a 24-70mm zoom lens.

Additionally, prime lenses often make great lenses for video, so you can open up the possibility of getting stills and videos with the same prime lens.

And, as noted above, prime lenses tend to have larger apertures, which makes low-light photography, indoor photography, astrophotography, and so forth, a greater possibility.

 photo by MarioGuti via iStock 

At the end of the day, zooms and primes offer their distinct advantages for travel photographers, but they are very evenly matched in terms of their abilities in the field.

Choosing a travel photography lens will probably come down to your personal preference and your specific needs on your trip.

Learn More:

• 3 Lenses Every Photographer Should Have in Their Camera Bag 
• Want Ultra-Sharp Photos? Try These Lenses  

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What lens is best for portraits?

It's a question often asked, but one that's more difficult to answer than it might first seem.

That's because the "best" lens depends on a ton of factors - the type of portraits you take, the gear you already own, and your budget, just to name a few.

However, there are some key questions to ask yourself when shopping for a portrait lens that will help you narrow the field down to something that will work for you.

Editor's Tip: Get a top-quality lens at a reduced price by shopping for a pre-owned lens at Lensfinder. Built by photographers, for photographers, it's the best online marketplace to find the lens you need (or sell one you already have). Find out how you can buy and sell lenses here.

Which Do You Need More: A Zoom or a Prime?

This question will help you address the type of portraits you take.

If you like beautifully blurry backgrounds or shooting in low light, a prime lens is the way to go.

Since primes have larger maximum apertures than zooms, you can shoot in dim lighting while retaining a fast enough shutter speed to avoid camera shake (unless it's really dark). You can also shoot with a lower aperture to avoid noise as well.

Likewise, since those large apertures help minimize depth of field, you can create portraits with buttery smooth bokeh that really sets your portrait subject apart from the background.

Zoom lenses, on the other hand, offer tons of versatility.

Where you're "stuck" with one focal length with a prime lens, a zoom can get you anything from a wide-angle to a telephoto shot. That can be advantageous if you want to work lean and mean with one do-it-all type of lens.

Another benefit of a zoom lens for portraiture is that it allows you to be further away from the subject, which can help them relax in front of the camera and generate more authentic portraits.

In the end, either option can work well for portraiture; it just depends on what your personal preference might be.

Learn More:

• What Lens is Best For You?
• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera Lens

What Lenses are Already in Your Bag?

This might seem like a dumb question to ask yourself, but hear me out...

Obviously, if you already have a 50mm prime you don't need to buy another one just like it.

However, there are two other points here that need to be made.

First, if the 50mm prime you currently have is an f/2.8, and you've found a great deal on a 50mm f/1.4, then the upgrade might be worth it.

Second, what if one of the lenses you already own is one you'd never considered to be a portrait lens?

For example, though kit lenses get a lot of flack, they can actually be used to take some decent portraits as long as you know what you're doing.

Similarly, though your 100mm macro lens might not strike you as something to use for portraits, it can actually become quite the portrait lens.

The point here is that you don't want to duplicate lenses, but you don't want to discount the versatility of the lenses you have, either.

Keep those things in mind as you shop for a portrait lens, and you'll end up with something that helps meet your needs.

Learn More:

• Three Lenses Portrait Photographers Can't Live Without
• The Sharpest Canon and Nikon Lenses on a Budget

How Much Money Do You Have?

Since the majority of us don't have an unlimited budget for photography gear, the price tag of the lenses you're shopping for will likely be the most important factor when it comes to making a decision.

Good lenses usually come with a hefty price tag, but that higher price gets you a better-built lens (which means it will last longer than a cheap lens), improved optics, and sharper images with less flare, vignetting, and aberrations.

On top of that, higher-end lenses typically have improved autofocus mechanisms and are weather-sealed as well.

The extra expense is certainly worth all the benefits that a better lens brings to the table.

However, you can get a better lens without spending the big bucks by shopping for a pre-owned model.

If you're like me, you take impeccable care of your lenses, and most photographers are the same way.

That means that there are tons of well-cared-for lenses out there that you can pick up for a great price.

So, buying used is the best of both worlds - you can save some money while picking up a higher-end lens at the same time.

Editor's Tip: If you're in the market for a better lens, but don't want to shell out full price, shop for pre-owned lenses at Lensfinder. Their marketplace is safe and secure, with fraud filters in place to protect you when you buy a lens. You can communicate with sellers via direct message, read seller feedback, and even pay for your purchase via PayPal right then and there. Explore their inventory here.

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When you look at portraits like the one above, one thing you might notice is the beautifully blurred background.

That blur - or bokeh - helps separate the model from the background, which makes her a stronger subject while also giving the photo some artistic flair at the same time.

There are a lot of different factors involved in creating a blurry background, which I'll outline momentarily.

But as Benjamin Jaworskyj explains in the video below, blurry backgrounds are often easier to achieve with more expensive lenses. So what do you do if you have a cheap lens?

Fortunately, your ability to create a blurry background doesn't only rest on your lens.

That means that even if you use something like the kit lens that came with your camera, there are things that you can do to make that background blurry.

Below, I outline the factors that influence the depth of field, or the area of the image that's in focus.

With a shallower depth of field, the area of focus is smaller and the background is blurrier.

Let's get to it!

Editor's Tip: Are you ready to take your portraits to another level? LEARN WHY AN 85MM LENS IS IDEAL FOR TAKING PORTRAITS.

How to Get a Blurry Background - Use a Large Aperture

One of the primary factors in determining whether the background is blurry or not is the size of the aperture you use.

The larger the aperture, the shallower the depth of field (all else being equal). That means that in the graphic above, using the aperture on the right will generate a blurrier background than the one on the left.

So, if you take a portrait using an aperture of f/1.4 and then the same portrait again under the same conditions but use an aperture of f/3.5, the first image will have a blurrier background.

The problem here is that lenses with huge apertures like f/1.2 and f/1.4 are often very, very expensive. That means unless you can find a great deal on a used lens, you might need to rely on a cheaper lens like the one that came with your camera.

Let's assume that your kit lens is something like an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6.

In that case, you'd want to use the largest aperture possible, which is f/3.5.

But note that on a zoom lens like this, that f/3.5 aperture is only possible when you're using the shortest focal length, in this case, 18mm.

As Benjamin notes in the video, the focal length you use also influences the blurriness of the background.

In this case, shooting at 18mm produces less background blur than shooting at 55mm, all else being equal. In looking at the image above, the lenses to the right would produce more background blur than those to the left.

What Benjamin does is prioritize the focal length over the aperture, and chooses to shoot at his lens's longest focal length (60mm) and the largest aperture at that focal length (f/5.6).

Learn More:

• A Beginner's Guide to Aperture and Depth of Field
• Camera Lens Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Lens

But Wait...There's Other Factors That Influence Depth of Field

^{YouTube Screenshot/Benjamin Jaworskyj}

So, large apertures and longer focal lengths get you a blurrier background.

But another factor - distance from the camera to the subject - influences how blurry the background is as well.

As you can see in the screenshot above, shooting from a distance of about two feet away at 60mm and f/5.6 gets a nicely blurred background.

Editor's Tip: Prime lenses typically offer sharper performance than zoom lenses. LEARN WHY A PRIME LENS IS A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR ANY PHOTOGRAPHER.

YouTube Screenshot/Benjamin Jaworskyj

However, that background blur becomes even better when Benjamin gets in closer and takes a shot from just a few inches away from the flower.

What's more, the further away the background elements are from the subject, the blurrier they will be.

Granted, you don't have much control over the distance between objects in a landscape, but if you're photographing a person, moving them further away from the background features will result in better blur.

That means that when you're trying to blur the background in your images as shown in the image above, you need to balance the following factors:

• Use a large aperture (or the largest possible with your lens)
• Opt for a longer focal length
• Minimize the distance between your camera and the subject
• Maximize the distance between your subject and the background

If you can do that, you can get nicely blurred backgrounds, even with a cheap lens!

Speaking of cheap lenses...

If you want to upgrade your kit lens to something a little more capable, then consider buying a pre-owned, higher-end lens.

By buying used glass, you can stretch your budget further, get better blurry backgrounds, and get a more capable lens for less. What's not to like about that?

Learn More:

• What is Focal Length?
• Why Everyone Needs a Macro Lens

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^{Photo by Thomas AE on Unsplash}

Nift Fifty Lens

I felt like a real photographer the first time I purchased my own nifty fifty lens. It’s a quintessential piece of photography equipment, but it’s also a fairly confusing piece of equipment if you don’t know what you’re doing with it.

That’s why we are outlining 5 ways you can become a pro with your 50mm lens with our comprehensive 50mm lens tips.

Let’s get started!

How to Use a Nifty Fifty Lens? (Hint: With a Flash)

 ^{Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash}

No, your flash does not need to be this flashy (no pun intended) or expensive. Yes, you need a flash. Make it yourself for all I care, but please don’t be that photographer who forgets about it completely (or uses the pop-up flash on your camera - big mistake!).

While using natural light with your Canon nifty fifty is always preferable, there are times this is not realistic and this is when your flash can come out to play. 

Using a flash with your nifty fifty allows you to create specular highlights in your photos that give the image depth and dimension.

Specular highlights can be catch lights in a model’s eyes that tell you what light direction is coming from in a photo.

^{Photo by Jessica Felicio on Unsplash} 

Or, in this portrait, the highlights on the model’s forehead and inner cheeks create a portrait that feels three-dimensional.

Compare this photo with the one below and it’s easy to see that using a flash with your Nikon nifty fifty or Sony nifty fifty is a much better option than not understanding how to use natural light in your portrait photography.

 ^{Photo by Michael Mims on Unsplash}

Without a flash, this portrait is simply too dark. Besides that, it’s quite flat.

The photographer would have gotten much better results by using a flash to brighten up the model’s face (or by simply having the model face the bright wall behind her).

50mm Lens Tips Are Incomplete Without Learning to Stop Down

^{Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash} 

Learning to stop down your images to ensure they are the sharpest they can be is difficult.

By that, I don’t mean that it’s hard to change the aperture value, because that’s really easy. Instead, what I mean is that resisting the urge to slam the lens open to its widest aperture for every portrait you take just because you can is a little tough to do when you first purchase a nifty fifty lens.

The video above by Adorama shows you why most nifty fifty tips lists include stopping down. You can create better-focused photos if you use f/4 or f/5.6 as opposed to f/1.4 or f/1.8 that many beginner photographers are drawn to.

This is because no lens - not even professional-grade lenses - are their sharpest at their maximum aperture. In fact, most lenses have a sweet spotin the f/8 to f/11 range, and that’s the point at which they provide the most sharpness

The easiest way to learn how to stop down with your new 50mm lens is to practice shooting every photo twice.

So, shoot the photo at that huge aperture you can’t resist, like f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8, and then stop down the aperture to f/4 or f/5.6 and take it again. Heck, stop down again to f/8 or f/11 just for the sake of experimentation, and see how changing the aperture changes the sharpness of the shot (and the depth of field, too).

Learn More: 

• Photography Gifts to Buy Yourself in 2019 
• The Best Sony Lenses for 2019 

Learn How to Manually Set Your Focus Point

When you were first learning how to use a camera, whether it was back as a child or this morning as a full-fledged adult, the point and shoot method you were most likely taught is to use the center focus point. 

Don’t get me wrong - this works sometimes, but the problem you encounter is that not every subject is perfectly in the middle of the frame, nor should it be. This means you have to focus the shot using the center focus point and then recompose the image. 

This raises another issue in that doing so messes with the focal plane, so the subject might not even be in focus anymore.

If you instead manually set your focus points to ones in the outer areas of an image, then you can avoid the whole focus-and-recompose issue.

If you aren’t sure how to manually select the focus point on your Canon or Nikon camera, give the video above by Photo Genius a quick look.

The Nifty Fifty Can Do More Than Bokeh 

^{photo by Domagoj via iStock} 

We all follow that one photography mom on Instagram who found out about bokeh and never turned back. Your nifty fifty lens can do so much more than bokeh, and it saddens me when this is all it’s used for. 

Sure, you can have your fun with bokeh, but don’t fall into the trap of using it all of the time or all of your pictures are going to look exactly the same… boring.

Instead, practice things like capturing low-angle or high-angle shots to change the perspective from which the viewer sees the scene. Work on how you frame your shots, too, like using a frame within a frame to create a greater sense of depth in the photo.

Nifty fifties are so easy to use and so versatile, so they’re a great learning tool. Use it to learn more than creating bokeh!

How to Use a 50mm Lens (Another Hint: In Manual Mode)

^{photo by viaBrostock iStock}

When you’re learning how to use a nifty fifty lens, you should be working with this ultimate goal in mind: You should be able to shoot completely in manual.

Controlling your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture yourself allows you full creative control of your photos.

And though initially it will be a little overwhelming, at the end of the day, you’re a much better judge of the light in a scene than your camera is!

When switching from using fully automatic mode to manual mode, you will make a lot of mistakes. But through these mistakes you will learn what an under- or over-exposed photo looks like and you will further learn how to manually set your focus points. What’s not to like about that?

Where to Buy a Nifty Fifty

So now that you know how to use a 50mm lens, you may be wondering why you read this whole article and don’t actually own one. 

Nifty fifty lenses are incredible because they are versatile, but also can be purchased relatively inexpensively.

I bought my last Nikon 50mm on Lensfinder for a better price than a similar product I found on Amazon.

Plus, Lensfinder is great because it’s a whole website of camera enthusiasts selling their cameras and camera gear to other camera enthusiasts. I’ve asked a slew of very in-depth questions to sellers before and most of them take the time to answer my questions in full. Try finding that on eBay!

Lensfinder, unlike other online platforms, works incredibly hard to ensure you’re never scammed on the website. I’ve bought camera lenses on eBay before and have had much worse luck.

So, they’ve got a great selection of lenses, fraud protections built right in, and lower fees than what you’ll find elsewhere. That’s not a bad combination if you ask me!

Check out their lenses here.

Learn More:

• What To Do With Your Old Lenses 
• Zoom vs Prime: Which Lens is Best for Portraits? 

 

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You know what sucks? Having to sell old gear.

As a matter of fact, I’m sure you can relate to this story...

Last year, I was selling one of my lenses (a 70-200mm) because I wanted to upgrade to the newer VRII.

I did what many photographers have done, and I listed it on Craigslist.

Feeling relieved that I actually got around to finally posting the ad, I put my feet up and waited for my phone to buzz with inquiries from excited buyers.

What came, though, was something I didn’t want. My phone was buzzing from a ton of people who wanted to buy my lens, but strangely, they were all from out of town.

On top of that, they offered to overpay for my lens and pay $150 for shipping without even seeing the lens or asking any legitimate questions.  

Here's a screenshot of an actual conversation I had with a potential buyer: 

Sketchy, right?

That experience made me wonder, how can I more safely sell my used gear?

Well, after some digging, I found the answer - Lensfinder.

Lensfinder is the Best Place to Sell Used Lenses

If we're talking about safely selling your used lenses, there's really no better option than Lensfinder.

If you haven't yet heard of this site, let me enlighten you just a little bit...

It's a marketplace for buying and selling used lenses that photographers are raving about.

Since it's a marketplace, Lensfinder doesn't actually sell anything but gives photographers like you and me the online space to sell used gear.

The beauty of Lensfinder is that it focuses solely on used lenses, so you don't have to compete with a bunch of other camera gear to get people's attention on your lenses.

Another great thing about Lensfinder is that it's a community built specifically for photographers.

By that, I mean that unlike eBay and Craigslist where scammers and questionable buyers and sellers seem to be in such great numbers, Lensfinder is a membership site just for photographers.

So, you have to create an account (which is free) before you list your lenses for sale (which is also free to do). That alone helps weed out the riff-raff, so to speak, so legitimate buyers and sellers can get together.

List your used lenses for sale today on Lensfinder!

And once you create an account and list your lens, Lensfinder has plenty of other awesome features for you.

For starters, you can communicate with potential buyers right within the platform. I like that because it means I don't have to give out my phone number for crazy buyers to blow up my phone.

The other nice thing about Lensfinder is that you take care of payments right then and there. Lensfinder currently supports PayPal and will soon offer support for wire transfers and credit cards.

Again, that's great for folks like you and me who would prefer to have guaranteed payment rather than meeting a stranger in a random parking lot to hopefully get paid (and not get robbed!).

You get all that for free, too. The only fees you pay to Lensfinder are when your lens sells, and even then it's just 3.99 percent (with additional fees from PayPal or your bank, of course). Way less than eBay, in other words...

But as awesome as all that is, here's the kicker: Lensfinder is the safest way to sell used lenses because they have advanced fraud filtering software.

That means they vet both buyers and sellers, have seller protection options, and offer mediation if there's a problem.

There's also a Lensfinder feedback system, so as you complete successful transactions and have happy buyers, you build your credibility as a reputable seller.

In other words, Lensfinder is simply head and shoulders above those "other guys" eBay and Craigslist.

List your used lenses for sale today on Lensfinder!

Getting Ready for the Sale

Now that we've established the safest place to sell your used lenses, let's review the steps you need to take to get ready for the sale.

Take Good Photos

This is a real DUH moment, isn't it?

Since we're all photographers here, we all know that good photos are more likely to help you sell your lens than bad photos.

The better your gear looks, the more people that will click on the listing, and the more likely you'll be to sell the lens for the price you want.

More than just doing a better job of showing off the gear you have for sale, high-quality photos also show your attention to detail, which, in turn, tells sellers that you're the kind of person that takes care of gear.

So, don't just slap your lens down on the dining room table and take a snapshot with your phone.

Set it up like you're taking a portrait of your baby - take care when posing the lens so it doesn't roll around, ensure you've got great lighting to highlight its features, and give it a good cleaning beforehand.

Think about using white cardstock for the background to give the lens some separation from the surroundings, take photos at different angles with different points of view, and include images of any accessories, too (i.e., the owner's manual, lens caps, lens hoods, or the original box).

Be Honest

If you take high-quality photos, it'll be hard to disguise any exterior defects, even if you wanted to.

But this speaks to a larger point about giving an honest assessment of the gear.

If it's your most beloved lens, you need to take the rose-colored glasses off when you describe it.

For example, tell buyers about every defect you know of - scratches on the housing or the glass, any issues with the zoom or focus ring, and the like. Note if there's issues with the aperture, if it makes strange noises, if there's dust or fungus inside, and so forth.

When it comes down to it, just be ethical. Don't say it's in "like new" condition if it's really something that should be thrown in the dumpster.

List your used lenses for sale today on Lensfinder!

Be Open

A great way to draw buyers in is to tell them why you're selling the lens.

In fact, if you can connect with potential buyers by telling a story, that's even better.

For example, in your Lensfinder listing, you could put something like:

I'm selling my 85mm lens. Don't need it anymore.

Or, you could put something a little more informative, like:

After saving up for a long while, I've finally purchased my dream lens - a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART. Now that I have this bad boy, it's time to part with my trusted friend over the years, my Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM. It's served me well and now I'm offering it for sale so someone else can derive as much joy out of it as I have.

It literally took me an additional 20 seconds to write the second description than it took to write the first. Which one do you think will inspire buyers more?

Be Prepared for Questions

Any smart buyer will ask you questions about the lens, so be prepared by trying to answer as many of them upfront as you can.

Buyers will want to know when you bought the lens, if there are any accessories, if you still have the original box and receipt, and if the lens has ever had to have maintenance or work done to correct a problem.

Add this information to your listing, that way you don't have to spend a ton of time answering the same questions over and over again.

Speaking of answering questions, when you get a message from a potential buyer on Lensfinder, respond promptly.

Not only does a prompt response demonstrate that you're a top-notch seller, but it also shows regard for the buyer's time and effort to actually get in touch with you.

Putting It All Together

I'm sure you've had nightmare situations selling your old gear just like I have.

But those years of frustration, anxiety, and rip-offs are over now that Lensfinder is on the scene. It's simply the safest, most efficient means of selling your old lenses!

My experiences with Lensfinder have been refreshing compared to past dealings with whacked-out buyers on eBay and Craigslist, and I'm sure you'll find the same to be true.

And as I noted earlier, Lensfinder is free to join and free to list your items. If your lens doesn't sell, you're don't have to pay a dime.

Stop wallowing in the sorrow of trying to sell your old lenses elsewhere. Trust me, Lensfinder is a MUCH better choice.

List your used lenses for sale today on Lensfinder!

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You've probably heard that kit lenses aren't that good.

Compared to high-end lenses, they aren't.

But that doesn't mean that they're so terrible that it's impossible to get great shots.

In fact, given the right set of circumstances, you can get epic photos with the lens that came with your camera.

Here's a few keys to unlocking the potential of your kit lens.

Editor's Tip: If you want to upgrade your lens experience, you can do so without breaking the bank. Find out how.

Don't Shoot in Full Auto

Okay, so this tip applies to using any lens, not just a kit lens.

Full auto mode is fine when you're a brand new photographer, but if you have any amount of time behind the lens, you need to take more control over what the camera does.

After all, the more control you have, the more you can get out of your camera and your lens.

That doesn't mean that you have to dive right into shooting in full manual mode, either. 

If you shoot in aperture priority mode, you can control the aperture and ISO, and the camera controls the shutter speed.

And since you leave the ISO at its lowest setting in most situations, that means you really only have to adjust the aperture.

But what if you want to shoot a moving subject, like your kid playing soccer or a babbling brook at the local park?

In that case, give shutter priority mode a try.

Shutter priority allows you to control the shutter speed, that way you get to decide if motion is frozen or blurred. The camera controls the aperture.

And, again, you can control the ISO, but in most cases you can just leave it at its lowest setting to get solid results.

Learn More:

• A Beginner's Guide to Aperture and Depth of Field
• Shutter Speed Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Find the Sweet Spot of Your Kit Lens

All lenses have a sweet spot, or an aperture setting at which they produce the sharpest results.

This varies from one lens to the next, but is usually in the f/8-f/11 range.

Now, you can't always shoot at that aperture, as evidenced by the previous tip to use f/5.6 when taking portraits to get a blurry background.

But, when you are able to, avoid using the smallest and largest apertures that the lens allows to get the best kit lens performance.

That's because at the extremes, the lens is less sharp and produces more distortion, vignetting, and other unsightly things in your photos.

Editor's Tip:Learn how to find the sweet spot of your lens.

 

 

Give Your Lens Some Light

Because kit lenses don't have very large maximum apertures, they aren't the best for shooting images in low-light conditions, like outdoors at dusk or indoors with minimal artificial lighting.

So, to get the highest-quality images out of your kit lens, you'll need adhere to this kit lens photography tip: be sure there's plenty of light for the lens to collect.

That doesn't mean that you can only shoot outdoors during the middle of a sunny day, either...

If you're shooting indoors, turn on all available lights and open any curtains or shades to let in what natural light you can. You can also consider using a flash to brighten up the scene or a reflector as well.

When shooting outdoors at dusk, incorporate light from a flashlight, the headlights of your car, street lamps, and so forth.

Again, these light sources will allow your kit lens to collect much more light so that you can get a cleaner shot and avoid having to boost the ISO to help the exposure.

Of course, you can also put your camera on a tripod and slow the shutter down to give the camera's sensor more time to collect light as well.

Learn More:

• 4 Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Kit Lens
• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera Lens

Use the Zoom Range to Your Advantage

Perhaps the best part about a kit lens is that it has a variable focal length that ranges from about 18mm to about 55mm.

That means you can take wide-angle shots and standards shots with one lens.

So, use that to your advantage and vary the types of photos you take.

Shoot a portrait at 55mm to get a closer view of your subject.

Then zoom out wide to 18mm to photograph a landscape.

Try 35mm for street photography or 24mm for architecture shots.

The point is that a kit lens is highly versatile, and that opens up many possibilities for you to take all sorts of photos!

Editor's Tip: Get rid of your old lenses and use the proceeds to buy new glass. Sell your old lenses today.

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