What is the difference between AF-A, AF-S, AF-C and MF focus modes on Nikon camera’s. When should you use AF-A, AF-S, AF-C, MF.
When you set your camera lens to AF (auto focus), digital SLR cameras offer the photographer a choice between interchangeable modes. Auto focus modes can vary between different digital camera brands. In the past, Nikon’s two most popular modes were called Continuous Servo AF and single area AF. Nowadays, they are called AF-C (short for auto focus continuous) and AF-S (short for […]
How to stop the highlights from blinking in your LCD screen
Nikon cameras have a useful setting called the highlights mode. When your camera is in this mode and you preview a photograph you have taken, the brightest portions of the image, as well as area’s that are overexposed, are shown with a flashing border. This can be useful if you want to see how much […]
Difference between a zoom lens compared to a prime fixed focal length lens
Experienced photographers who have been around for a while, often prefer prime (fixed focal length) SLR camera lenses over zoom models. Photography magazines always suggest the sharpness of fixed focal length lenses far outweigh the flexibility of zoom lenses. Before looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both we first need to know ‘what is […]
When to use vibration reduction (VR for Nikon) and image stabalization (IS for Canon)
Many Nikon and Canon lenses now come with vibration reduction (Nikon) and image stabilization (Canon) options that you can either turn on or off. The advantages of VR and IS, is that you can achieve sharper photographs when hand holding your camera, especially in darker lighting. This is very useful for times when it’s not […]
Should you buy a generic third party camera lens. Advantages and disadvantages of third party lenses.
A third party camera lens, is one that has been developed by a different company than those who built your camera’s body. For example, if you own a Canon or Nikon DSLR camera, you might choose to purchase a generic Tamron or Sigma lens. Tamron and Sigma lenses are often much cheaper than the Canon […]
Tips for choosing a sports photography lens – What is the best lens for sports photography
One of the main challenges for sports photographers, is that they are photographing moving subjects. Anyone who has photographed their kids sporting event, will know how hard it was to get a sharply focused shot. Most beginners will attempt to shoot a sports event with their all purpose lens. However, unless you like the effect […]
What is considered a professional Canon DSLR lens
Professional Canon lenses always have the letter L within their name. For example, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM lens, is considered professional. The letter L stands for luxury. This is your guarantee that Canon themselves, considers the lens to be one of their best quality glass. The luxury (L) range always takes the […]
What is cheaper to buy, a Nikon or a Canon DSLR lens?
An important aspect to take into account when purchasing your first digital SLR camera, is the cost of future add-ons and lenses. It won’t be long after your first SLR purchase, that you’ll start looking at putting together a lens collection for your specific needs. Generally speaking, Nikon’s range of Nikkor lenses are cheaper than […]
Tips for using your camera lens on manual focus
Many digital SLR camera lenses now come with the option of autofocus (AF switch on the side of your lens) or manual focus (MF switch on the side of your lens). For ninety percent of the time, photographers can set the lens on AF and let the camera focus itself. However, there are times when […]
What are lens extension tubes and tips on how to use them
An extension tube is simply a metal or plastic tube that you connect to your setup between the digital SLR camera body and the lens. It makes the lens look as though it’s longer than it actually is. Or in other words, it extends the lens. Why are lens extension tubes useful? When a photographer […]
‘Canon DO’ lens range with green ring – What does the green ring mean?
If you’ve been on the hunt for a new digital SLR Canon lens lately, you may have noticed a range that has a green ring. For example, Canon’s EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens, shown in the image below, has a green ring. The green rings means it comes from the DO range of digital SLR […]
What is the best dedicated macro lens – 50mm, 60mm, 100mm or 105mm focal lengths
If you’re looking to purchase a DSLR macro lens for the first time, it’s easy to get confused by the range that is available. Here is a run down of the best macro lens for Canon and Nikon Digital SLR cameras. Best Canon macro lens For Canon Digital SLR camera’s, there are 3 popular choices. […]