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Changing of the Lens - Using Different Lenses

Digital SLR Photography Tips - Your Lenses


As your hobby grows, you will yourself adding different lenses to your lens collection. Once you have 5 or 6, take a selection with you wherever you go and remember that you have them and know what they can do.

  • Super wide angle (Fisheye) (10mm, 15mm)
  • Wide angle (18mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm)
  • Standard (50mm)
  • Telephoto (85mm, 100mm, 135mm, 200mm, 300mm etc.)
  • Zoom (16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 75-300mm, 100-400mm)
  • Macro (50mm macro, 100mm macro, 135mm macro)

Test each lens that you buy methodically, learn about its aperture settings, zoom focal lengths and limitations. Learn which lens is good for what, such as close ups (macro) or sports and wildlife. Then when you come across a situation that demands a certain lens, you will know what to do and which one to use. Of course, if you are fortunate enough to own a powerful, long range and expensive zoom like the Canon EF 28-300L; you just "twist and go", you don't need a vast set of different lenses!

When living in Spain, I was asked to climb a local, but large mountain called "La Concha", overlooking Marbella on the Costa del Sol. It has been rarely climbed by any photographer and I was asked for some shots by some of the local businesses. Of course, my camera rucksack contains 2 bodies, 8 different lenses (one of which is VERY heavy), a speedlite, filters, spare batteries and accessories. All in all it weighs about 10KG! Needless to say, it was a tough climb but worth it!

Digital SLR Photography Tips

It is all too easy to become lazy and not get the shot because "It will take too long to change lenses". Take your time and if you can, try and pre-empt what lens you will need and change the lens before you arrive or need to start shooting. Again, when you go out, if you have a specific "Theme" in mind, you will know which lenses to take and which one you will need the most.

As a beginner, or newbie, I would suggest that your first lens should be a "Walk-around" lens. Basically one that has a reasonable zoom, good quality and that covers focal lengths needed by everyday situations. One such lens that I always used to carry was the Canon EF 28-135 IS USM. The focal length is perfect and is a trusty, sturdy lens that produces nice sharp images.

One last, important note I think I have mentioned somewhere before, is take care when changing lenses. Keep out of windy and/or dusty environments and try to change the lens inside a bag. Dust on your mirror isn't so bad, but when it hits your sensor it can be a pain to remove it.

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