Types of Lenses in Cameras Explained: Main Camera Lens Uses

Lens technology has come a long way in the past few years. With so many different types of lenses available on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will break down the main types of lenses in cameras and explain the uses of camera lenses.

Whether you are someone in need of video production services or you are an experienced photographer, this information will help you choose the right lens for your needs!

Prime Camera Lens & Its Uses

A lot of people think of prime camera lenses as something that is used in cinema. This is because they are mainly seen in movies. However, these lenses can also be used for photography. They have a fast aperture and offer a shallow depth of field. Therefore, you can create beautiful portraits with a prime lens. Rather than dealing with parameters that are constantly fluctuating, you can keep your focus on the subject.

So when it comes to the prime option, what different camera lenses are available?

14-20mm Prime Camera Lenses

This is a great option for landscape photography as it offers a very wide field of view. You have the unique ability to emphasize certain aspects of the scenery while blurring out the rest. It just has a fun way of making things pop on the screen and is one of the most popular lenses for cinematography.

Other camera lenses sometimes can flatten out an image and make it two-dimensional. But the 14-20mm option will give you a lot of depth and dimension in your photos.

50mm Prime Camera Lenses

Commonly known as the "Nifty Fifty" this is a great starter option for anyone just getting into photography. It's one of the most popular lenses because it's so versatile. You can use it for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and more.

It's easy to recognize the photorealism that a 50mm lens offers. And with such a fast aperture, it's perfect for low-light situations or when you want to create that shallow depth of field.

The 50mm focal length is also the standard when it comes to full-frame DSLRs. This just means that it's not going to distort the image since it’s also one of the best lenses for cinematic video.

75mm Prime Camera Lenses

While less common, the 75mm prime lens offers a few distinct advantages. First, it's great for portraits because you can get closer to your subject without making them feel uncomfortable. And second, the longer focal length means you can compress the background to create a more flattering look.

The 75mm gives you a little more control over the final image. In fact, in moves such as Blade Runner, this lens was used to create that signature look. There’s a reason why people searching for the best lens for close-up video or the best lens for a cinematic look are commonly purchasing this option.

Zoom Camera Lens

First, what exactly is a zoom camera lens? In short, it's a lens that allows you to change the focal length. This means that you can zoom in and out without having to move the camera.

The two types of lenses are zoom and prime. While zoom lenses have adjustable focal lengths, prime lenses have a fixed focal length. A zoom lens' benefit is its versatility. Zoom lenses have adjustable focal lengths, so a 70-200mm lens, for instance, allows you to zoom in and out between 70mm and 200mm. Since prime lenses have a fixed focal length, you cannot zoom in or out. Prime lenses' main benefit is that they specialize on a specific focal length. Unlike zoom lenses, which may be used in a variety of situations, they are finely tuned to deliver on one specific type of photography.

55-250mm Zoom Camera Lenses

One of the most popular zoom lenses, the 55-250mm, is often used for sports and wildlife photography. This is because it offers a long focal length that lets you zoom in from a distance.

This particular lens is also a varifocal lens. So, if you're trying to capture a fast-moving subject, you can quickly change the focal length to get the shot.

24-105mm Zoom Camera Lenses

Instead of cutting into all your savings, why not take it easy with such a flexible zoom lens like the 24-105mm?  It's perfect for anyone just getting into photography or videography looking for the best lens for video as it offers a wide range of focal lengths. Video camera lenses can get a little complicated.

But with this one, you can do everything from landscapes to portraits without having to change lenses. And since it has image stabilization built-in, you don't have to worry about blurry photos.

Specialty Camera Lenses

While the lenses we've talked about so far are pretty standard, there are some that are designed for specific purposes.

Fisheye Camera Lenses

In the mid-2000s, the fisheye lens was seen as one of the best lenses for YouTube videos. As you can probably guess, this one is used to create that signature fishbowl effect.

Even though it's mostly used for special effects and not used as much today, you can also use it to create some pretty interesting shots such as extreme close-ups and wide-angle shots!

Telephoto Camera Lens

If you want to get closer to your subject without actually moving, then you'll need a telephoto lens. These lenses are usually pretty long and can be quite heavy. But they offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to framing your shot.

One of the most popular uses for telephoto lenses is wildlife photography. This is because you can get close to the animals without disturbing them.

Macro Camera Lenses

If you're into close-up photography, then you'll need a macro lens. These lenses are designed to let you capture small details that you wouldn't be able to see with the naked eye. Think flowers, insects, and even the human eye.

While most macro lenses have a fixed focal length, some offer a zoom range. So, if you want to get closer to your subject, you can always zoom in.

Conclusion

There you have it! Having explained the best camera lenses on the market, you’re all caught up. These are just some of the most popular types of camera lenses that you'll come across  (there are many more out there). But this should give you a great starting point.

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