Camera lens knowledge

The lens is the most important part of the camera. Every time Bian Xiao's friends protect her lens very carefully, they won't let me touch it at all. The lens is the most important part of the camera system, but anyone who is particularly addicted to photography will spend a lot of money on the camera lens. Bian Xiao collected four photographers' views on the lens to see how the master talked about this issue.

Top landscape photographer TomMackie tells you how to make full use of wide-angle lenses.

Photographer introduction

After five years of commercial photography in Los Angeles, Tom McKee sold his studio. After losing this burden, he devoted himself to landscape photography and traveled all over Britain and America. Now, in addition to writing books and providing pictures for major publishing organizations, he always takes his own Canon EOS5D and EF 16-35f/2.8LII lenses to photograph the beautiful scenery of the motherland and other places.

You can visit his website and enjoy more works: www.tommackie.com.

Not a Canon user? Try these.

Nikon-s17af-s17-35mm f/2.8 dedif; Sony Zeiss16-35mm f/2.8 Zassmvario-Sonnart *

Wide-angle lens and wide frame are two concepts that are often confused in daily shooting. A wide-angle lens generally refers to a short-focus lens such as14 mm. When shooting with this lens, the field of vision will be wider, so that your picture can capture more scenes.

When should a wide-angle lens be used in landscape photography?

The simplest reason for shooting with a wide-angle lens is that we want to have a wider perspective. In fact, it is a common mistake for beginners to try to present too much content in the picture. We always think that wide-angle lenses are suitable for grand scenes, but we don't know that it is this idea that makes our pictures lose their impact. The choice of content is very important, but a wide-angle lens often contains too many things, so before using a wide-angle lens, you must first find out what you need. Wide-angle lens will make the objects in the background look smaller than the actual size, so when shooting with wide-angle lens, the classic composition method is to divide the foreground, middle scene and background in turn. We can use a wide-angle lens to highlight the real depth of the picture and expand the contrast between the background and the foreground. If some interesting points such as flowers, plants, insects and stones are arranged in the foreground, the effect will be more obvious.

Is there any other composition method that can enhance the visual effect of wide-angle lens?

Of course, in addition to adding interest to the foreground, lines are also the secret to improve the effect of wide-angle lenses. For example, shooting close to fences or railways, allowing them to enter the lens and extend to the distance, can play a role in guiding the audience's sight. This can be done with a telephoto lens, but there is no doubt that the shooting effect of a wide-angle lens is more impactful.

What other suggestions do you have for people who want to use a wide-angle lens?

Don't think that focusing on infinity can ensure that everything in the picture is clear. Although the depth of field range of wide-angle lens is much larger than that of telephoto lens, it is necessary to use appropriate aperture size and focusing settings to make full use of this characteristic of lens. In this respect, you can refer to the hyperfocal distance technique introduced in the section "How to get the best shooting effect" above.

Are there any other precautions for shooting with a wide-angle lens?

There is no doubt that there are some aspects that need special attention when shooting with a wide-angle lens, such as the use of filters. Although this situation is rare, if you really need to install multiple filters in front of the wide-angle lens, there may be dark corners or even filter borders in the picture. If you want to use a polarizer, then I suggest you buy an ultra-thin one to avoid this problem.

Image edge deformation is also a problem that needs attention. Depending on the focal length of the lens, the main body at the edge of the picture may be deformed more or less. The tilt of the camera may cause the horizontal lines in the picture to converge and deform. In addition, barrel distortion may occur depending on the lens.

What accessories can help when using a wide-angle lens?

The hood was my first thought, but I seldom use it when I use a wide-angle lens. Not much use, and it takes up a lot of space in the camera bag. Everything in my bag has its own purpose. In fact, the hand can also play the role of shading, and the effect is not worse than the specially designed hood.

What should I pay attention to when buying a wide-angle lens?

There are two main problems, one is the barrel distortion of the picture and the other is the resolution of the lens. Look at the evaluation of related lenses before buying them. It better be true. I often test the shooting effect of different lenses at the same focal length, install the camera on a tripod, then install the lens and shoot the test board or brick wall. If you really plan to do it, the store will generally not have too much resentment against such a test. Shoot with different apertures. If it is a zoom lens, you need to shoot with different focal lengths. After shooting, zoom in to 100% on the computer, and check the image definition at the center and edge of the picture before making a decision.

Auxiliary polarizer

Polarizers can play many roles in landscape photography. According to the change of the angle between the sunlight and the filter, the density of the sky can be increased, or the reflection of water, leaves and other surfaces can be reduced. These functions of polarizer are difficult or even impossible for image processing software, and it is an indispensable accessory in shooting.

How to get the best shooting effect

1. Aperture priority mode

In the process of shooting landscape works, I always use aperture priority mode, so that I can choose the most suitable aperture according to different environments and depth of field. Generally speaking, I will choose the best aperture of the lens, which is generally between f/8 and f/ 14 to maintain this image quality.

Use hyperfocal distance.

When I want to include foreground content in the picture, I will use hyperfocal distance to enlarge the depth of field of the picture. When focusing at infinity, I can achieve the same effect by using the minimum aperture, but focusing with hyperfocal distance allows me to properly open the large aperture. In this case, most lenses have better optical performance.

Tom's killer

Put the camera on the ground and shoot the scenery from an insect-like perspective. This unique shooting perspective can present an extraordinary world and get eye-catching shooting results. Such photos naturally need a tripod that can be supported on the ground, but when shooting with a super wide-angle lens, we must be careful not to let the legs of the tripod appear at the bottom of the picture. Using the remote control to turn on the timer self-timer function of the camera or release the shutter can avoid the machine vibration and reduce the picture blur. When taking pictures, stand away from the camera to avoid your own shadow entering the picture. If the camera supports live view function, then if there is no tripod available, you can consider holding the camera, lowering the camera position and shooting on the LCD screen.

Perfect control fixed focus lens

RalphLemarechal explained to us why the fixed-focus lens is the best choice for portrait shooting.

Photographer introduction

RalphLemarechal, a French photographer working in Amsterdam, is good at portrait and fashion photography, and the cover of the last issue of this magazine is his work. His works range from model catwalk to studio modeling to environmental portrait. No matter where he shoots, he always takes a Canon EOS- 1DsMarkIII digital SLR camera and an EF85mmf/ 1.2 fixed-focus lens.

You can visit his website to enjoy more works: www.photoshoot.me

Not a Canon user? Try these:

Nikon af 85 MMF/1.4d; Sony Zeiss flat T * 85mm f/ 1.4

As the name implies, a fixed-focus lens is a lens with a fixed focal length. This kind of lens usually has the largest aperture in the lens with the same focal length, which allows more light to enter the lens, and also has the corresponding shutter with the highest speed. You can take an ideal portrait and make the background fully blurred.

Why do you prefer a fixed focus lens to a zoom lens?

An excellent fixed-focus lens is very important for portrait shooting. It focuses faster and usually has a larger maximum aperture. Even in low light, you can shoot without a flash. This kind of lens usually has better picture quality. As the old saying goes, if a worker wants to do a good job, he must sharpen his tools first.

What fixed-focus lenses are commonly used to shoot portraits?

It depends on what I shoot and what effect I hope to achieve. When shooting outdoor portraits, I prefer 85mmf/ 1.2 lens. This is a classic portrait lens with a shallow depth of field, which can control the clear range of the picture just on the model's eyes, creating an intimate and harmonious picture effect.

24mmf/ 1.4 is another lens I often use. Generally speaking, a wide-angle lens is not suitable for portrait shooting, but it meets my expectations for documentaries, especially when the aperture is fully open.

What are the advantages of fixed focus lens over zoom lens?

The aperture of a fixed-focus lens is usually larger than that of a zoom lens, not entirely for the pursuit of depth of field. Usually, the imaging quality of a fixed-focus lens is better when the aperture is fully open. I think using a fixed-focus lens can make me feel more like a photographer.

The photo on the left illustrates this perfectly. At that time, I only had a lens of 24mmf/ 1.4. If I want to shoot the desired picture, I must get closer and closer to myself. When you get close enough, the best picture will appear. Some people will smile in good faith, others will shake their heads and refuse, but in either case, it is better than looking directly at the camera.

What are the disadvantages of fixed focus?

Lack of flexibility is the biggest disadvantage of fixed-focus lens, especially in the case of limited shooting position. For example, when I am shooting a fashion show, sometimes I need to take a portrait of the model's whole body or bust, and sometimes I need to take a picture of the model's facial expression. I find it difficult to do this with a fixed focus lens.

Ralph's killer

The main points of my portrait shooting can be summarized in two words: near and fast! Making the subject aware of your shooting intention can make eye contact between you, so don't be afraid to get close to the subject. I find that the best expression often appears after a positive reply, so as soon as I hear someone say "yes", I will press the shutter immediately.

Common skills

1. Observe the light

When I shoot outdoor portraits, I set the camera to aperture priority mode. If the lighting conditions are better, I will shrink two apertures according to the maximum aperture and still get a shallow depth of field. But if the lighting conditions are not so good, I may bring a smaller gear; If I have confidence in the quality of the lens, I will even shoot with full aperture in this case.

Pay attention to your eyes

In order to ensure that the focus falls on the model's eyes every time, I usually choose the focus at the top and then change the composition as needed. Be careful when you shoot your eyes, because it is easy to focus on your eyebrows and make your eyes slightly out of focus.

The secret of telephoto lens

The telephoto lens is the most reliable partner in the work of wildlife photographer Chris Weston.

Photographer introduction

Photographer Chris Weston is an old friend of the readers of Image Vision. He became a full-time wildlife photographer about ten years ago.

In addition to touring lectures, attending lectures and writing, Weston's work is inseparable from a telephoto lens. In order to capture those timid or fierce animals, these unusual shots became his most common choice.

You can visit his website to enjoy more works: www.chrisweston.uk.com.

Not a Canon user? Try these.

Canon EF70-200mmf/2.8L is IIUSM Sony 70-200mmf/2.8g..

Telephoto lenses refer to those lenses with a long maximum focal length. Super telephoto lenses like 600mm are usually fixed-focus lenses, but there are also zoom "children" like 70-200mm in the telephoto lens family. Its focal length range is enough for you to "walk the world in one mirror".

Which lens do you use most often when shooting wild animals?

Nikon 70-200mmf/2.8AF-SVR is my best friend, and it can be used with my D3x, D3 or D700. My cameras are all from Quan Huafu, so the lens feels exactly the same as the traditional 135 camera, and there is no difference in perspective. I will use every focus of this shot, even the relatively short 70mm close-up.

This shot is really not long for wildlife photography. Why did it become your most commonly used lens?

For me, a 70-200mm lens has many advantages. First of all, its mirror body is light and small, which is very convenient for hand-held shooting or carrying, and it has a good center of gravity with my body. In addition, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 is very necessary for me, because many wild animals are more active in low light. I choose lenses with shorter focal length, because they can force me to care about the wind and grass around me, which enables me to take more photos closer to nature than a "big MAC" like 500mm or 600mm.

Do you think zoom lens is more suitable for shooting wild animals? Why?

Wild animals will not stand there and take pictures of you honestly, and the zoom lens with adjustable focal length is more convenient and effective to use. Usually, if the subject is approaching or far away from you, it is more practical to adjust the focal length than to adjust the plane position, because the latter is likely to interfere with the subject and miss the shooting opportunity. In addition, there is no need to change the lens frequently when using the zoom lens, which avoids the pollution of photosensitive elements such as dust when shooting in the field. But zoom lenses can make people lazy, which is a big drawback. We can change the plane position because of the focal length, but we should not change the focal length because of the plane position. So when shooting, you must first think about the required focal length, and then change the position and composition of the camera. Don't stay in one place and twist the zoom ring around. It is good for photographers to walk more.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using zoom lens?

From the actual shooting point of view, you don't have to be too close to the subject to take the desired photo. This is very important for shooting shy and timid animals, as most wild animals do. From the perspective of picture sense, the longer the focal length, the shallower the depth of field, which can avoid the influence of complex background on the subject. At the same time, the telephoto lens can also compress the space, making the distance of the subject in the picture appear closer than the actual one. On the other hand, the telephoto lens has a narrow viewing angle and limited depth of field, which will make the photos taken not have much sense of scene, and the surrounding environment is either excluded from the lens or blurred.

How do you keep the lens stable to get a clear image?

It depends on whether I shoot in the car, in the bunker or in the wild. If I shoot from a car, a bean bag of the right size is the best support tool, but if I shoot from behind a bunker, I usually use a tripod. If I shoot in the wild, I will use a tripod if I can. If not, I will choose to use a monopod to keep my body stable or hold hands to shoot. When I have to shoot by hand, I usually try to lower my center of gravity and press the shutter between breaths. In addition, the anti-shake function of the lens will be turned on.

Do you have any suggestions for using telephoto lenses?

The telephoto lens, like all other lenses, can get the best image at the intermediate aperture position such as f/8 or f/ 1 1, so try to shoot with these two apertures to avoid the maximum or minimum aperture. Unless shooting by hand or monopod, try to release the shutter with the remote control to reduce the vibration of the machine, and there is a mirror preview. When using a bean bag or tripod to support the lens, you can also put a bean bag above the lens to reduce the center of gravity of the lens and alleviate the lens shake.

Auxiliary rangefinder

2x rangefinder reduces the aperture of the lens by two steps. If the limited budget is not enough to buy a new lens, you can consider choosing a more affordable rangefinder to match the existing lens. However, although the zoom lens can extend the focal length of the lens, it will also reduce the amount of light entering the lens. For example, this means that you must slow down the shutter speed, open the aperture or increase the sensitivity setting when shooting, and pay special attention to the stability of the camera body.

Decrypt macro photography

With the help of macro lens, flowers and plants are lifelike under Andy Small's macro lens.

How to shoot sharp macro works

Seek support

When shooting macro works, you must choose a stable tripod. Any slight vibration during shooting will be magnified by the lens, which will affect the clarity of the picture. I usually use Gitzo Climate's carbon fiber tripod, which is very suitable for me to carry when I go out.

Pre-lifting with reflector

The pre-lift function of the reflector can lift the reflector in advance before the camera shutter is released, so as to reduce the vibration caused by the opening and closing of the reflector. If the camera supports this function, please use it when shooting macro. In addition, this function can prevent stray light from entering the photosensitive element from the viewfinder.

Release with remote control cable

Use remote cable release or timer self-timer mode to release the shutter. Although the latter is not an ideal choice, it is an emergency measure when the cable is left at home. Similarly, this is done to minimize the possible vibration of the fuselage during exposure.

Do you already know something about the lens of the camera?