Different Types of Camera Lenses Explained

50mm Lens

A 50mm lens is the most popular lens that normally comes with an SLR or DSLR camera.   A 50mm lens is very versatile and mimics very closely what the human eye can see.   It produces excellent quality photos and is one of the best lenses to have for general day-to-day use as it’s not too big or heavy to have attached to your camera.  While this fixed focal length lens is great for normal every day use, there are a number of different camera lenses which are best suited for more specific photographic purposes.

Many photographers like to have a selection of lenses in their camera bag to cover a variety of situations, such as bringing subjects closer to the frame or capturing a wider-angled scene.  There are a great variety of lenses to choose from, some with fixed focal lengths and some with varying focal lengths to give you more versatility in one lens.

Let’s take a look at the main different types of camera lenses and what purposes or situations they are likely to be used for:

Types of Camera Lenses Explained

TELEPHOTO LENS

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A telephoto camera lens will bring the subject of your picture close up, so it’s great for shooting pictures of things that are further away than you would like or for subjects that you are unable to get close enough to.  These camera lenses are popular for capturing sporting events.  Typical telephoto lenses range between 70mm and 300mm.

WIDE ANGLE LENS

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As the name suggests, a wide angle camera lens enables the photographer to capture a wider expanse of the scene and are great for landscape photography.  Typical focal lengths for a wide angle lens range between 24mm and 35 mm.

Top Most Popular Camera Filters Explained

Camera Filters

Using camera filters can be a great way to enhance your photos or create special effects.  Whether you want to create a more natural looking photo with true colors, enhance contrast, remove haze, eliminate reflections, reduce purple fringing, soften images, or add creative effects such as sepia images, mirror images and more, there’s a filter for virtually anything you can think of!

Knowing which filter to use for the right conditions can be confusing. 

Let’s take a look at the top most popular camera filters and the effects that can be achieved with them to enhance your photos:

Polarizing Filters

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We all know that light bounces and reflects off things.  In this respect, when light hits something, it reflects back the color of the object it has hit.  It will then hit another object in the color it’s reflected.  These light waves hit your camera from all directions, giving your subjects un-true colors.

A polarizing filter added to your camera will only allow light to pass in one direction and is effective for:

·         Removing haze.

·         Eliminating reflections from water or glass.

·         Reducing glare.

·         Enhancing color saturation and contrast.

Ever wondered how those deep blue skies on the picture postcards have been achieved?  A polarizing camera filter will help you to get those great colors in your pictures too.

Differences Between Full-frame and APS-C Format DSLR Cameras Explained

There are two different format types of DSLR cameras or Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras, referred to as either:

·         Full-frame

·         APS-C

The  Full-frame or APS-C format on  DSLR refers to the type of sensor that is incorporated into the camera, i.e. the type of light-sensitive electronic device that records the image.

A full-frame DSLR has the same size frame of a 35mm film negative frame, whereas an APS-C DSLR sees a smaller angle of view but with a longer reach.

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Both types of DSLRs have their advantages and disadvantages.  Let’s take a look at how these different DSLR formats work and how they affect the results you get:

Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera Handycam Camcorder, Review

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Capture stunning videos in 4K Ultra HD with the Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera Handycam Camcorder which fits in the palm of your hand!

With a resolution that’s 4x clearer than HD, you’ll be amazed at the vibrant and realistic images this incredible high resolution offers.

The Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera features the world’s first 1” CMOS sensor with Exmor R CMOS image sensor technology which not only doubles the light sensitivity but also combines with Sony’s Column A/D Conversion to half the noise - ideal for shooting in low light situations such as indoor or outdoor night scenes.

Sony FDR-AX100/B,
rear view controls with
OLED Tru-finder EVF

The Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Camcorder employs the same fast image processor as used in Sony’s professional video cameras – the BIONZ X Processor which enables high speed recording 120fps.

The Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K incorporates 3 versatile shooting modes:  XAVC S, AVCHD and MP4 codecs.  The XAVC S format uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in a MP4 wrapper to allow for extensive recording times.  AVCHD format is ideal for quality video for HDTV and Blu-ray disc burning, while MP4 HD is perfect for sharing over the internet at up to 28Mbps.

Sony FDR-AX100/B's extra-fine
(921K) LCD 3.5" screen

The Sony Handycam FDR-AX100/B 4K Camcorder features a newly developed Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 29mm wide-angle lens with 12x optical zoom and 24x clear image zoom.

Additional features of the Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Camcorder include a high-contrast 0.39” OLED EVF for eye-level framing, a large 3.5” extra-fine LCD (921K) screen for bright vivid images even outdoors,  an Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilizer with Intelligent Active Mode for correcting camera shake, 14MP resolution video and 20MP still image capture, simple One-touch Sharing and One-touch Remote connectivity to smartphones and tablets with WiFi and NFC (near-field communication)

Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera,
side view, 4K/30p video capture

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There’s so much more to this incredible Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Video Camera.  Let’s take a look at the features in detail that this impressive 4K camcorder has to offer:

Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker 30", Review

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Enjoy delicious juicy tender slow-cooked smoked meats with the easy-to-use Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker 30”.

The Masterbuilt 20072115 is an outdoor smoker and features a blue LED digital display control panel with a removable sunshade.

For simple convenience, the Masterbuilt 20072115 Digital Electric Smoker can be paired with your mobile device via its Bluetooth Smart technology.

Using your smart mobile device as a remote control, you can:

·         Power the Masterbuilt Smoker on/off

·         Monitor and control the cooking temperature

·         Monitor and control the cooking time

·         Operate the food light

·         Monitor the internal meat temperature

Masterbuilt 20072115 - 4 racks with
721 square inch cooking space

The Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker features 4 chrome-coated smoking racks with a total of 721 square inch of cooking space, allowing for up to 80 lbs of smoked food.

The Masterbuilt 20072115 Smoker incorporates an 800 watt heating element, offering consistent even smoking temperatures up to 275 degrees F.  There’s a built-in meat probe thermometer for monitoring the internal meat temperature to ensure you get perfectly cooked food every time.

The Masterbuilt 20072115 Electric Smoker also has a timer function/auto off, whereby you can set the smoker to turn off after a set amount of time.

To help avoid heat loss, the Masterbuilt 20072115 Smoker features an adjustable door latch and there’s a side-loading wood chip system so you can add chips without opening the smoker door.

Adjustable door latch &
side-loading wood chip system

Top Air Damper for smoke control

This Smoker also features a top air damper allowing you total control over the smoking process.

Front-access grease tray

Other convenient features of the Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker include a removable water pan, removable drip pan and front access grease tray for easy clean up.

For ease of portability, the Masterbuilt 20072115 incorporates a rear-mounted handle and transportation wheels.

Other optional extras compatible with this Smoker is a Grilling Set and protective Cover (available separately).  A 40” model of this Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker is also available.

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Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications that the Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart has to offer to help you decide if it’s the best electric smoker for you:

Comparing Weber 721001 versus Weber 731001 Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker, What's the Difference?

Cook low and slow for moist juicy cuts of meat with authentic smoke-house flavors with the Weber 721001 and Weber 731001 Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smokers.

The durable Weber 721001 and 731001 SMC Charcoal Smokers are both built to high-standards and are easy to use, with the only difference being in the overall size of the unit and its cooking space capacity.
 

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Weber SMC
2x cooking grates

Both the Weber 721001 and 731001 Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker feature two heavy-duty plated-steel cooking grates, with the 721001’s grates being 18.5” in diameter (giving a total cooking area of 481 square inches), while the 731001’s grates are 22.5” in diameter (giving a total cooking area of 726 square inches).

Both the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smokers’ bowl and lid are constructed with porcelain-enameled steel (inside and out) for better heat retention.  Both Smokers feature a rust-resistant aluminum fuel door and legs, plus there’s a convenient heat-resistant glass-reinforced nylon handle.

For ease of use, the Weber 721001 and 731001 both feature a built-in lid thermometer that allows you to easily monitor the Smoker’s temperature.  There’s also a porcelain-enameled water pan so you can add steam to the smoking process to help keep meat moist and tender.  The individual vents on the bowl and lid are made from rust-resistant aluminum and give you total control over the smoking process.

Weber SMC
built-in lid thermometer

Weber SMC individual vents

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A smaller version of the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Charcoal Smoker (Weber 711001) with 14” diameter racks is also available:

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Let’s take a closer look at the differences and similarities in features and specifications between the Weber 721001 and Weber 731001 to help you decide on which is the best Charcoal Smoker for you:

Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill, 14101550, Review

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Cook delicious tender juicy foods with the 3-in-1 Char-Broil The Big Easy 14101550 TRU-Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill.

The Char-Broil Big Easy Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill expands on the cooking function and capability of the highly successful Big Easy.  It's straightforward and easy to use – there’s no charcoal or oil needed and no spit rod to balance.

Flare-up is eliminated thanks to the Big Easy’s Infrared cooking system and heat is distributed evenly throughout, eliminating hot and cold spots, for even cooking.  The Infrared cooking system offers temperature control from 9,000 BTUs up to 18,000 BTUs.

The Char-Broil Big Easy Infrared has 3 functions:

·         Roaster:  Works with even Infrared heat.  Easy drop-in loading with NO heat loss or rotisserie hassles.   Double stack cooking capability for small foods or fit up to a 25 lb turkey in the cooking basket (rotating basket).

·         Grill:  Premium stainless steel grate.  Cooks evenly without flare-ups.  180 square inch cooking space.

·         Smoker:  Multi-faceted grill with internal smoker box to add smoky flavor.  Uses wood chips or pellets without the need for air dampers or water pan.  ½ lb capacity stainless steel smoker box.

Design-wise, the Char-Broil Big Easy Infrared Smoker Roaster & Grill features a porcelain coated hood for durability and cool-touch handles for safety.  Additional features include a meat thermometer, grease collection tray, rotary ignition and variable temperature control.

How the Char-Broil Big Easy TRU Infrared system works:

A specially designed propane burner is fully enclosed between the Char-Broil’s inner and outer wall.  The inner wall heats up and radiates natural infrared heat that penetrates food evenly, sealing in the juices.  The meat remains moist and tender because any limited hot air that is generated escapes out of the top of the cooking chamber before it has time to dry out the food.

Char-Broil infrared grills generate a minimum of 65% infrared heat that spreads evenly across the entire cooking surface to cook without drying at temperatures ranging from simmer to searing.

Traditional gas grills use convective heat (hot air) to cook which destroys the food’s moisture barrier, whereas infrared heat penetrates the food without drying it.

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Smoker box for wood chips or pellets

Premium stainless steel grill grate
with 180 square inch cooking-space

Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications that the Char-Broil Big Easy TRU Infrared has to offer to help you decide if it’s the best Smoker Roaster & Grill for you: