Canon® EOS Rebel T1i/500D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 8. Exploring Canon Lenses and Accessories

In This Chapter

• Understanding the focal length multiplication factor

• Buying lenses for the long term

• Lens choices

• Zoom versus prime lenses

• Working with different types of lenses

• Fine-tuning lens performance

• Exploring lens accessories

• Learning lens lingo

One of the first questions that photographers ask after using the Rebel T1i/500D for a while is, "What lens should I buy next?" Because there are so many factors that must be considered with a lens purchase, the best way to answer that question is to evaluate your shooting preferences and needs, know what lenses are available, know your budget, and then study lens reports published online and in photography magazines. This chapter helps you with the evaluation process.

It's important to remember that your images are as good as the lens that you use. With a high-quality lens, pictures have stunning detail, high resolution, and snappy contrast. Conversely, low-quality optics produce marginal picture quality. Thus, it's a good strategy to invest in the best lens that you can afford. Over time your investment in lenses will far exceed the purchase price of the camera. If you make careful decisions on lens purchases, the lenses will pay off for years to come in getting great image sharpness and quality and in building a solid, long-lasting photography system.

This chapter looks at the lenses available to help you make decisions about lenses you can add to your system to enhance the type of photography ...