Canon® EOS 5D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 4. Selecting and Using Lenses

In This Chapter

• Understanding Canon lenses

• Prime versus Zoom Lenses

• Using wide-angle lenses

• Using telephoto lenses

• Using normal lenses

• Using macro lenses

• Using tilt-and-shift lenses

• Using image-stabilized lenses

• Exploring lens accessories

Different cameras make different demands on lenses, and there is no question that the full-frame EOS 5D produces the best quality images with high-quality lenses such as Canon's L-series lenses. With a high-quality lens, pictures have stunning detail, high resolution, and snappy contrast. Conversely, low-quality optics tend to produce softened edges, particularly with wide-angle lenses, more chromatic aberrations, and distortion.

With the 5D's full-frame sensor, the need for good glass is especially important because at full-frame, any defects in the lens performance show up immediately in terms of soft corners. As most photographers know, over time the investment in lenses far exceeds the money invested in the camera body. For these reasons, making studied decisions on lens purchases pays off for years to come in getting great image sharpness and quality.

This chapter provides an overview of Canon lenses, what features to look for in buying lenses, and the advantages and disadvantages of zoom versus prime (single-focal length) lenses. It also provides the basics on lenses characteristics and various lens accessories.

Understanding Canon Lenses

The EOS 5D is compatible with Canon's EF-mount lenses, but not with the EF-S ...