UNDERSTAND YOUR LENSES

Get to grips with the most common lens features

One of the most challenging aspects of professional photography is that the tools we use are incredibly complex pieces of equipment that the majority of us are unqualified to deconstruct and reassemble. In other industries, even those in the technology sector, it is quite feasible to customise tools, make repairs, perform upgrades, and even salvage parts for reuse in other items.

The construction of lenses is performed to micrometre-level precision, using specialised assembly lines operated by trained professionals in sterile environments. Even the slightest misalignment can render a product unusable, as can dust and other contaminants.

The terminology of lenses is often far from self-explanatory, and is made more confusing by variations between different manufacturers. Modern lenses come armed with a wealth of advanced technology – some software based, some hardware and chemistry related. Each feature is responsible for a small portion of the overall design, which is tailored to produce the optimal sharpness and contrast, with minimal distortion.

Understanding the technology present in a lens is essential for making informed decisions about which models you need in your kitbag. As with most photographic equipment, there are times when you will find that a feature does not offer a significant-enough advantage to justify the financial outlay, while in other circumstances it may be almost impossible to create the images you need without a certain piece of kit. With photographic lenses the presence of such features may not be indicated as obviously as by having a physical switch. Often features will be denoted by prefixes or suffixes in the lens nomenclature.

This can make lenses seem like an obscure and intimidating area of the market. Here we’ll take an in-depth look at lens technology and the terms that are commonly used to indicate its inclusion.