Getting used to using the equipment, the owner often does not wonder how this or that gadget is organized, which helps him in everyday activities. Quite often, it should be taken into account that familiarity with a device of a technique occurs in unpleasant circumstances, for example, during a breakdown. We will understand how to choose and use the camera lens correctly, while taking care of it competently, in order to avoid unpleasant situations related to a failure.
How the lens works
Modern camera lenses do not differ much from their predecessors. The principle of operation and design has not changed for decades. Light particles fall on the matrix and pass through it optical system. The basis of this optical system is the lens. It also includes a viewfinder and a focus sensor. The task of the optical system is to collect the rays of light on the same plane.Here the lens plays an essential role.
Theoretical basis
The principle of the photo lens is based on the laws of optics, that is, the refraction of a light beam as it crosses the boundaries of a medium of different densities. You can see this phenomenon everywhere. For example, in a cup, when mixing sugar in water. Spoon, immersed in tea, looks cracked, deformed just at the border of fluid and air. Light in liquids travels more slowly than in gases, hence the barely perceptible distortion I can observe with my own eyes.
This effect is even more pronounced when the light passes. at the boundary of the air and the lens. The more the lens is twisted, the stronger the effect. As a result of such refraction, an image is projected using a non-geometrically correct, but undistorted matrix.
The main elements of the lens
The camera lens of the camera is quite complicated. It consists of several basic elements
a system of DZO lenses and spherical mirrors made of a specialized material;
metal frame;
aperture.
On the front of the camera is an optic that collects light rays - collecting lens. Inside the camera are optical lenses and mirrors that refract the received rays to form a subsequent image. The optical system of the camera can have a different number of lenses. Depending on the needs, the lenses can be adjacent or have an air gap.
Lens mount - It is not only responsible for the strength of the entire structure, it also serves as a fixation for the optics. Since the arrangement of the lenses requires extreme precision, it is imperative that each lens installed is located at a designated distance, does not move, as this could affect the quality of the shot. Therefore, the frame is often made of durable metal alloys.
The frame has a complex apparatus. Its main part is responsible for the external protection against physical and meteorological effects, usually the optical lenses and the diaphragm are located there. The inner part of the frame (it is also called transitional) is used to move parts along the axis, as well as to establish a solid connection with the body (body, casing) of the chamber. The inner frame is equipped with several ring parts. When one of these rings rotates, the part in which the outer unit is attached moves.
The frame allows you to make automatic or manual adjustments to the iris settings. Aperture is an adjustable hole that controls the amount of light rays entering the interior. It consists of moving metal petals that, taking a different position, regulate the level of rays falling on the matrix. The petals are mobile both around the circle of the optical lens and beyond. This detail is necessary to work with the depth of field when transferring space to the frame. The smaller the aperture, the sharper the image on the frame.
Focusing mechanism and image stabilization
When shooting, another part of the lens plays an important role. With the help of the focus ring the manual focusing is done. When the ring is turned, it focuses on the front or back. The focus ring allows you to work with a variable focal length (the better known name is "zoom", "zoom in on the image", etc.) in manual or automatic mode, of course, if the latter is supported by the model.
Modern camera manufacturers use ultrasonic focusing controls (USM), which are directly integrated into the lenses. With this device, an extremely fast and smooth focusing is provided. Also known as lens with screwdriver. The disadvantage of this system is the slower and noisy work. The screwdriver of the camera is a motor through which occurs the rotation of individual parts, as a result of which the focus takes place. It is located outside the housing, on a metal ring for mounting the camera.
In addition to the autofocus in the lens can be present and stabilization mechanismcompensate for inertia during a long exposure. This allows you to get sharp photos without using a tripod. Varifocal lenses are equipped with a zoom ring, which allows you to change the focusing distance. With these rings, you can greatly enlarge or reduce the object inside the frame.
Types of lenses and their application
For an SLR camera, there are different types of lenses.If the camera is equipped with a fixed lens, the frame will be integrated into the design of the camera. But the most popular models with removable lenses. Different filters can be attached to the lens itself, depending on the methods and location of the shooting. The size of the lenses can also vary considerably.
Whale
Whale lenses are generally preferred by beginners. This is an optic that comes complete with housing. The viewing angles of whale optics are almost identical to those of humans, without taking into account the peripheral vision. This fact makes whale optics very popular, such devices are easy and convenient to use in everyday shooting, to perform simple shots. Sometimes a whale is called a standard or full lens. This is a universal thing for a wide range of applications. The whale lens is distinguished by its low price, as well as its ability to take pictures in almost any format: from a moving object to a portrait or a micro-shot.The quality of the final image varies from low to quite high.
Wide angle
The types of lenses for SLR cameras include a wide angle format. These are lenses that offer a wide range of visibility (from 60 degrees). With the help of such optics, it is very convenient.Shoot a group of people and take pictures in tight spaces. The background at the same time remains slightly blurred. The focal length can reach 28 mm. These lenses cost a lot of money, but in most cases their purchase is justified. Used for weddings and indoor shooting, as well as landscapes.
Fish eye
This is an optic with a defective distortion. The angle of view of this lens can reach 180 degrees. The focusing distance is between 4.5 and 15 mm.
Sometimes this lens is also called "fish". With the help of such lenses, it is convenient to make circular and diagonal photo. Using the "fisheye", often taken photos of the city, as well as photos of extreme sports.
Macro lens
As the name suggests, this is a lens designed to photofilm small objects. As a rule, such a lens allows you to take close-up shots. The focusing distance is between 50 and 180 mm. The maximum aperture value is f / 2/8. A characteristic of this lens is the ability to focus on small objects, as well as the high sharpness of the image and good color reproduction. Most often used in nature photography (insects, flowers, etc.).
Long Focus
Lens with a long focusing distance of 70 to 300 mm. The visibility varies from 39 degrees. These lenses can be of two types: telephoto and telephoto. With regard to the blurring of borders, these two concepts are eventually confused and become identical. Used to photograph objects and events in motion: sports competitions, moments of the natural world.
Portrait optics
Lens with a focusing distance that remains unchanged during operation. Best suited for portraits. Has high light levels. The portrait lens allows you to mask small skin defects.
You can choose a camera lens according to several criteria.
Focal length. One of the most important parameters when choosing a lens. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to recommend specific parameters, since only the photographer himself can know the minimum focusing distance. As a rule, the most effective lenses have a short focusing distance. To measure the focal length, it is necessary to measure the distance between the focal plane and the subject.
Aperture. The most important criterion for those who plan to shoot in low visibility and poor lighting conditions. Lenses with high light levels are generally of very high quality. If possible, it would be best to purchase lenses with the highest brightness value. It is important to remember that a constant aperture value for the lens is better, because the brightness values change with the focusing distance.
Image stabilization. This setting has a professional lens model. Cameras with long focal length photography need stabilization the most.The best image stabilizer so far in almost all weather conditions was and remains the most ordinary tripod. However, if the model has a built-in stabilization system, you should probably use it.
Mount. Lens mounting is an open and debatable issue among professionals. To date, no universal type of accessory has been developed that the major players in the photographic equipment market would adhere to. Each manufacturer produces lenses with a unique mount, designed only for their own equipment. With the exception of several lenses that claim to be universal, the technical problem of attaching the lens to the camera body is not worth it. Buying a certain body, the future owner already knows what company he will have for a lens.
How to make a change of lens
The first and very important point to observe is the cleanliness of the room in which the replacement takes place. It is desirable that the room has no air flow. The device is placed on the screen with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. Next, you need to prepare the lens, which should be installed. It is desirable that it was within reach all this time. With the finger of the left hand press the unlock button, after which you can unscrew and remove the lens. Unscrew the lens counterclockwise. It should be put aside.
Then we take a new lens in our hands and attach it in red or white dots (depending on the manufacturer). Once the lens has entered the corresponding grooves, it should be carefully screwed clockwise. When the wire is completely twisted, a distinctive click will sound, indicating that the process is complete.
When replacing the lens, various problems may arise. If the lens is stuck, then a few simple steps should be taken:
- check the instrument display for lens errors;
- recall if the camera has recently suffered any physical damage;
- ask for clarification in the user manual.
If the main diagnosis did not help, it is necessary to hit his palm to the side. Light blows to the body sometimes help to resume the work of the stuck lens. Among the options, you can try to clean the tube and connect the camera by the cord to charge it. Sometimes the problem can be hidden by the lack of battery charge.
Still not extend the lens? It can be done by hand. To do this, gently rotate the lens with your fingers, not in automatic mode. Sometimes you can slightly push or try to pull the lens. You can also put the camera with a lens and bang it on the palm of your hand, bent into a handle. If there is a click, it means that the lenses have returned to their original position.Sometimes you can try forced autofocus. In some cases, it is possible to correct the images with such an error.
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The panoramic photos are an amazing option when a photo to the regular format does not cover all the space we want to show. This is the reason why they are very often used for natural landscapes but also urban ones. So why not use them for other types of shots as well? In this article, we present 20 original panoramic photos to inspire you, find ideas and produce different images using the panoramic format.
Although we have also included panoramic photos taken in nature or in the city, we have highlighted disciplines that you may not have imagined to tackle in panoramic format. Read on and find out quickly!
Original panoramic photos in aerial view
This photo encompasses the entire upper part of the buildings and thus gives a feeling of vertigo . This type of photo is impossible to take without the help of a drone. But if you have one, you can try to capture this kind of panoramic views, as incredible as the one above:
Panoramic photo of a recognizable building
To be able to encompass a place as emblematic as the Louvre Museum in all its grandeur, nothing like a panoramic like this, where you can appreciate the two monuments and the famous pyramid in the central plan. Do not hesitate to resort to the panorama to succeed different, original shots and with other points of view during your travels . You can place the building or monument in the center or on one of the sides. Test multiple images to get the best result!
Panoramic photo of a rainbow
What better way to photograph such a special climatic phenomenon than through a panoramic? We know that it can turn out to be a bit complicated. First, because we don't see a rainbow every day. Secondly, because it is not easy to obtain the adequate pan before the rainbow disappears. But as a good photographer, you must surely like this kind of challenge, so go for it! If you see a rainbow, pan it.
Original panoramic photos with an element in the foreground
A photo that brings out an element in the foreground with a blurry space in the background is not unusual, although it is true that it is not as common as panoramic formats. Here is an example of this macro photograph of a flower with a building in the background. But you also tested a portrait, the foreground of an animal, urban elements or any other element that you want to bring out.
Panoramic photo in black and white
We know that black and white is a creative element. But you might not have considered using it on a panning, while still popping out the minimalist element , like below. It is the ideal tool to create different sensations. If you resort to black and white with very harsh lights, you will produce a very violent feeling. Conversely, with more dimmed lights, the atmosphere will be more melancholy.
Original panoramic photos of a city
It is true that panoramas are generally used to capture an urban landscape . But the originality here lies in finding the ideal place and the right moment to take this shot. So do not think that the panoramas of such and such a city have already been done too much. We invite you, on the contrary, to find more original points of view , different places or any element that can give the funny or singular touch sought for the photo.
Panoramic photo of an indoor location
Surely you must have heard a lot of times that the ideal for taking a photo indoors is a wide-angle lens . With these objectives, you will be able to capture a space in all its magnitude. So why not associate it with the realization of a panoramic? Especially since if you do not have a wide angle, this can be the right solution to achieve photographing an interior space in its entirety.
Original panoramic photos with the Milky Way
This type of photo may require a little more planning, but the results can be dramatic . You will need to think about the scene where you want to pan, where you want the Milky Way to appear in the frame, as well as how many photos to use to pan. You can always experiment before getting the final photo. And when you get it, it will definitely leave everyone speechless.
Panoramic photo in a desert location
Nothing better than a panoramic to capture the immensity of a desert . There are few landscapes as spectacular as deserts, which can convey so much with so little. Using a wide angle certainly gives great results, but if you pan the area, the feeling of grandeur will be even stronger. And if you also manage to freeze the effect of the wind like here, that's even better.
Panoramic photo using a person as the main element
As we have seen, panoramas are generally used for landscapes. But the combination of a spectacular landscape and a human figure can give very original panoramic portraits . Find a special place for the person to be photographed and match their attire instead. All you have to do is work on the model's poses and the light.
Panoramic in an industrial place
You might think that an industrial place is not a special place to have a photoshoot. But often, a simple change of format can give you more original views of the place than you expected. Look for an abandoned factory, mine, or brownfield site . Panning such a different place will surely give you unexpected results.
Original panoramic photo in a snowy place
You can't always find a snowy place to photograph. If you're lucky enough to find one, don't hesitate to capture the full extent of the snowy landscape with the help of a pan. If you live in an iconic city, climb to a high point and look for a snow-covered panorama. The photo will quickly become your favorite winter photo.
Original panoramic photos of your city's skyline
We have already mentioned the panoramas of urban landscapes. The photo below can also enter this category but this is a very special type of urban landscape SINCE we focus here on the skylines of cities . You will therefore need a place with special characteristics to be able to achieve this type of panoramic. So if you find this place, take the opportunity to photograph it, for spectacular results.
Panoramic photo of a paradise beach.
Admittedly, this type of panoramic is not specially original. You surely must have done a panorama, during a trip to the beach . The originality, in this type of photo, consists in finding elements that decorate the photo, to avoid a dull panoramic, where we would only have sand and the sea . Thus, you can see below a pontoon with boats at one end and palm trees at the other end, to delimit these two extremes of the panorama.
Original panoramic photos in a forest with dense vegetation
Panoramic photos of forests are usually taken from the outside, trying to capture all their grandeur and the mass of trees. But why not make one from the inside? We will show just as much the density of the place, while giving it a touch of heaven that will transport us to a place worthy of a fairy tale.
Original panoramic photo of the waves against the rocks
Capturing the precise moment when a wave hits the rocks at the water's edge can give very vivid photo results. And they will be even more so if you approach the image from the perspective of a panoramic. You can focus all over the shore to keep the focus in the center, on the wave breaking against the rocks . As you have a more elongated format, the interest will be much more concentrated on this action than on the space of the sea and the sky which will then be cropped.
Original panoramic photos with mist
The challenge here is to find a place to photograph the fog in order to capture all of its essence. It will certainly take a lot of preparation to do this. First, check the weather to make sure there will be fog on the day you want to go out and take the picture. Then, you have to find the right place , where you are sure that the fog will appear. If you control these two parameters, you will be successful.
Original panoramic macro photo
If you are passionate about macro photography , you must have dabbled in macro photography of flowers and insects before . Now take the challenge of a successful macro photography in panoramic format. It is an original format for macro photography which will give you images different from those we usually see in this photo discipline.
Original panoramic sports photos
In sports photography , it is not easy to achieve a panoramic photo of a place because to do so, you would have to immortalize a sport without almost any movement. A concept quite contrary to the practice of sport. But you can still take the photo in normal format but with a frame that will allow you to crop it in panoramic format, during the post-production phase . It's a different way of bringing out the athlete and producing images that stand out in sports photography.
Panoramic photos of a landscape with water using reflections
The landscapes are the main objectives of panoramic photos. It must be said that it is the ideal format to be able to capture all the essence of the place that took our breath away . Like the photo below, we invite you to play with the reflections if you find a landscape with water. Try to get a totally symmetrical photo where the water reflects the green color of the landscape. To achieve this, you will have to play on the place and the setting.
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