Choosing a Lens: The Guide to a Happy Perception
Jan 4, 2016
Have you ever looked through a lens?Whether it was your glasses or your camera, I bet you have. Lenses can be concave, or convex, where the curvature dictates the application. Lenses can vary in size and brand. They can be priced differently and can be sold at a variety of places.
If you wanted to buy one, which one would you choose?
Let’s take a Nikon camera. You would probably start by looking at Nikon lenses. You would then make sure it is able to be used with your camera. Then, I bet you would check out the price, along with what features the lens would give you that you don’t already have.
Like, for example…. Focal length. You could choose a wide angle which would give you a broader perspective, which would let you take a photograph of a landscape or a city scape, or maybe you just have a lot of friends you would like to squeeze in a photo. Conversely, you may want a focal length that is macro – essentially a mode which allows you to get really close to whatever you want to photograph. I used to take macro photos when I was imaging anything within an arm length, like a flower. If you want a lens that is in between, you should go with a telephoto, which allows you to zoom in and out on objects that are near and far.
The second feature you should be aware of is the aperture- the highly scientific term for the size of the opening in a lens. The aperture tells you how much light is being let into the camera. In most cameras, it is opened and closed by blades that move at a shutter speed. It is highly advantageous if you would like more light in a photo or you wanted to “freeze” a photo by opening and closing the aperture very quickly.
With all these features it seems that you could have difficultly when picking the correct lens. First, you must have an idea of what you would like to photograph, what you would like to see, to capture. Second, you must understand that not every lens is for every perspective, not for every person. Third, and finally, you must understand that your eye is a lens, and my entire story here is not about a camera, it is about you.
“If we want to change a situation, we first must change ourselves. And to change ourselves effectively, we must change our perceptions.” – Daily Habits of Highly Effective People
Changing your perception can start with your perspective and how you view your world. The famous example of this idea is the rose bush. We always complain because the bush has so many thorns, but rarely rejoice that the bush has roses...
If you perceive your life as needing travel, you may want to invest in a light camera. For a light camera will not weigh you down among the miles that you will go.
If you perceive your life as needing detail, perfection, you may want to invest in a macro lens with the maximum aperture. That way you will be able to capture clear, detailed photos that will be seized with the correct amount of light.
If you perceive your life as natural, you may want to invest in a camera that has a telephoto lens so you have the ability to go between far away images and close up images. You want your camera to be versatile and free to react to whatever is in its surroundings.
If you perceive your life as action packed, you may want to invest in a camera with the maximum aperture and wide angle focal length so you will never miss a thing, but will still be able to “freeze” any moment you wish.
As you begin the New Year, you start with goals, tasks, and events you hope to accomplish in 2016. Build your lens to fit you. You never know what you will see unless you open your aperture.
Hmm… Not aperture.
You never know what you will see unless you open your EYES.
Start the New Year right. Start with your eyes, your lenses, and your perception of your ideal perspective. Happy New Year!
-Happiness in Handfulls