Camera Lenses

We look at the pros and cons of pro and non-pro lenses to help you make your decision on substance rather than a badge

You can get improved speed, sharpness and a compact size in prime lenses, but what do you give up? We look at the pros and cons of single-focal-length lenses.

Big telezooms get the glory and wide-angle models get the headlines, but the underappreciated middle child in a typical three-zoom kit may be your most useful lens. Learn how to choose the right one for you.

We decipher the technobabble behind these nature photography mainstays

Consider the talents of a 90mm macro lens at both ends of the composition spectrum

Your favorite optics live again—in digital reincarnation

How to save money and find the best lenses to match up with your shooting style

Think Differently…

For the occasional extreme telephoto shooter, an inexpensive mirror lens gives you a lot of reach for a low cost

These simple devices give you more reach with your telephotos for high-impact wildlife, macro and even landscape photography

Long-focal-length super-telephotos are obviously well suited to wildlife work. They also can give you a new perspective on your landscape photography.

Having a single lens to cover everything from ultrawide to strong telephoto is incredibly appealing, but how well do these extreme zooms perform in a variety of situations? We’ll show you where the trade-offs are.

Get the right gear to cover all of your landscape shooting opportunities

The ins and outs of a landscape photographer’s most used lens

Create dramatic and dynamic landscape images when you explore the ultrawide end of the spectrum

Between image-stabilized lenses, in-camera stabilization and high-ISO technology, the game has changed for photographers seeking the freedom to shoot handheld

How to pick the right lens to match your photo needs and your budget

What makes a good landscape lens?

What the top professionals have to say about the optics they need the most

Often dismissed by “serious” photographers, these lenses offer some significant advantages