On the agenda were Zooms, Primes, Wide Angle, and Macro and specialised lenses all explained in detail comparing the respective strengths and weaknesses and why lenses often divide views and opinions in the world of photography.
Alan gave examples of lenses and what to look out for in the technical data to assist in both selecting a lens and understand what makes some stand out from other lesser quality lenses. Moving on to aperture and focal length it was explained why this is an important factor in both selecting and using a lens to suit the type of photograph you are trying to achieve.
Calibration was discussed and how there are occasions when a camera and lens can be slightly out of sharp focus sync due to a manufacturing clash of tolerances with some camera and lens combinations. With the aid of a calibration chart it is possible to micro adjust a lens that has a front or back focusing problem.
Even the best of lenses can have some sort of quality problem and Alan outlined why this is such wide issue in photography. Generally speaking you get what you pay for and lenses can cost from less than a hundred pounds at the lower end to thousands at the high end. Prime lenses and fast lenses are at the more expensive end but in the right hands deliver top quality images. Whatever your budget thankfully there is a lens to suit in your price bracket and some of the lesser known brand names can be good value. Don’t forget to consider purchasing a ‘used’ lenses as they can be very good value
Alan closed off with the subject of ‘the sweet spot’ of a lens and how to get the best out of using it. By understanding your lens and where the sweet spot is will increase the number of higher quality images you capture. The presentation is available on the West Moor Camera Club website for reference and a good document to have available for reference.
Write up by Ron Bowes.