You may be totally confused about where to commence, when it comes to buying a digital slr lens for your digital SLR. Is it just the case that bigger is better? What does all of that intense terminology mean? How can you be sure to select the best lens and get a good price at the same time? The good news is that it doesn't have to be a daunting process if you have some basic knowledge to help get you started.

Concerning Focal Length

One of the main things you have to consider is what is known either as focal-length multiplier or focal-length magnification. This is the conversion that results from the APS-size sensor used on a digital SLR. Put simply, your digital SLR lens is going to act in a way larger than it actually is.

The conversion is about 1.5 to 1.6, which means that a 50 mm lens really gives you an angle of view compatible to a traditional 75 mm lens. 200 mm would be 300 mm and so on. However, it's important to note that this only accounts for the angle of view, and doesn't actually change the optics principles or distortion of a particular lens sense or style.

Look Out for Apochromatic Correction

Aprochromatic correction, image stabilization and digital only lenses are a few other features or options to keep in mind. Digital only lenses won't be compatible with a traditional camera, or potentially future SLRs with 35 mm lenses, though they provide great value. The Nikon DX is an example of this.

Image stabilization will help you get better shots by counteracting camera shake or blur from slow shutter speeds, and apochromatic correction helps to improve image sharpness. Also note that some camera bodies, such as those from Olympus and Sony, are designed to provide stabilization effects, and other cameras rely on the lens to provide image stabilization.

What Are the Best Brands?

When it comes to brands you'll definitely have a wide range to choose from. Canon digital camera lenses, from a company which has a great reputation for high quality lenses and camera bodies as well, is undoubtedly the most recognizable of the bunch. What's more, you'll find some great choices from Olympus, Panasonic, Tamron, Nikon and a variety of other manufacturers also.

You'll find that some of these brands may offer more customized solutions for a particular setting or style of photography. It could be that you are only interested in keeping the brand consistent between the lens and the camera body. While this isn't a necessity in most cases, this often offers greater synergy and performance for your shots. Whether or not you'd like to do this is entirely up to you.

This has been just a simple starting guide for camera lenses and digital SLR cameras. There is definitely more to consider, and of course you'll have to cross the bridge of how much money you need to end up spending as well. You will always be able to find a great match for your specific needs and your budgetary constraints, whatever they may be, but it's always better to purchase one versatile, top quality lens than needing to get a variety of more limited and lesser quality lenses.