If you're thinking about buying a new lens for your camera, you should read this first! Many people make the mistake of buying the wrong lens and then having to sell it is a loss. Then they have to buy the right lens at full price. But you don't have to make that mistake. Here are some great tips on what to do and what to avoid when buying a new lens.
Tips for buying a new lens for your camera
When buying a new lens for your camera, there are a few things you should keep in mind. It's important to be really clear on what you need before you buy. Take time to evaluate your camera's features and find out what your photography needs are. Then you can find out what kind of lens will work.
Work your way up in price
It's easy to get excited and to drool over really pricey lens. Resist the temptation. More often than not, it's just not worth the price tag. Invest in a medium-priced lens that does what you need, unless you have the cash to go hard straight away.
Choose your focal length
It is tempting to go for the one zoom that does it all, but that's not really how you should be thinking. Be realistic about what your needs are. For example, don't buy a 50-300mm lens if you only take photos of your family and pets when they are close to you all the time. Likewise if you are a landscape photographer, buying a bunch of telephotos and no wide angles could prove to be tricky to sell later on.
Consider Used Lens
This is a tough one. Used can sometimes be a good alternative to pricey lenses if you're just starting out. But if you're at a point where you can afford a lens and you know you want to stick with photography, buying new is the way to go.
However, every time you go to buy a used lens, make sure you check for scratches and marks. If a zoom, test to see how easy it opens and closes and if the motion is smooth.
Also look around the glass element for mould or moisture, especially if it isn't weather sealed. This is important because to get the lens serviced and fixed could be a real pain and end up costing more money than what you saved.
Deciding on a Budget
A key element of your decision-making process is deciding on a budget. You need to know how much you can afford to spend. If you have your heart set on a lens that's way out of your price range, you're going to be disappointed. Set a reasonable amount and save up for the lens.
Check Critic Reviews
Checking out some online reviews can help you get a better idea of what other people thought about the lens. Many lens companies will give YouTubers and websites the lens to test and they will give you a great idea as to the quality and how they perform.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are a number of factors to take into consideration when buying your dream lens for your camera. Using the tips above as starting points and further research into the many considerations which could be based on personal preference, you should be able to make an informed decision about whether or not a particular lens would make a good addition to your camera collection. Stay safe and happy shopping!