Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Supporting Arguement 2: Different types of lenses
Supporting Argument 2:
Today there are a plethora of different types of lenses that are made available to consumers and professionals. Lenses used for still photography cameras, video cameras, telescopes and microscopes are essentially the same in principle but only differ in design and construction. Some lenses are permanently fixed to the camera while many are interchangeable. Using a camera with the capability of equipping an interchangeable lens opens up the photographer to an extremely wide array of lens options to achieve the desired image.
Generally there are a number of different types of interchangeable lenses. There are wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses. Wide-angle lenses work best for landscape photography and when in film are great for the master shot or establishing shot. This is because the wide-angle lens has a large image circle. Typically wide-angle lenses range from 18mm to 28mm, though one can consider fish eye lenses (which range from 8mm to 17mm) as wide-angle lenses too. Perspective changes is extremely variable to what lens is used. Wide-angle lenses magnify the distance between objects and allow a greater depth of field. Normal lenses range from 35mm to 70mm and work great for their versatility and portability. These generally have a much shallower DOF. Medium telephoto lenses range from 70mm to 135mm and work beautifully for portraiture. This is because telephoto lenses tend to visually shorten the distance between the foreground, middle ground and background. Also, telephoto lenses tend to have more a shallower DOF, allowing the photographer to separate the subject from the background or foreground with blur. Lenses longer than 135mm are still considered telephoto lenses and come in a much bulkier size. These are ideal for shooting wildlife and still work effectively for portraits. Of these lenses there are two versions: prime or zoom. Both offer different capabilities and both have different purposes that depend on what the photographer needs.
Depth of field (DOF) is the area of the scene that maintains sharpness. Small DOF keeps only a very small line of focus, which creates emphasis on the subject while blurring everything else. A large DOF, known as deep focus in cinematography terms, allows a longer area to keep in sharp detail. In addition to the type of lens used, the aperture size changes the amount of blur there is in the picture. The wider the aperture (the lower the f-stop number) the more light is exposed and in result the areas of the image that are blurred out are increasingly blurred with more exposure to light.
Aside from wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses, another factor to creative control in photography is knowing the difference in prime and zoom lenses. A prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length. For example a 50mm prime lens will always maintain the same perspective and framing at 50mm. This means that in order to achieve the exact framing a photographer wants, he or she must physically move the camera into the needed position instead of zooming to crop the image to his or her desire. The reason for photographers still using prime lenses is for the superior optical quality over zoom lenses. Prime lenses have simpler optics and have a larger maximum aperture (it can stop lower, for example a lens with a f 1.8 is considered a fast lens) In result, prime lenses have a lot of control over DOF and are versatile in being able to shoot in many different lighting conditions. A zoom lens is quite different. They are capable of magnifying Supporting Argument 2:
Today there are a plethora of different types of lenses that are made available to consumers and professionals. Lenses used for still photography cameras, video cameras, telescopes and microscopes are essentially the same in principle but only differ in design and construction. Some lenses are permanently fixed to the camera while many are interchangeable. Using a camera with the capability of equipping an interchangeable lens opens up the photographer to an extremely wide array of lens options to achieve the desired image.
Generally there are a number of different types of interchangeable lenses. There are wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses. Wide-angle lenses work best for landscape photography and when in film are great for the master shot or establishing shot. This is because the wide-angle lens has a large image circle. Typically wide-angle lenses range from 18mm to 28mm, though one can consider fish eye lenses (which range from 8mm to 17mm) as wide-angle lenses too. Perspective changes is extremely variable to what lens is used. Wide-angle lenses magnify the distance between objects and allow a greater depth of field. Normal lenses range from 35mm to 70mm and work great for their versatility and portability. These generally have a much shallower DOF. Medium telephoto lenses range from 70mm to 135mm and work beautifully for portraiture. This is because telephoto lenses tend to visually shorten the distance between the foreground, middle ground and background. Also, telephoto lenses tend to have more a shallower DOF, allowing the photographer to separate the subject from the background or foreground with blur. Lenses longer than 135mm are still considered telephoto lenses and come in a much bulkier size. These are ideal for shooting wildlife and still work effectively for portraits. Of these lenses there are two versions: prime or zoom. Both offer different capabilities and both have different purposes that depend on what the photographer needs.
Depth of field (DOF) is the area of the scene that maintains sharpness. Small DOF keeps only a very small line of focus, which creates emphasis on the subject while blurring everything else. A large DOF, known as deep focus in cinematography terms, allows a longer area to keep in sharp detail. In addition to the type of lens used, the aperture size changes the amount of blur there is in the picture. The wider the aperture (the lower the f-stop number) the more light is exposed and in result the areas of the image that are blurred out are increasingly blurred with more exposure to light.
Aside from wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses, another factor to creative control in photography is knowing the difference in prime and zoom lenses. A prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length. For example a 50mm prime lens will always maintain the same perspective and framing at 50mm. This means that in order to achieve the exact framing a photographer wants, he or she must physically move the camera into the needed position instead of zooming to crop the image to his or her desire. The reason for photographers still using prime lenses is for the superior optical quality over zoom lenses. Prime lenses have simpler optics and have a larger maximum aperture (it can stop lower, for example a lens with a f 1.8 is considered a fast lens) In result, prime lenses have a lot of control over DOF and are versatile in being able to shoot in many different lighting conditions. A zoom lens is quite different. They are capable of magnifying the overall image by a rotation device on the lens itself. Zoom lenses are versatile but do not compare to the optical quality of some prime lenses. Generally they are not as fast as prime lenses but offer many possibilities in photography and shooting video. Zoom lenses are typically included in most DSLR kits found on the market today. These are usually cheaply made though can make light and versatile walk-around lenses that one can always keep on the camera. What makes a zoom lens optically magnify is the movement of the middle lens element inside of the lens. One thing to keep in mind about zoom lenses is that the majority of them have a variable aperture size. The lens’s smallest f-stop is determined by how zoomed in the camera is. For example, I own a Nikon 18-105mm f/ 3.5-5.6 AF-S DX lens; this lens can stop down to 3.5 at the lowest but only when it is zoomed all the way out to 18mm. When I zoom in to 105mm, the aperture will stop up to 5.6 automatically. This limits the photographer’s freedom to shoot in variable lighting situations. Some lenses such as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L lens has a fixed aperture, though the price jumps up tremendously for this feature.
the overall image by a rotation device on the lens itself. Zoom lenses are versatile but do not compare to the optical quality of some prime lenses. Generally they are not as fast as prime lenses but offer many possibilities in photography and shooting video. Zoom lenses are typically included in most DSLR kits found on the market today. These are usually cheaply made though can make light and versatile walk-around lenses that one can always keep on the camera. What makes a zoom lens optically magnify is the movement of the middle lens element inside of the lens. One thing to keep in mind about zoom lenses is that the majority of them have a variable aperture size. The lens’s smallest f-stop is determined by how zoomed in the camera is. For example, I own a Nikon 18-105mm f/ 3.5-5.6 AF-S DX lens; this lens can stop down to 3.5 at the lowest but only when it is zoomed all the way out to 18mm. When I zoom in to 105mm, the aperture will stop up to 5.6 automatically. This limits the photographer’s freedom to shoot in variable lighting situations. Some lenses such as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L lens has a fixed aperture, though the price jumps up tremendously for this feature.
Today there are a plethora of different types of lenses that are made available to consumers and professionals. Lenses used for still photography cameras, video cameras, telescopes and microscopes are essentially the same in principle but only differ in design and construction. Some lenses are permanently fixed to the camera while many are interchangeable. Using a camera with the capability of equipping an interchangeable lens opens up the photographer to an extremely wide array of lens options to achieve the desired image.
Generally there are a number of different types of interchangeable lenses. There are wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses. Wide-angle lenses work best for landscape photography and when in film are great for the master shot or establishing shot. This is because the wide-angle lens has a large image circle. Typically wide-angle lenses range from 18mm to 28mm, though one can consider fish eye lenses (which range from 8mm to 17mm) as wide-angle lenses too. Perspective changes is extremely variable to what lens is used. Wide-angle lenses magnify the distance between objects and allow a greater depth of field. Normal lenses range from 35mm to 70mm and work great for their versatility and portability. These generally have a much shallower DOF. Medium telephoto lenses range from 70mm to 135mm and work beautifully for portraiture. This is because telephoto lenses tend to visually shorten the distance between the foreground, middle ground and background. Also, telephoto lenses tend to have more a shallower DOF, allowing the photographer to separate the subject from the background or foreground with blur. Lenses longer than 135mm are still considered telephoto lenses and come in a much bulkier size. These are ideal for shooting wildlife and still work effectively for portraits. Of these lenses there are two versions: prime or zoom. Both offer different capabilities and both have different purposes that depend on what the photographer needs.
Depth of field (DOF) is the area of the scene that maintains sharpness. Small DOF keeps only a very small line of focus, which creates emphasis on the subject while blurring everything else. A large DOF, known as deep focus in cinematography terms, allows a longer area to keep in sharp detail. In addition to the type of lens used, the aperture size changes the amount of blur there is in the picture. The wider the aperture (the lower the f-stop number) the more light is exposed and in result the areas of the image that are blurred out are increasingly blurred with more exposure to light.
Aside from wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses, another factor to creative control in photography is knowing the difference in prime and zoom lenses. A prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length. For example a 50mm prime lens will always maintain the same perspective and framing at 50mm. This means that in order to achieve the exact framing a photographer wants, he or she must physically move the camera into the needed position instead of zooming to crop the image to his or her desire. The reason for photographers still using prime lenses is for the superior optical quality over zoom lenses. Prime lenses have simpler optics and have a larger maximum aperture (it can stop lower, for example a lens with a f 1.8 is considered a fast lens) In result, prime lenses have a lot of control over DOF and are versatile in being able to shoot in many different lighting conditions. A zoom lens is quite different. They are capable of magnifying Supporting Argument 2:
Today there are a plethora of different types of lenses that are made available to consumers and professionals. Lenses used for still photography cameras, video cameras, telescopes and microscopes are essentially the same in principle but only differ in design and construction. Some lenses are permanently fixed to the camera while many are interchangeable. Using a camera with the capability of equipping an interchangeable lens opens up the photographer to an extremely wide array of lens options to achieve the desired image.
Generally there are a number of different types of interchangeable lenses. There are wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses. Wide-angle lenses work best for landscape photography and when in film are great for the master shot or establishing shot. This is because the wide-angle lens has a large image circle. Typically wide-angle lenses range from 18mm to 28mm, though one can consider fish eye lenses (which range from 8mm to 17mm) as wide-angle lenses too. Perspective changes is extremely variable to what lens is used. Wide-angle lenses magnify the distance between objects and allow a greater depth of field. Normal lenses range from 35mm to 70mm and work great for their versatility and portability. These generally have a much shallower DOF. Medium telephoto lenses range from 70mm to 135mm and work beautifully for portraiture. This is because telephoto lenses tend to visually shorten the distance between the foreground, middle ground and background. Also, telephoto lenses tend to have more a shallower DOF, allowing the photographer to separate the subject from the background or foreground with blur. Lenses longer than 135mm are still considered telephoto lenses and come in a much bulkier size. These are ideal for shooting wildlife and still work effectively for portraits. Of these lenses there are two versions: prime or zoom. Both offer different capabilities and both have different purposes that depend on what the photographer needs.
Depth of field (DOF) is the area of the scene that maintains sharpness. Small DOF keeps only a very small line of focus, which creates emphasis on the subject while blurring everything else. A large DOF, known as deep focus in cinematography terms, allows a longer area to keep in sharp detail. In addition to the type of lens used, the aperture size changes the amount of blur there is in the picture. The wider the aperture (the lower the f-stop number) the more light is exposed and in result the areas of the image that are blurred out are increasingly blurred with more exposure to light.
Aside from wide-angle, normal and telephoto lenses, another factor to creative control in photography is knowing the difference in prime and zoom lenses. A prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length. For example a 50mm prime lens will always maintain the same perspective and framing at 50mm. This means that in order to achieve the exact framing a photographer wants, he or she must physically move the camera into the needed position instead of zooming to crop the image to his or her desire. The reason for photographers still using prime lenses is for the superior optical quality over zoom lenses. Prime lenses have simpler optics and have a larger maximum aperture (it can stop lower, for example a lens with a f 1.8 is considered a fast lens) In result, prime lenses have a lot of control over DOF and are versatile in being able to shoot in many different lighting conditions. A zoom lens is quite different. They are capable of magnifying the overall image by a rotation device on the lens itself. Zoom lenses are versatile but do not compare to the optical quality of some prime lenses. Generally they are not as fast as prime lenses but offer many possibilities in photography and shooting video. Zoom lenses are typically included in most DSLR kits found on the market today. These are usually cheaply made though can make light and versatile walk-around lenses that one can always keep on the camera. What makes a zoom lens optically magnify is the movement of the middle lens element inside of the lens. One thing to keep in mind about zoom lenses is that the majority of them have a variable aperture size. The lens’s smallest f-stop is determined by how zoomed in the camera is. For example, I own a Nikon 18-105mm f/ 3.5-5.6 AF-S DX lens; this lens can stop down to 3.5 at the lowest but only when it is zoomed all the way out to 18mm. When I zoom in to 105mm, the aperture will stop up to 5.6 automatically. This limits the photographer’s freedom to shoot in variable lighting situations. Some lenses such as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L lens has a fixed aperture, though the price jumps up tremendously for this feature.
the overall image by a rotation device on the lens itself. Zoom lenses are versatile but do not compare to the optical quality of some prime lenses. Generally they are not as fast as prime lenses but offer many possibilities in photography and shooting video. Zoom lenses are typically included in most DSLR kits found on the market today. These are usually cheaply made though can make light and versatile walk-around lenses that one can always keep on the camera. What makes a zoom lens optically magnify is the movement of the middle lens element inside of the lens. One thing to keep in mind about zoom lenses is that the majority of them have a variable aperture size. The lens’s smallest f-stop is determined by how zoomed in the camera is. For example, I own a Nikon 18-105mm f/ 3.5-5.6 AF-S DX lens; this lens can stop down to 3.5 at the lowest but only when it is zoomed all the way out to 18mm. When I zoom in to 105mm, the aperture will stop up to 5.6 automatically. This limits the photographer’s freedom to shoot in variable lighting situations. Some lenses such as the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L lens has a fixed aperture, though the price jumps up tremendously for this feature.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Case Study: How Lenses Work
1. Introduction
a. Thesis: Knowledge of how lenses function in still and video photography is important for creating powerful and effective visuals for the entertainment industry.
b. Subarguements:
i. Recently video making has been more accessible because of new HD video recording features on DSLR cameras, Digital video cameras, and even video recording features on phones.
ii. Learning how lenses work and their capabilities will help digital artists effectively tell their stories.
2. Body
a. Supporting Arguement 1:
i. History of lenses. How and what lead them to the current lenses we use today
ii. Advent of Auto focus, fish eye, zoom lenses, Image Stabilization
b. Supporting Arguement 2:
i. Different types of lenses and their construction
ii. Differences between wide angle, normal, and telephoto lenses
iii. Prime lenses vs. Zoom lenses
iv. Aperture and how it affects the DOF
c. Supporting Arguement 3:
i. How are lenses used now? Specifically in the entertainment industry
ii. DSLR with HD video capabilities
iii. Using old MF lenses on DSLRs – a current economical investment for shooting video are Nikon Non-AI and AI lenses;
iv. Lenses for HDRI imaging – which lenses are appropriate? Advantages and disadvantages between using an 8mm lens vs a 14mm lens.
v. Camera and lens capabilities in 3D programs such as Maya and 3D Studio Max.
3. Conclusion
a. Knowing the progression in lens technology, how different kinds of lenses are used and how lenses are used in digital mediums are essential for
b. With the invention of devices such as the tilt lens, fisheye, and the advancement in optics for photographers/videographers, camera lenses are constantly being improved and re-invented to allow artists have more creative control and a wider range of possibilities.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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