Buying a dSLR: Tip #4
Tip #4: Don’t fall into the “one lens fits all needs” trap
Normally, a good zoom lens won’t exceed a 3-4x zoom (max focal length / min focal length). That’s because zoom lenses make a compromise between zoom range, physical dimensions, image quality, and price. Very long zooms (18-200mm, for instance) have poor image results and varied results depending on the chosen focal length.
The “brightness” of the lens is also important if you want to take good shots in poor lighting conditions. It’s better to get a brighter lens than a dark one which compensates with image stabilisation. There are other factors you’ll want to take into account - sharpness, purple fringing, distorsions, bokeh, even size and weight.
Depending on the kind of photography you’re into, you will eventually have an assortment of lenses. You may have a 50mm prime for portraits, another prime (60mm or more) for macro photography, a wide angle for landscapes and city tours, a super tele for wild animals, a decent superzoom for most needs when travelling light. For travelling, there’s always the compromise of what you want to photograph and what you can carry with you.
