Camera Lens Numbers and Letters Explained.... Delenzo Mart

Many new photographers ask the question, “What Do All the Numbers and Letters in a Lens Name Mean?” This question arises when new photographers buy their DSLRs, and it takes them a little while to figure out. Many photographers look at the camera, and they also break down the numbers written on the camera lenses to see what they mean.

Hopefully, this post will also address the above-mentioned question for those new to lenses. So, in this blog post, we will dive deep into what the numbers on the lens mean. By reading the entire blog, your wonder about the meanings of the different numbers, letters, and symbols on your camera lens will go away. Do not worry. The technical terms may seem complicated at first, but they are easy to understand once they are explained. Let’s read more.

What Does 28-45mm F1.8 Mean?

Let's find out what 28-45mm means first. The number mentioned before, the ”mm”, gives us an idea about the lens's focal length. The 28-45mm part suggests the focal length of the lens. Lens focal length provides an idea of what we can see through the viewfinder. (Did you look through the camera lens, and everything looked closer than it was or more distant? That is your focal length. The main idea for you to know is that the lower the focal length (smaller the number), the broader the view. So, a “wider view” gives photographers an insight into the more they can see in their captured photos.

The bigger the focal length, the less of your image you will see. In other words, that number (focal length) will look more zoomed in. Many photographers are visual personalities, and they prefer different focal lengths in practice. 

28mm Focal Length Captures Landscapes Well

28mm is a wide angle lens view, which is good for capturing mountain ranges, rocky cliffs and the ocean's vastness.  With a focal length of 28mm (wide-angle lens), you can shoot the towering canopy and the intricate details of the forest floor. Also, you can take the best photos of large families gathered together in a park or backyard. So, by using Sigma 28-45MM F1.8, you can shoot stunning photos of families with everyone smiling and relaxed. Delenzo Mart offers various camera lenses, including Sony lenses, Nikon lenses, and Sigma lenses, with 28mm lens focal lengths for capturing family photography.

Explanation Of Lens Aperture Numbers, i.e.  F1.8 

Now, let’s discuss important technical terms used in camera lenses, such as the aperture. You can perceive the aperture, F1.8, like the pupil of your eye. There is a hole in your camera lens, which is called the aperture. That aperture can change size to control how much light enters your camera.

The "F" number of F1.8 shows the size of this opening. If you buy a camera lens with a lower F number (like F1.8), then that means a wider aperture. And the wider aperture allows more light to enter the camera. The F1.8 (aperture) is great for photographing dimly lit places. You can shoot photographs in low-light situations without needing a very slow shutter speed. 

You can imagine the shutter resembling a tiny door that quickly opens and closes. It controls how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. So, the aperture and the shutter work simultaneously to ensure your photos are neither too dark nor too bright.

Telephoto Lenses Vs. Wide Angle Lens: Which One Has More Focal Length?

Telephoto Lenses have long focal lengths from 85mm and above. However, the short focal length of a Wide-Angle Lens is 35mm and below. Telephoto Lenses have a field of view that is narrower than that of wide-angle lenses, which magnify distant subjects. Photographers use telephoto lenses for shooting wildlife, sports, and landscapes (that emphasize distant details). 

For capturing amazing photos of real estate photography, photographers prefer wide-angle lenses. These lenses have a deeper depth of field, maintaining most of the scene in focus.

Suitable Apertures For Different Photography Types

Wrapping Up

In a nutshell, 28-45mm is the focal length that tells you the zoom range, with lower numbers being wider. You should buy a camera lens with an F1.8 aperture, considered a "fast" aperture. It is because it lets in a lot of light. So, F1.8 makes the 28-45mm F1.8 lens a good choice for low-light photography and portraits. However, capturing the atmosphere of a city while shooting photos at night urges you to select camera lenses that can handle low light.

FAQs

Is A 28-45mm Lens Considered A Zoom Lens?

Yes. The Sigma 28-45mm F1. 8 is the zoom lens for your photography needs, with an f/1.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. 

What Other Factors Besides Focal Length Influence What A Photograph Looks Like?

Some other essential factors apart from the focal length of camera lenses that play a big role are as follows:

• Aperture

• Depth of field

• Image noise

What Is Shallow Depth Of Field & Deep Depth Of Field In Photography?

Experienced photographers are well aware that the depth of field refers to the area of your image that appears in focus. Whenever you capture a small portion of the image is sharp, while the rest is blurred, you prefer shallow depth of field. Whereas, for landscapes where you want everything sharp, photographers suggest deep depth of field (larger portion of the image).

How Shallow & Deep Depth Of Field Impacts Photography?

Depth Of Field is a creative choice that greatly influences the look of your photos.

Shallow Depth of Field uses wide apertures like f/1.8, f/2.8, f/4. And deep depth of field uses narrow apertures like f/8, f/11, f/16.