| Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images |
Last week marked the second edition of our ‘Question of the week’ forum series. Our first question centered around what to consider when buying a new camera, and lenses came up quite frequently. So this time around, we wondered what five questions you should ask yourself when choosing a new lens.
Can I afford it?
First and foremost, just about everyone mentioned cost considerations. Most of you had some variation of “can I afford it” or “how much does it cost?” For some of you, lens cost was the only question you brought up, showcasing the importance of price when choosing a lens.
JohnSil even went further and asked, “If I don’t buy this lens today, will it cost more tomorrow?” Given that US customers have been facing repeat price increases across many brands, it’s a worthwhile consideration.
Is it a need?
The other most common question we saw related to determining whether you truly need the lens. Again, that was the only question that mattered to some of you. There were some that added provisions for simply wanting a lens, but many of you focused on need rather than want.
Similarly, many of you suggested asking if the lens fills a specific need that your current lens(es) do not. For example, Robin Dr24 said, “Will the new lens fill a gap? The gap could be an uncovered (range of) focal lengths or a wider aperture or alternate physical attribute(s) (smaller size, lighter weight, less focus breathing, tilt/shift capability).” If you’re buying a lens that is very similar to something you already have, that may not be a worthy use of money.
We also really liked Jaime100’s advice to ask yourself repeatedly over the course of a few weeks if you need the new lens. They added that “if you can hold off on this purchase for 3 weeks, one will be surprised on how much ‘you do not need’ nor find yourself wanting.”
Size considerations
Lens size was also a common refrain. While some pointed out a balance between lens size and features like maximum aperture, others prioritized size and weight above all else. CmB2024 made a great point, asking, “Will I bother to carry it or, due to size and weight, will it get left at home?” If the new lens is large enough that you don’t want to use it regularly, there’s probably not much point in spending money on it.
Does it have the features I want?
Lens features are another important consideration. There are different preferred features, of course, but reflecting on what type of features matter most is a great suggestion when choosing a new lens. For example, Fabian Joya suggested asking yourself, “Does this lens have the features/ergonomics that I need, e.g. focusing speed, control ring, etc.”
Some lenses are very basic in terms of on-lens controls, so asking yourself what features you need on the lens is very useful in making sure you purchase one you’ll be happy with in the long run. Additionally, if the new lens adds features you don’t have on other lenses, it’s worth thinking about whether it might change how you use lenses you already own. To that end, GeoffRG suggests asking, “Will it mean that I use other lenses less?”
Image quality
Finally, but certainly not least, image quality was a common mention. Jefenator posed one such question: “Will the sharpness be sufficient in the appropriate areas at the appropriate settings?” Given that lenses significantly impact overall image quality, it makes sense that this should be a top question to consider when buying a new lens.
The thread is still open if you haven’t had a chance to participate yet and would like to. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and insight!
Click here to answer the Question of the week
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