Lenses

Abstract

The camera is just a light tight box which has little effect on the quality of the final image, in spite of ever more sophistication. The lens, on the other hand, does make the difference between poor and excellent technical quality in a photograph. It is far better to have a middle of the range camera fitted with the best lens that can be afforded than to spend a disproportionate amount on the body leaving little for the lens. Modern lenses are designed and built to eliminate the faults so common in the early days and there is not a great deal to choose between the best makes. Since the earliest days of photography the lens has been, and continues to be, looked after with tender loving care. As with all things photographic, cleanliness comes before godliness and steps must be taken to protect and keep the glass clean (see Figure 3.1).