If you just bought a new top-rated digital camera, you’ve probably wondered what the numbers on digital camera lenses mean? Well, camera lenses include a couple of numbers on them, and many of these can be pretty confusing for a beginner photographer.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Two significant numbers to watch out for on a lens are the focal length and the lens speed.
- Every camera lens kit will come with its focal length indicated on the lens. This is essential information you need to have about your lenses.
- The disparity between the focal length range and the fixed focal length will suggest whether the lens of the camera are prime lenses or zoom lenses.
Fortunately, in this post, you’ll get to learn the essential camera numbers and what they mean in processing a quality digital photo.
What do Camera Numbers mean?
There are two significant numbers to watch out for when comparing two lenses: the focal length and the lens speed. For example, the focal length will always be listed as XX-XX before (mm), for instance, 18-55mm f/3.5. On the other hand, when it comes to lens speed or the maximum aperture, they will be listed as some number immediately after (f), f/3.5. This is also crucial when learning what a 3d digital camera does.
What does Focal Range Mean?
Every camera lens kit will come with its focal length or focal range indicated on the lens This is essential information you need to have about your lenses for the image quality.
Measured in millimeters, it is essential to note that the focal length is not the length of the lens but the angle view or how much the scene will be in focus and how large it will be relative to the original (magnification).
Therefore, having smaller numbers will mean a narrower angle of view with high zoom capability or magnification. Depending on the make or model of the lens, the focal length will appear as a range of numbers, for example, 18-55 mm or 55mm.
Also, the disparity between the fixed focal length and the focal length range will suggest whether the lens on the camera lens are prime lenses or zoom lenses.
Aperture
The maximum aperture will appear, for example, as 1:3.5. This is an indication of the maximum aperture of your camera lens. Ideally, it is the size of the hole that lets light into the camera. Therefore, the lower the number, the more light it lets in.
Let’s face it. The lens aperture ratios are a bit confusing. However, this is how apertures are calculated. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the number that comes right after the colon.
Ø Diameter
A symbol on the lens that looks like a circle with a strike through Ø indicates the diameter. The measurement is generally in mm and can be located on the outside circle of the lens. Therefore, if you have Ø72, it means that your lens has a diameter of 72 millimeters. It is also essential to know the size of your camera lens if you are buying a lens cap or a filter.
Macro
A macro lens is used to take photos of tiny subjects. In case you own Macro lenses, you’ll notice a ratio indicated X:X. Therefore, a ratio of 1:1 magnification means the real-life image is similar to the size as it is on the sensor. When the ratio is 1:2, then the subject is half the size as it is on the sensor. Camera users can change the ratio on the lens if you wish to find out what different digital camera lens do.
Warning
Let’s face it. The lens aperture ratios are a bit confusing. However, this is how apertures are calculated. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the number that comes right after the colon.
F.A.Q.
What are the most important numbers on the camera lens?
When comparing two lenses, there are two important numbers to watch out for: the focal length and the lens speed.
What does focal length range mean?
Measured in millimeters, it is essential to note that the focal length is not the length of the lens but the angle view or how much the scene will be in focus and how large it will be relative to the original (magnification).
What does the aperture mean?
The aperture will appear, for example, as 1:3.5. This is an indication of the aperture of your camera lens. Ideally, it is the size of the hole that lets light into the camera. Therefore, the lower the number, the more light it lets in.
What does this symbol mean on a lens Ø?
This symbol on the lens looks like a circle with a strike through Ø indicates the diameter. The measurement is generally in mm and can be located on the outside circle of the lens. Therefore, if you have Ø72, it means that your lens has a diameter of 72 millimeters.
STAT: The U.S digital camera market segment amounts to $1.251 million in 2021. The market is expected to grow yearly at 4.63% between 2021 and 2025 (source)
