Key parameters when choosing a fixed focus lens
Focal distance
- Fisheye (up to 16 mm) - provides an extremely wide angle of view that distorts perspective. Ideal for sky photography.
- Widescreen (up to 35 mm) - ideal for photographing open scenery, landscapes or architecture, where you can use the full width of the shot.
- Basic (up to 70 mm) - suitable for portrait and news photography. It offers extraordinary depth of field, where the subject stands out from the background.
- Telephoto lenses (over 70 mm) - the greater the focal length, the greater the zoom for distant objects. These lenses are ideal for outdoor animal photography and sport events.
Aperture
Aperture is indicated by the so-called aperture number. The lower the aperture number (e.g. f/1.4), the more light passes through the lens and on the sensor. This allows you to take pictures with a faster shutter speed in low light or to play creatively with depth of field.
Mount
The mount provides mechanical connection and communication between the lens and the camera body. Lenses with Type A mounts are designed for the Sony Alpha system and type E mounts for the Sony NEX system.
Stabilization
Optical stabilization eliminates the blur even at slower shutter speeds by shifting the lens elements inside the lens. This allows you to take sharp photos at 1/30 of a second with a 70 mm focus.
Focus
Autofocus uses a system located in the lens itself. An ultrasonic motor (HSM) is used for precise focusing, which is both very fast and quiet.
Filter diameter
Circular filters serve to protect lenses from scratches (UV filters) or can reduce extra light and glare (ND and polarising filters). Just mount an appropriately sized filter on the front lens element.