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Customer Stories: Incredible Shots Taken With Our Used Lenses

Discover how photographers create stunning images using pre-owned lenses. Read inspiring customer stories showcasing incredible shots taken with affordable, high-quality used lenses from our collection.

Customer Stories: Incredible Shots Taken With Our Used Lenses

Photography is all about capturing a moment, telling a story, and seeing the world through a unique lens—literally. While many photographers dream of owning the latest and greatest gear, the truth is that you don’t need brand-new equipment to create stunning images. Some of the most breathtaking photos are taken with used lenses, proving that creativity and vision matter more than the age of your gear.

At [Your Camera Store Name], we’ve had countless customers share their amazing work captured using pre-owned lenses they purchased from us. These stories highlight not just the savings they enjoyed but also the incredible image quality and artistic potential of used glass. In this article, we’ll showcase inspiring customer stories and the used lenses behind their remarkable shots.


1. A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream Shot – Nikon 300mm f/4D AF-S

Mark, an avid wildlife photographer, had always wanted a super-telephoto lens but couldn’t justify the price of a brand-new model. After browsing our used inventory, he found a Nikon 300mm f/4D AF-S IF-ED lens in excellent condition.

Armed with his trusty Nikon D750 and the newly purchased used lens, Mark ventured to a nearby nature reserve. He captured a jaw-dropping image of a soaring bald eagle against a crystal-blue sky. The image was sharp, the background beautifully compressed, and the colors vibrant. Mark was thrilled with how the used lens delivered pro-level results at a fraction of the cost.

Mark’s Lesson: Don’t underestimate older professional-grade lenses. When well cared for, they’re capable of delivering spectacular wildlife images.


2. Street Photography Magic with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

Samantha, a street photographer from Manila, always loved the classic look of 50mm lenses but didn’t want to splurge on Canon’s L-series prime. She picked up a used Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM from our store for half the retail price.

Using her Canon EOS 6D, Samantha roamed the city’s vibrant streets, capturing candid portraits and daily life scenes. One of her favorite shots is a portrait of an elderly vendor surrounded by colorful fruits, with the lens producing dreamy bokeh that made the subject pop. The image was later featured in a local exhibit about urban life.

Samantha’s Takeaway: Affordable primes from the used market can become your go-to lenses for creative street photography.


3. Vintage Lens, Modern Camera – Sony A7 III with a Minolta Rokkor 58mm f/1.2

James, a portrait photographer, loves experimenting with vintage lenses. He found a Minolta Rokkor 58mm f/1.2 in our vintage collection and paired it with his Sony A7 III using a simple adapter.

The lens, known for its dreamy rendering and unique character, helped James produce portraits with ethereal bokeh and soft highlights that modern lenses sometimes lack. His series of creative portraits using this lens gained traction on social media, with many people asking how he achieved the “film-like” look.

James’ Advice: Don’t be afraid to explore vintage lenses. They offer unique image qualities that can set your work apart.


4. Landscape Wonders with a Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Lucy, a travel and landscape photographer, was on a budget for her next hiking trip to New Zealand. She needed a wide-angle lens for her Canon 80D but didn’t want to overspend. After some research, she opted for a used Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 lens.

The lens exceeded her expectations, allowing her to capture sweeping landscapes, towering mountains, and serene lakes. One of her photos, showcasing a mirror-like lake reflection of snow-capped peaks, was shortlisted in a national photography competition.

Lucy’s Realization: A good used ultra-wide lens can dramatically enhance landscape photography without draining your wallet.


5. Macro Photography on a Budget – Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro

Alex, an amateur macro photographer, had long admired close-up shots of insects and flowers but found macro lenses out of his budget. He discovered a used Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens listed as “Very Good” condition in our store.

With a bit of patience and experimentation, Alex captured incredible close-up images of bees pollinating flowers in his backyard. The level of detail—the fine textures of petals and the delicate hairs on the insects—was stunning. Alex’s work was later featured on a popular macro photography blog.

Alex’s Insight: A second-hand macro lens can open up an entirely new world of photography at a very reasonable price.


6. Wedding Storytelling with a Used Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Emma, an up-and-coming wedding photographer, needed a versatile zoom lens but couldn’t afford a brand-new Canon L-series zoom. She invested in a used Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, which was rated in “Excellent” condition.

That lens became her workhorse for an entire wedding season, capturing everything from wide group shots to intimate candid moments. One of her favorite images was a spontaneous dance floor shot, where the fast aperture and reliable autofocus ensured she nailed the moment perfectly.

Emma’s Conclusion: Buying a used professional zoom lens can be a game-changer for photographers breaking into the event industry.


7. Urban Nightscapes with a Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D

Carlos, an architectural and nightscape enthusiast, found a used Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D lens in our inventory. He wanted a compact wide-angle lens to pair with his Nikon D750 for shooting cityscapes at night.

During a weekend trip to Tokyo, Carlos captured vibrant images of neon-lit streets and towering skyscrapers. The lens’s compact design made it ideal for handheld night shooting, and its sharpness wide open surprised him.

Carlos’ Verdict: Older wide-angle primes are a fantastic budget-friendly option for urban night photography.


8. Sports Action with a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM

Mike, a sports photographer covering local football matches, needed a fast telephoto zoom but didn’t want to invest in a new lens. He scored a great deal on a used Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM.

Despite being a few years old, the lens delivered sharp, vibrant action shots. Its fast autofocus and stabilization allowed him to capture intense moments on the field with precision. One of his images of a decisive goal was later published in a regional sports magazine.

Mike’s Key Takeaway: Used third-party telephoto lenses offer excellent performance for action and sports photography without the hefty price tag.


Why These Stories Matter

These real-world examples prove a simple yet powerful point: It’s not always about having the newest gear—it’s about knowing how to use it. Used lenses can deliver professional-quality results when carefully selected and well maintained. Many photographers build their kits strategically by purchasing high-quality used lenses, maximizing their creative flexibility while staying within budget.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first prime lens, a pro seeking to add specialized optics, or an enthusiast experimenting with vintage glass, the used lens market is filled with opportunities to unlock your creative potential.


Conclusion

Behind every used lens is a story waiting to be told—whether it’s a sweeping landscape, a fleeting candid moment, or a meticulously crafted portrait. The photographers featured here are living proof that buying used gear doesn’t limit creativity. In fact, it can empower photographers to explore new genres, refine their skills, and capture stunning images without financial strain.

At [Your Camera Store Name], we take pride in the quality of the used lenses we offer, ensuring every piece is thoroughly inspected, tested, and graded for performance. But in the end, it’s the hands and vision of photographers like you that bring these lenses to life.

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Why Buying Used Lenses Is a Smart Choice for Photographers

Discover why buying used camera lenses is a smart investment for photographers. Learn how pre-owned lenses offer professional quality, significant savings, and long-term value, plus tips for buying used gear safely.

Why Buying Used Lenses Is a Smart Investment for Photographers

Photography, often hailed as the art of capturing life’s fleeting moments, is a hobby and profession that can quickly become expensive. From high-end camera bodies to premium lenses and essential accessories, the costs add up fast. For many photographers, especially those starting out or working on a tight budget, the price of new equipment can feel like a significant barrier. However, there’s one strategy that seasoned photographers consistently use to expand their gear collection affordably: buying used lenses.

While some may feel uncertain about purchasing pre-owned gear, the truth is that buying used lenses is often a smart, practical, and financially sound decision. In fact, many professionals rely on used lenses to build a versatile kit without sacrificing quality. In this article, we’ll explore why buying used lenses is a wise investment, how it benefits photographers at every level, and what steps to take to ensure a successful purchase.


1. Save Money Without Compromising Quality

The most immediate and compelling reason to consider buying used lenses is cost savings. New lenses, especially professional-grade models with wide apertures or specialized optics, can be incredibly expensive. For example, a brand-new Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens can cost upwards of $2,500. However, purchasing the same lens in excellent used condition can save you hundreds of dollars, often reducing the price by 20% to 40%.

Unlike camera bodies, which are frequently updated with new sensors and features, lens designs evolve slowly. A lens that was top-tier five or even ten years ago may still perform exceptionally well today. This means photographers can access high-quality glass at a fraction of the original retail price simply by buying used.


2. Lenses Are Durable and Long-Lasting

One of the key reasons buying used lenses is less risky than it may seem is that lenses are built to last. High-quality lenses are constructed with robust materials, including metal barrels, durable mounts, and weather-sealing that protects against dust and moisture. If cared for properly, lenses can function flawlessly for decades.

Unlike camera bodies, which have moving parts like shutters and are more prone to wear and tear, lenses have relatively few components that degrade over time. Optical elements don’t “expire.” As long as a lens has been well-maintained—kept dry, cleaned regularly, and not subjected to physical damage—it can continue to deliver excellent image quality.


3. Slower Depreciation Compared to Camera Bodies

Camera technology advances rapidly, with new models offering higher resolutions, faster processors, and better autofocus systems every year. This constant innovation leads to rapid depreciation in camera body values. Lenses, however, depreciate much more slowly. A well-maintained lens can retain a high resale value for years.

This slower depreciation makes lenses a safer investment. In many cases, photographers who purchase a used lens at a fair price can resell it years later with minimal loss in value. In some situations, particularly with rare or discontinued lenses, the resale value may even increase.


4. Access to Discontinued and Vintage Lenses

Buying used isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about access to unique lenses that are no longer in production. Many classic lenses offer distinctive optical characteristics, such as unique bokeh, flare patterns, or color rendering, that newer models lack. For example, photographers often seek out vintage manual-focus lenses like the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 or Nikon’s AI-S primes to achieve a particular look.

Additionally, certain specialty lenses, like tilt-shift or ultra-wide options, may be discontinued but still highly functional and sought after. The used market becomes the only place to find these hidden gems, allowing photographers to experiment with creative tools that aren’t available new.


5. Expand Your Gear Collection Affordably

Building a versatile photography kit requires a variety of lenses—wide-angle, standard, telephoto, macro, and possibly more. Buying all these lenses new is often cost-prohibitive for many photographers. However, purchasing used lenses allows photographers to expand their kit significantly within the same budget.

For instance, the cost of a new professional zoom lens might equal the combined price of a used prime lens, a used macro lens, and a used telephoto zoom. This expanded kit enables photographers to explore diverse shooting scenarios and genres without financial strain.


6. Lenses Are Less Affected by Technological Obsolescence

Unlike camera bodies, which become outdated as sensor technology evolves, lenses remain relevant for much longer. A lens with high-quality optics, fast autofocus, and robust build will perform well across multiple generations of camera bodies.

Additionally, manufacturers often maintain backward compatibility. Nikon’s F-mount lenses, for example, have been compatible with various camera bodies for decades. Canon EF lenses can be adapted for mirrorless RF-mount cameras with no loss in functionality. This long-term relevance makes used lenses a safe investment for future-proofing your kit.


7. Environmental Sustainability

In a time when sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration, buying used gear is an environmentally friendly choice. Purchasing pre-owned lenses reduces demand for new manufacturing, which in turn conserves raw materials and lowers the carbon footprint associated with production and shipping.

By participating in the circular economy, photographers who buy used lenses help extend the life of products that might otherwise go to waste, making a positive environmental impact.


8. Plenty of “Like-New” Lenses on the Market

It’s a misconception that the used market is full of worn-out, heavily used gear. In reality, many used lenses are sold in near-mint condition. Photographers often upgrade to newer models, switch camera systems, or simply sell lenses they rarely used. These lightly used lenses offer the same performance as brand-new ones, often with only minor cosmetic wear.

Reputable camera stores, certified pre-owned programs, and peer-to-peer marketplaces with strong buyer protection policies make it easy to find high-quality used lenses with confidence. Many sellers also offer return windows or limited warranties for additional peace of mind.


Tips for Buying Used Lenses Safely

While buying used lenses is a smart move, it’s essential to approach the process with caution. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and worthwhile purchase:

  1. Inspect Carefully: Look for scratches on lens elements, check for internal dust, fungus, or haze, and ensure zoom and focus rings move smoothly.
  2. Test Autofocus and Aperture Blades: Make sure autofocus is responsive and aperture blades are free of oil and snap open and closed correctly.
  3. Buy from Reputable Sellers: Trusted camera stores, certified pre-owned programs (like those from B&H, KEH, or Adorama), and marketplaces with strong buyer protections (e.g., eBay with buyer guarantees) are good options.
  4. Check Return and Warranty Policies: A return policy allows you to thoroughly test the lens after purchase, while warranties provide long-term protection.
  5. Do Market Research: Compare prices across multiple platforms to ensure you’re paying a fair price based on the lens’s age and condition.

Conclusion

For photographers looking to expand their gear collection without stretching their finances, buying used lenses is a smart, practical choice. High-quality lenses are built to last, depreciate slowly, and can deliver professional results for years to come. Moreover, the used market often provides access to rare, discontinued, or vintage lenses that add unique creative tools to your photography kit.

By making informed purchasing decisions and buying from reliable sources, photographers at every level—from hobbyists to professionals—can benefit tremendously from the value, versatility, and sustainability that used lenses offer. It’s a strategy that not only saves money but also empowers photographers to grow their skills and express their creativity fully.

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Is a Compact SLR Good For You?

What does SLR stand for? A single -lens reflex cam (SLR) is a cam that typically utilizes a mirror and prism system (thus “reflex” from the mirror’s reflection) that allows the photographer to see through the lens and see exactly what will be caught.

Compact SLR’s, like normal DSLRs, they accept a wide variety of various lenses – from fast and brilliant ultra-wide lenses cramming in loads of information, to far-reaching telephotos that bring your world more detailed – and use a higher platform for creativity.

While DSLRs contain a mirror and prism system- making them big and heavy- compact SLR webcams are smaller sized and for that reason simple to bring about. Compared to point-and-shoot digital electronic cameras, all DSLRs are a bit on the chunky side. Some are more compact than others, particularly the Four Thirds models from Olympus and Panasonic are compact. Some models, particularly those with professional designs with large battery packs and vertical grips, border on the huge. Before you put down a large portion of modification for a digital cam, play with it to ensure it’s a size that you’ll be comfortable lugging around with you. The difference in weight alone can be significant if you’re walking around throughout the day with an electronic camera strap around your neck. If you’re the sort of professional photographer who would have enjoyed with a small, lightweight, virtually silent Leica rangefinder camera (which nevertheless produced exceptional images), you might also prefer a smaller DSLR’s. Heck, you may even want the Leica M9 or perhaps a Leica M10, a non-DSLR that looks and handles like a rangefinder film camera, however,produces 18 MP digital images (and might be costly, plus more for lenses). Because vein, do not forget to take into consideration the size of the lenses you’ll be using, too. My preferred digital SLR has a 28mm-200mm zoom lens that was promoted, on introduction, as the tiniest worldwide. I’m extremely happy I have that compact lens with such an extensive zoom variety, due to the fact that for lots of image trips, it’s all I need, and I can avoid carrying around a weighty video camera bag and a half dozen other lenses. I really went to Europe several years ago bring only that 28-200mm lens and a 17-24mm wide-angle zoom, and two DSLR bodies. My whole kit fit into a compact shoulder bag that was simple to lug with me all over I went. If you need a compact digital SLR, check out the size and weight of the lenses you are most likely to use at the same time you examine the heft of the camera body itself.

What Other Features Do You Need?

As soon as you have actually chosen your “must have” functions for your digital camera, you can also deal with those bonus offer features that are nice to have, but not essential. All digital SLRs share a long list of typical features, such as Manual, Aperture-priority, and Shutter-priority exposure modes. All have fantastic autofocus abilities. Lots of (however not all) have integrated flash systems that combine with the exposure system, and which can manage external, off camera flash units also (specifically beneficial when using several systems). Beyond this standard shopping list, you’ll find abilities offered in one SLR that are not discovered in others. You’ll need to choose just how crucial they are to you as you weigh which system to buy. Here are a few of the functions that vary the most from video camera to video camera.

■ Film making. The trend today is towards complete 1920 × 1080 HDTV moviemaking abilities. Nevertheless, a few non-video-capable designs remain on the market. And not all of the existing video cameras have the very same movie-friendly abilities. If video shooting is necessary to you, make sure your electronic camera has the capability to plug in a microphone, ideally a stereo microphone. In-camera editing includes let you cut, clips that run too long, reducing the editing procedure later on.

 Burst mode capabilities. If you shoot lots of sports, you’ll desire the ability to shoot as many frames per second as possible for as long as possible. Some video cameras shoot more frames per 2nd, and others have bigger buffers to let you catch more shots in one burst. For instance, one model grabs 4 fps for 32 JPEG images in one burst, or 11 RAW images. Another camera from the very same vendor ups the ante to 5 fps, but can record only 23 JPEG images in one blast. If you’ve got deep pockets, one top-of-the-line action SLR blazes through sports photography at a 10 fps clip for 100 or more images.

■ Image stabilization/dust removal. Some SLRs might have vibration reduction built into the video camera. Other suppliers ask you to buy image-stabilized lenses, or may not have that ability at all. If you want to hand-hold your video camera at low shutter speeds, or require to take rock-steady telephoto shots without a tripod, despite shutter speed, you’ll wish to consider this ability. Electronic cameras that have internal anti-shake capabilities often use the capability to move the sensing unit rapidly to supply an anti-dust removal system. You’ll likewise discover dust cleaning capabilities in essentially all digital electronic cameras these days.

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Quality criteria for lenses

How do you find the perfect lens? To be honest: I have no answer to that. But I can show you how to find the right lens. I have a couple of criteria that are crucial for this.

uality of the lens

With lenses, of course, the first impression counts. What material was used for the lens? There are lenses that are made from 100% plastic; even the glasses. Now it depends on your requirements. It is not bad to use a cheap lens, but if you want to take photos in the rainforest, I would advise against such a lens.

For beginners, I recommend a cheap zoom lens or a fixed focal length. If you are in the advanced field or even in the professional field, you should rely on first-class workmanship and weatherproof lenses, especially when it comes to sharpness and strong weather influences.

Most manufacturers have special series for this, such as the Sigma ART series, the Canon L series or the Nikon series with the golden ring on the lens. These are built in such a way that they can withstand dust, dirt, moisture and temperature fluctuations much better.

Focal length

The focal length is not decisive for the quality of a lens, but you should definitely include it when planning your lens purchase. This should match the area and the way you are photographing. There is no point in buying a lens that covers every focal length . On the one hand it makes a lazy photographer and on the other hand the quality drops. If the lens can cover a larger focal length range, you usually have a dull picture and a lower light intensity.

Extreme focal lengths also have an impact on quality. If the focal length is in the extreme wide-angle or telephoto range, the lenses are often very expensive or quality losses can be expected. This can be blurring or distortion.

Light intensity or maximum aperture

The light intensity is decisive for many when it comes to lenses. With a high light intensity, you can open the aperture wider and get significantly more light on the image sensor. This makes it possible to take pictures in dark light situations without increasing the ISO value .

So if you often take photos in such situations or if you have a blurry background (i.e. you need a shallow depth of field) you should pay attention to an appropriate aperture .

The aperture can be opened much wider, especially with fixed focal lengths . With zoom lenses, a corresponding revelation is usually associated with a higher price.

Sharpness

From my point of view, this is extremely important. If the lens is sharp, you get completely different images. This cannot really be copied with image processing.

With different glasses and significantly better processing, a completely different sharpness and a completely different contrast can be achieved.

I can promise you that here, of course, but what do you think if I just show you. The following images are both unprocessed and not sharpened. One was made with a € 100 prime lens and the other was made with a € 750 prime lens.

Optical resolution

Let me elaborate on the previous part. Because what we perceive as sharpness is called optical resolution. This optical resolution indicates how many lines the lens can display. It’s kind of like an eye test at an ophthalmologist. The finer the lines that can be displayed, the higher the optical resolution.

I have the following opinion on this: The lens should match the camera. It is much more beneficial to use a high-quality lens on a cheap camera than the other way around. Sure, 50 megapixels sound great in a camera, but if the lens can’t reproduce it, they won’t do anything. The many pixels on your camera are then just mud.

But don’t just rely on laboratory tests. Try lenses for yourself.

Bokeh

Bokeh not always back. Anyone who thinks that this is just a blurry background will quickly be taught better. Because depending on the lens, you get a completely different blur in the background. But let me show you more in the following example.

In this picture you can see the 50mm 1.8 from Canon and the 50mm 1.2 from Canon. Both set to f / 1.8. If you pay close attention, you will see that the 50mm 1.2 has a much softer background. Of course there is about 1000 € between the two lenses, but I wanted to demonstrate that you get a completely different bokeh .

If you can’t really see that difference now, then you don’t really need to worry about a more expensive lens. At least as far as the bokeh is concerned 😉

Close focus limit

This is interesting for all macro photographers.

Every lens has a close focus limit. This unit describes the minimum distance between the subject and the image sensor. If the subject is closer to the sensor, the lens can no longer focus and the image becomes blurred. Incidentally, it does not matter whether you focus manually or automatically.

So if you like to get close to your subject, you should pay attention to this value and combine it with the correct focal length . A minimum distance of 2.2 meters sounds a lot, unless you use a focal length of 600mm. It all depends on the right combination.

Autofocus

Auto focus is very important with a lens. Of course, otherwise, all images would be out of focus, but what exactly makes a good autofocus?

Speed

Faster is better? In any case, it should also be precise. It’s not just up to the camera how fast your autofocus is, the lens also has a part in it. Because the glass elements in a lens have to be moved in order to change the focus. A more powerful engine or a more sophisticated system can change a lot here and be decisive for a sharp photo.

Precision

What good is a great lens if it is often wrong? Well, it’s not normal for lenses to be wrong, but there’s a moment when they do. This is due to the back or front focus. With DSLR cameras, this is to blame for the fact that your subject can be blurred. This can often be adjusted with cameras, but it is laborious and not possible with every camera model.

Balance front or back focus

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Incidentally, this problem does not exist with DSLM cameras. Due to their design, these are not prone to this error.

But why am I addressing this topic? With third-party manufacturers in particular, it can often happen that the focus is far off. This became known especially at Sigma with the 35mm 1.4. This lens is only half the price of the Canon original, but many have complained that the autofocus failed and went wrong far too often. Once calibrated and the lens is just awesome…

Noise

Probably less important for most people, but if you want to film or take photos in an environment in which you should avoid loud noises, this point is important. I recommend an ultrasonic motor  here. This technology ensures almost silent focusing.

Image stabilizer

The image stabilizer is a great tool that offers great support, especially in low light or high focal lengths. But it is not only there to avoid blurring with the free hand, but also to be able to expose longer. You may still remember the rule of thumb from the exposure time . If we apply this, we can only expose for a certain time. What if we want to expose longer? Then an image stabilizer can help 🙂

A good image stabilizer can give you a buffer of 2, 3 or even 4 f-stops in exposure time . If we apply the reciprocal shutter speed rule, in which the exposure time corresponds at least to the focal length , we come to the following result.

Focal lengthmin. timeStabi 2 panelsStabi 4 panels
25mm1/251/81/2
100mm1/1001/251/6
200mm1/2001/501/13
400mm1/4001/1001/25

So if you often shoot in situations where you are photographing still subjects on your free hand, you should definitely consider using an image stabilizer. It is helpful in many other situations as well. You will almost always benefit from an image stabilizer and if not, it can simply be switched off 😉

Distortion

Most lens distortion occurs in the wide-angle range. Then the edges of the picture are shown distorted and your motifs are unreal. If you like to photograph architecture, that’s something extremely annoying and the photo quickly looks unprofessional and ugly.

Even if these errors can often be corrected easily in image processing, it doesn’t do any harm to have a lens that does not allow such errors in the first place. Above a certain price range, the distortion becomes less and less and sometimes disappears completely. But remember: The whole thing is based on physics. This can only be tricked to a certain extent. This means that from a certain focal length it does not matter how expensive your lens is, such distortions occur.

The extreme example with an 11mm fisheye lens

Vignetting

In addition to the optical distortion, it can happen with lenses that the edges of the image are darkened or blurred. The darkening is something that I actually really like. In portrait photography in particular, this effect ensures that the viewer’s gaze focuses more on the center of the picture and the subject. If you want to place the motif in a different place, that is again unfavorable. However, at least the dark edges of the image can be easily removed in image processing.

Stray light

Have you ever photographed in the sun with your mobile phone and the picture was simply outshone and nothing really visible? That’s a different matter with high-quality lenses. Extreme light situations and backlighting in particular ensure significantly less reflection and a natural contrast with the appropriate compensation and value .

Chromatic aberration

Chromatic aberration is a color fringing that can appear on contours. But don’t worry, you can get a grip on this quite easily in image processing.

Now what’s a good lens?

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you that, because this feeling is completely subjective. Everyone has different demands on their lenses and different ideas about a good lens. However, I have a few tips on how to use the previous points to find exactly what you are looking for. Even if the last points sounded like everything could easily be corrected while editing, it is definitely not so. A good lens can make a difference like day and night. You don’t believe me

Borrow lenses before you buy them!

Borrow a lens before you buy it. But not just any run-of-the-mill lens. Also take a high quality one. My world and my understanding of good pictures changed completely when I tested the Canon 50mm 1.2. I didn’t buy it and went for a Sigma lens, but it’s worth it just to find out what’s possible.