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Best Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

Camera lenses

Choose the best attachment to bring your photos into focus

Cameras come in an extensive array of designs to match your unique photography needs. Some have fixed lenses, while others have interchangeable ones. Mirrorless cameras feature two major parts: the body and lens.

Since they allow you to use different lenses, mirrorless cameras help expand your creative opportunities. What are mirrorless lenses? These are powerful lenses compatible with mirrorless camera systems. Because there's no need for a mirror, these lenses are usually more compact and lighter than DSLR lenses.

There are a vast variety of lenses, which makes it tricky to select one type. Since some mirrorless cameras don't work with just any lens, you need the right information before purchase. This handy guide expounds on the best lenses for mirrorless cameras based on shooting preferences and needs.

What is a mirrorless camera?

Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC) are cameras that have no internal mirror. They include a camera body, removable lens and digital display. Mirrorless cameras have a unique and simple mechanism that makes them durable and easy to use. This compact build reduces shaking and provides a light camera body. These cameras come with an electronic viewfinder as an LCD screen, which provides clear and unobstructed views of the subject. Most have a mechanical shutter and accept lenses that are compatible with their lens mounts.

Types of camera sensors

All digital cameras use sensors to record or capture images. They take in light and convert it to image data. Larger sensors can provide good image quality in low light. They also have an increased ability to blur backgrounds. Common sensor types include 1 inch or smaller sensors, APS-C sized, full-frame and Micro Four Thirds (MFT or Micro 4/3) sensors:

  • Full-frame sensors: With dimensions of 35 mm film (36 mm W x 24 mm H), full-frame sensors are the most common type. They're the largest sensor size and are commonly available in DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
  • APS-C sensors: APS-C sensors are 23.7 mm W x 15.7 mm H. They have an aspect ratio of 3:2.
  • MFT sensors: Micro 4/3 sensors are 17.3 mm wide and 13 mm high. Since their width is 1.33 times larger than their height, they provide 4:3 format images.
  • Small sensors: Sensors that are less than 1 inch are often found on entry-level compact cameras and camera phones. Because sensor size affects the field of view (FoV), make sure to pick one that matches your photography needs.

What to consider before buying a new camera lens

These are some of the crucial factors to consider when investing in a new camera lens:

  • Size and weight: This is how large or heavy your lens is, and it will affect portability.
  • Features: Consider the specs of your camera lens and look for features like built-in auto-focus (AF). Some lenses have a manual focus that suits specific photography genres.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the lens you intend to buy is compatible with your camera body. Are DSLR and mirrorless lenses interchangeable? Yes, although you may require an adapter.

Camera lens characteristics

What is the role of the camera lens? Lenses are tools that help bring light to a fixed focal point. Made from a series of concave and convex glass plates, mirrorless lenses direct light to a digital sensor.

All lenses focus and filter light for optimal exposure to the sensor. Here are some characteristics that affect the quality and overall look of your photos:

  • Focal length: Measured in millimeters, the focal length is the distance between your lens's point of convergence and the camera sensor. This parameter indicates how much of a scene your camera can capture. Smaller number ratings have wider angles of view, while larger ratings offer a narrower angle of view.
  • Aperture: Aperture describes the size of the opening that lets light in. Expressed in f-stops, aperture is counterintuitive. Larger numbers show a smaller opening, whereas smaller openings have a deeper depth of field. For example, an f/2.8 lens allows more light into the camera than an f/4 model.
  • Maximum aperture: Maximum aperture shows the maximum width that a lens aperture can open. Lenses will list a maximum aperture on their barrels for easy identification. Wider apertures are good for low-light conditions like night photography.
  • Depth of field (DoF): This is the distance between the closest and farthest object in a photo.

Types of mirrorless camera lenses

There are two major types of camera lenses: prime and zoom lenses. Because prime lenses have fixed focal lengths, they are fast and offer sharp images. Their compact construction makes them lightweight and easily portable. Zoom lenses use a series of lenses to allow varying focal lengths from a single lens.

Within prime and zoom lenses, there are a variety of lenses available with different focal lengths:

  • Macro lenses: These lenses allow the creation of close-up macro photos. Their unique build produces exceptional detail at a very close range.
  • Telephoto lenses: Telephoto lenses are zoom lenses with varying focal points. Use them to isolate distant subjects.
  • Wide-angle lenses: Wide-angle lenses help fit a large area into your frame. Use these lenses for landscape or street photography.
  • Standard lenses: Standard lenses allow use in different types of photography, making them versatile.
  • Specialty lenses: Specialized camera lenses give your photos a unique look. Examples include fisheye, tilt-shift and infrared lenses.

Whether you're an amateur or professional, photography requires constant learning and plenty of patience. Experiment with various lenses, apertures and lens accessories to determine the best mirrorless camera lenses for you. Be sure to protect your equipment with a lens cap and a durable camera bag.