The lens you use when taking a photo has a great impact on the final image. Not only will lens length dictate how much you can fit into your photo but also how far apart objects and people appear to be.

That’s why lens lengths are often associated with certain types of images. Wide-angle lenses, such as 20mm and 24mm lenses, create great effects for landscapes and architecture because they capture wide areas. Meanwhile, telephoto lenses make distant objects appear closer and have a shallow depth of field (focus), making them popular for wildlife photography and portraiture. Standard lenses, like the 35mm lens or the 50mm lens, are also popular for portraits and general use.

When shopping for good DSLR lenses for your setup, you have a choice between prime lenses and zoom lenses. Prime lenses offer one mm length, while zoom lenses include a range. You might want the wider aperture abilities of certain prime lenses or you might choose the zoom’s versatility.

To get the most out of your DSLR camera lenses, it's important to understand the basics of photography. Knowing how to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO will help you capture the perfect shot. Many cameras also have helpful presets for white balance settings. So, start your photography journey by experimenting with your DSLR camera’s settings until you understand them.

You will also improve many of your photographs by learning how to use lens filters. Lens filters affect the image by filtering out certain frequencies of light. If you have ever tried on a range of sunglasses, you might have some idea of how a lens filter can impact your image.

Depending on the type and strength of the DSLR camera lens filter you choose, you can increase the contrast in your image, counteract the appearance of haze over a landscape, make clouds pop more dramatically or influence the tint of the photographs you take.