Advice on all-round lenses

An all-round lens is a zoom lens for everyday use. Because it is a lens with a variable focal length, you can capture all kinds of things with it. Fully zoomed out, the image frame is large enough to photograph landscapes. If you zoom in, you can easily close up details.

Because an all-round lens is a zoom lens, there are moving glass elements. This has a number of drawbacks. Elements in the back of the lens can be blocked by elements in the front, so that less light falls in. The edges of your photos may become underexposed and look a bit darker than the rest of the image.

If you are a novice photographer, then it is advisable to buy an 18-135mm lens. This has a lot of range so you do not have to change lens regularly. Another versatile lens for the beginner is an 18-55mm lens. For the advanced photographer there are all-round lenses with a focal length of 24-70 mm.

Some all-round lenses have image stabilization. This compensates for blur that is created when the camera moves. This makes it easy to get out of hand, even at dusk. Image stabilization can be useful if you are going to shoot out of hand for a long time. This type of lens is light and compact, so you can easily take it anywhere.