Camera lenses come in all shapes and sizes, and the results can vary dramatically. If you're in the market for something new, one of these five very different lenses could help to take your photography to the next level.
In the ever-rising tide of photographers out there, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. One way to get an edge is by using a different lens that many people wouldn't use. This is exactly what photographer and educator Mathieu Stern is exploring in his latest video, and it is well worth a look.
The video walks through five very different lenses, from the more modern TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 to some vintage lenses from the past. The great thing about all the lenses featured is that they can be used on modern-day cameras with the help of a lens adapter. For those not sure which adapter you would need, Stern shows the ones he is using for each occasion. What I love about this particular video is that real-world examples from all the lenses are shown so you can see for yourself if the end product is the kind of thing that may appeal to you.
One thing to note when using older third-party lenses is features like autofocus will mostly not work. I'm sure many of you are already aware of this, but if something like that is a deal-breaker for you, then you may want to check compatibility before buying. Weird lenses should never be a crutch for bad photography, but they can be a useful addition to your camera bag when things are getting a bit monotonous. We all have times when we struggle to see the world through different eyes, and a less than traditional kind of lens can really help to change things up.
Do you use any weird lenses yourself? We'd love to see them in the comments below.
Thanks. Impressing work, the "wooden" lens.
That Helios lens at the end was unbelievable. I love the in focus center with swirly surroundings that it produces.