Comparison Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 Sports OS HSM DG vs Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS AF HSM APO EX DG

The general purpose is rather conditional, and in fact the use of optics is not limited to the claimed direction — it all depends on the skills and imagination of the photographer. However, information about the specialization can greatly facilitate the choice. Considering such original options as a cinema lens and a multifunctional.

— Architectural. Lenses designed primarily for shooting buildings. Most of these models are equipped with the Tilt-Shift system (see below). In this case, this function is intended to correct the perspective when shooting tall buildings. In a photograph taken with a normal lens, straight lines can turn out to be curved, which is unacceptable in cases where an accurate representation of the building in the picture is required. Using the Tilt-Shift system allows you to avoid this phenomenon and get a reliable image that does not require additional correction in a photo editor.

— Landscape. In this case, landscape lenses include short-focus (wide-angle) lenses, which, according to test results, provide good image sharpness. In other words, not all “wide-angles” are classified as landscapes, but only those that are actually capable of providing a clear, sharp image.

— Portrait. The hallmarks of a classic portrait lens are: first, the fixed focal le...ngth, which is usually over 50mm (35mm equiv.); secondly, high aperture (most often not lower than f / 2.8, although occasionally there are exceptions). This combination of characteristics allows you to shoot portraits with beautiful background blur, placing the camera at a fairly significant distance; the latter can be useful in studios where additional lighting equipment is used — it is advisable to install the camera behind lighting fixtures so that it does not give a shadow. Speaking of a fixed focal length, it is worth recalling that "fixes" are simpler, lighter and cheaper than zoom lenses, and the ability to adjust the magnification when shooting portraits is rarely required — most often you can completely get by with "zoom with your feet".

— Multifunctional. This direction includes lenses of a universal type (see above), offering the buyer a good value for money; in other words — multi-purpose models with good performance and at the same time relatively inexpensive (namely, "comparatively", the actual price can be quite high). When choosing models in this category, the quality of filming was evaluated according to the results of real tests.

— Film lens. The main feature of cinema lenses is the ability to fine-tune the aperture. The aperture can be closed / opened by 0.1 or even 0.01 mm, while in photo lenses the aperture setting step cannot be less than 1 mm. Additionally, in cinema lenses, aperture is expressed by a T-number, and in photographic lenses, an F-number is used. The operator can shoot multiple cinema lenses with the same aperture, without the need to change the lighting. And when using photo lenses with the same aperture, you often have to adjust the lighting for each optic separately. Cinema lenses are meant to be shot from a tripod, which is reflected in their design features and design — such models are usually larger and heavier than their counterparts for photography.

The system indicates which brand of cameras this lens is designed for. Manufacturers of photographic equipment often use original mounting systems in their cameras that are not always compatible with each other; therefore, for normal use, the lens must be originally designed for the corresponding system. At the same time, note that the actual compatibility will also depend on the mount (see "Bayonet (mount)"). At the same time, one system often includes several mounts (for example, Canon and Nikon); it happens vice versa — one mount can be used in several systems at once (for example, Micro 4/3 is used by both Olympus and Panasonic). In general, the optimal selection order is as follows: first clarify the compatibility of the lens with the system, then with a specific mount.

Also note that third-party manufacturers (who do not produce cameras and deal only with lenses) often produce models designed for several different systems at once. Such compatibility can be achieved both through a set of adapters (included in the package or sold separately), and through the release of different modifications of the same lens, differing only in mounts. The features of each such model should be specified separately.

The type of mount used to connect the lens to the camera. The name comes from the English "bayonet", meaning "bayonet" and a bayonet-type connection. Bayonet mounts are used in the vast majority of modern digital cameras due to their reliability and ease of use.

Full compatibility of the lens with the camera is guaranteed only if the types of their mounts match. Some mounts are compatible with each other via adapters, but such a connection can limit the capabilities of the lens (for example, it will make it impossible to use autofocus) and is generally not considered optimal. It is worth considering that within the same system (see above) different mounts are often used, which are also incompatible with each other.

So, the manufacturer Canon has mounts EF-M, EF-S, EF, RF, RF-S. Leica has Leica M, Leica SL, Leica TL. Nikon has Nikon 1, Nikon F, Nikon Z in its arsenal. Pentax optics are equipped with Pentax 645, Pentax K, Pentax Q. Samsung uses NX-M and NX mounts. Sony models include Sony A and Sony E. In addition, there are other types of mounts on the market - both branded ( Fujifilm G, Fujifilm X, Hasselblad H, Sigma SA) and universal ( Four Thirds (4/3), Micro 4/3).

Note that there are lenses that are declared compatible with several mounts at once. This “omnivorousness” can be realized in different ways. For example, some models have a non-standard mount on the lens body, and compatibility with various mounts is ensured through the use of adapters; These adapters can be included in the delivery set or purchased separately. Another option is that the lens is available in several separate modifications, each for its own mount. These details should be clarified before purchasing.

This parameter determines the size of the area of the scene being shot that falls into the frame. The wider the viewing angles, the larger the area the lens can capture in one shot. They are directly related to the focal length of the lens (see "Focal length"), and also depend on the size of the specific matrix with which the optics are used: for the same lens, the smaller the matrix, the smaller the viewing angles, and vice versa. On our website, in the characteristics of optics, viewing angles are usually indicated when used with the matrix for which the lens was originally designed (for more details, see "Matrix Size").

Minimum focus distance (m) - the smallest distance from which you can focus on an object and take a photo. Usually it ranges from 20 cm for wide-angle lenses to several metres for telephoto. In the macro mode of the camera or with the help of macro lenses, this distance can be less than 1 centimeter.

The number of elements (in fact, the number of lenses) included in the design of the lens, as well as the number of groups in which these elements are combined. Usually, the more elements provided in the design, the better the lens handles with distortions (aberrations) when light passes through it. On the other hand, numerous lenses increases the dimensions and weight of the optics, reduces light transmission (for more details, see "Aperture") and also puts forward increased requirements for the quality of processing, which affects the cost of the lens.

The number of blades provided in the design of the diaphragm (for details, see "Minimum aperture"). In fact, this parameter is important when shooting scenes with pronounced bokeh (blurred background) and a small depth of field: the more petals the aperture has, the smoother the glare from out-of-focus objects will turn out, while with a small number of petals they can look like polygons. The number of aperture blades has almost no effect on other shooting parameters. Modern lenses have an average of 7-9 petals; the smoothing provided by them in most cases is considered quite sufficient.

Lenses with protection against ingress of dust and moisture. "Protected" optics are useful primarily for those who have to shoot a lot outdoors: they are much more resistant to bad weather than ordinary ones, many of these lenses work quietly in the rain, sea spray, etc. However, the specific degree of protection for different models can significantly differ, this point should be specified separately in the official documentation of the manufacturer. Also note that if you intend to constantly shoot in difficult external conditions, not only the lens, but also the camera itself must have dust and water protection.

Thread diameter for installation on the filter lens. Light filters are devices for changing the parameters of the light flux entering the lens. They can be used for highlighting individual colours, coloring the entire image in one colour, darkening the image, correcting colour temperature and light balance, shooting in the infrared range, etc. Also, a light filter can play the role of protection against pollution. For successful installation on the lens, the diameter of the filter must match the diameter of the filter specified for this model of optics.