A camera lens is a curved piece of transparent glass that focuses an image in a camera. A camera lens is not a single lens, but a combination of lenses to bend the light entering the camera in such a way that it can be captured on film. Depending on the shape and size of the lens, many different photographic effects can be achieved. In addition, combining multiple lenses and changing the distance between those lenses, can create even more photographic effects. There are many different types of camera lenses for different photographic purposes.
History:
The first camera lens was used to create an image as a drawing and then transfer the heliograph to chemically coated plates by Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1927. Since then, photography has gone from a simple lens that transferred light to paper to film and now digital media. Camera lenses have allowed us, and future generations, to see the past in pictures. From the original black and white photographs to current digital video, none of this would be possible without the technology of bending glass to refract light onto film or digital capture.
Function
A camera lens uses refraction to focus light on to the area where the film is located inside the camera. Refraction is caused by a change in the direction of light as it passes through the curved glass. This allows the light to focus on the shutter, and when the shutter is opened, the light hits the film creating the negative image used to create pictures. Digital cameras work much the same, with the image being captured digitally, rather than on film.
Types
A lens may be a part of the camera, or the lens may be an accessory to the camera. There are many different types of camera lenses. One of the most well-known is the fish-eye lens which can make images appear like a bubble. Other notable lenses include lenses for aerial photography, zoom lenses, infrared, ultraviolet and tinted. A camera lens can range in price from under $100 to thousands of dollars for specialized applications.
Considerations
A camera lens can be broken easily. Be sure to keep it in shock-resistant packaging while traveling. To avoid scratching an expensive lens, clean with a product made for cleaning lenses and a microfiber cloth, and remove any dust with an anti-dust brush. Camera lenses should be stored in a dry area to prevent moisture from creating a fog between the lenses.
Potential
New technology continues to improve on the basic concept of a camera lens. Lenses that swivel, automatically focus and are more rugged and durable are regularly introduced to the market. Photography has gone from simply images documenting events, to a fine art form all its own.
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