Tag: lens

Focal Length Blending: Combine Two Focal Lengths into a Single Photo  

A wide-angle lens gives you a beautiful shot with great depth but those distant mountains turn into tiny bumps on the horizon. The solution is a technique called focal length blending—combining two or more photos taken at different focal lengths into a single image that looks natural, even though it couldn’t be captured in a single frame. In this article, I’ll show you how to take the photos, where to place the transition, and how to avoid the most common blending mistakes.

Lens Review: The Sigma 20/1.4 DG DN Art

An ultra-wide-angle, ultra-fast lens. This isn’t just a lens for the display case—it’s a genuinely practical tool. That said, it might not be the right lens for every photographer. Find out why I choose it and what my experience has been after using this Sigma lens.

5 Pieces of Photo Gear Beginners Buy for No Good Reason

Every beginner wants to look professional behind the camera, and camera manufacturers are more than happy to profit from that. Let's go through five popular accessories and pieces of gear that people often buy because the gear makes them feel more professional rather than because it actually improves their photos. We'll tell you when this gear actually makes sense — and when it's just an unnecessary, premature expense.

Sigma 35/1.2 DG II Art Review 

The Sigma 35/1.2 DG II Art is the second generation of Sigma’s fastest 35mm lens for mirrorless cameras. Compared to its predecessor, it’s significantly lighter and more compact. After several thousand photos from five different weddings, I’ll share how the lens performs in terms of sharpness, bokeh, autofocus, and real-world handling—and whether this expensive, specialized lens is worth choosing over a lighter and more affordable f/1.4 alternative.

4 Creative Blur Techniques

A blurry photo doesn’t always have to be a mistake. It can be a powerful creative tool. Learn techniques like zoom blur, panning, or tilt-shift simulation, and discover how to use blur to add motion, atmosphere, and emotion to your photos.  

How To Get a Blurry Background with a Basic Lens

Do you have a camera with a basic lens (like an 18–55 mm), love taking portraits, but still can’t seem to get that beautiful blurry background you see in other portraits? Let’s be honest—a portrait with a nicely blurred background just looks more professional than one where everything is in sharp focus. Don’t worry, you don’t need to rush out and buy an expensive lens. To start with, you can work with the gear you already have.  

6 Reasons You Don’t Need a Fast Lens

When I first got into photography, my camera backpack was full of prime lenses with the lowest possible f-numbers. Back then, everyone insisted that I needed fast lenses. Their reasons varied: better technical quality, faster focusing, and most importantly, beautiful bokeh or blurred backgrounds. How do I see it today? 

Receive our weekly newsletter to stay on top of the latest photography trends

Subscribe to receive the best learn.zoner.com has to offer

Invalid email

By confirming the subscription, you consent to the processing of your personal data for receiving newsletter. Learn more in our privacy policy.