DxOMark rating
The result shown by the lens in the DxOMark rating.
DxOMark is one of the most popular and authoritative resources for expert testing of photography devices. According to the test results, the lens receives a certain number of points; The more points, the higher the final score.
System
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.
Mount
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.
Viewing angles
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").
Image stabilization
The presence in the lens of its own
image stabilization system. Such a system includes gyroscopes and movable lenses that compensate for small tremors of the lens and prevent the appearance of “shake”. Stabilization is especially relevant when shooting handheld, especially at slow shutter speeds and/or at long distances with high magnification: it is in such conditions that “shake” affects the quality of the image the most. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the presence of a stabilizer significantly affects the weight, dimensions and, above all, the price of optics; at the same time, some modern cameras have their own stabilization systems (due to matrix shift). Therefore, it makes sense to choose a lens with this function in the case when maximum protection against “shake” is of fundamental importance.
Design (elements/groups)
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.
Filter diameter
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.
