Choosing a lens and lost in the parameters? Let's find out everything that's key to choosing the right lens.

How to choose a lens: A basic guide to choosing

How good the image you take depends largely on the lens you choose. So how do you choose the one that best suits your needs?

Right off the bat, we'd like to set the record straight that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all lens. It always depends on what you plan to do with the lens and what your requirements are. You'll need a different lens when you're shooting presentation videos, and a different lens when you're embarking on a career as a professional pet photographer.

What parameters should you look for when choosing a lens?

So what do you need to consider when choosing a lens? Whether you're looking for guidance on how to choose a Canon, Panasonic or even Sigma lens, the rules are pretty much the same. The following parameters should always be taken into account:

Focal length

The first thing you should think about when choosing a lens is the focal length. Lenses are then divided into fixed focal length lenses and zoom lenses or variable focal length lenses.

The focal length is given in millimetres and indicates the distance between the optical centre of the lens and the camera sensor. A short focal length (for example, 24 mm) provides a wider range and allows you to capture scenes with a large range, while a longer focal length (for example, 300 mm) provides a larger zoom and allows you to record subjects at greater distances.

Fixed focal length lenses are simpler in design so less can go wrong with them, simply put they tend to be of better quality and with better luminosity. That you have chosen and don't need to read any further? Unfortunately, every advantage is redeemed by a negative, in this case less responsiveness. Zooms, on the other hand, offer the advantage of being able to replace several fixed lenses at once, and they don't move around as much when traveling.

According to focal length, lenses are classified as follows:

- Fisheye (approx. 8-15 mm): Extremely wide-angle lenses that deliberately distort perspective

- Ultra-wide-angle (approx. 14-24 mm): Use them for landscapes, architecture and interiors.

- Wide-angle (approx. 24-35 mm): Useful for landscapes, architecture and reportage.

- Medium focus (35-100 mm): For natural views and portraiture.

- Normal (prime) lenses (50 mm): Match the angle of view of the human eye.

- Telephoto lenses (100-300 mm): Suitable for portrait, reportage or landscape.

Lens lenses are used for lenses with a wide range of lenses, for example

Another factor you should consider is the lens's luminosity, i.e. the ability of the lens to transmit light. Specifically, this is the ratio of the lens aperture diameter to the focal length. The aperture value also affects the depth of field. For shallow depth of field (out of focus background) you need a bright lens, for high depth of field you can get by with a smaller aperture.

Theluminosity is indicated by the letter f and a numerical value. Lenses with a lower number (e.g. f/1.4) let in more light than lenses with a higher number (e.g. f/4). In general, fixed focal length lenses have a better aperture than zoom lenses.

Translated, this means that the lower the number, the less time it takes to expose and the less risk of the image being out of focus. If you want to shoot or take photos in low light conditions, you can't do without a lens with a good aperture.

Image stabilization

If you're not going to be using a tripod all the time, you'll appreciate the ability to turn on image stabilisation to compensate for minor hand movements. Image stabilisation comes in handy at long focal lengths, for example, when you have to use longer shutter speeds and there's more chance of image blur, both when taking photos and videos. Of course, it won't fully replace a tripod, but it will still help a lot with shake elimination. The downside of stabilisation is that you pay extra for it and the lenses are also heavier.

Camera compatibility

You already have a clear idea of what you need in a basic camera. Now you still need to choose a lens that will be compatible with the camera body.

There are lenses for both full frame and Super35 or APS-C sensors. The main difference is the physical size of the image sensor. Full frame (full frame) lenses can be used on APS-C sensors, but there will be a change in the angle of view compared to full frame, specifically this change corresponds to the focal length multiplied by 1.6. And what do you mean by that? For example, such a lens with a focal length of 50 mm will behave like an 80 mm lens. If you were to use an APS-C to full frame lens, you would not render the entire sensor area and you would have black edges on the footage, or in the worst case, just a circle in the middle of the black box.

To make it not quite so simple, different brands use different bayonets (the system of attaching the lens to the body). The brands that make cameras and lenses (Sony, Canon, Nikon...) have specific bayonets. Lens manufacturers (e.g. Sigma) then make lenses in several variations to be compatible with the camera manufacturers' bayonets. So read the product descriptions well, which always include this information.

Many roads lead to our Prague showroom. One of them is by car.We are located at 291/21 Michelská Street and we are open for you from 9:00 to 17:00. And if you don't have a car, you can reach us by bus or tram from several directions - from Kačerov, Nusle or Vršovice. Get off right in front of our entrance. From tripods to cameras to streaming products, we're sure you'll find everything you're looking for. We have up to 7,000 products in stock for immediate collection, and if you choose personal collection on our e-shop, you will receive a call within 90 minutes. At Syntex, we have something for everyone, from beginners to major film productions. We'd love to have you stop by; we'll be happy to help you with your selection.

Team Syntex

REVIEW OF POLARPRO FILTERS QuartzLine FX BLUEMORPHIC, GOLDMORPHIC, MIST AND SIGNATURE VND 2/5 Peter McKinnon

Every videographer and photographer will know what we're talking about when we say we're going to look at four FX lens filters in this video.

If you're a beginner and don't know what these are, today we're going to make it all clear. Let's get the products right up front. We've got four PolarPro filters and three of them are from the QuartzLine collection, the fourth filter is from the Peter Mckinnon collection. Every lens is different, so you can choose filters with different sized threads to fit your lenses.

We're going to start with the entire QuartzLine collection and specifically the PolarPro Quartzline FX BLUEMORPHIC. When we look at the box, we are greeted by a nice design that is also sturdy and won't let anything happen to the filter. At the same time, we have written on it what kind of filter it is and what thread size it has. Out of the box, we see the Defender360 filter case, which provides complete protection from the weather, giving a pretty solid impression. Underneath the filter case we find instructions on how to handle the filter and a silk cloth for cleaning. The filter has a brass frame, which also indicates the type of filter and which lens it is for; as does the case. On the glass of this filter we can see the blue stripes that create the desired effect. The glass is also protected by 16 layers of anti-scratch and anti-grease coating and a hydrophobic coating. And what will you use this filter for? The QuartzLine FX BlueMorphic filter is a lens filter that can bring a professional anamorphic blue highlight to your scene. All without having to use special stylized film lenses. The filter features blue streaks on the glass that just mimic the anamorphic effects of streak lights. These effects allow you to create streaks on bright light sources or reflections in a scene. With this filter, you can easily achieve a professional look to your anamorphic images without expensive equipment.

We continue with the QuartzLine FX collection, but this time with GOLDMORHPIC. The box, case and contents are the same for all filters, except for the model or collection description. Out of the case, we have the same filter in our hands only with different stripes, and compared to the previous one with blue stripes, this one is with gold, so with this filter we achieve a golden anamorphic effect of the lights. These two filters can be useful, for example, for scenes in clubs or for shots where you want to achieve an interesting effect of lights.

QuartzLine FX MIST. In the box we find a filter case, instructions and a cleaning cloth. Out of the case we have the filter, but unlike the previous ones it doesn't have a rotating body. Therefore, when you mount it on the lens, you won't have anything to rotate it with because it's not needed. The PolarPro Mist Filter from the QuartzLine series is used to create a slight haze or blur effect on the image. This filter can help reduce light hardness and remove sharp edges, creating a soft and pleasing look to your images. It can be used for portraits, landscapes and other types of photos or videos where a certain aesthetic effect is sought. The PolarPro Mist Filter from the QuartzLine series features high quality optical glass and resistance to scratches and other external influences, allowing professional use in all types of production environments.

The last filter we'll introduce is the Peter Mckinnon variable ND with 2-5 stops of power. The box, case and contents remain the same, except in this collection and in Peter Mckinnon you get an extra card with a link to an app that tells you when and how is the best time to shoot. The PolarPro 77mm Signature Variable ND 2/5 - Edition II is a variable ND filter that is used to control the amount of light that hits your camera or camera sensor. This allows you to maintain proper exposure and depth of field even in high light situations such as beaches, snowscapes, skies or when shooting with a very open aperture. This filter is equipped with a mechanism that allows you to easily and infinitely control the amount of light that passes through the filter. As a result, it can be used for different scenes and situations with different light intensities. In addition, the PolarPro 77mm Signature VND 2/5 - Edition II filter provides excellent image quality with minimal distortion and lack of color correction. This filter is often used for landscapes, portraits, architecture and other types of photography or video where the amount of light needs to be controlled without changing the exposure parameters. In conclusion, perhaps the only thing we can evaluate is that we have tried more lens filters, but we have never seen one this well made in this price range.

You can buy the PolarPro Quartzline FX BlueMorphic HERE.

For the PolarPro Quartzline FX GoldMorphic, buy it HERE.

For the PolarPro Quartzline FX Mist Filter, buy it HERE.

For the PolarPro filter from the Peter Mckinnon collection and the Variable ND model with a range of 2-5 feet buy HERE.

Could you use an extra display for your phone, tablet or computer?

We've got one for you, and we have to say that it can handle a lot of music for how small it is.

Today we're taking a look at the Feelworld DH101 10.1-inch portable touchscreen.

What do we find in the package? When you unpack the box, you'll find plenty of protective materials to keep the display safe. The display is wrapped, with a manual underneath, USB-C to USB-C, USB-A to USB-C, and HDMI to mini-HDMI cables. You can use this touch and thin display for work, but also as a monitor for tablets and mobile phones. The portable display supports many laptop brands such as Apple, Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi, Asus, Dell, HP, as well as Microsoft. It can also connect to mobile phones and tablets from Huawei, Honor, Samsung, Razer, LG, Oppo, Asus, HTC and Smartisan. It also works on a plug and play basis, so it doesn't run on a charger, but takes power from the device it's connected to.

How does it work? After you unpack the display and set it up using the integrated 90-degree bracket; select the cable that matches your device and plug it into the display's input one or two. The display should turn on and transmit the screen within 10 seconds. And what do we find on the display?

The display features an IPS panel with a 1280x800 pixel resolution, 900:1 contrast ratio, 160° viewing angles and 280 candela per m2 brightness, as well as a Mini-HDMI input and a pair of USB-C ports. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB-C Type 3 for connecting video sources, power, mouse or keyboard. There's an off/on button, control arrows and a menu button.

To simplify things, you can also customize the display, meaning you can set the colors, brightness, contrast, sharpness, placement, and size yourself or leave it to the machine. Your user experience is then enhanced by the integrated adjustable stand and built-in speakers. And it all weighs in at just 650g. The DH101 also supports touch control via USB-C cable on compatible phones, tablets and laptops.

For us, it's a great product that we can use in both our work and personal lives. The fact that the price ranges from 3 800 CZK adds a plus to this product. You can buy it HERE.

What is an SSD and what are its benefits

While SD cards are fine for storing smaller amounts of data, you usually need a more powerful calibre when shooting videos. And that's an SSD that can store large amounts of data quickly. What is it, what are its benefits and when is it worth choosing?

What is an SSD?

An SSD - solid-state drive - is a modern storage device that is the successor to magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) that contain mechanical moving parts. However, SSD drives are nothing new, you would even find the first one back in 1976. But it's only in recent years that they've become so affordable that their use has spread massively among mainstream consumers; until then, only the military or space projects could reach them.

SSDs don't contain any moving parts, which makes them very resistant to mechanical influences and you don't have to worry about taking them out in the field. Instead, SSD cards have memory chips in them that make it easy and fast to write and erase data.

SSD benefits

That being said, SSDs don't have mechanical moving parts that could be damaged by being carried around, so they're very durable. Another indisputable advantage is the fast transfer, read and write speeds, typically 550 MB/s, so you can work with 4k video without any worries. SSDs also don't have a motor and are up to three times more energy efficient than platter drives.

When to choose SD and when to choose SSD?

When considering external storage for video recording, you need to consider the following:

- Speed: External SSDs generally offer faster read and write speeds compared to SD cards, resulting in smoother writes and faster downloads.

- Capacity: External SSDs generally have a larger capacity compared to SD cards, so you can store more video footage without having to constantly replace memory cards.

- Cost: The main disadvantage of SSDs is their high price. However, if you require reliable, high-speed storage, they are worth investing in.

- Power consumption: SSDs can require more power compared to SD cards, which can have a negative effect on battery life, especially for longer recording sessions.

- Compatibility: Last but not least, it's also important to make sure your recording device is compatible with your chosen external storage device.

In conclusion, the choice between an external SSD and an SD card mainly depends on your specific needs and video recording requirements.