Which Lens for Which Shot

For the simpletons like me in easy to understand wording could we be advised what type of lens is used for each type of photography i.e. portrait, macro etc.

I find myself using my 18-55mm Nikkor zoom for everything. It has a very effective macro mode and a range that's great for portraits. It's not the fastest lens but meets my needs as the lens to have on the camera at all times.

The lower the mm range the wider the field of view, for example 10 -24mm range.
Landscapes would be the type of use it would be put to,or street/room scenes to get the width of not the distance.



Macro its not the mm range more the ratio, example a lens with a 1/1 ratio is a true macro lens, although you do see them as 1/2 or 1/3 but they are in my opinion not proper macro. As it says macro is for real closeup work, insects and the like

Portrait lens is generally considered anything from around the 30-90mm mark. Used for portraits- buildings or anything thats not too far away can be a prime or tele photo lens but prime preferable.

Prime lens is where the mm is fixed for example 400mm or 600mm. Expensive to say the least, due to better lens production usually a professional lens.

Telephoto lens generally is anything that varies from around 70mm up to around 500mm in any variation. used as a walk around lens to cover most situations

Above 500mm is a super telephoto that can go up to, well you name it. So keep your bedroom curtains drawn.

Ok difference between a "consumer " and a "professional " lens

The give away is the F numbers (f4 for larger lenses) f2.8 or lower is usually a professional lens due to the glass quality.

Consumer lens is around f3.5-f5.6 lot cheaper to buy but both consumer and professional lenses can cover the same mm range.

Just a broad outline if thats any help.

Bazza

There's no hard n fast rules but...

50mm and 85mm are generally considered great lens for portraits

200mm or greater for wildlife

24mm or lower for landscapes

That's wonderful guys and thanks for your help!

Pleasure P. sounds as if I understand what I am talking about.

Note to myself, "I must tell those men in white coats I am on the mend so they can safely leave the cell door open."
Now where did I leave those other brain cells????

Bazza