lenses

[craigmason71]

can somebody please explain in easy to understand language what the numbers mean on lenses as i am not used to this i am used to 3-18x optical zoom method as found on compact cameras a

[canismajor]

can somebody please explain in easy to understand language what the numbers mean on lenses as i am not used to this i am used to 3-18x optical zoom method as found on compact cameras a

Hi Craig. When you say numbers on lenses do you mean the focal lengths or the aperture numbers?

[craigmason71]

Both i dont know what any of the numbers mean

[canismajor]

Both i dont know what any of the numbers mean

Ok, well the numbers which read like f3.5--5.6 for example, are the numbers relating to the lens apertures. The smaller the number, like f2, mens that the lens variable aperture will open very wide and is known as a fast lens because it allows more light in, makes for faster shutter speeds and sharper pics.
The other 'numbers' are the focal lengths, like 18-200mm, which means that the lens is a zoom going from 18mm which is a wide angle view, up to 200mm which is a telephoto zoom and good for bringing subjects close in. Hope this helps, Mike.

[wave]

Hi what camera and lens do you have it will help us give a better answer