There are several different types of lenses. First there are two simple categories: prime and zoom.

A prime lens is one that has a fixed focal length that cannot be changed. Using a zoom lens, the photographer has the ability to vary its focal length within a predefined range. Since a zoom lens can give similar results to a telephoto or a wide-angle lens, they are very versatile and have become a standard in small point-and-shoot cameras. The zoom designations of 2X, 3x, etc. refer to the ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths.

Lenses are also categorized by the focal length. Those general categories are normal, wide-angle, and telephoto. Lenses are classified as normal lenses if they have a focal length of somewhere near 50mm. Since this mimics the average focal length of the human eye, it gives the most natural view.

Wide angle lenses have small focal lengths and produce photos with elongated fields of view. Telephoto lenses have larger corresponding focal lengths. They make distant objects appear magnified. Different lenses like the wide angle and telephoto change the view. A wide angle lens makes distances seem greater than they really are while a telephoto lens makes far away objects seem closer than they are. Proper use of these lenses can greatly add to the photograph.

Most small point-and-shoot and mid-range cameras today have zoom lenses. Some also have wide angle capabilities. Since you cannot change the lens on these smaller cameras, you need to check out the capabilities and quality of the lens carefully when you make your purchase.

If you are purchasing a digital a SLR camera, choosing the camera body will be extremely important because that will determine which lenses you can purchase in the future. So you need to look at the quality and type of the available lenses. Sometimes several different lines of lenses are available. For instance, Canon has a line of average lenses and they also have an L-series which are more expensive because they have superior optical performance and professional quality construction.

When you purchase your first lens, you can’t go wrong with a normal lens with a good focal range. Later you can add other lenses, according to your needs.