Last updated 1 month ago
Most photographers know that skill usually matters more than the camera brand, but it’s a different story when it comes to camera lenses. A poor lens can and will affect all of your photos regardless of skill level or camera body, but name-brand products can easily cost twice as much as aftermarket kits. So how do you find the best balance of quality and cost? Read on to find out:
About OEM and Aftermarket Lenses
Even though original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products feature a brand logo and are typically high-quality, most parent companies only design the lens and then outsource the actual production. Aftermarket manufacturers can later take advantage of these initial designs and release them under various aftermarket monikers such as Tamron, Quantaray, or Sigma.
Deconstructing the Cost Differences
The major differences between aftermarket and OEM lenses typically boil down to the quality of individual components used in production. Manufacturers tend to overdesign their products anyways, so an aftermarket part of like fit, cost, and quality will generally perform as well under normal shooting conditions, albeit with a lower life expectancy. And of course, a premium aftermarket manufacturer such as Zeiss will generally perform better than even OEM lenses.
What to Buy
If you’re a frequent photographer and you plan to use a certain lens on a regular basis, then it’s perfectly worthwhile to invest in a quality OEM lens. However, if you’re looking for a specialty lens for rare occasions, then it might be worthwhile to save on an aftermarket lens and put the savings towards a new camera body or another lens. Most manufacturers produce both gems and lemons, so be sure to look up product reviews beforehand.
Whether you’re looking for a camera lenses, bodies, or some accessories to make your life a little easier, we here at Camera Land are here to help. We’ve been providing New York City with a wide selection of camera supplies and hunting optics since 1957. Take a look at our online specials and call (646) 789-4830 for more information.
Last updated 1 month ago
Stopping by? Yes, it is such an incredible camera that we are sure it will fly off the shelves before we can get more in. Come by and check it out and at the same time check out the new Sony A58 and Nikon Coolpix A. Think of us for the latest in photo technology!
Last updated 1 month ago
A rifle is certainly a versatile firearm, but you’ll need a reliable riflescope to truly take advantage of its long-distance capabilities. Choosing the best riflescope for your needs depends on a number of factors. Take a look below for a brief primer on choosing a new riflescope:
Magnification
One of the most common questions among new riflescope buyers is “What power scope do I need?” You’ll struggle with accuracy if you get one that is too small, and larger scopes may be unwieldy or prohibitively costly for your needs. For hunters and target shooters who generally don’t exceed 100-yard distances, a scope with 7x magnification is a safe investment. For high-accuracy situations over 200 yards, you’ll likely need a scope with 9x to 12x magnification.
Targeting Reticules
Many riflescopes typically still have standard crosshairs, but it’s not uncommon to find some with duplex, mildot, or laser reticles. Reticles can be a handy tactical tool for gauging bullet drop over longer distances, though they do require a bit of mental math to use properly. Depending on your shooting needs, consider whether you want first-focal plane (FFP) or a second-focal plane (SFP) riflescope. FFP scopes adjust the size of the reticle with the magnification for quick and accurate shots, while SFP scopes keep the targeting reticle the same size at any magnification.
Durability
Durability is obviously a major concern for any shopper. You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new riflescope only to have it fog up or break when you need it most. You generally get what you pay for, but most game hunters will be fine with a modest riflescope, rather than spending hundreds of dollars for incremental improvements. Conversely, it’s generally recommended to overspend on riflescopes intended for tactical purposes, as high accuracy is extremely important in those situations.
Camera Land offers a wide selection on camera supplies and shooting optics of the highest quality at competitive prices. For more information about our products and services in New York City, call (646) 789-4830 today or send an online inquiry.
