Photography Lessons: The Equipment Quiz

Answer: a cat

A tripod is a camera stand with three legs. They are used to keep the camera steady when using slower shutter speeds, which makes them important when taking pictures at night when there isn't much light. They can also be used when taking self-portraits.

Answer: a telephoto lens

Telephoto lenses allow the user to take pictures of things farther away. They are commonly used when taking pictures of wildlife or sports. They are usually longer and heavier than other lenses.

Answer: eyeglass cloth

Tissues, t-shirts, and similar materials can scratch a lens. Eyeglass cloths are safe to use. Other camera cleaning supplies include cleaning solution, cotton swabs, brushes, and air blowers. You should be careful when cleaning your camera and lenses, especially the sensor on the inside.

Answer: a waterfall

A neutral-density filter allows a slower shutter speed to be used during the day when there is more light. Usually using a slower shutter speed in daylight would cause overexposure, but this filter prevents that.

Waterfalls, and other forms of moving water, are often photographed with slower shutter speeds to make the water look silky and smooth.

Answer: fish-eye lens

A 50mm f/1.8 lens is very common and popular among a lot of photographers. They can be used to take many types of photos, and are especially popular for portraits due to the narrow depth of field caused by the wide aperture. Because the aperture can open up to f/1.8, which is quite wide, it is fast and easier to take pictures in low light since a wide aperture lets in more light.

A prime lens is a lens that cannot zoom.

Answer: lens flares

A lens hood is placed on the end of a lens. It prevents lens flares by blocking some of the light. A lens flare appears when taking a picture towards the sun or other bright light source.

Answer: True

Most digital cameras have built in flashes. There are also external flashes that can be moved around the subject to get more ideal lighting. Because flashes allow the camera to use fast shutter speeds, they can help freeze movement. They are commonly used in studio photography for still lifes, water drops, and portraits.

Answer: Yes

Extension tubes, along with close-up filters, are considered a cheaper alternative to expensive macro lenses. They are placed on a lens and allow it to get closer to the subject. Some are not able to be used with autofocus.

Answer: teleconverter

Reflectors and diffusers help to add and spread out light. Since direct light can sometimes be too harsh or unflattering, they help to add soft, even lighting. A soft box is a type of diffuser used with a flash or continuous light. All of these pieces of lighting equipment are commonly used with portraits, especially in a studio set-up.

Answer: polarizing filter

A polarizing filter reduces reflections and glares on glass, metal, and water. They also help to bring out the blues and greens in photos. There are two different types, linear and circular. When using a polarizing filter, you can rotate it to get different effects.