Using a 52mm lens may RUINS your Coral Reef Photography

Bigger isn't better.

There are discussions and claims aimed at non-photographic reef-keeping enthusiasts about using a 52mm lens over multiple cameras on a smartphone solely for convenience. This approach is not only erroneous, except when using just a color filter, but also results in less than stellar performance.
 

Let's discuss aspherical lenses such as macros and telephotos, which are designed for use with a single (primary) camera. In the world of DSLR cameras, lenses have been mounted on single camera bodies for over a century. Why do you think that is? Because there's more to it.

MORE CONVENIENT

When you use a 52mm lens over multiple cameras, the focal points and focal planes become completely misaligned—this should be avoided! The undesirable effects may include reduced image clarity, edge softness, and distortion in the center of the image.

MORE PROFESSIONAL

For optimal performance, both the focal points and focal planes need to be perfectly aligned, which can only be achieved with a lens mounted in the center of the primary camera. Using the primary camera on your smartphone is most likely to capture the highest image quality, as it has the largest image sensor of all.

With over 15 years of photography experience, I've gained some valuable insights. I've created the infographics below to explain this technical analysis, and I hope they provide you with some in-depth clarity on the subject.

Light will always travel parallel through the camera's lens to project into the image sensor and create the image. This is how we achieve sharp focus and optimal performance in general (other factors are involved, such as lighting, camera settings, motion blur, etc).

Aligning focal points and focal planes results in optimal performance, maximizing focus sharpness, increasing light transmission to the image sensor, and reducing ghosting and distortion in the center of the image.

Misaligned focal points and focal planes lead to undesired performance, causing softness (ghosting) or blurriness in the center and edges of the image, reducing light transmission to the image sensor, resulting in a more grainy image, and introducing unwanted distortion in the middle of the image.

Subscribe to unlock your 5% off.

No Thanks

Gain insights. Stay connected.

Sign in to your Oceanbox Designs® account