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Pick a focal length designed for the type of pictures you take. Check if you need image stabilization. Use the f-stop rating to select your aperture. Check how the lens type affects zoom capabilities.
The focal length is represented by two numbers with a dash in between (i.e., 18-55). It marks the distance from the camera lens to the sensor. A wider range makes a camera better at taking photos from a distance. A shorter range means a camera will be better at shooting single scenes up close. For example, if you take a lot of photos of family events, you're taking mostly close-up shots of one scene. If choosing between a focal length of 18-55 and 18-35, go for the 18-35 lens. Image stabilization prevents blur by keeping the camera steady when taking photos. Pentax and Olympic cameras have photo stabilization built in with a camera's body, so you won't need a lens with this feature. If you have another brand of camera, however, look for a lens with image stabilization. Image stabilization is labeled differently between types of cameras. Canon simply uses Image Stabilization, or IS. Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Samsung us the term Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Nikon uses Vibration Reduction (VR). Sony uses Optical Steady Shot (OSS). Sigma uses Optical Stabilization (OS). Tamron uses Vibration Control (VC). Aperture refers to the amount of light a camera lens allows in and is represented by f-stop ratings (i.e., F4). Smaller numbers indicate a camera lets in more light. A smaller aperture works great for more creative photography, as they allow you to focus in on a close up of one specific object. However, a larger aperture works best if you're just photographing to capture events in your daily life. A larger aperture allows you to take photos indoors without flash and shoot without a lot of light. For example, if you use your camera to photograph family get togethers, an f-stop rating of F4 should be fine. However, if you use your camera to take creative photos for a photography class, go for a lower f-stop rating, such as F2. A prime lens is generally a solid choice, as it can be customized for a variety of photo types and is generally the most versatile. However, if you're taking very specific types of photos, pick a lens type that will provide the right zoom for your needs. Wide-angled lenses allow you to better photograph interiors of buildings and other structures. Macro lenses work great for extreme closeups, such as nature shots of leaves and flowers. Telephoto lenses can be helpful for long distance shots.