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Getting an SLR or mirrorless SLR-like camera is a sign that you're getting serious about photography. Most of these cameras come with a flexible kit lens that is good for general-purpose shooting, but if you never move beyond that lens, you're missing out on one of the biggest advantages of an SLR-style camera. They can be outfitted with a variety of lenses that can completely change the character and quality of your photography. In our latest podcast, electronics editor Glenn Derene and cameras editor Terry Sullivan pull out a bunch of high-quality lenses and show you how using the right glass can make a big difference,. They’ll also provide lots of example photos to illustrate why these lenses deliver a big step up from the image quality you'll get from point-and-shoots or smartphones.

Check our archive of Talking Tech podcasts for more interesting chat!

In this podcast, our exports discuss a number of different types of camera gear, including:

SLR cameras:

  • Nikon D800E ($2800)
  • Nikon D7100 ($1100) 
  • Canon EOS 5D ($500-1000)

Mirrorless SLR-like cameras:

  • Sony NEX-3 ($300-400)

SLR lenses: 

  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens – Nikon ($2,600)
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G  ($ 300)
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR – Nikon ($600)
  • Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM ($1100)

Mirrorless lenses: 

  • Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS E-mount Zoom Lens ($900)
  • Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS PZ ($350) 

Lensbaby lenses: ($200-300)

For more on SLR and interchangeable lenses, check out our buying guide and Ratings.

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