So you have a bit extra cash to spend on photo gear, and you’re about to go shopping. Before you do we want to remind you of something we’ve stressed in the past; namely, it often makes far more sense to upgrade your optics than it does to invest in a new camera.

Lens characteristics, after all, are the ultimate determinant of image quality. If that doesn’t make sense, try making a few shots with your best lens on a low-end camera. Then shoot a couple more with a cheap kit lens on the best camera you own and compare the results. As you’ll see, a great lens always wins.

Hence, we’re presenting the following tutorial from Canadian pro Simon d’Entremont who shoots everything from wildlife and macro to expansive vistas of landscape scenes. In other words, he owns a ton of glass and is the perfect source to help you make an informed choice when purchasing a new lens.

Focal length is obviously a primary consideration, depending upon the type of subjects you shoot and the lenses you also ready own. Likewise, choosing the proper lens mount is a no-brainer unless you shoot with both crop sensor and full-frame cameras. And the degree to which crop factor affects the focal length you choose also factors in the equation.

The above basics notwithstanding, there are other important variables deserving of attention, and that’s what this enlightening episode is about. Simon discusses everything you need to know about different types of lenses, how they work, the different techniques they require, and any tradeoffs to be aware off.

If you’re uncertain about what the nomenclature on a lens means, Simon has you covered. He also discusses the distinction between prime lenses and zooms, and the pros and cons of each. Maximum aperture (i.e., fast vs. slow lenses) is another key topic—especially if you often shoot in low light. And lens characteristics like flare and bokeh are worthy of some thought.

You’ll also see what to expect with lenses from various manufacturers, and why the most expensive choice may not be your best option. Another important criterion is the resolution of your camera’s sensor. That’s because hi-res cameras enable you to do more cropping, and thereby “move in tighter” with a less powerful lens,

There’s much more to learn in this episode so watch until the end. Then head over to Simon’s YouTube channel for more great advice on a wide variety of topics.

And don’t miss an earlier tutorial we posted on a related subject, explaining the best way to use wide-angle lenses for epic landscape photos.

If you’re like most photographers you’d rather be out shooting than sitting behind a computer processing images. The tutorial below will help fulfill that desire by accelerating the editing task so you can grab a camera and get back in the field ASAP.

Photographer Sean Bagshaw is an adept instructor specializing in Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials that help get things done fast. Today’s episode is a great example as he discusses several “stupidly simple“ hacks for streamlining your Photoshop workflow

What Bagshaw refers to as “hacks” are actually Photoshop Actions that work wonders for beginners and pros alike. The idea is to set them for the specific functions you use regularly. And once you take a few minutes to make these one-time selections your edits will fly by in a hurry forever more.

You may want to take a few notes since Bagshaw covers a lot of in the 12-minute video below, so grab pen and paper before hitting the “Play” button. One of our favorite tips is the Action that provides on/off toggling for edge-snapping and rules with a single click.

Bagshaw explains that he typically uses a third-party Photoshop plugin for creating and using Actions. And there’s a link to a previous tutorial on the finer points of this topic in the description beneath the video (where there’s also a link for purchasing the software).

Today’s lesson is simpler, however, as the primary focus is on very simple actions you can make yourself. Bagshaw says that, “Even if you don’t use the TK8 plug-in, just having these shortcuts in Photoshop’s Actions Panel will streamline your workflow quite a bit.”  That’s because the tools you use most will be right at your fingertips.

Want to clear guides: done. Customize mouse and keyboard functions? Check. Group all layers? That’s there too, as well as much more.

Be sure to visit Bagshaw’s YouTube channel if you appreciate this video, where you’ll find more of the same.

We also suggest you check out the tutorial we posted recently from another expert, explaining a simple Photoshop technique for eliminating ugly bright halos from your images.

Congratulations to Katherine Plessner for winning the recent Motivational Moments Assignment with the image, “A Photographer’s Dream Location.” See more of Plessner’s photography on Flickr.

View the winning image and a selection of submissions below. And be sure to check out our current photography assignment here and enter your best shots!

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