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One of the most important (and expensive) pieces of the camera is its lens. This complex system of glass and mirrors can cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars. As a professional photographer, you probably have a bevy of camera lenses that you like to use depending on what and where you are shooting. A photographer who shoots sports games isn’t going to use the same lens as a portrait photographer because the needs of the situation are different.

Here’s a quick overview of the types of lenses available:

Fixed
Fixed focal length lenses usually produce high quality images because they have been built to optimally shoot at their given length. Most fixed lenses also have a relatively small aperture which helps increase the depth of field. These lenses are good for shooting people and stationary objects.

Zoom
The counterpart to the fixed lens, zoom lenses give you a choice of focal length, making it useful when you want to carry one lens but not be limited. Zoom lenses are great to use when you aren’t certain how close you’ll be able to get to your subject.

Wide-angle
Wide-angles are the best for taking landscape photos, panoramas and large group shots. They are great because they allow you to capture the whole scene without being forced to crop the frame. Wide-angle lenses allow for a greater depth of field so more of the image stays in focus.

Telephoto
You are sure to find long telephoto lenses at any football game, or anywhere else where the action is far away from the photographer. Medium telephoto lenses are great for portrait photography or candid action shots.

Fisheye
Fisheye lenses are wide-angles lenses that circularly distort the image to create a 180 degree look. Some landscape photographers use them to mimic the curvature of the Earth.

Macro
Macro lenses are specifically designed for close-up work like when taking photos of flowers or insects. Each lens will focus continuously from infinity to 1:1.

Not all of these lenses may be applicable to the work you do. Most call for very specific circumstances, lighting situations and subject matter. But it is good to have a variety of lenses on hand so you are prepared to handle any kind of circumstance.

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