(scroll down for details of a special offer)

Writing eBooks is a learning process for me as much as it is for the readers. Earlier this month I finished Understanding Lenses: Part II. I finally had time to think about how much I have learnt as I wrote my two eBooks about Canon lenses.

The main points for me are these (I know I keep mentioning them):

• Lenses are the ‘eyes’ of your camera system. The way a lens, and consequently your camera, ‘sees’ the world depends on the focal length and aperture you select, as well as other factors like how close you are to the subject.
• The more you use a lens, the better you will understand how it ‘sees’ in different situations and lighting conditions. Once you understand how your lenses see you can use that in a creative way to take photos with better and more dynamic composition.
• You don’t have to spend a fortune on glass to get good quality. The new EF 40mm f2.8 STM pancake lens is a great example. I picked it up for $NZ300 (£150) in my local camera store and the image quality is superb. I can’t fault it. L series lenses are nice (I know, I own the EF 17-40mm f4 L) and some of them are not terribly expensive, but there is some terrific value for money among Canon’s other lenses if you know where to look.

I go into all this and more in Understanding Lenses: Part II. The eBook is divided into two parts. The first shows you how to use these focal lengths creatively for taking photos of subjects like portraits, landscapes, travel and close-up work. It also contains tips for getting the best out of your lenses using functions like autofocus microadjustment and IS (Image Stabiliser).

The second is a buyer’s guide, looking at some of the more interesting lenses in Canon’s range along with some tips for buying new lenses.

You also get a copy of the Everything EOS Ef and Ef-S Lens Guide, kindly provided by EOS magazine. It lists every Canon Ef and Ef-S ever made, including discontinued models, along with their specification. It’s invaluable for anybody interested in buying a new or second-hand Canon lens.

Special offer

Enter the code october2 at checkout to receive a discount of £2 off the purchase price of Understanding Lenses Part II. The discount is valid for all my eBooks, including bundles (click here to see the bundles). The code expires at midnight, 31 October 2012 GMT.

The Understanding Lenses Bundle

If you didn’t buy Understanding Lenses: Part I then save some money by buying them together. You get both eBooks, plus the Everything EOS Ef and Ef-S Lens Guide, for just £11 (£9 with the october2 discount code).

Photo gallery

Here are some spreads from Understanding Lenses: Part II: