Lens types

[Saleems]

Hi guys,
Sorry if this has been asked before but could someone please tell me what all of the numbers after the name of a lens actually mean and whether lower numbers or higher numbers are better? (I think it indicates aperture but not so sure...)

[Watchamacallit]

Hi Saleems,

The numbers designated for a lens is it's maximum aperture (the smaller number), also regarded as how "fast" the lens is. You can take a look over a this post (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=24050) regarding aperture to give a bit of an explanation on that front. Hope that helps.

[Saleems]

That was very helpful Watchamacallit, thank you.