Do you know how to read a lens?

This is the lens that I recommended Terry to buy.  Terry is going to New Zealand for holidays and he would really like to take some good photographs while traveling.  New Zealand is famous for its stunning scenery.  However Terry is new in photography and he does not want to carry too many things and neither does he want to spend too much money.  I think this lens is all he needs for this trip.

1. This is a telephoto (zoom) lens with a variable f/l (focal length) of 18 to 250mm.  You can vary the f/l just by turning the barrel of the lens.  The 'reach' offer by varying the focal length is enough for most amateur photographer's needs.  Basically you only need to take this one lens during your journey. 
2. At 18mm you can take picture of landscapes, stadium, fields, open spaces etc.  At the other end, 250mm will give you very close up view with great details of your subject.  Of course you can use any of the f/l in between i.e. 24, 28, 35 etc.  
3. The maximum aperture setting (f stop) of this lens for both variables is f 22.  However if you are using  18mm then the min aperture is f3.5 and for 250mm the min aperture is f6.3
4. If you want close up shots of your subject, you only need a minimum focusing distance of 17.7" (45cm).  In other words you can take pictures of any thing that is one and half feet from you.
5. HSM - Hypersonic Motor.  This is the inbuilt motor that causes the lens to focus in the shortest time.
6. OS - Optical Stabilisation.  The lens contain a gyro mechanism to eliminate the slightest movement to ensure you get the sharpest image.
7. DC - is a class of lens made by Sigma for digital cropped sensor.

So Salah (Wrong).

I saw this advertisement on the doors of the lifts that leads to an IT cum electronic hub in a shopping mall.  This picture is so salah (wrong)!  The first thing you learn is never to hold your DSLR this way when taking picture!

Your left palm should be placed underneath the camera to give it support.  Extend your thumb and index fingers to form a U, to fix snugly at the junction where the lens join the camera body.  This is to minimise shakes when you press on the shutter release button.  Camera shakes make blur photographs.   And the right hand should grasp firmly the right side of the camera.  Extend your index finger to engage the shutter release or to turn the dial to change camera settings.  (If you are left handed, just reverse right to left!)

Never hold the camera by grasping the sides.  when you push the shutter realease button you will force the camera to dip slightly.  Even the smallest movement will cause blurriness.  And you would think an electronic hub with experts in camera would know better than to put up such a picture!  Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.