Start by working backwards from the photos you want to make that your current lens can’t do well. A new lens is usually best chosen to solve a specific limitation, not to be a little better at everything.

Key things to compare are: focal length range, maximum aperture, close-focus ability, autofocus speed, image quality, size/weight, stabilization, weather sealing, and cost.

Examples:

• Want more background blur or better low-light performance? Look for a wider aperture.
• Want subjects to appear closer? Choose a longer telephoto lens.
• Want sharper images and don’t need zoom flexibility? Consider a prime lens.

If you’re looking at superzooms, remember there’s always a trade-off: no single lens gives huge zoom range, wide aperture, top sharpness, and compact size all at once.

For an APS-C camera like the R50, a lens starting at 24mm is less wide than one starting at 18mm, so think carefully if you want general-purpose everyday coverage.

The best next step is to identify what your current lens doesn’t let you do, then pick the lens type that solves that problem most directly.