When it comes to purchasing a lens for your digital camera, the sheer number of options, specifications, acronyms and features is enough to make anyone throw up their hands in frustration and resort to simply using their smartphone. But dedicated cameras are still worth it, and produce high-quality photos that smartphone cameras just can't match with their minuscule sensors.

Once you know what you're looking for, and know how different companies brand identical features, it isn't too difficult to figure out what type of lens you need. With a little education, you can determine which features in your new lens are superfluous, essential, or just nice to have.

Today's smartphones boast some fairly impressive cameras, but more often than not, their zooming capabilities leave more to be desired. Fortunately, you can enhance your phone's zoom with the 8x Telephoto Smartphone Lens, which is now on sale for nearly 75 percent off the normal price.

Video: Being a casual photographer without much gear, I'm reluctant to spend money on things like proper camera bags and cases. I'd rather MacGyver a solution with whatever's on hand -- like this DIY lens case made from plastic bottles and bubble wrap.

If you're looking to boost your field photography skills, these eight clever tricks can be done with common items almost everyone has.