How to Choose a Lens
Posted by Ayo Olasupo on 16th Sep 2021
The right lens makes all the difference in photography. It is the best tool you have for manipulating light and telling your story. How your lens gathers and alters light determines how creatively you can expose your images, and how sharp they will look. Each lens has its strengths and serves a unique purpose. To choose a lens, consider what, or how, you want to shoot, then look for a lens that will help you achieve your goal.
Better lenses have several elements to keep their images sharp, and are made with tougher materials. Options like auto and manual focus, wider apertures, and quality glass separate the expensive from the cheap lenses. Remember, the kind of images you want to capture will determine which lens you should choose. Below is a list of various lenses separated by category that will help you get a better of idea of what you should be looking for when choosing a lens.
Prime
The 85mm focal length is a favorite among portrait photographers. Sony’s FE 85 f/1.4 gives photographers a beautiful shallow depth of field while reducing chromatic aberration for true, bold colors. The wide aperture makes the lens a great option for low light photos, while the focal length makes for gorgeous portraits.
Canon’s 50mm f/1.8 lens is a great all-around lens. The 50mm focal mimics the view of the human eye, making it a versatile go-to lens. The f/1.8 aperture opening makes the lens fast enough for variety of images and provides beautiful depth of field. The lightweight 50mm f/1.8 by Canon is great for carrying with you for various shooting situations.
Zoom
1. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Unusual for a zoom lens, the Sony FE 70-200 f/2.8 gives sharp images at every focal length. At the most coveted focal range for a zoom, this lens has stiff competition. A steady shot feature makes quick long shots a breeze with no worry of blurry photos. The lens is known for its beautiful bokeh and provides great depth of field from a distance. great choice for anyone looking for a quality zoom lens.
2. Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R
This lightweight and convenient lens is compatible with the lightweight and convenient Olympus Pen cameras. The lightweight setup will never feel too heavy, making it great for traveling or walking around. Its long focal range allows for every shot you can think of - an ideal companion for the spontaneous photographer.
Macro
1. Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR
A versatile lens good for macros, portraits, and still lifes, the Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 is the highest quality of macro lenses. Relax and shoot, knowing that the lens is working to reduce chromatic aberration and give shallow depth of field. With built in stabilization and weather-resistant construction, you can shoot amazing macro photos without setting up your tripod.
2. Canon EF-M 28MM f/3.5 Macro IS STM
This lens provides a lot of firsts in the macro lens world. Compatibility with the Canon EOS M line makes it ideal for the photographer who wants to spend the day shooting without the burden of a heavy system. Lastly, the Canon EF-M 28 f/3.5 is a quiet lens, allowing for close shots of subjects that might otherwise be disturbed by noise.
Long range
1. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 G ED VR II
This Nikon lens is great for action shots or any moving subject, especially from a distance. Image stabilization allows you to capture quick shots without blur. With super-fast autofocus, you’ll never miss a fleeting shot.
2. Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD
The Tamron 18-400 is light weight for a super telephoto lens. A series of elements reduces the effects of camera shake and maintains sharpness throughout the focal range of the lens. Quick autofocus means you can compose and shoot on the fly, even if you're not close to your subject.
Ultra wide
1. Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
Like other lenses, the ultra-wide Canon EF 14mm has improved construction to reduce chromatic aberration and improve sharpness throughout an image. Take in a wide scene with great depth of field for amazing documentary style photos.
2. Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 ASPH II
Perfect for on-the-go shooting, the Lumix G 14mm is about as small as a lens gets. Quick autofocus makes shooting swift and easy, while noise control keeps everything quiet. This lens is a great option for any photographer who likes to shoot without a plan.