What Camera Lens Do I Need?

Having a good quality lens does affect the quality of work you do. For example the list of non zoomable lens’s also known as Prime lenses are very beautiful in capturing what you need. The downside is that you, yourself as the photographer, have to move around a lot to get the right shot (you are the zoom). With zoom lenses to get the right quality of lens with the opportunity of lower light event settings, can be expensive. Here is an overall comparison chart for picking the right lenses for your work.

For portraits you usually want an 85mm+ lens, unless you are shooting an environmental portrait that calls for that. If you can get away with an environmental portrait 85mm and backing up a lot, that would be even better.

For Events and Weddings, you will be switching between different lenses usually, but having a solid zoom that has low light aperature settings will really help. You can use a 135mm for event and weddings, even though not listed, this would help with not being close up, getting a good quality shot from father away.

For Architecture, A tilt shift camera will help with distortion (have you noticed group shots where there people at the back are pin heads? This is the distortion.vYou will have to digitally fix the distortion after. a 15mm lens will capture a wide area, of space but will be heavily distorted. I wouldnt pick this for a commercial shoot, but you can still use.

Prime Lenses (Fixed Focal Length)

Examples: 35mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8

• Pros: Lightweight, sharp, often wide apertures (great in low light)

• Cons: Can’t zoom — you move to reframe

Zoom Lenses (Variable Focal Length)

Examples: 24–70mm f/2.8, 70–200mm f/2.8, 18–55mm kit lens

• Pros: Flexible framing, covers multiple needs

• Cons: Heavier, more expensive for pro models

Wide-Angle Lenses (10–35mm)

Examples: 16mm, 24mm, 10–22mm

• Pros: Expansive view, creative perspective

• Cons: Can distort subjects if too close

Telephoto Lenses (85mm – 600mm)

Examples: 100mm macro, 135mm, 300mm, 600mm

• Pros: Get close without intruding, stunning blur (bokeh)

• Cons: Large, heavy, expensive

Tips for Choosing a Lens:

• Start with a 50mm f/1.8, it’s great for beginners (this is a prime lens, you have to move to get the shot, it doesnt zoom)

• Choose options that are aligned with the type of photography you want to get into, and work within your budget.

• Lenses can outlast the camera body; they are an investment.