As a photographer, it’s important to have a diverse range of lenses in your camera bag to help you capture a variety of subjects and situations. However, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which lenses to invest in, especially if you’re just starting out. In this article, we’ll go over 2-3 types of lenses that every photographer should have in their arsenal.

Wide-angle lens

A wide-angle lens is a must-have for any photographer. These lenses have a shorter focal length (e.g. 24mm or 35mm) and are great for capturing landscapes, architecture, and large group shots. They have a wider field of view, which can be useful for fitting more into the frame.

Wide-angle lenses are especially useful for interior photography, as they allow you to capture the entire room in a single shot. They are also great for shooting in tight spaces, such as when you’re shooting street photography or candids in a crowded market.

One thing to keep in mind with wide-angle lenses is that they can distort the perspective of your subject, making objects in the foreground appear larger than those in the background. This can be used creatively to add interest to your compositions, but it’s something to be aware of when shooting more traditional subjects like portraits.

Beginner Lenses

• Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 is STM Lens, Lens Only
• Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens
• E-Mount Standard Prime Lens AF 35mm F1.8 Full Frame Lens for Sony E-Mount Camera

Advanced Lenses

• Canon RF14-35mm F4 L is USM Lens
• Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
• Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture Wide Angle G Master Lens

Telephoto lens

A telephoto lens is another essential lens for any photographer. These lenses have a longer focal length (e.g. 70mm, 100mm, 200mm, etc.) and are great for portraits, sports, and wildlife photography. They have a narrow field of view, which allows you to get closer to your subject without physically moving closer.

Telephoto lenses are especially useful for isolating your subject and blurring the background, which can be a great way to draw attention to your subject. They are also great for shooting in low light conditions, as they often have a wide maximum aperture (e.g. f/2.8) that allows more light to pass through the lens.

One thing to keep in mind with telephoto lenses is that they are often heavier and more expensive than wide-angle lenses. They also require a steady hand or a tripod to avoid camera shake, as the longer focal length magnifies any movement.

Beginner Lenses

• Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
• Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
• Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens for Sony E-Mount Cameras (Black)

Advanced Lenses

• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, White – 3044C002
• Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
• Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Full-Frame Constant-Aperture telephoto Zoom G Master Lens

Prime lens

A prime lens is a lens with a fixed focal length, meaning it can’t zoom in or out. These lenses are typically smaller, lighter, and less expensive than zoom lenses, and they often have a wider maximum aperture, which makes them great for low light conditions and creating a shallow depth of field.

Prime lenses are especially useful for photographers who want to challenge themselves creatively, as the fixed focal length forces you to move your feet and think more about your compositions. They are also great for street photography, as the wider maximum aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions and blur the background to isolate your subject.

One thing to keep in mind with prime lenses is that the fixed focal length can be limiting if you need to shoot a variety of subjects at different distances. You’ll need to switch out your lens or move your feet to get the framing you want, which can be inconvenient if you’re shooting fast-moving subjects.

Beginner Lenses

• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, Fixed
• Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
• Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens (SEL50F18F/2)

Advanced Lenses

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM – DSLR Lens with IS Capability, Black – 2271C002
• Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
• Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Full-Frame Large-Aperture G Master Lens

Conclusion

In conclusion, every photographer should have a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and a prime lens in their camera bag. These three types of lenses will give you the versatility you need to capture a wide range of subjects and situations. Of course, there are many other types of lenses out there, and you may find that you want to add more specialized lenses to your collection as you become more experienced. However, these three lenses will give you a solid foundation to build upon and will serve as the workhorses of your camera bag.

Remember, the right lens for you will depend on the type of photography you’re interested in and the features and capabilities of your camera. Don’t be afraid to try out different lenses and see what works best for you. With time and practice, you’ll develop a sense of which lenses work best for different situations and subjects.

So, the next time you’re wondering what lens to buy for your camera, consider starting with a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and a prime lens. These three types of lenses will give you the versatility you need to capture a wide range of subjects and situations. Happy shooting!