Pages

Saturday, February 20, 2010

The Three Lenses Every Photographer Should Own.


A lot of photographers wonder what lenses to buy when they are starting out.  Here is some great advice on what lenses you will want when you are a beginner or even an old pro.

1. 18-50mm zoom
This is the basic kit lens on your camera.  If you have an aps-c camera  this lens will be equivalent to a 24-70mm 35mm format lens.  It zooms from fairly wide, which is good for landscapes to will also be able to zoom for closer shots. This lens is a great all around lens to keep on your camera when you don't know what you will be shooting.





2. 50mm f1.8 macro
This lens will allow you to get close up shots with  your camera.  It will also allow you to create shallow depth of field because of the 1.8 f/stop.  If you can't afford a f1.8, a f2.8 will be just fine.  This lens is also great for portraits and for close-ups like flowers.  The other nice thing about these lenses is that you can pick them up cheap on ebay.










3.  70-200mm telephoto
This lens will allow you to get up close to your subject. It is great for animal shots and also is a good portrait lens. I also like taking photos of flowers with mine because you get very shallow depth of field.  When looking for a telephoto lens try to find a fast one, f2.8 if possible. If you can't afford a fast one, at least try to find a f4 lens. Oh yeah, almost forgot that this is a great lens to shoot sports since it allow you to get close the the subject.











These lenses will give you versatility  to shoot almost any situation you will come up against.
They are also available with almost any camera system available.  If you have any questions post a comment and I will answer them, Thanks!

29 comments:

  1. Thanks, Brian, that was useful. As all your posts for new photographers are!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Would certainly go with items 2 & 3 Brian. The canon 18-55 mk2 is also allegedly a great improvement on the earlier version which I owned but simply gave it away as I felt it was seriously degrading my images.
    If people are in the market for a 70-700/2.8 or even 4, I would suggest the wide zoom to complement it would be the 17-40......?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the post. One out of three ain't bad. I have the 50mm 1.4, love it! The 18-200 is great, but would hope to replace with a 2.8 wider Lens and move to a better telephoto. Who knows, those smaller compact cameras are nice, less to carry.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brian Thanks. Which would be better as a prime 35 mm or the 50mm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Brian which would be a better prime, 35 mm or the 50 mm.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nousher, it depends on what type of camera you have and also what you are shooting. Can you tell me what the lens would be used for and what camera you would be using it on?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks brian,I have a Nikon D5100,with 18-55mm and 55-300mm lens.are they in line with what you listed above?secondly what nikon len do you recommend for telephoto?

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you already have a 55-300mm and a 18-55, I would still get a fast 50mm prime lens. I would shell out the money for the f/1.4. I think you would be very surprised with the results you get!
    Thanks for the comment!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello mr.Brian.I'm a beginner so I'd like to know what type of lens suitable for traveling and landscape?I'm using nikon:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dr,

    Thanks for the comment! If I was wanting to travel and take photos of landscapes I would get exactly what is said above. The three lenses above would cover everthing you would need. Now, if I could only get one, I would start with the 18-50mm. It is an overall good lens to start with, The 18-55mm usually comes with the camera(kit lens). If you need further clarification let me know. I hope this helps. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. always buy the fast 2.8 lens. you'll never regret it and you'll never stop using them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Brian, Great Post!!!

    I'm a newbie in SLR Photography and this past year I purchased my Canon EOS Rebel T1i. I made the purchase with a EFS 18-55mm good/bad? no idea. It takes great shots in the volleyball games of my middle son. When I first got it I went with my oldest son to the beach, he does bodyboard surfing, oh my, he could barely be seen. I then bought an EFS 55-250mm zoom lens and this one did much better. Later on, I purchased an 50 mm f/1.8, it takes great pictures, especially portraits and, does marvels in low light conditions.

    I have a very tight budget and reading this posts was awesome. It makes me feel good with what I have, and probably will suffice for a while. I do this for a hobby but I'm very serious about it. I once went to a landscaping seminar and was recommended a wide-angle lens. They are expensive, very, any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Norbert. Wide angle lenses can be a great addition to you equipment. You can spend a little or a lot, it really depends on the specific lens and brand. If you have some extra cash I think you would really like the effects you get with a wide angle lens. My thoughts are the more lenses the better. Keep in mind that used lenses are cheaper and can be just as good or better than a new lens. Shop around on Ebay or www.usedcameras.com and see what you can find. Also, Rokinon makes some awesome fast wide angle lenses. They don't have auto focus, but are getting rave reviews from the experts. I have a Rokinon and love it. Thanks for the comment Norbert! Hope this helped!!

      Delete
    2. Oh, almost forgot, 18-55 lens!! Good!!!

      Delete
  13. Thank you Brian,

    I actually just purchased a 50 mm f/1.8 because of this post. I already have the basic 18-55 mm yet I wanted something to provide more detail. Thank you for this post and have a blessed weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You definitely answered my looong pondering question of what lens to buy. I am on a super tight budget and could not decide between a 35mm and 50mm. I am definitely buying the 50mm. Thanks for the help!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Brian, I have been a fan of yours after finding one of your posts on youtube now I watch them all. I have the chance to do a second Charity Boxing shoot near me in the UK, I will be using a Nikon 50mm F1.8 on a Nikon D7000, I bought the Lens based on the need for more light as Flash is not allowed, my problem is that the 'Ring' has various spot lights and areas of shadow which make things difficult to get a good shot, I bump up the ISO and open the lens up which gives me the light but not always the speed, I shot the last match in Aperture Priority, any advice would be most welcome, sorry it's such a lengthy question, regards Dave.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dave,

      You have a tough situation. So, by what you said you are on the right track. I could only think of a few things I would do. First, try to cover up the spotlights with the fighters. This way the lights won't create backlite subjects. This might work and it might not, depending on the situation. You are probably already doing this but make sure you are using the widest aperture, f/1.8 when shooting. The last thing I could think of is to change the angle of view you are shooting at. Can you stand on a chair, or bench? This could possibly solve the issue of the spotlights. Shoot in Raw and then post process. In Raw you can use a faster shutter speed and under expose the shots and then adjust the exposure in post processing. I do this sometimes, don't go crazy with it too much though. I would also go to Flickr and other sharing sites and search for boxing photos. This will give you some ideas on how other photogaphers have solved similar issues. If none of this works, just accept that you might have to find a creative way to include spotlights and movement in your photos. Robert Capa, years ago shot the invasion of Normandy Beach and really screwed things up. His camera setting weren't set correct. Now his photos are considered classics. They are really amazing and I personally think they are beautiful. Find a way to make what you have work. I hope this helped and good luck. I am sure you can make it work! If you're interested here is a link to some of Robert Capa's work from that terrible day. https://www.google.com/search?q=robert+capa+normandy+beach+photos&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=tuJ4T7OwB7PTiAKg6vynDg&ved=0CCMQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=643

      Delete
  16. Brian
    You seem like the perfect person to ask this question. I have a 5D Markii and my backup is a T2i. When I bought the T2i it came with the 18-135 kit. My other lenses are the 70-200 2.8 and an 85 1.8. Basically, my problem is to shoot wide or in my case portraits from above or in a small area I need to use the 18-135 on the T2i. I cant put it on the 5D because of the mounting difference. Should I sell my 18-135 and buy a 50 1.8 or should I sell the 85mm and the 18-135 and get a 50 1.4. The latter would render me with only two lenses. Also, I'm considering the 24-70 but because of $$ I'm not sure of the best move for me. I do mostly natural light and just starting some (small) studio work with newborns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HMM. Tough question. I read it earlier today and have thought about it all day long. After thinking, I really believe you would miss your 85mm lens and your 18-135mm. If it was me I wouldn't do either. Go on ebay or www.usedcameras.com and buy a use 50mm f/1.8 lens. You can get one for around $100. For most people $100 isn't going to break the bank. I buy used lenses all the time. In fact, I can't remember the last time I bought a new lens. You have some nice lenses and I think getting rid of any of them would be a mistake. I hope this helped and am honored you asked me for my advice. Thank you, Leigh.

      P.s. I am not really familiar with new canon lenses and cameras anymore, but I am pretty sure full frame sensor lenses will fit on both of your bodies so make sure you buy full frame lenses.Somebody please correct me if I am wrong.

      Delete
  17. I am only lacking the 50mm f1.8 macro to complete my set. It would be great to take those cool close up shots.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I don't any of these lenses yet. It's because I prefer to use digital camera over DSLR. I find it more comfortable, portable and user-friendly. However, DSLR has the best resolution and features compared to digital camera.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love my 50mm (f1.4) and 70-200mm (f2.8) lenses Beautiful lenses. Very much worth the investment.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I bought my DSLR in a camera store in Australia, and I am loving it. It satisfies me every time I take photos and shoot videos. These lenses would be my next project.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for the article but I seem to have settled on my own 3 fav lenses. These are the 28-105mm L kit lens, my 100 mm macro and the 100 - 400mm push/pull lens. The 70-200mm is probably the best Canon lens out there but just doesn't reach the subjects on a full frame sensor.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have a nikon D3100 and I am looking to invest in a telephoto zoom lens for sports, do you have any suggestions? I already own a sigma 70-300mm lens but I am not pleased with the quality of the pictures. Also, how do you feel the sigma compares to the nikon lenses?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IF you want sharp photos go with a fast prime. I would suggest a 300mm f/2.8. They cost a bit but are worth it. When it comes to Sigma, I think they are just fine. Just make sure you get a fast lens.

      Delete