Choosing the Right Lens

Choosing the Right Lens

If you're on the hunt for the perfect lens but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right lens is crucial for getting the best out of your photography, whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes, stunning portraits, or fast-moving sports action. Today, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about selecting the right lens for the job, so grab a cuppa and let’s dive in!

The Basics – What Makes a Lens Right for You?

Before we start picking lenses, let’s go over the fundamentals:

  • Focal Length: Measured in millimeters (mm), this determines how much of the scene fits into your frame. A smaller number (e.g., 18mm) gives you a wide-angle view, while a larger number (e.g., 200mm) zooms in closer to your subject.
  • Aperture: Represented by f/numbers (e.g., f/1.8, f/5.6), the aperture affects how much light enters the lens and controls the depth of field (how much of the image is in focus).
  • Prime vs. Zoom: Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and generally provide sharper images and wider apertures. Zoom lenses offer more versatility, letting you cover multiple focal lengths in one lens.

Right! Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty – which lens works best for different types of photography?

Best Lenses for Different Subjects

1. Portraits – Making Your Subject Pop

If you love taking photos of people, whether it’s family, friends, or professional headshots, here’s what to look for:

  • 50mm f/1.8 – The "nifty fifty" is a fantastic all-rounder for portraits, offering great sharpness and beautiful background blur (bokeh) without breaking the bank.
  • 85mm f/1.4 – This is a go-to for professional portrait photographers, giving lovely compression and flattering facial features.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 – If you want a bit of flexibility, a zoom lens like this gives you a range of focal lengths while still keeping that gorgeous bokeh.

2. Landscapes – Capturing the Bigger Picture

Love hiking and capturing sweeping views? A wide-angle lens is your best friend:

  • 16-35mm f/2.8 – A great choice for epic landscapes and dramatic perspectives.
  • 24mm f/1.4 – If you prefer a sharper, lightweight lens, a prime lens in this range is fantastic.
  • 70-200mm f/4 – Yes, a telephoto can be useful for landscapes too! It’s great for picking out details like distant mountains or isolating subjects within a vast scene.

3. Wildlife & Sports – Getting Closer to the Action

If you’re shooting fast-moving subjects, you’ll need a lens with reach and fast autofocus:

  • 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 – A brilliant all-rounder for wildlife and sports, giving you flexibility and fantastic image quality.
  • 300mm or 400mm f/2.8 – Serious telephoto primes for professionals who need the best performance.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 – A solid choice for sports and events where you need a bit of flexibility.

4. Street Photography – Capturing Life as It Happens

Street photography is all about being quick and discreet. You want something fast, compact, and reliable:

  • 35mm f/1.8 – A classic focal length for street photography, close to what the human eye sees.
  • 50mm f/2 – Another great choice, ideal for tighter compositions and portraits.
  • 24-70mm f/2.8 – If you want versatility, a zoom lens in this range covers everything from wide shots to tighter street portraits.

5. Macro – Discovering the Tiny Details

Want to capture the intricate details of insects, flowers, or even product photography? A macro lens is a must:

  • 100mm f/2.8 Macro – The gold standard for macro photography, offering great detail and a comfortable working distance.
  • 50mm f/2.8 Macro – A shorter macro lens, ideal for product photography and closer subjects.

6. Astrophotography – Shooting the Stars

Capturing the night sky requires a lens with a wide aperture and a broad field of view:

  • 14mm f/2.8 or f/1.8 – A top choice for astrophotography, allowing you to capture more of the sky with minimal distortion.
  • 24mm f/1.4 – A fantastic option for Milky Way shots, letting in lots of light for detailed images.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

1. Sensor Size Matters

If you have an APS-C (crop sensor) camera, your lens’s effective focal length will be different from a full-frame camera due to the crop factor.

2. Image Stabilization

Shooting handheld in low light? Look for lenses with built-in stabilization (IS, VR, or OSS) to help reduce camera shake.

3. Autofocus Speed

For fast-moving subjects like sports and wildlife, you need a lens with quick, accurate autofocus to nail the shot.

4. Budget – How Much Should You Spend?

Good glass isn’t cheap, but investing in quality lenses will pay off in the long run. If you’re unsure about committing to a pricey lens, consider renting one first to see how it suits your needs.

Final Thoughts – Which Lens Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the best lens is the one that suits your shooting style and subject. Whether you're snapping portraits, exploring the great outdoors, or getting up close with macro photography, picking the right lens will help you elevate your images to the next level.

If you’re still unsure, pop into Castle Cameras or give us a shout online – we’d be happy to help you find the perfect lens. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more photography tips and gear reviews. Until next time, happy shooting!

 

Posted by Graham Fry
20th March 2025

Back to blog