Photography is an art that showcases your unique style. Think of your camera and lens as tools, with your subject as the canvas. Choosing the right lens is key, especially given the variety available for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Your choice should reflect your specific needs and the type of photography you’re pursuing, as there’s no absolute right or wrong option.
Scroll down to discover the best lenses for portraits, landscapes, and macro photography! Keep reading to find exactly what you need!
For Portrait Photography
Selecting the right lens is crucial for capturing stunning portraits. While lenses ranging from 24mm to 200mm can be used, the most popular choices are 80mm f2.8 and 100mm f2.2, equivalent to 60mm and 73mm in the 35mm format.
Prime lenses like 45mm and 85mm are ideal for close-up portraits, while 24mm and 35mm are excellent for full-length shots. The 70-200mm zoom lens is a favorite among portrait photographers for its versatility.
When choosing a lens for portraits, remember that wide-angle lenses may distort facial features, creating an exaggerated look, while longer focal lengths can sometimes make subjects appear wider.
Lenses That You Can Pick
Check out these portrait lenses for natural light photography to take your skills to a whole new level and capture stunning, lifelike portraits.
35mm Lenses (Ideal For Good Portraits)
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Canon/Nikon/
- EF-Mount Lens | Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
- One FLD Element, Four SLD Elements
- Two Aspherical Elements
- Floating Elements System
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Compatible with Sigma USB Dock
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Mount Type: Nikon F-Bayonet
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Aperture Range: f/ 1.8 to f/ 22
- Format: DX
- Minimum Angle of View (DX-format): 44°
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.16x
- Lens Elements & Groups: 8 | 6
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Aspherical Elements: 1
- Super Integrated Coating: Yes
- AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.98 ft.
- Focus Mode: Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto
- Filter Size: 52mm
50mm Lenses (Ideal For Portraits in Distance)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
- Focal length: 50mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Diagonal angle of view: 46°
- Closest focusing distance: 48 ft. / 0.45m
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens
- Mount Type: Nikon F-Bayonet
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Aperture Range: f/ 1.8 to f/ 16
- Format: FX/35mm
- Maximum Angle of View (DX-format): 31°30′
- Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 47°
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.15x
- Lens Elements: 7
- Lens Groups: 6
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Aspherical Elements: 1
- Super Integrated Coating: Yes
- AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.48 ft. (0.45m)
- Focus Mode: Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto
- Filter Size: 58mm
85mm Lenses (Ideal For Portrait Shots)
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
- Focal length: 85mm
- Maximum aperture: 1:1.8
- Diagonal angle of view: 28° 30′
- Closest focusing distance: 0.85m / 2.8 ft
Sony 85mm f/1.8 FE
- Minimum Focus Distance: 2.63 ft (0.8 m)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio (X): 0.13
- Filter Diameter (MM): 67
- Weight: 13.1 oz (371 g)
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70-200mm Lenses (Ideal For Zoomed Portraits)
Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM Lens
- EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
- One Fluorite Element & Five UD Elements
- Super Spectra Coating
- Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Internal Focus, Focus Range Limiter
- Weather-Sealed Construction
- Detachable, Rotatable Tripod Collar
- Rounded 8-Blade Diaphragm
For Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is all about capturing breathtaking vistas from diverse perspectives. To achieve this, photographers often seek lenses that capture expansive scenes, minimize distortion, and provide flexibility for post-editing. For many, this makes a wide-angle zoom lens the best lens for landscape photography.
Wide-angle zoom lenses are highly favored because they allow you to include vast areas in a single frame while maintaining sharp focus in foreground and background due to their greater depth of field. However, preferences can vary. Some photographers opt for standard zoom or ultra-wide lenses, while others prefer telephoto lenses for capturing specific details within a landscape.
Ultimately, the best lens for landscape photography is the one that aligns with your creative vision and the results you aim to achieve.
Lenses That You Can Get For Landscape Photography
Explore these top lens options perfect for capturing stunning landscapes:
Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM
- Compatibility: Canon RF Full-Frame Mirrorless
- Focal Length: 14-35mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 7.9 in. (20.1 cm)
- Aperture: f/4-f/22
- Stabilization: Yes – 5.5 stops
- Weight: 1.19 lbs (540 g)
- Dimensions: 3.31 x 3.94 in. (84 x 100 mm)
- Filter Size: 77mm
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens
- Compatibility: Canon RF Full-Frame Mirrorless
- Focal Length: 15-35mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 11.02 in. (28 cm)
- Aperture: f/2.8-f/22
- Stabilization: Yes – 5 stops
- Weight: 1.85 lbs (840 g)
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 5 in. (89 x 127 mm)
- Filter Size: 82mm
For Macro-Photography
When selecting lenses, photographers typically prioritize image quality and sharpness. However, sharpness is usually less of a concern in macro photography, as most macro lenses deliver excellent clarity. Even budget-friendly macro lenses can achieve professional-grade sharpness, mainly when used at slightly smaller apertures.
That said, there are distinctions between entry-level and premium macro lenses. Higher-end lenses often provide superior sharpness and exceptional bokeh, which is crucial for certain macro shots. To make the most of your equipment, it’s essential to follow essential tips for selecting lenses for macro shots, ensuring your choice aligns with your creative needs.
Lenses That You Can Get For Macro-Photography
If you’re planning to dive into macro photography, consider these lenses to get started:
Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Canon/Nikon
- Mount: Sony FE, & L-mount
- Elements/groups: 17/12
- Diaphragm blades: 9
- Autofocus: Stepping motor
- Stabilizer: No
- Minimum focus distance: 0.295m
- Maximum magnification: 1.0x
- Filter thread: 62mm
- Dimensions (WxL): 74x134mm
- Weight: 715g
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (5.3x)
- Mount: Nikon DX
- Elements/groups: 14/10
- Diaphragm blades: 9
- Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring-type)
- Stabilizer: Yes
- Minimum focus distance: 0.29m
- Maximum magnification: 1.0x
- Filter thread: 52mm
- Dimensions (WxL): 73x99mm
- Weight: 355g
Here’s a specifications sheet table for the lenses categorized by photography type:
Photography Type | Lens | Key Specifications |
Portrait Photography | 35mm Lenses | |
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Aperture: f/1.4–f/16, FLD & SLD Elements, Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Compatible with Sigma USB Dock, Filter Size: N/A | |
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G | Aperture: f/1.8–f/22, Nikon F-Bayonet Mount, Super Integrated Coating, Minimum Focus: 0.98 ft., Filter Size: 52mm | |
50mm Lenses | ||
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM | Aperture: f/1.2, Closest Focus: 0.45m, Filter Size: N/A | |
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G | Aperture: f/1.8–f/16, Format: FX/35mm, Filter Size: 58mm | |
85mm Lenses | ||
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | Aperture: f/1.8, Closest Focus: 0.85m, Filter Size: N/A | |
Sony 85mm f/1.8 FE | Aperture: f/1.8, Closest Focus: 0.8m, Filter Size: 67mm | |
70–200mm Lenses | ||
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM | Aperture: f/2.8–f/32, Fluorite Element, Weather-Sealed, Stabilization, Filter Size: N/A | |
Landscape Photography | Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM | Focal Length: 14–35mm, Aperture: f/4–f/22, Stabilization: Yes (5.5 stops), Weight: 540g, Filter Size: 77mm |
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM | Focal Length: 15–35mm, Aperture: f/2.8–f/22, Stabilization: Yes (5 stops), Weight: 840g, Filter Size: 82mm | |
Macro Photography | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM | Aperture: f/2.8 to f/32, 1:1 Magnification, Internal Floating Focusing, Filter Size: Not available. |
Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens | Aperture: f/1.4, Highest Magnification: 1.0x, Weight: 715g, Filter Size: 62mm | |
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | Aperture: f/3.5 to f/5.6, Stabilizer: Yes, Highest Magnification: 1.0x, Filter Size: 52mm |
Explore this detailed specs sheet to simplify your lens selection, whether you’re into macro, landscape, or portrait photography. For macro photography, consider Sigma, Canon, or Nikkor lenses, while Canon is a top choice for landscapes. For portrait photography, Sigma, Nikon, and Canon stand out. If portraits are your focus, you can also buy the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens (Sony E) online from our website!
How To Choose The Right Camera Lens?
There’s no one-size-fits-all lens; every photographer has unique needs. To find the perfect match, start by understanding your requirements. Here are key factors to help you make the right choice.
Focal Length
Focal length determines how much of a scene your lens captures. Lower numbers, like 14mm to 35mm, offer wider shots, while higher numbers, such as 50mm to 100mm, provide better zoom. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing expansive scenes, while telephoto lenses excel in close-up shots. Opt for a telephoto lens with an f2.8 aperture to ensure proper lighting. Choosing the right focal length depends on your subject and photography style.
The best lenses for outdoor photography often include wide-angle options with focal lengths between 14mm and 35mm, which are ideal for capturing landscapes and architecture. Lenses ranging from 45mm to 85mm are recommended for portrait photography, as they offer flattering, true-to-life proportions for faces and body shots.
Aperture
An aperture regulates the light entering your camera, measured in f-stops. A lower f-stop, like f/1.2, indicates a wider opening ideal for low-light conditions.
Professionals often prefer wide apertures like f/1.4 or f/1.8, though these lenses can be pricey. Beginners might opt for more affordable lenses with f/4 or f/5.6, offering a good starting point despite slower performance and reduced depth of field.
Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens
Opt for a prime lens for brighter images and simpler corrections, while a zoom lens brings you closer to your subject. A zoom lens is often the better choice for versatility across styles, from landscapes to wildlife. However, remember that zoom lenses typically have smaller maximum apertures at longer focal lengths, offering wider apertures only at shorter focal lengths.
Compatibility With Your Camera’s Sensor
Digital cameras capture images using sensors when the shutter is pressed, unlike analog cameras that rely on film. DSLR and mirrorless cameras have larger sensors than point-and-shoot models, resulting in clearer, more detailed images.
There are two main sensor types: CCD and CMOS. CMOS sensors typically produce higher-quality images due to their larger size. DSLR and mirrorless cameras come in crop sensor and full-frame formats.
Full-frame cameras offer accurate lens focal lengths, while crop-sensor cameras have a magnification factor of 1.5x to 1.6x. Crop-sensor mirrorless cameras can have a multiplication factor of up to 2x.
Most crop-sensor lenses are designed for crop-sensor cameras, so check compatibility before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lens for photography styles is vital in capturing breathtaking images. Whether focused on portraits, landscapes, or intricate macro details, selecting the appropriate lens can make all the difference. When deciding, consider factors such as focal length, aperture, and your camera’s compatibility. Understanding how to choose the right lens for portraits, landscape photography, or macrophotography, ensures that your equipment aligns with your creative goals. Invest in quality lenses that suit your needs and skill level to enhance your photography journey.
If you’re passionate about portrait photography and looking to take your skills to another level, consider exploring the recommended lenses above. Alternatively, you can shop Sony 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens (Sony E) online from Golden Camera for exceptional quality and performance. Don’t wait, place your order today and take your photography to the next level!