Five Must-Have Lenses For All Photographers

Must Have Lenses

Is your camera sitting on the shelf at home? Lost your inspiration? Wondering how to take better photos? A new lens might be exactly what you need. What lens you are using is just as important as your camera in terms of quality and look of your image. We’ve compiled five lens types which all photographers should have to fully utilize their camera.

1. Standard Zoom Lens – Odds are you own a lens like this lens already. These lenses are designed for everyday use ranging in zoom from wide to normal ranges. (i.e. 18-55mm)

Looking to upgrade? Try the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8, Canon 24-70mm f/4, or the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8.

2. Telephoto Zoom Lens – Naturally the second lens photographers usually purchase, this lens extends the zoom range to capture subjects in the distance. (i.e. 55-250mm, 55-200mm, 55-300mm, 70-300mm)

Purchase a Canon 55-250mm or a Nikon 55-300.

Looking to Upgrade? Try the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 or Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8.

3. Low Aperture Prime Lens – These lenses do not zoom but are ideal for low light shooting and portraits creating that dreamy background bokeh. (i.e. 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.4)

Purchase a Canon 50mm f/1.8 II or a Nikon 50mm f/1.8.

Looking to Upgrade? Try the Canon 85mm f/1.2 or Nikon 85mm f/1.4.

4. Wide Angle Lens – These lenses are ideal for landscape photography and any shooting situation where space is limited. (i.e. 10-24mm,  10-18mm, 10-22mm)

Purchase a Canon 10-18mm or a Nikon 10-24mm.

Looking to Upgrade? Try the Canon 11-24mm f/4 or the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8.

5. All in One Lens – These are great lenses for situations where you are unable to change lenses, whether by environment or time. They give a range from wide angle to telephoto zoom capturing both subjects near and far. (i.e. 16-300mm, 18-270mm, 18-200mm, 18-300mm)

Purchase a Tamron 18-270mm lens available for Nikon or Canon mount or a 16-300mm lens available for Nikon or Canon mount.

Other Lenses To Consider

6. Macro Lens – Ideal for extreme close ups. View detail on extremely small items. Great for flowers, insects, jewelry, and more.

Purchase a Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens or a Nikon 40mm f/2.8 Micro lens.

Looking to Upgrade? Try the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L or Nikon 105mm f/2.8.

7. Video Lens – Canon recently introduced STM motor lenses which will autofocus quietly and smoothly for video.

Purchase a Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM lens.

Want to try it before you buy it? Visit Bergen County Camera to learn about and test all these lenses and more!

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