Have you been thinking about purchasing a new lens, and are searching for the best product that will fit within your budget? Whether it’s for you or that special photographer on your holiday shopping list, read on. This comprehensive guide will cover lenses suitable for various photographic specialties in a range of prices. Some of these lenses are available as part of a kit, while rebates are offered on other models, making it a sweet deal.
Portrait Photographers
One of the most important features to look for when shopping for a portrait lens is a wide maximum aperture to make your subject stand out against a softly blurred background (commonly called “bokeh”). Moderate telephoto focal lengths, like 70mm to 135mm are well suited to portraiture. The standard “normal” 50mm focal length is also a great way to go, especially when it’s coupled with a wide aperture, like f/1.8 or f/2.8.
If you’re a Canon shooter, take a look at the EF 135mm f/2L USM AFtelephoto lens, which is available in a kit from Adorama. The lens’s telephoto focal length and wide f/2 maximum aperture allow you to capture stunning portraits with a pleasing shallow depth of field. Two UD-glass elements correct secondary spectrum for sharpness and color. The Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM AF Telephoto lens kit is a great value at $999.00, which includes a 72mm photo filter kit, lens cap leash, cleaning kit, lens shade, and a professional software package.
If you have a full-frame DSLR, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark III or a Nikon D810, and are looking for a standard prime lens for portraiture, consider Sigma’s 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens. Portrait and wedding photographers have praised its fast, accurate auto-focusing capabilities and pleasing bokeh. This lens incorporates Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) system for quiet, high-speed focusing, and Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce lens flare. The 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens retails for $949.00.
If you’re a Nikon shooter, take a look at the 85mm f/1.8G AF-S FX Nikkor lens. It will enable you to capture beautiful portraits, both in the studio and in natural light. Its wide aperture and medium telephoto focal length will produce soft, impressionistic background blur, while Nikon’s proprietary Internal Focus (IF) system allows you to consistently capture images in sharp focus. A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quiet autofocusing. The 85mm f/1.8G AF-S FX Nikkor lens is reasonably priced at $446.95.
If you have the Olympus Micro Four-Thirds system and are looking for a portrait lens with a great deal of versatility, then check out the Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II Zoom lens. This compact, mirrorless lens offers a wide to telephoto focal-length range, which is ideal for capturing active subjects like children at play. This lens is dustproof and splashproof, and travels well. It’s a bargain at $399.00.
Sports Photographers
Sports shooters need a lens that’s fast enough to stop action, and long enough to bring your subjects in close. Look for a telephoto lens with a wide maximum aperture. Be prepared to shell out serious money for lenses with maximum apertures of f/2.8, while apertures of f/4-5.6 tend to be more moderately priced. Zoom lenses will give you the greatest flexibility, such as a 70-200mm f/2.8 or100-300mm f/5.6. Image stabilization is a plus too, or you can use a monopod for additional support.
For Nikon shooters, the 70-200mm f/2.8GAF-S VR II Nikkor ED-IF is a professional quality lens that Adorama has bundled with a 77mm filter kit. This lens offers seven ED glass elements, a Nano Crystal Coat for image sharpness, a Vibration Reduction system that provides two modes for avoiding camera shake, and a Silent Wave motor for quiet operation. Photographers have praised this lens for its fast, accurate auto-focusing capabilities. The 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Nikkor ED-IF is $2,196. 95, and includes UV, CPL, and ND2 filters.
Pentax DSLR users will appreciate the DA 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM AF lens, which is bundled with filters, a lens cap leash, and lens cleaning kit. The lens incorporates a proprietary SDM system for quieter, smoother auto-focusing, and a Quick-shift Focus System, enabling seamless switching from AF to manual focus. It’s sturdy and weather-resistant, and has a focal length equivalent to 450mm in 35mm format. This value bundle is $1,096.95.
Canon offers the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM autofocus telephoto zoom lens, and it’s bundled with a 58mm filter kit (UV/CPL/ND2). This lens incorporates Canon’s Image Stabilizer technology, which provides up to three stops of camera shake correction. A “Mode 2” option stabilizes images while panning with a moving subject. This lens has been redesigned to be lighter weight and has faster autofocusing capabilities than its predecessor. The kit is moderately priced at $649.00.
If you shoot with Sony equipment and are looking for a lightweight mirrorless lens, check out the 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS E-Mount NEX. A 49mm filter kit, soft lens case, lens wrap, cleaning kit, and special software package are included. Features include internal focusing for smooth, responsive auto-focusing and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements provide great image quality. At $348.00, this lens kit won’t break the bank.
Nature Photographers
Lens choices will vary depending on the type of outdoor photography you prefer, whether it’s scenic and landscape, wildlife, or close-up and macro. Many landscape images are taken with wide-angle lenses, but there are also some awesome nature photos taken with “normal” and short-to-medium zoom lenses. A number of all-in-one super zoom lenses are available on the market, which enable you to pack just one lens on your travels. However, wide, medium and long telephoto zooms offer very good options, and some include macro/close-up capabilities.
Designed for professional wildlife photographers, the redesignedNikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VRis lighter and more rugged than its predecessor. Its wide maximum aperture of f/2.8 will separate your subject from a softly blurred background. Its VR (vibration reduction) technology helps avoid camera shake, although a tripod is recommended for use with a long telephoto lens. This lens also features professional grade dust- and moisture-resistant sealing and a fluorine coated protective glass element. It retails for $11,996.95.
For a high performance lens with a versatile zoom range for scenic photography, check out the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USMultra-wide angle zoom. This lens is water resistant and has improved edge-to-edge image quality. It also incorporates internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast, quiet autofocusing. Photographers praise this lens for its consistent output, durability and fast, accurate autofocus. It’s available at $1,599.00.
For those who are looking for a reasonably priced macro lens to shoot nature close-ups, look no further than the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 AF Macro.It’s available in lens mounts for most major camera manufacturers, and offers a maximum of 1:1 image magnification. It also features improved image resolution, compensation of ghosting and flare, and reduced chromatic aberrations. Although it’s primarily a macro lens, the SP 90mm f/2.8 Di 1:1 can be used for nature, low-light, portraits and other types of photography. Depending on the camera mount, it ranges in price from $499.00 – $749.00.
Landscape photography enthusiasts should consider the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 ATX Pro DX II lens, which is available in Nikon APS-C (DX) and Canon EF mounts. This compact ultra wide-angle zoom has a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout its zoom range. Tokina’s One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows you to quickly switch between AF and MF. It has a strong, rugged construction, which comes in handy in a wide range of outdoor shooting conditions. This lens retails for $449.00.
If you’re scenic photographer on a budget, or want to travel with only one lens, take a look at the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Zoom. It’s available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Sigma lens mounts, and covers a broad spectrum of wide to telephoto focal lengths. It has a maximum magnification of 1:2.9 for those who want to shoot flowers or close-ups in nature, and an SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element corrects for color aberration. Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens is moderately priced at $349.00.
Street Photographers
Opinions vary when it comes to the best lenses for street photography. Some street shooters prefer to photograph subjects candidly from a distance, and use telephoto lenses or telephoto zooms. Others prefer to develop a rapport with their subjects, and prefer less intimidating lenses, like a 35mm or 50mm. Prime (single focal length) lenses are the first choice of many street photographers for their quality and sharpness. Some people enjoy using lightweight four-thirds format cameras and mirrorless lenses. These camera/lens combos are less obtrusive, making it easier for a photographer to remain low-key; a “fly on the wall.”
If you’re a Nikon shooter looking for a long lens that will allow you to keep a distance from your subjects, consider the 85mm f/1.4G IF AF-S Nikkorlens. This medium telephoto lens was designed for FX-format, full-frame DSLRs, and incorporates Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocusing. Its wide f/1.4 aperture produces a pleasing bokeh, and a Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and flare. When used with Nikon DX-format cameras, the 85mm f/1.4G IF AF-S Nikkor has an effective focal length of 127.5 (35mm equivalent). It’s optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness in both formats, and retails for $1,696.95.
For the discerning Sony street photographer, the Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 E-mount NEXlens offers many features. Its wide f/1.8 circular aperture provides for excellent low-light sensitivity and shallow depth of field, and Direct Manual Focus (DMF) allows for direct manual focusing after autofocus lock-on without having to switch modes. This lens is sturdy and well constructed. Its 36mm effective focal length (35mm equivalent) enables you to get closer to subjects and include some of the environment. This lens is available as part of a bundled package or alone for $898.00.
Street photographers who shoot with Canon will enjoy the EF35mm f/2 IS USMlens, which is available alone or in a bundle with a 67mm filter kit and wide-angle lens hood. Compact and lightweight, this lens offers a rear focus system and ring-type USM for precise AF performance. It also features Canon’s Image Stabilization (IS), and can detect normal shooting or panning, and automatically switches to the optimal IS mode. This value kit is available for $599.00.
If you own an Olympus four-thirds system, the M. Zuiko45mm f/1.8 Micro 4/3lens is worth serious consideration. Itseffective focal length is 90mm (35mm equivalent), and allows you to capture striking portraits with a shallow depth of field on the street. It also performs beautifully in low light. It boasts quick and silent autofocusing, accurate tracking of moving subjects, and is very lightweight. This lens is available in either black or silver at an affordable price of $299.00.
Fashion Photographers
Fashion photography encompasses several photographic categories—portraiture, environmental, product and close-up. If your specialty is shooting fashion, you should have lenses at your disposal to capture each of these aspects creatively. Telephoto focal lengths are great for shooting beauty, head shots and portraits, while wider focal lengths can be used for runway and environmental images. A combination of high-quality zooms and prime lenses should do nicely.
A long telephoto zoom will allow you to bring a model in close without disrupting the moment you’re trying to capture.A good choice is Tamron’s 70-200mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Zoomlens. It’s available in lens mounts for Nikon and Canon DSLRs. You’ll get a pleasing bokeh at f/2.8, and a unique compression effect when you zoom out to 150-200mm. This lens has image stabilization, solid construction, and is resistant to moisture. The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI USD sells for $1,499.00.
Canon shooters should check out the EF 100mm F/2.8L IS USM MACROlens, which offers the versatility of shooting product close-ups as well as fashion portraiture. This lens is available with a free accessory bundle from Adorama. Its features include Canon’s macro Image Stabilization (IS), which works in 1:1 macro mode. An optical Image Stabilizer makes the shutter speed 4 stops faster, and its circular aperture diaphragm has 9 blades for sharpness and a pleasing shallow depth of field. It retails for $899.00.
A standard zoom lens should be in every photographer’s camera bag. Sigma offers the 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical IF EX DG HSM zoom lens, which is available in lens mounts for most major camera brands. This versatile zoom range enables you to shoot a portrait of a model at 70mm, and to include the environment at 24mm when on location. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the entire zoom range, and a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) delivers quiet, high-speed autofocusing. This lens has been praised for its solid construction and fast, accurate AF. It’s available at $799.00.
Just as with portraiture, a “normal” 50mm focal length is very useful for photographing fashion and portraits. Pentax users should check out the SMCP-DA 50mm f/1.8 Standardlens. It’s designed for use with Pentax K-mount digital cameras. This lens is very compact and lightweight at just 1.5 inches long and 4.3 ounces. The front surface of this lens is treated with an SP (Super Protect) coating to repel dust, water, grease and other substances. The wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 yields a very pleasing bokeh. This lens is a bargain at $106.90.
I hope this buying guide has given you some ideas about which lenses will suit your needs and pocketbook. Enjoy shopping for your next lens!
