Photographic lens: which one to choose?

At the beginning of your photography course , you will surely learn how to use depth of field, change shutter speed, change white balance, or master long exposure photography , all to make beautiful photos. But the photographic equipment also has its importance to take pictures like a true professional .

After choosing the camera, the choice of lens  is essential. It should be done according to your tastes when taking photos. Do you prefer portraiture, landscape photography, or animal photography?

There are two elements that must be taken into account when choosing the objective:

• The focal length : expressed in millimeters, a short focal length allows you to shoot at a wide angle, while a long focal length will have a narrow field. There are three categories of objectives:
  • Standard : 35mm to 85mm, for portrait photography and everyday life.
  • Wide angle : 28mm and less, for landscape photography.
  • Telephoto : 100mm and more, for sports or animal photography.
• Maximum Lens Aperture : Represented by the f / symbol, the smaller the figure behind f /, the larger the lens aperture, which is ideal for shooting in low light, creating artistic blurs, or making bokeh .

Other questions may arise, particularly regarding  zoom or fixed focal length . Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but for beginners we recommend opting for a zoom whose focal length can change.

If you want to take macro photography , the lens data sheet must indicate precisely: «1: 1 reproduction ratio». Also, the minimum focus distance should be closer to 30cm.

You can also get a stabilizer, but it is not mandatory for three reasons:

• Stability can also be achieved using a  tripod.
• In some cases, the lenses already have a  sensor shift stabilization system .
• The stabilizer only prevents  blur  when you move, but it will not prevent blur if the photographed subject is moving too fast.

As for the brand, in general, it is convenient to choose the same  brand of your camera . However, some brands offer the same quality for a lower price.

A trick: lens technology doesn’t really evolve much, contrary to what brands would like us to think, so buying a second-hand can be a good solution, 20 to 40% cheaper than a new product.

If you want to take an online photography course , do not hesitate to connect on our platform.