Lenses

Lenses shape the character of an image more than any other piece of gear — two photographers with the same camera but different glass will produce completely different looks.

What to look for in a lens

Focal length is the first decision. Wide lenses (16–35mm) exaggerate space and suit landscapes and venues; standard lenses (35–50mm) see roughly as the eye does and are endlessly versatile; short telephotos (85–135mm) compress the scene and flatter faces, making them the classic portrait choice. Aperture matters just as much — a fast f/1.4–f/2.8 lens blurs backgrounds beautifully and keeps you shooting as the light fades.

Decide between primes and zooms: primes are sharper, faster and lighter for the money, but you zoom with your feet; zooms cover a whole range in one lens, which is invaluable when you cannot change glass mid-ceremony. Also weigh image stabilisation, weather-sealing for outdoor work, and whether the lens is native to your mount or needs an adapter.

Which lens suits you

• Portraits — a fast 85mm or 50mm prime.
• Weddings — a 24–70mm f/2.8 covers most of the day.
• Landscapes — a sharp wide-angle zoom.
• Detail & close-ups — a dedicated macro lens.

Check out our latest guides on the best lenses for photographers:
• Best lenses for wedding photography
• Best prime lenses for portraits
• Best lenses for landscape photography