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Which Lens Should I Buy?
Kamera Express
Which lens should I buy? – Find the perfect lens for you!
Selecting the right lens is an important step for every serious photographer and videographer. Sometimes this choice can even be more challenging than choosing the right camera. With an abundance of options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which lens best suits your specific needs. Do you go for a lens with a fixed focal length or one with a zoom function, for example? Do you need image stabilisation in the lens, and which aperture works best for you? Is the lens you have your eye on even compatible with your mirrorless or DSLR camera? These are all important questions that we'll answer for you, so that you can make the right choice.
Which technical specifications are important in a lens?
When choosing a lens, technical specifications play an important role in determining its performance and suitability for your photography needs. Two of the most prominent specifications are focal length and aperture, which affect the angle of view, depth of field and amount of light entering the lens. These factors largely determine the versatility and use of the lens in different situations. In addition, image stabilisation is an important feature that can help you take sharper photos, especially with longer shutter speeds or in less optimal lighting conditions. Below, we briefly explain these three specifications.
Focal length
Focal length is the distance between the optical centre of your lens and the point where the light rays converge on your camera's image sensor. This determines not only the size of your angle of view, but also how close you can get to your subject. Zoom lenses offer the flexibility to vary between different focal lengths, allowing you to photograph a variety of situations without changing lenses. Prime lenses, with a fixed focal length, often offer higher image quality and greater light-gathering power.
Aperture
The aperture controls the amount of light that hits your camera's image sensor and affects the size of the area in focus. This adjustable mechanism consists of several blades that can adjust the lens opening. Aperture is expressed in f-numbers. Lower numbers, such as f/1.4, mean more light enters and a smaller area is in focus, which is useful for low-light situations and creating artistic blur. Higher numbers, such as f/8, let in less light but result in a larger area in focus, which is useful for scenes where more of the image needs to be sharp.
Image stabilisation
Image stabilisation is a technology that ensures sharp, clear photos, even when it's impossible to hold the camera or lens completely still. It compensates for subtle movements and vibrations caused by your own breathing, heartbeat or small hand movements, especially with longer shutter speeds. This makes it possible to shoot without a tripod using longer exposures and in low-light conditions. Do you regularly work from a tripod? Then a lens without stabilisation is also a perfectly good choice.
Is the lens mount compatible with my camera?
Not every lens is automatically suitable for every camera. To make the right choice, it's important to know which lens mount your camera has. This specific connection differs between various camera types, such as DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but can also vary between brands and models. In addition, there are brands, such as Tamron and Sigma, that release lenses compatible with other brands. It is therefore essential to know which lens mount fits your camera.
Lens mounts
When choosing a lens, it's essential to understand the lens mount, as camera manufacturers design their own unique mounts. These mounts vary not only in size and the number of electronic contact points, but also in the direction of rotation for attaching and removing the lens. An important aspect is the 'flange focal distance' (FFD) — the distance between the lens mount and the camera sensor — which determines which lenses are compatible with your camera.
What do you want to photograph?
If you're looking for a new lens, it's important to have a clear idea of exactly what you want to capture. Do you want to take breathtaking travel photos, capture impressive sports action, or take beautiful portraits of your loved ones? Suitable lenses exist for all these forms of photography. Below, you'll discover which lenses best suit different photography applications and why. This way, you'll effortlessly find the lens that takes your photography or videography to the next level.
Lenses for nature photography
If you want to turn your passion for nature photography into breathtaking images, choosing the right lens is an important step. Nature photography brings unique challenges, from capturing the details of a delicate flower to following a bird in flight. A good lens helps you capture the beauty of nature in all its facets, with precision and clarity.
Landscape photography:
Landscape photography is all about capturing vast scenes with lots of detail, which you can achieve with a wide-angle lens with a focal length between 16-35 mm. These lenses offer a wide field of view and impressive depth. Choose a lens with low chromatic aberration to ensure the clarity and colour accuracy of the landscape. Image stabilisation isn't strictly necessary, as you can place your camera on a tripod.
Wildlife photography:
Wildlife photography requires a lens that can bridge long distances and capture fast action. Telephoto lenses with a focal length between 100-600 mm are perfect for photographing animals from afar without disturbing them. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or f/4, you ensure enough light and can use fast shutter speeds. Image stabilisation is important to guarantee sharp images at long focal lengths.
Macro photography:
Macro photography requires extreme precision and close-up detail. A macro lens with a focal length between 60-105 mm is ideal for capturing fine details of small subjects. A large aperture of f/1.4 to f/2.8 can help achieve sharp focus and beautiful background blur. Image stabilisation can be useful for reducing vibrations, especially when shooting with a shallow depth of field.
Lenses for urban photography
Urban photography is all about capturing the dynamism and energy of urban environments. Whether you want to capture the architecture of imposing buildings, document the lively atmosphere of a busy street, or reveal the city's hidden corners and details, the right lens makes a world of difference.
Architectural photography:
Architectural photography requires precision and the ability to create sharp, detailed images of structures. Wide-angle lenses with a focal length between 16-35 mm are ideal for capturing entire buildings and interior designs without distortion. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or f/4, you can also create sharp, clear images in low-light situations. Image stabilisation can help reduce vibrations in hand-held shots, although tripods are often preferred.
Street photography:
Street photography is about capturing spontaneous moments and everyday atmosphere. Prime lenses with a focal length of 35 mm or 50 mm are popular for their natural angle of view and compactness. Apertures of f/1.8 to f/2.8 help create beautiful background blur and capture detail in different lighting conditions. Image stabilisation is usually less important, since the focus is on speed and working discreetly.
Night photography:
Night photography requires lenses that perform well in low light and capture sharp images at long shutter speeds. Prime lenses with a large aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.8 are ideal for letting in more light and achieving beautiful bokeh. Zoom lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4 can also be useful for flexible compositions. Image stabilisation is valuable for reducing motion during long exposures, although a tripod is often preferred.
Lenses for model photography
Model photography is all about capturing the perfect pose, expression and look of your subject. A good lens not only helps you beautifully capture the details and textures of your model, but also blur the background in just the right way and place focus exactly where you want it. Whether you're shooting portraits, fashion photos or creative poses, the lens you choose affects the sharpness, bokeh and overall look of your images.
Portrait photography:
For portrait photography, you need a lens that beautifully captures your model's unique features and expressions. Prime lenses with a focal length of 50 mm or 85 mm are ideal, as they offer a natural angle of view and an attractive depth of field. An aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 helps create beautiful background blur, making your model stand out nicely against a blurred background. Image stabilisation is useful, but often not necessary for portraits, since the model is mostly standing still.
Fashion photography:
Fashion photography calls for a lens that can capture both detail and dynamism. Zoom lenses with a range of 24-70 mm are versatile for capturing both full-body and close-up shots. Lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4 provide excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh. Image stabilisation can help you create sharp images in changing lighting conditions, especially with moving models.
Boudoir photography:
Boudoir photography is about creating intimate and stylish images. Prime lenses with a focal length of 50 mm, 85 mm or 135 mm are perfect for capturing beautiful portraits and details with refined background blur. An aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 creates a romantic, dreamy look through smooth background blur. Image stabilisation can be useful for reducing motion in low-light conditions, although a tripod is also an option.
Lenses for action photography
Action photography is all about capturing movement and dynamism at just the right moment. Whether you're capturing sporting events, fast action in nature or energetic scenes, the right lens can help you bring every action into razor-sharp focus. The right lens offers not only speed and precision, but also the flexibility to quickly switch between different situations. It helps you capture the exact moment with the right sharpness and detail.
Sports photography:
Sports photography requires lenses that can focus quickly and bring you close to the action. Telephoto zoom lenses with a focal length between 70-400 mm are ideal, as they allow you to capture distant action without losing detail. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides the speed needed for sharp images in low light. Image stabilisation is essential for capturing sharp shots, especially with fast movement.
Automotive photography:
Automotive photography calls for lenses that can capture both speed and detail, from moving cars to stationary vehicles. Zoom lenses with a range of 24-70 mm are versatile for capturing both close-ups and full-body shots of cars. A maximum aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 helps create beautiful bokeh effects, making the car stand out against a blurred background. Image stabilisation can be useful for compensating for motion when capturing moving vehicles.
Aviation photography:
For aviation photography, you need lenses that can capture distant and fast-moving objects. Super-telephoto lenses with a focal length of 100-600 mm are perfect for bringing aircraft in full flight into sharp focus. A maximum aperture of f/4 to f/5.6 provides enough speed for clear images. Image stabilisation is essential for minimising motion, especially when tracking fast-moving aircraft at a distance.
Lenses for reportage photography
Reportage photography is about telling stories through images. Whether you're working on journalistic assignments, making documentaries or covering events, as a reportage photographer you need to be able to respond quickly to changing situations. Flexibility is important in reportage photography — you need to be able to switch quickly between wide establishing shots and intimate close-ups to tell a complete story. The right lens helps you capture impactful moments without drawing too much attention to yourself.
Event photography:
Event photography calls for versatile, fast lenses that let you capture both wide shots of the venue and close-ups of people and moments. Zoom lenses with a range of 24-70 mm are ideal for their flexibility to quickly switch between different compositions. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 is perfect for low-light situations and produces beautiful background blur. Image stabilisation is useful for minimising vibrations in hand-held shots.
Travel photography:
Travel photography requires compact, versatile lenses that are easy to carry and suitable for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to street photography. All-round zoom lenses with a range of 24-105 mm offer a wide variety of focal lengths, letting you capture both wide panoramas and detailed close-ups. A maximum aperture of f/4 provides enough light for most conditions, and image stabilisation helps you take sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Documentary photography:
Documentary photography requires lenses that are discreet, versatile and capable of performing in a variety of situations. Prime lenses with a focal length of 35 mm or 50 mm are ideal for capturing intimate, authentic moments with a natural angle of view. A maximum aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 is essential for shooting in changing lighting conditions and for creating beautiful, soft backgrounds. Image stabilisation is handy for capturing spontaneous, sharp shots without a tripod.
Lenses for videography
Videography is a powerful medium for telling stories, conveying emotions and bringing images to life. Choosing the right lens plays an important role in how your videos look and feel. Videography requires lenses that focus smoothly and quietly, offer a wide range of focal lengths, and create the right look for your story.
Documentary videography:
Versatile lenses are essential for documentary videography. Zoom lenses with a range of 24-70 mm offer the flexibility to quickly switch between different situations, from wide establishing shots to intimate close-ups. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides clarity in various lighting conditions and helps create beautiful background blur. Image stabilisation is crucial for recording sharp, stable footage while filming hand-held in dynamic environments.
Vlogging:
Vlogging requires compact, lightweight lenses that are easy to carry and versatile enough to capture both yourself and your surroundings well. Wide-angle lenses with a focal length of 16-35 mm are ideal for recording wide shots and offering a natural angle of view. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 helps capture clear footage even in low light and produces attractive background blur. Image stabilisation is important for minimising vibrations and ensuring smooth video footage.
Cinematic videography:
Cinematic videography calls for lenses that deliver beautiful image quality and a cinematic look. Prime lenses with a focal length of 35 mm or 85 mm offer excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh effects, essential for a cinematic look. A large aperture of f/1.4 to f/2.8 helps create a beautiful depth of field. Image stabilisation is a valuable feature for supporting smooth camera movements, especially when filming dynamic scenes.
Want to know more about the different types of lenses?
When choosing the perfect lens for your photography or video style, it's important to understand what the different types of lenses have to offer. Each type of lens has unique characteristics suited to specific situations and creative goals. Understanding the differences between, for example, prime and zoom lenses, or wide-angle and telephoto lenses, helps you make a well-informed choice. If you'd like to explore these differences further, take a look at the pages below. Here you'll find the most common types of lenses and their characteristics, so you can better understand which lens best suits your needs and how to make the most of it to take your photography to the next level.
macro lenses | prime lenses | wide-angle lenses | zoom lenses | telephoto lenses | fisheye lenses
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