The Best First Lenses
The Best First Lenses
Where To Start
There is SO much good information out there about photography. From how to start your own business to what lenses you should have. When I first picked up a camera, I wish I had someone to simply answer this question: what lenses are absolutely a must? Now, pending what you are photographing, the answer could change. But for wedding and portrait photography, here are some absolute musts you should consider.
50mm f/1.4
I believe in good lenses, even before an upgraded camera body. A good lens will truly make your photos sharp and elevate your professional work. I think the best starting lens and lens that will take you the farthest in wedding photography is a 50mm f/1.4 lens. I can shoot just about anything with my 50mm lens and use this 80% of the time. It is lightweight, not too pricey, produces sharp images and the bokeh is beautiful.
105mm f/2.8
In wedding photography, although you can still capture details with your 50mm lens, it’s a great idea to invest in a good macro lens. I purchase my 105mm f/2.8 lens with the sole purpose of shooting the details on a wedding day. This is an AMAZING macro lens and captures gorgeous crisp details. What I didn’t realize is that this lens is also an amazing portrait lens!!! Yes, you have to back up, like a lot, from your subject but the bokeh is SO dreamy! If you are torn between the 85mm and 105mm, consider the 105mm which will double as both a macro for details and dreamy portrait lens!
35mm f/1.4
I love my 35mm f/1.4 lens. It is so practical and allows you to capture more of the scenery around the subject. I use it for portraits and for fun angles when I want to pull back and capture a more dramatic image. It also makes for a great portrait lens and wide angle for details. This lens is definitely a must for your camera bag. This lens can truly get you around a wedding day. You can still take wide-angle details, but it is the ultimate portrait lens.
Ultimately, investing in a good glass will truly change your game in photography. I’d recommend first the 50mm f/1.4, then the 105mm f/2.8 and lastly followed by the 35mm f/1.4 for your starting lenses in wedding and portrait photography. It is 100% personal preference, but these were the lenses that were the most practical for me starting out. To see a complete list of what gear I have in my camera bag check out my favorites HERE.
Where To Start
There is SO much good information out there about photography. From how to start your own business to what lenses you should have. When I first picked up a camera, I wish I had someone to simply answer this question: what lenses are absolutely a must? Now, pending what you are photographing, the answer could change. But for wedding and portrait photography, here are some absolute musts you should consider.
50mm f/1.4
I believe in good lenses, even before an upgraded camera body. A good lens will truly make your photos sharp and elevate your professional work. I think the best starting lens and lens that will take you the farthest in wedding photography is a 50mm f/1.4 lens. I can shoot just about anything with my 50mm lens and use this 80% of the time. It is lightweight, not too pricey, produces sharp images and the bokeh is beautiful.
105mm f/2.8
In wedding photography, although you can still capture details with your 50mm lens, it’s a great idea to invest in a good macro lens. I purchase my 105mm f/2.8 lens with the sole purpose of shooting the details on a wedding day. This is an AMAZING macro lens and captures gorgeous crisp details. What I didn’t realize is that this lens is also an amazing portrait lens!!! Yes, you have to back up, like a lot, from your subject but the bokeh is SO dreamy! If you are torn between the 85mm and 105mm, consider the 105mm which will double as both a macro for details and dreamy portrait lens!
35mm f/1.4
I love my 35mm f/1.4 lens. It is so practical and allows you to capture more of the scenery around the subject. I use it for portraits and for fun angles when I want to pull back and capture a more dramatic image. It also makes for a great portrait lens and wide angle for details. This lens is definitely a must for your camera bag. This lens can truly get you around a wedding day. You can still take wide-angle details, but it is the ultimate portrait lens.
Ultimately, investing in a good glass will truly change your game in photography. I’d recommend first the 50mm f/1.4, then the 105mm f/2.8 and lastly followed by the 35mm f/1.4 for your starting lenses in wedding and portrait photography. It is 100% personal preference, but these were the lenses that were the most practical for me starting out. To see a complete list of what gear I have in my camera bag check out my favorites HERE.
