Choosing the right lens is one of the most important steps to improving your photography and capturing quality images. With so many options available on the market, understanding the characteristics of each type of lens is essential to making the right decision and ensuring that your equipment is aligned with your photographic style.
Each genre of photography requires a specific type of lens. Portrait photographers, for example, tend to prefer lenses with a wide aperture, which create a beautiful background blur and highlight the subject. Landscape photographers opt for wide-angle lenses, which allow them to capture wide scenes with a wealth of detail.
In this article, we will explore the different types of lenses, their applications and the main criteria for choosing the ideal tool. With this information, you will be able to invest more safely in the equipment that will best meet your needs and raise the level of your photography.
Types of photographic lenses and their applications
Choosing the ideal lens directly depends on the type of photography you want to capture. There are several options on the market, each with specific characteristics that influence framing, depth of field and image quality.
As lwide-angle ones They have shorter focal lengths, generally between 10mm and 35mm, making them ideal for photography of landscapes, architecture and interiors. They capture a wider field of view, but it is important to be careful with distortion at the edges of the image, a common effect in lenses with wider angles.
As normal lenses, like the popular 50mm, offer a field of view similar to that of the human eye, making them extremely versatile. They’re great for portraits, street photography, and even product photos. They usually have large apertures, allowing for beautiful background blur and excellent performance in low-light environments.
As telephoto lenses They have focal lengths over 70mm and are perfect for sports, wildlife and event photography. They make it possible to capture details from afar without significant loss of quality, making them indispensable for those who need to photograph subjects from a distance.
Designed for close-up shooting, the macro lenses They offer very high sharpness and are ideal for photographing details, such as insects, flowers and products. Its magnification capacity allows it to record textures and shapes with extreme precision, making it a valuable tool for scientific and commercial photography.
Recommendations for different photographic styles
Choosing the ideal lens depends directly on your photography style and, to help you make the best decision, check out lens recommendations for different photographic styles.
If your focus is portrait photography, lenses with focal lengths between 50mm e 85mm are the most recommended. They provide a natural perspective and a beautiful background blur (bokeh), highlighting the subject of the image.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 – Excellent value for money, with large aperture for low light.
- Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8 – Ideal for tighter portraits, with excellent sharpness and smooth blur.
To capture wide, detail-rich scenes, the wide-angle lenses are the best choice. They allow you to include a large number of elements in the composition without excessively distorting the image.
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS – Versatile and high quality, ideal for landscapes and architecture.
- Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM – Provides excellent sharpness and image stabilization for sharper captures.
Photographing sports or animals requires telephoto lenses, which allow you to capture long-distance scenes with precision. Furthermore, a good diaphragm opening makes it easier to freeze fast movements. Some of the best options include:
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM – Ideal for wildlife, with great range and efficient stabilization.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – Widely used by sports photographers due to its optical quality and f/2.8 aperture.
If your interest is in capturing small details with extreme clarity, such as insects, flowers or textures, macro lenses are the best choice. They provide true magnification and excellent detail definition. Some recommended options are:
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM – Offers image stabilization and extremely precise focus.
- Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED – Excellent for close-up captures, with vibrant colors and great sharpness.
What to consider when choosing the ideal lens
Choosing the ideal lens goes beyond checking the brand and price, and one of the first factors to be considered is the focal length, which directly influences the type of composition and perspective of your photo. Lenses with shorter focal lengths are ideal for capturing a wider view, while longer lenses are perfect for detailed photography.
A maximum opening of the lens must also be considered. Lenses with a large aperture – f/1.8 or f/2.8 – allow light to enter the sensor, which improves performance in low-light conditions. Furthermore, a larger aperture helps to create a beautiful background blur (bokeh effect), highly valued in portrait photography.
A optical quality is also important. Good quality lenses are designed to minimize distortions, chromatic aberrations and other imperfections, and some lens models have special elements, such as ED glass – extra low dispersion – that help improve the clarity and resolution of images.
Another point is to consider the compatibility of the lens with your camera. Lenses come with different types of mounting and it is essential that the one you choose is compatible with what you have. Also make sure it has the necessary features, such as autofocus, image stabilization or communication with the camera.
How to keep your lenses always in perfect condition
Properly caring for your lenses is essential to ensure continued performance. Regular cleaning is one of the main forms of maintenance and must be done with appropriate materials to avoid damage to the optical glass.
Correct storage is also essential to extend the life of your lenses. They must be stored in dry, moisture-free places, as prolonged exposure to humidity encourages the growth of fungi, which permanently damage the optical glass. To protect them against impacts and scratches, use padded bags, hard cases or protective boxes specifically for photographic equipment.
In addition to cleaning and storage, protecting the lens glass is another essential factor, so using a UV filter or protection helps prevent scratches and minor accidental damage. If your lens already has a filter, make sure it is always clean and free from cracks that could compromise image quality.
Another important precaution is to avoid sudden changes in temperature, as the lenses are sensitive to extreme variations – which can cause internal condensation. Whenever possible, allow the lens to gradually adapt to the new environment before using it, avoiding exposing it directly to intense cold or excessive heat.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens for your photography style is crucial to achieving the best results in your images. Each type of lens has specific characteristics that meet different needs, and understanding these particularities is essential to making the ideal choice for your work.
It’s important to consider factors such as focal length, maximum aperture and compatibility with your camera. Furthermore, by applying the recommendations for each style of photography, you will be more prepared to invest in a lens that complements your technique, improving the quality of your records and offering more versatility to your portfolio.
However, it’s not enough to just choose the right lens — taking care of it is also essential. Keeping your lenses in good condition through proper maintenance practices, correct storage, and regular cleaning ensures that they last a long time and continue to provide high-quality images.
