Choosing the right lens for your photography

With so many lens options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use or invest in. Different focal lengths, prime vs. zoom choices, and factors like aperture, size, weight, and cost all play a role in how your photos turn out. The right lens can dramatically affect framing, perspective, depth of field, and image quality—whether you're shooting sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, or fast-moving action.

But before we dive in, let's make one thing clear: These are not rules, just guidelines— photography is an art, and sometimes, the most interesting shots come from breaking conventions. While certain lenses are traditionally used for specific types of photography, experimenting with different options can lead to creative and unexpected results.

A quick guide to focal lengths & their common uses

Ultra-Wide (10-24mm)

Best for: Landscapes, architecture, astrophotography

Why? Ultra-wide lenses capture vast scenes and exaggerate perspective, making spaces feel more expansive. They’re perfect for dramatic skies, towering buildings, and sweeping landscapes. However, distortion can be an issue, especially for portraits.

Wide-Angle (24-35mm)

Best for: Street photography, environmental portraits, travel

Why? These lenses provide a more natural perspective while still capturing a broad scene. They are great for storytelling, showing subjects in their surroundings without excessive distortion.

Standard (35-50mm)

Best for: Everyday photography, portraits, documentary

Why? These focal lengths closely resemble the way our eyes perceive the world, making them ideal for natural-looking images. A 50mm (the ‘nifty fifty’) is especially beloved for its versatility and ability to produce beautiful background blur (bokeh) at wider apertures.

Short Telephoto (85-135mm)

Best for: Portraits, weddings, events

Why? These lenses create flattering compression, making them perfect for isolating subjects with creamy backgrounds. An 85mm lens is a portrait favorite, while 135mm provides even more subject separation.

Telephoto (135-300mm+)

Best for: Wildlife, sports, action, concerts

Why? Telephoto lenses allow you to capture distant subjects up close. The compression effect also makes backgrounds appear more blurred, which can help isolate subjects effectively.

Prime vs. zoom Lenses: which one to choose?

Before choosing a focal length, it's also important to consider whether to use a prime or zoom lens.

Prime Lenses (Fixed Focal Lengths): These lenses have a single focal length, such as 35mm or 85mm. They tend to offer better image quality, wider apertures (for beautiful background blur and low-light performance), and encourage creativity by forcing you to move around to frame your shot. Primes are often lighter and more compact, making them a favorite for street and portrait photographers.

Zoom Lenses (Variable Focal Lengths): These lenses cover a range of focal lengths, such as 24-70mm or 70-200mm. They provide versatility, allowing you to quickly adjust your composition without moving. While they can be heavier and may have smaller maximum apertures compared to primes, modern zooms offer excellent image quality and are great for travel, events, and situations where you need flexibility.

Key factors in choosing a lens

Beyond focal length and whether to choose a prime or zoom, there are other important factors to consider when selecting the right lens for your needs:

Maximum Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number, like f/1.8 or f/2.8) lets in more light, which is useful for low-light photography and achieving a shallow depth of field for blurred backgrounds (bokeh). Lenses with wide apertures are great for portraits and indoor shooting but often cost (and weigh!) more.

Size & Weight: If you’re carrying your camera for extended periods, a smaller, lighter lens can make a big difference. Travel and street photographers often prefer compact prime lenses, while wildlife and sports photographers may need bulkier telephoto zooms.

Zoom Range: If you need flexibility, a zoom lens can cover multiple focal lengths in one package. However, if you prioritize image quality and low-light performance, a prime lens might be the better choice.

Image Stabilization: Some lenses come with built-in stabilization to reduce camera shake, which is particularly useful for telephoto lenses and low-light handheld shooting.

Cost: High-quality lenses can be expensive, but investing in good glass can often have a bigger impact on your photography than upgrading your camera body. Budget-friendly options, like the classic ‘nifty fifty’ 50mm f/1.8, offer great performance without breaking the bank.

Breaking the ‘rules’ & getting creative

While these focal lengths are commonly associated with specific genres, there's no reason to limit yourself. Try shooting portraits with a wide-angle lens for a dramatic, environmental look, or use a telephoto lens for landscapes to compress the elements of a scene together in an artistic way. The best way to develop your own style is by experimenting!

What are your favorite focal lengths, and how do you use them creatively? Share your experiences in the comments!