When starting your photography journey, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: “Which lens should I get?” It’s an exciting decision, but also a tricky one because the lens you choose can shape your style and the way you capture the world.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer since it all depends on what you want to shoot. But don’t worry—let’s break it down and explore some popular options based on different photography styles.

The Must-Have Lens Combo for Beginners

If you’re serious about photography, investing in a versatile lens setup can make all the difference. A good starting point is a two-zoom combo:

Standard Zoom (24-70mm): This is your workhorse. It’s versatile enough for landscapes, portraits, and general everyday shots. The ability to zoom in and out quickly makes framing your subject super easy.

Telephoto Zoom (70-200mm): This lens is great for capturing distant subjects, isolating details in landscapes, or shooting portraits with a dreamy background blur.

Your Third Lens – Adding Personality to Your Kit

After you’ve got the basics covered, your third lens depends on your personal preferences. Here are a few popular choices:

50mm Prime (“The Nifty Fifty”): This is a favorite for portraits and low-light photography. It’s lightweight, sharp, and gives you that lovely shallow depth of field.

Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM     f:1.2, 1/200s, 100 ISO

Ultra-Wide Lens (15-20mm): Perfect for landscapes, architecture, and interiors. The wider perspective adds drama and makes scenes look larger than life.

Macro Lens: If you’re into close-ups—whether it’s nature, food, or tiny details—a macro lens lets you capture the intricate beauty of small subjects.

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO     f:2.8, 1/160s, 3200 ISO

Lenses for Different Photography Styles

Portrait Photography

For capturing stunning portraits, you’ll want a lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.4). Popular choices include:

50mm: A great all-around portrait lens.

85mm: Ideal for capturing beautiful headshots with creamy bokeh. 

Street Photography

Street photographers often gravitate towards 35mm lenses. They’re wide enough to capture the environment, yet not too wide that your subjects feel distant. Plus, they’re compact—perfect for shooting on the go.

Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM    f:1.4, 1/10s, 100 ISO

Landscape and Architecture

For landscapes, the wider, the better. An ultra-wide lens like a 16-35mm is fantastic for dramatic skies and sweeping vistas. Architects and interior photographers often use tilt-shift lenses to correct perspective distortion.

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II     f:2.8, 1/125s, 100 ISO 

Sports and Wildlife

Here’s where you need serious zoom power. A 70-200mm f/2.8 is a good starting point, but if you’re photographing wildlife or fast-moving subjects, you’ll need something longer—think 300mm, 400mm, or even 600mm. Be prepared though; these lenses can be heavy (and pricey)!

Canon RF 600mm F4L USM     f:4, 1/2000s, 2000 ISO

Macro Photography

For close-up shots of flowers, insects, or even food, a 100mm macro lens is a game-changer. It lets you focus on tiny subjects with incredible detail.

Canon RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM   

Choosing the Right Lens for Your Style

Before you buy, think about the kind of photography you enjoy most. Are you drawn to the energy of street scenes? Do you dream of capturing sprawling landscapes or intimate portraits? Your lens should match your creative vision.