Choosing the Perfect Lens for Professional Photography
As an editorial photographer with over five decades of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to use a vast array of lenses. However, in recent years, I've found that carrying multiple lenses is unnecessary and cumbersome. A single camera paired with the right lens, such as the Sony a7Rlll and Sony 24–240mm f3.5–6.3, has proven to be more than adequate for a wide range of subjects. The flexibility and portability of this setup make it ideal for shooting assignments for magazines, book projects, and travel stock images.
High Quality Lenses Are Essential
One of the key lessons I have learned is that high-quality lenses are crucial when paired with a high-resolution camera body. The performance of the entire system depends on the weakest link. Therefore, investing in top-tier lenses is essential for capturing sharp, high-quality images. After investing in top-quality lenses, the choice of lens largely depends on the type of photography you are engaged in.
Special Considerations Based on Photography Type
For sports and wildlife photographers, lenses with fast and accurate auto-focus motors are essential. These lenses need to be able to capture fast-moving subjects without missing a shot. Similarly, landscape and architectural photographers may prefer manual focus capabilities and an aperture ring, allowing for precise control over depth of field and exposure.
As a professional photographer over the years, my lens choices have varied depending on the project at hand. For portrait and social photography, a 17-55mm f2.8 zoom and an 80-200mm f2.8 zoom lens have been my go-to. When covering outdoor sports events, a 200-400mm f4 zoom lens works perfectly, while for indoor sports, the 80-200mm f2.8 remains an asset. Architectural photography requires wide-angle lenses with perspective control, and studio portraits often require 50mm, 80mm, and 150mm lenses. Each genre of photography has unique demands, and the lens requirements vary significantly.
The Misconception of Expensive Lenses
There's a common belief that professional photographers must only use expensive lenses. While it's true that having expensive gear can simplify workflow and speed up processes, it is not a defining factor of professionalism. Not every professional photographer chooses to use only expensive gear. On the contrary, many photographers prefer cheaper lenses if they can achieve the desired results just as effectively.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to lens selection in professional photography. Skilled photographers can make the most out of any lens in their arsenal. Over time, experience and practice allow photographers to understand the strengths and limitations of each lens and choose the best one for each situation. Personal preference plays a significant role, as experienced photographers develop their unique style and aesthetic preferences.
The lens market is vast and full of choices. Not all professionals will use the same set of lenses, and many will develop their own tailored collection suited to their particular needs and projects. Ultimately, the lens or equipment used does not singled out a photographer's level of professionalism.
Professionalism in photography comes from skill, patience, and the ability to deliver quality results consistently, regardless of the gear used. As a professional photographer, it's important to understand that lens choices are a reflection of the photographer's expertise and vision, not just a reflection of their financial resources or equipment.