For a Beginner: Choosing the Right Lens - 18-135mm or 25mm, 50mm?
As a beginner in photography, the process of deciding which lens to use can be quite overwhelming. The question often comes down to whether to choose a versatile zoom lens like the 18-135mm or opt for a couple of fixed prime lenses, such as 25mm and 50mm. In my experience, I recommend starting with a zoom lens like the 18-135mm, but let's explore the pros and cons of both options.
Why the 18-135mm Lens is a Better Option for Beginners
One of the primary reasons for recommending the 18-135mm lens to beginners is its versatility. As a beginner, you're likely to explore a wide variety of photography genres, from landscapes to portraits to wildlife. A zoom lens allows you to capture subjects from different distances without needing to change lenses, making it a convenient choice.
Another significant advantage is the experience it provides while playing with different settings. Shooters with this lens can adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to suit their needs, all within the same focal length range. This flexibility can be incredibly valuable as you learn to navigate your DSLR.
Challenges in Using a Single Prime Lens
For those considering a set of fixed prime lenses, such as a 25mm and 50mm, there are a few challenges to keep in mind. While these lenses offer a lot of potential, especially for those who want to focus on specific genres like portraiture or street photography, using them requires more flexibility and adaptability.
The primary issue is that changing lenses, even for brief moments, can be time-consuming. In dynamic situations where you need to capture fast-moving subjects or those far away (like birds), this can be demotivating. Missing a shot due to the time taken to change lenses can be particularly frustrating, especially with high expectations from your new DSLR.
My Recommended Setup: Expanding with 25mm and 50mm
As a photographer with similar experiences, I currently use a Pentax K70 with an 18-135mm lens. This lens has become my constant companion, accompanying me on all my photography endeavors. To further explore the world of photography, I also own a vintage full-frame 80-200mm lens. This lens comes in handy for capturing still, far-away objects, like stars in the night sky.
The idea of having a versatile lens like the 18-135mm is to transition smoothly and give yourself ample time to identify your unique style in photography. I find that a combination of wide-angle and telephoto lenses like the 18-135mm and 80-200mm gives me a wide range to experiment with, from landscapes to astro photography.
Over time, you will notice that the 18-135mm lens becomes your all-day use lens. It effortlessly sits on my camera all the time, ready to capture whatever comes my way. My recommendation is to get as much versatility as possible when starting out. While you're passionate about learning photography, missing shots due to equipment limitations is the last thing you need, especially with high natural expectations for your DSLR.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens as a beginner is crucial for setting the foundation of your photography journey. While fixed prime lenses like 25mm and 50mm have their merits, especially for specialized genres, the 18-135mm zoom lens offers unparalleled versatility and adaptability. It's a great choice for both experimentation and everyday use, allowing you to explore various photography techniques without the hassle of changing lenses all the time.
So, whether you're heading out for a day's hike, planning a long exposure, or aiming to capture that perfect starry night, the 18-135mm lens is a solid choice to start with. Happy shooting!