MY FAVOURITE LENSES FOR A SHOOT
Lenses have evolved over the years and nowadays the difference in sharpness between zoom lenses and prime lenses is insignificant , if any at all. In fact, expensive zoom lenses are just as sharp as any prime lens.
What is a zoom lens?
In simple terms, a zoom lens is a type of lens with the capacity to vary its focal length and angle of view by moving its parts. It has the advantage of enabling the photographer to shoot images without having to move closer or away from the subject. That is where the word zoom comes in. Zoom lenses fall into three different categories. These are wide angle, medium zoom and telephoto zoom.
What is a prime lens?
A Prime lens is a type of lens that has a fixed focal length. It is not capable of zooming in and out and is more compact than a zooming lens because it has considerably fewer moving parts. Prime lenses create a better separation between the background and the subject through the use of wide apertures ranging from f1.2 – f2.8.
I personally use both zoom and prime lenses for my work and the following are my favourites: –
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8g
Praised for its reliability and overall image quality, this is a long-time favorite lens of passionate professionals. With a fast fixed aperture of f/2.8 across a 24–70mm zoom range, this lens provides both fine resolution and natural representation. A Nano Crystal Coat helps effectively reduce ghost and flare effects under harsh lighting for greater image clarity. Its Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens, so you can retain subject to working distance through the entire focus range.
This my go to lens when I am covering an event. It allows me to take group photos and portraits with versatility. I can zoom in and out to capture the décor in the function room as well as candid images as the event unfolds. Its auto focus capability is mind blowing.
Sigma Art 35mm f1.4 DG HSM
I use this lens when I want to include the environment in my shot . The lens has amazing sharpness its auto focus system is superb.
This wide-angle F1.4 lens delivers the highest level of brightness and beautiful bokeh effects. It offers the unique characteristics that only a large-aperture F1.4 lens can offer: shallow depth of field along with superior low-light and hand-held performance.
Sigma Art 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM
This is my favourite portrait lens. It has perfect compression for both individual and group portraits.
SIGMA was the first lens manufacturer to introduce a 50mm F1.4 lens. Now, to create the ultimate go-to lens, we took optical performance and image quality to the limit. The result is a true icon of SIGMA quality. Fulfilling the concept of our Art line at the highest level, the 50mm F1.4 DG HSM is a large-aperture standard lens that delivers top performance. Its outstanding resolution makes it ideal for the high-megapixel era. It delivers exquisitely balanced images with a beautiful bokeh effect, setting a new benchmark for large-aperture standard lenses. It is the ultimate expression of the 50mm F1.4 specification, known to bring out the photographer’s unique personality and approach. Once you own it, you’ll never want to be without it!
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM
This is my all time favourite portrait lens. It allows me to shoot from a distance and has amazing compression rendering stunning portraits.
Main Features:-
- F1.4 maximum aperture
- 85mm max fixed focal range
- 2 SLD glass elements
- 1 aspherical element
- Canon EF, Nikon (FX) and Sigma SA Bayonet mounts
Sigma Art 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM
I use this lens when I do not want to get in the way or attract attention during a ceremony. It allows me shoot from a long distance and still zoom in and out to get the shot that I want.
Designed for event, portraiture, and sports shooting, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is a flexible telephoto zoom characterized by its bright and sophisticated design. The fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and also offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects. In regard to the optical layout, an impressive 10 low dispersion elements are used to greatly reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for improved clarity and color accuracy. A Super Multi-Layer Coating is also featured, and helps to suppress ghosting and flare when working in strong lighting conditions.
I shoot with two cameras throughout the event and mostly I use the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 paired with the Nikon D500 and the Sigma Art 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM paired with the Nikon D750. My Assistant has the Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4 permanently paired with the Nikon D810 running the photobooth.
This is not a paid presentation. My preference is based on personal experience and the quest for excellence in capturing beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
Until next time, happy shooting.