I get asked a lot about what kind of lens I recommend for people to get. I don’t know if you are like me but when I’m looking for a new lens I ask around and then I like to know what is popular. My theory is if it is popular then it must be well liked by many. So I thought this might help you make your decision for your next lens.
Here are the most popular lenses according to Amazon.
Canon
–Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
–Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
–Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
–Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Nikon
–Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
–Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
–Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens
These are the lenses I own and love :O)
–Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
–Nikon 20mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
–Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) with Built-In AF Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
A few things I consider when shopping for a new lens.
-Do I want a prime or zoom?
-What is the aperture of the lens?
-Is it a fixed aperture or does it move when you zoom the lens?
-Will this lens work with my camera?
What is your favorite lens?? We could make our own list :O)
Disclaimer: These are affiliate links.
I want that tamron, it’s on my birthday list! :)
I have the 35mm getting ready to get the 55mm. I would love the tamron 2.8 but don’t want to fork that money out right now.
Hey Courtney, is there any distortion when taking portrait type photos with your 20mm? Do you have critiques about it? What do you think your next lens purchase will be?
I have the 85mm and the 50mm. I was just wondering what a good lens for large groups would be?
I have (and love my Cannon 50mm f/1.8 and am about to click ‘buy’ on the Tamron you have for my birthday too! :)
I want the Canon 50mm f/1.8. I have the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS. I hope to get the 50mm sometime this year. Maybe mother’s day?
If you had asked me this two weeks ago, I would say my cheap-o fisheye lens I bought on ebay. But- I just broke down and bought a ‘real’ lens for myself and I am in love love love!
I have the Tamron 28-300mm AF 3.5/6.7 (Nikon Mount) now and it is the only thing I’ve used since I got it- the range is wonderful, the AF works great, and the quality is awesome.
Next on my wish list is the Tokina 10-17mm!
Overwhelming!!!!
I have the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G (wanted the 50mm but the auto focus did not work with my camera – Nikon d3100)
Now, I am looking for a zoom lens. What is the difference between the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G [Vibration Reduction] model and the model without VR??
ARGH!!! I really want a zoom lens with a fixed aperture. Like really…..
sigh…stuck with my kit lens for now…
Hiya, Courtney!
How about lens hoods? What can you tell us about them? Why do we need them? I know they are supposed to block out stray light but when does “stray” light get in? Isn’t light supposed to be good? Too much light then lower your ISO?
Thanks! I learn so much here, which leads to me to tell you that I’ve switched to BBF. :)So far so good!
~ingrid
I think lens hoods are a MUST! For two reasons – 1. They protect you lens when you accidentally bump your camera into a wall or if you have grabby kids like I do. They also help prevent lens flare. Personally, I don’t mind lens flare but that is the type of light that they are preventing from coming in. It also helps to prevent haze. Again, something I like so if I want haze I’ll take my lens hood off. Don’t worry, it won’t block in any natural light that you need to help your photo!
I have the 35 mm 1.8 and the 50 mm 1.8 and I am contemplating selling both and investing in the 50 mm 1.4 and getting the tamron that you have Courtney. AM I CRAZY???
I am wondering after all the reviews that I’ve read between the 50 mm 1.8 and 1.4 if it is really worth the extra 300$$$??? But I have a friend who has this lens and I feel like I am unable to reproduce the quality of photos she is getting. They are so much more sharp and clear and full of light and one thing I’ve been reading about the difference between the two is that you can see the difference even at higher # aperture like 5.6 for example the 1.4 gives is sharper. I have some money saved up but only enough for one lens right now.
I don’t know if I should just sell my 35mm and get the tamron zoom lens or keep the 35 mm and still get it. I am torn only because I don’t want to just have all these lenses laying around I want to have what I will use and that is all. I know it kind of sounds funny like oh poor me I have too many lenses but I don’t I just want to make the right decision in this department and I am being very indecisive. I feel like if I have the tamron when would I ever actually use the 35 mm for??? I can’t think of one time I will exchange the versatility of the tamron for the 35 mm.
would love any thoughts…