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Here are the five best lenses for still photography across various focal lengths and styles, from Canon to Sony and beyond.
The subject of photography is mastered through years of practice, hard work, and dedication. However, with the right lens and a camera, it can accelerate the process. That said, cameras have become significantly smarter than they were decades ago, and now even brands are incorporating AI into them. Additionally, there are now OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) focus motors and other digital enhancement features present within lenses.
Shooting still images a few decades ago required rock-stable hands and a deep understanding of light and how aperture affects image sharpness and visual appeal. Nowadays, technology, specifically with AI, has made all these widely accessible to beginners. If you are a seasoned veteran, an intermediate doing a photography course, or even a beginner who wants to start high, these are the five very best lenses you can choose from.
Note: The prices mentioned here are provided for reference only and do not reflect actual real-world pricing. For purchasing, it’s best to visit a local store, where you can buy refurbished and highly maintained ones for much lower prices.
1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM ($2,299)
It’s one of those legendary lenses that have been around for a very long time (EF version). This is the updated, mirrorless, and RF-mounted model. One significant reason to get this lens is its ability to create a smooth, natural-looking background blur, which makes subjects stand out from their surroundings. It also renders color and tone beautifully. Pair this with your Canon or Blackmagic camera with an adapter, and the results will surely put a smile on your face.
Key Features:
- f/1.2 aperture for exceptional low-light performance
- Advanced RF mount optics for corner-to-corner sharpness
- Professional L-series build quality and weather sealing
- Outstanding bokeh quality and subject separation
- Versatile 50mm focal length suitable for multiple genres
- Super quick and silent USM autofocus system
2. Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 ($598)
Sony nails everything they do. From cameras to audio systems, literally anything. In the case of still photography, the FE 85mm f1/8 is an outstanding, budget-friendly choice. It ticks all the boxes a photographer would look for, such as background blur, which makes the subject stand out, and so on. One fact is that there are many G-Master lenses available, even more expensive than the FE.
Still, if you know how to shoot good still photos, the difference in quality isn’t worth that hefty premium. But hold on, this doesn’t mean that the larger aperture within the G-Master lenses won’t make a difference; it does, and provides more background separation and light, all of which results in a more punchy image.
That said, you can sort of achieve what the G-Master does through editing in post. Expensive equipment, such as G-Master lenses, shortens your work to some extent.
Key Features:
- Outstanding sharpness across the entire frame
- Compact, lightweight design for extended use
- Exceptional value for professional-level performance
- Perfect 85mm focal length for portrait photography
- Fast, accurate autofocus with minimal hunting
- Excellent performance in low-light conditions
3. Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS ($1,998)
The Sony FE 200–600mm is a long-range type G-series lens with built-in optical stabilization. Don’t confuse this with G-Master; these are distinct products. The G-Series is not as ridiculously priced as the G-Master is. And for your use cases? Select this option if you have a Sony camera, enjoy chasing birds and engaging in wildlife photography, or work on freelance sports contracts.
Yes, it is costly, but the results speak for themselves. Ask any pro shooter about this particular lens; the moment they hear the name, you will get their seal of approval.
Key Features:
- 200-600mm versatile zoom range for wildlife and sports
- Excellent optical stabilization for handheld shooting
- Outstanding image quality throughout the zoom range
- Weather-sealed construction for outdoor use
- Compatible with Sony teleconverters for extended reach
- Professional-grade autofocus performance
4. Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM ($2,299)
So you’re looking for a lens that handles everything. The Canon RF 24-70 is more of a jack-of-all-trades lens that handles close-up shots and anything else you throw at it, while maintaining a fixed focal length throughout its zoom range. Surprisingly, this lens also suits beginners well, as its setup is similar to that of the kit lenses provided with cameras, such as the 18-55 mm and 24-105 mm, but with image quality on a whole new level, in contrast to those kit lenses.
Key Features:
- Versatile 24-70mm focal range covers most shooting scenarios
- Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
- Image stabilization for handheld shooting flexibility
- Professional L-series optical quality and build
- Weather sealing for challenging conditions
- Consistent performance across all focal lengths
5. Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR ($1,199)
Fujifilm is often regarded as the king of still photography, particularly in the areas of portraiture, landscape, and street photography. The XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR demonstrates exactly why this is the case. For starters, this one has an effective full-frame focal length of 84mm on APS-C.
When you pair this with your Fuji camera, it will produce an incredibly shallow depth of field, silky smooth bokeh, and perform excellently under low-light conditions. That aside, the micro-contrasts and skin tones are just spot on.
If you shoot with a Fujifilm X-series body, this lens is a must-have.
Key Features:
- f/1.2 maximum aperture for exceptional low-light performance
- Distinctive optical character with beautiful bokeh quality
- Weather-resistant construction for outdoor shooting
- Perfect 56mm focal length for portrait photography
- Fujifilm’s renowned color science and rendering
- Professional build quality with smooth operation
Conclusion
All of the lenses mentioned here cater to unique use cases. Pick one that suits your budget and needs, and you won’t be disappointed.
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