“A good photograph starts with good glass.” It is a familiar saying. A camera certainly contributes to image quality, but the lens plays an even greater role. There is a suitable lens for every type of photograph, helping you achieve the best result. This article covers three lenses every photographer should consider adding to their kit.
The 50mm “Nifty Fifty” Lens
A 50mm lens, often called a “nifty fifty,” is an essential option. Its angle of view is similar to the way the human eye sees, making it ideal for portraits and everyday photography.
These lenses also often have a wide maximum aperture—usually f/1.8 or even f/1.4—making it easy to create a bokeh effect. That also makes them well suited to low-light photography. A buying a lens can be expensive, but this type is an exception. A Sigma 50mm lens can be found for as little as 200 euros.
The 70-200mm Telephoto Lens
If you prefer sports, wildlife, or portrait photography, a 70-200mm telephoto lens may be the right choice. It brings distant subjects closer, which is especially useful for moving subjects such as animals or athletes.
A telephoto lens’s compression effect can also make backgrounds appear closer, helping create attractive portraits.
This type of lens is also available with a wide maximum aperture, although those versions are often more expensive than models with a smaller aperture. Combined with effective image stabilization, it can produce exceptionally sharp photographs.
The 18-35mm Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle lens is essential if you enjoy photographing landscapes or architecture. Its short focal length captures a broad field of view. The 18-35mm wide-angle lens from Sigma is among the strongest options in its segment and lets you include a large part of the surroundings without standing far away from the subject.
This lens is also useful for creative photography because it supports a range of perspectives. It is worth choosing a high-quality wide-angle lens such as the Sigma 18-35mm. Less expensive lenses may show unattractive distortion near the edges, while a quality lens controls it more effectively.
