Choosing the best camera lenses for beginners can be quite challenging.
You don’t want to invest too much, and the lenses should be versatile to cater to many occasions.
Otherwise, opt for a lens depending on what you want to photograph more.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the best camera lenses for beginners are and which ones I recommend.
Versatile Zoom Lenses
If you’re still exploring and find yourself shooting a bit of everything, a versatile zoom lens could be your best buddy.
If you’re not sure what are zoom vs prime lenses, read this guide>>>
It’s great for capturing both the big, wide world and those far-off details without the hassle of lugging around extra lenses. And if you’re thinking of sticking to just one lens for now, make it a good one!
A common focal range for these versatile zoom lenses is 24-70mm or 24-105mm on full-frame cameras. For cameras with an APS-C sensor, a lens with an equivalent focal range, considering the crop factor, would be approximately 18-55mm or 18-135mm.
Discover the best zoom lenses for Nikon and the most popular zoom lenses for Sony camera 
Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
- Lens features Nikon technologies including Aspherical Lens Elements, ED Glass...
- Lens features built-in Vibration Reduction image stabilization
- The customizable, clickless control ring offers quick and quiet access to most used...
Engineered with precision for Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras, this lens is the epitome of versatility and superior optical performance. Offering a zoom range from 24-200mm, which translates to an expansive 36-300mm on DX-format cameras, it adeptly covers a broad array of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto.
This enables photographers to smoothly shift from capturing expansive landscapes to zooming in on far-off subjects with remarkable sharpness.
What distinguishes this superzoom lens is its comprehensive suite of sophisticated features that elevate both its functionality and the shooting experience. It features a 5-stop image stabilization system, crucial for maintaining sharpness in low-light situations or at extended zoom lengths, ensuring consistently clear, shake-free images.
Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
- World's lightest 5x zoom with an f/2.8-4 maximum aperture
- Inspiring image quality; ideal for daily life, travel, blogging, HD video and more
- Versatile zoom range that covers wide angle to portrait views. Minimum Focus Distance...
This lens exemplifies Nikon’s dedication to excellence and high-quality output for their DX-format DSLR cameras. Designed specifically for these models, it introduces an advanced zoom range from 16-80mm.
In terms of full-frame equivalence, this offers a highly versatile 24-120mm range, ideal for photographers eager to explore everything from vast landscapes to detailed portraiture.
Distinguishing this DX-format zoom lens are its remarkable features, appealing to both passionate enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. It features a swift and variable aperture of f/2.8-4, enabling superior performance in low-light conditions and offering extensive control over the depth of field for creative photography.
The lens’s sophisticated optical structure includes four Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and a Nano Crystal Coat, which together guarantee exceptionally sharp images with minimal chromatic aberrations and reduced ghosting.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens
- The full force of Sony’s latest lens technology brings stunning G Master resolution...
- Excellent contrast at high spatial frequencies means superb resolution even at F2.8....
- This lens is the smallest and lightest F2.8 24-70mm zoom in its class2. It weighs...
The defining trait of this lens is its exceptional adaptability, covering everything from wide-angle to portrait-length shots, establishing itself as a versatile tool for numerous photography styles. Its distinguishing characteristic is the constant f/2.8 aperture, which it maintains across the entire zoom range, setting it apart from others.
This feature significantly enhances its performance in low-light situations, allowing for the capture of breathtaking images under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Moreover, the steady aperture facilitates the creation of images with a shallow depth of field, lending a professional and artistic quality to your photos.
In terms of image quality, this lens stands out across the board. It incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, along with Nano AR coating, to achieve exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy. The result is images of extraordinary clarity and vividness, showcasing the lens’s dedication to delivering superior photographic outcomes.
Portrait Lenses
Opt for prime lenses (no zoom) of 50mm or 85mm to achieve sharp, detailed portraits.
50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
The 50mm f/1.8 is often referred to as the “Nifty Fifty” and is a favorite among photographers of all levels. It’s affordable, lightweight, and offers a natural perspective similar to the human eye. This is indeed one of the best camera lenses for beginners.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
- Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal,...
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of...
The wide f/1.8 aperture allows for shooting in low light and achieving a shallow depth of field, which beautifully blurs the background and makes your subject stand out.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, is an affordably priced prime lens that excels in portrait photography. With its wide f/1.8 aperture, it enables stunning background blur and impressive performance in low-light conditions.
This lens is designed to capture sharp, detailed portraits with a pleasing, natural perspective, making it a favorite among photographers looking for quality and affordability.
85mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
An 85mm lens is another excellent choice for portrait photography, offering a slightly telephoto perspective that is flattering for close-up portraits.
It compresses facial features in a pleasing way and allows you to maintain a comfortable distance from your subject. Like the 50mm, it typically has a wide aperture, enabling beautiful background blur (bokeh).
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
- Fast aperture medium telephoto lens
- Internal focus, focal length: 85 millimeter, minimum focus range: 0.80 meter
- Silent wave motor (SWM). Number of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G stands out as an excellent portrait lens, celebrated for its remarkable sharpness and beautiful bokeh.
Its 85mm focal length is ideal for headshots, offering a flattering compression effect that enhances the appearance of subjects. This prime lens, with its wide f/1.4 aperture, is a top choice for photographers aiming to produce professional-quality portraits.
35mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
For those who prefer wider shots that include more of the environment, a 35mm f/1.8 lens can be a fantastic choice. It’s versatile enough for both portraits and broader scenic shots, making it ideal for capturing subjects in their surroundings without significant distortion.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
- High speed with large aperture
- HSM (Hypersonic motor) and inner focusing system
- Accessories include: Lens Hood (LH730-03), carrying case
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is a prime lens known for its outstanding image quality and sharpness. With a focal length of 35mm and an aperture of f/1.4, it provides a slightly wider angle of view, making it perfect for photographers looking to capture environmental portraits with a rich, creamy bokeh in the background.
This lens is highly regarded for its ability to deliver clear, detailed images even in low light conditions, making it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts who demand high performance and versatility.
Discover the best portrait lenses for photography>>>
Find out what is the best focal length for portraits>>>
Landscape Lenses
Wide-angle lenses allow you to include more of the scene in your frame, making them ideal for capturing the grandeur of landscapes.
They exaggerate the sense of space and distance between objects, giving landscape photos a more dynamic feel.
Wide angles enable photographers to include interesting foreground elements, creating a sense of depth and leading lines that draw the viewer’s eye through the image.
A 16-35mm Zoom Lens (Full Frame) or 10-18mm (APS-C) offers versatility and consistent quality for landscape shots.
Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS for APS-S Camera
- Angle of View (APS-C) - 109 ° – 76 °
- Minimum focal length of 10 mm (15 mm in 35 mm-camera equivalency)
- Minimum Focus Distance : 0.82 ft (0.25 m), Maximum Magnification ratio : 0.1x
This lens lets you fit huge, beautiful scenes into a single photo, from big mountains and wide-open fields to the endless ocean. It’s perfect for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors and wants to show off every bit of nature’s beauty in their pictures.
With its wide view, you can easily grab the whole scene, making sure you don’t miss any part of the great views you come across. Plus, it’s got built-in stabilization, so your shots stay sharp and clear, even if your hands are a bit shaky. If you’re into taking pictures of the great outdoors, this lens is a great choice.
Discover the best Sony APS-C landscape lenses>>>
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
- Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens - Front Lens Cap - ALC-R1EM Rear Lens Cap - Lens Hood -...
- Standard zoom with outstanding corner-to-corner G Lens resolution
- Constant F2.8 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field
This professional-grade lens delivers outstanding image quality, attributed to its rapid f/2.8 aperture and superior optics. The flexible 16-55mm focal range spans from wide-angle to portrait lengths, accommodating a wide array of shooting situations including expansive landscapes and detailed close-ups.
The lens features advanced elements and coatings to combat aberrations and flare, providing photographers with sharp, contrast-rich images under various lighting conditions. Its fast aperture not only excels in low light conditions but also offers exquisite control over depth of field, allowing for beautifully blurred backgrounds that make subjects stand out.
Find out what are the best wide-angle lenses for Nikon and the most popular wide angle lenses for Sony
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I hope this helped to find the best camera lenses for beginners 🙂
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