Event Photography: Lenses

Event Photography Lenses!

This video is all about lens choices available as an event photographer. I get into what different lenses are best used for, what I personally use, using primes vs zoom lenses, etc.
0:00
0:07 24-70mm
01:22 17-40mm
04:04 16mm
04:59 70-200mm
08:15 Prime lenses
10:36 85mm
12:05 135mm
12:13 135mm vs 70-200mm
13:36 50mm
15:48 200mm



OUTLINE OF VIDEO:

24-70

One of the least glamorous, but most widely used lenses, the 24-70 should likely be your first professional grade lens purchase. Does it need to be f2.8 or even Canon’s 28-70 f2 lens? Nope. But in most situations f2.8 is a plenty wide enough aperture for the job.

Most versatile zoom lens because of its focal range
Good for
Establishing shots
Detail shots
Close candids
Candid interactions
And even speakers on stage if you’re able to get close enough

This lens could easily be your one lens owned if you’re shooting in areas in which you can physically move your body as close or far aways as you need to get the shot

Other options

24-105 or Nikon’s 24-120

More versatile than a 24-70, but if I were choosing between a 24-70 f2.8 vs one of these lenses, I would prefer the versatility of a wider maximum F Stop.

17-40

Somewhere around 75% of the time I am using this lens at 17mm for my establishing shots
But also great for:
Large groups
Much lighter than any 24-70 (great for weight conscious people or for the end of a long long day) (especially if you don't need to shoot wider than f2.8

Other Options

RF 14-35 F4
RF 15-35 F2.8
EF 16-35 F2.8

Why I am happy with an f4 / usually when shooting wide, multiple subjects or establishing, having more depth is a good thing.

RF 16 f2.8

Because I have found that I am so often not using my 17-40 at any focal length other than 17mm, the RF 16mm has been an excellent lens for the distinct jobs in which I can shoot an entire event with one lens minus a small handful of wide shots. I can simply throw this in my bag- taking up nearly no space and contributing barely any weight.

70-200

great for close up candids
Can be less obtrusive, but I think a stealthy photographer that knows how to move can easily go unnoticed with something as “wide” as a 50mm.
BUT Typically used for reach when you CAN NOT physically move in closer
People on stage, etc.
A kids birthday party photographer could probably go their whole career without one, but for large corporate events, this lens is a MUST

Anything with more reach than 200mm


Shooting with just primes:

Sacrificing versatility for less weight (in most cases) and wider apertures
Why positioning matters
Memorizing / seeing in focal lengths / pre visualization
This really forces you to engage with your work, having physical, creative benefits
Can be lighter, but not necessarily
Especially great on a two body setup!

Prime Lenses I own:

RF 50mm f1.2

Currently my favorite lens
Unloved by some, I find the normal range to be exceptionally versatile. With it I can shoot:
wide scenes if I can backup enough
Candid interactions
Detail shots
Even close candids
Huge maximum aperture
Light weight
Incredible auto focus in low light
Max aperture, auto focus ability in low light, and my r6 IS allows me to shoot in light I would not be able to with any other lens I own

EF 85mm f1.8

Hard to beat for event photographers that may need to shoot impromptu portraits or set up a headshot station at a conference, for example
Classic portrait lens, but turns out to be a pretty great lens for shooting candids.
However, when shooting with two cameras, one with the 50mm, i find that the 135mm to be a better companion

EF 135 f2

Known for its excellent character (canon)
If that matters for events is another story
Also great for portraits
Can be used to shoot headshots
Becomes mostly impractical for anything but close up candids
F2 advantage to a 70-200 is somewhat offset by the 70-200 (IS), but shooting with a wider aperture with a faster shutter can be an advantage too.

EF 200 F2.8

Light but no IS
Also, not a pixel peeper, but likely somewhat dated optics
Not much lighter than the most modern 70-200 lenses (plastics)
In the end of the day, unless on a budget, prob not worth it

Honorable mentions

Fisheye lens

Fisheye lens: You dont need it, but
doesn't mean its useless or you can't have fun with it.
Great for dynamic dance photos
Wedding: how I learned and the one shot we used it for.

Vintage lenses

Fun, full of character, but not practical.
I really hope you enjoy this one! Thanks for watching!

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