When it comes to photography, understanding camera and lens combinations can be the key to achieving the best results. Different photography genres require different camera and lens setups and in this article we will explore the best camera and lens combinations for a selection of photography genres. We will look at landscapes, portraits, action & sports, wildlife, and macro photography.
Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is all about capturing large vistas without losing the finer details. A wide-angle lens is essential for this genre as it allows you to maximise the scene you will capture. The best camera and lens combinations for landscape photography includes a full-frame camera which has a sensor with twice the surface area of a super 35mm sensor. Pair this camera with wide-angle lenses such as a 14-24mm or a 16-35mm for best results. High resolution sensors are also important for capturing the fine details and especially when creating large prints.
A popular camera and lens combination for landscape photography is the Nikon D850 paired with the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 lens. This combination offers a high resolution sensor and a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture, making it ideal for capturing large vistas and fine details. Another popular option is the Canon 5D Mark IV paired with the Canon 16-35mm f/4 lens. This combination offers a high resolution sensor and a wide-angle lens with image stabilisation.
When it comes to landscape photography, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different camera and lens combinations. For example, a full-frame camera with a wide-angle lens offers a wider field of view and higher resolution compared to a crop-sensor camera with a wide-angle lens. However, a full-frame camera and wide-angle lens is heavier to handle and can be more expensive than a crop-sensor camera and wide-angle lens.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photography is all about capturing the true character of a subject and generally includes creating a flattering image. A fast lens with a wide aperture such as a 50mm or 85mm works well for this genre as it allows you to achieve shallow depth of field and will generate the bokeh effect (a soft blurred background). The best camera and lens combinations for portrait photography includes a full-frame camera with a fast prime lens. A camera with a high resolution sensor is also important for capturing fine details and for creating large prints.
A popular camera and lens combination for portrait photography is the Sony A7 III paired with the Sony 85mm f/1.4 lens. This combination offers a high resolution sensor and a fast prime lens with a wide aperture, making it ideal for achieving shallow depth of field and bokeh. Another popular option is the Canon 5D Mark IV paired with the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens. This combination offers a high resolution sensor and a fast prime lens with a wide aperture.
There are always pros and cons to camera/lens combinations and taking time to weigh up your own needs is always advisable. A full-frame camera with a fast prime lens offers a wider aperture and higher resolution compared to a crop-sensor camera with a fast prime lens. But depending on whether you are shooting indoors or in a studio, a full-frame camera and fast prime lens can be more expensive and weightier than a crop-sensor camera and fast prime lens.
Action & Sports Photography
Action & sports photography is a high-speed endeavour with subjects constantly moving. It is for this reason that a fast shutter speed, continuous autofocus and a long focal length lens are essential for this genre. The best camera and lens combinations for action and sports photography include a camera with a fast frame rate, such as 8fps or higher, and a lens with a long focal length such as a 70-200mm or a 100-400mm. A camera with good low-light performance is also important for sports photography as light cannot be controlled.
A popular camera and lens combination for action and sports photography is the Nikon D5 paired with the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. This combination offers a fast frame rate, a long focal length lens and a wide aperture, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. Another popular option is the Canon 1DX Mark II paired with the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. This combination offers a fast frame rate, a long focal length lens and image stabilisation, which are vital when attempting to capture detail in a subject that is constantly moving.
Long lenses can be cumbersome and difficult to carry especially when there are numerous lenses needed. Cameras with a fast frame rate and a long focal length lens can also be quite heavy and some are more costly. While it is vital to prepare for any photoshoot, action and sports photography requires a lot of pre-planning as the kit can be very weighty and bulky and the photographer may need to move around to follow the action.
Wildlife Photography
The art of wildlife photography involves capturing distant and oftentimes, fast-moving animals. A long focal length lens, image stabilisation and fast autofocus are therefore essential for this genre. The ideal camera and lens combinations for wildlife photography include a camera with a high-resolution sensor and a lens with a long focal length such as a 100-400mm or a 200-500mm. A camera with good low-light performance is also important for wildlife photography.
The Sony A9 paired with the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens is a popular choice for wildlife photographers. This combination offers a high-resolution sensor, a long focal length lens and fast autofocus, making it ideal for capturing distant and fast-moving animals. Another popular option is the Canon 1DX Mark II paired with the Canon 200-400mm f/4 lens. This combination offers a high-resolution sensor with image stabilisation and a long focal length lens. This can capture sharp detail in fast moving animals from a distance.
Shooting in the wild and pursuing fast moving animals, in light that cannot be controlled, generally requires a lot of bulky, heavy equipment. Whether you are a wildlife photographer who moves through the landscape, or if you choose a perch from which to wait, you will need to consider how you will transport and pack the correct kit for the job.
Macro Photography
Macro photography on the other hand, aims the lens at the minutiae of life, the tiny close-up details of the world around us. High magnification and precise focusing are essential for this genre. The best camera and lens combinations for macro photography includes a camera with a high resolution sensor and a macro lens with a high magnification such as a 60mm or a 100mm. When focussing on super-sharp details, a tripod and external lighting equipment can also be useful.
A popular camera and lens combination for macro photography is the Nikon D850 paired with the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 macro lens. This combination offers a high resolution sensor, a high magnification and precise focusing. Another popular option is the Canon 5DS R paired with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. This combination offers a high resolution sensor with image stabilisation and precise magnification.
The key to macro photography is to get as close as possible to your subject without disturbing it. This may require specialised equipment such as a set of extension tubes or a close-up filter which enables you to get closer than the minimum focus distance of your lens.
Aperture will also play an important role in macro photography. The higher the aperture number, the more depth of field you will have in your image which can be useful when you are trying to capture an insect or a flower.
Whether you're a landscape photographer, a portrait photographer, or a wildlife photographer, understanding the best camera and lens combinations for your specific genre can help you to master your chosen field and take your photography to the next level. Remember that the best camera and lens combination is the one that fits your own personal needs, so don't be afraid to experiment with different camera and lens combinations to find the best fit for your own photography style.
It is however, also important to note that while having the best camera and lens is helpful, it's not everything. Practice, patience, and creativity are key components to taking great photographs and the best camera and lens combination is only one part of the equation. Tool up on your knowledge of composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques and the photography world is your oyster.
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With our courses, you'll learn how to get the most out of your camera and lens combinations, and take your photography to the next level.
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