If money is of little concern and cameras are what you’re interested in, then let us guide you through the realm of exotic and super-expensive cameras.
It certainly is an exciting time to be a gear nerd, with manufacturers having released some truly next-level cameras and lenses in the last few years. This interesting video review takes a look at some of the best options of the last few years, their pros and cons, and how they compare to each other.
A good 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is often worth its weight in gold, and unfortunately, they often cost about that much too. Luckily, in the last few years, we have seen a real influx of much more affordable third-party options from companies like Tamron and Samyang. This excellent video comparison takes a look at two such options, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 and Samyang 24-70mm f/2.8 AF.
Canon’s RF lenses have been mostly quite impressive, offering top-shelf performance and image quality while pushing the boundaries of design. And though the RF lineup is filling out nicely, Canon has confirmed they have no intention of slowing down, with dozens more lenses coming in the next few years.
Traditionally, portraits are shot with focal lengths between 50mm and 135mm, though there is no reason you can’t use a longer focal length. Nonetheless, 400mm f/2.8 lenses are traditionally reserved for professional sports and wildlife photographers who need a lot of reach and the ability to capture as much light as possible. With super-sharp results and a narrow depth of field, they seem like a great (if somewhat impractical) option for portraits, and this fun video shows you what you can expect.
Zeiss lenses are known for providing sharp and contrasty images with silky-smooth bokeh, making them favorites of a lot of photographers. For photographers looking for a 35mm lens, one option is the Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2, and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
Canon makes a lot of fantastic portrait lenses that fit a wide range of needs, aesthetic preferences, price ranges, and more. Four of their best are the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM, RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM, EF 135mm f/2L USM, and RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM, and this excellent video comparison takes a look at all four to help you decide which is right for you.
An 85mm lens with a wide maximum aperture is one of the most desirable options out there, especially for portrait photographers, who prize the focal length and narrow depth of field. However, such lenses can easily cost well over $2,000 for a good option. At less than $200, the Meike 85mm f/1.8 is highly intriguing, but can it offer the results you need at such a low price? This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
When it comes to standard prime lenses, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm are generally the most popular. Nonetheless, there are plenty of other focal lengths out there, and one particularly worthwhile option is 24mm. This great video discusses why a 24mm lens can be such a compelling option and why you should consider including one in your arsenal.