This video covers the lens choices available as an event photographer. I look at the different lenses that are best to use for, what I personally use, using prime versus zoom lenses, and more.
0:00
0:07 24-70mm
01:22 17-40mm
04:04 16mm
04:59 70-200mm
08:15 Main objectives
10:36 85mm
12:05 135mm
12:13 135 mm versus 70-200 mm
13:36 50mm
3:48 p.m. 200 mm

VIDEO PREVIEW:

24-70

One of the least glamorous, but most widely used lenses, the 24-70 should probably be your first professional-grade lens purchase. Should it be an f2.8 lens or even Canon's 28-70 f2 lens? No. But in most situations, f2.8 is a wide enough aperture for the job.

Most versatile zoom lens due to its focal range
Good for
Make plans
Detailed shots
Close applications
Frank interactions
And even speakers on stage if you can get close enough

This lens could easily be your only lens if you're shooting in areas where you can physically move your body as close or as far as necessary to take the photo.

Other options

24-105 or Nikon 24-120

More versatile than a 24-70, but if I had to choose between a 24-70 f2.8 and one of these lenses, I would prefer the versatility of a wider maximum F Stop.

17-40

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

Other options

RF14-35F4
RF15-35 F2.8
EF16-35 F2.8

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

RF 16 f2.8

Because I've found that I often don't use my 17-40 at any focal length other than 17mm, the RF 16mm has proven to be an excellent lens for discrete tasks in which I can shoot an entire event with a single lens minus a small handle. wide shots. I can just throw it in my bag, taking up almost no space and contributing almost no weight.

70-200

ideal for close-ups on candids
It may be less intrusive, but I think a stealthy photographer who knows how to move can easily go unnoticed with something as "wide" as a 50mm.
BUT Typically used to reach when you CANNOT physically get closer
People on stage, etc.
A children's birthday party photographer could probably go their entire career without one, but for large corporate events, this lens is a MUST

Anything with a reach greater than 200mm

Shooting with primes only:

Sacrificing versatility for less weight (in most cases) and wider openings
Why positioning is important
Memorize / see in focal lengths / preview
It really forces you to engage with your work, with both physical and creative benefits.
Maybe lighter, but not necessarily
Particularly great on a two-body configuration!

Prime Objectives that I own:

RF 50mm f1.2

Currently my favorite lens
Unloved by some, I find the normal range to be exceptionally versatile. With this I can film:
wide scenes if i can save enough
Frank interactions
Detailed shots
Even the closest
Large maximum opening
Lightweight
Incredible autofocus in low light
Maximum aperture, low light autofocus capability and my r6 IS allows me to shoot in light conditions that I couldn't do with any other lens I own.

EF 85mm f1.8 lens

Hard to beat for event photographers who may need to shoot impromptu portraits or set up a portrait station at a conference, for example.
Classic portrait lens, but proves to be a very good lens for shooting spontaneous photos.
However, when shooting with two cameras, one with the 50mm, I find the 135mm to be a better companion.

EF135 f2

Known for his excellent character (canon)
Whether it matters for events is another story
Also ideal for portraits
Can be used to take headshots
Becomes mostly impractical for anything other than close-ups of candids
The advantage of F2 over a 70-200 is somewhat offset by the 70-200 (IS), but shooting at a wider aperture with a faster shutter can also be an advantage.

EF200 F2.8

Lightweight but no IS
In addition, it is not a watchtower pixel, but probably a somewhat dated optic.
Not much lighter than the most modern 70-200 lenses (plastic)
Ultimately, unless you're on a budget, it's probably not worth it

Honorable mentions

Fisheye lens

Fisheye lens: you don't need it, but
That doesn't mean it's useless or that you can't have fun with it.
Ideal for dynamic dance photos
Marriage: How I Learned and the one shot we used it for.

Vintage glasses

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

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