Which lens should I buy? 5 tips for buying gear

A good friend of mine emailed me last night and asked me: "which lens should I buy?"

He has an entry level Nikon DSLR and a kit 18-55mm lens. He's done some landscape photography recently in Patagonia and the results were stunning. I helped him with Lightroom and treating some of his images and I think that showed him that even with an entry level DSLR you can get stunning images. Now he is looking at a longer telephoto lens and has an upcoming trip whereby he will encounter wildlife and would like to shoot some images. 

The hardest question I am ever asked is, which camera should I buy, which lens should I buy? It is really difficult to answer because there are so many variables; budget, shooting style, shooting preferences, shooting experience, upgrade path and so on. Recommending a package if you are just starting out is completely different compared to someone who has been shooting a while and looking to take a step up. There are no hard or fast rules when it comes to choosing your camera kit, but there are 5 things I would keep in mind no matter what your level is, whether you are a beginner or a pro, before you make your purchases...

1. Its not what you shoot, its how you shoot...

I have seen people in the field shoot below average images of the most incredible and stunning subjects (Lions, Leopards, herds of Buffalo, stunning African sunsets) with top end gear. The reason why their images are below average is because they have never taken the time to get to know their camera kit intimately, literally inside out. They have not spent time developing their craft. Having the best and most expensive camera gear will not, I repeat will not, make you a better photographer. It just won't. Knowing how to shoot good photographs with the camera you have right now, will allow you to grow as a photographer. So if you are not ready or feel intimidated by the complexity of DSLRs, then look at other options such as bridge cameras, high end compacts, or hybrid (mirrorless) systems. Then focus on the craft of shooting; composition and developing your photographic eye, and give yourself the goal of growing into a DSLR. Today I don't always, by default pick up my DSLR. I will pick the right tool for the job. Cameras are just tools, and in some instances simpler shooting environments are better with simpler tools! I've seen great photographers take incredible images on entry level and budget cameras because they have knowledge and craft. And to quote a famous credit card company, that's priceless.

2. If you are in it for the long haul, invest in glass...

This is a simple and basic rule; your lenses will always outlive your camera bodies. If you are into photography for the long haul, buy the best glass you can for your budget. Your lenses, with care and attention will outlive your camera body, which one day will be superseded by the next camera body with the latest technology. The life cycle of camera bodies is very short. The life cycle of lenses is very long. Lenses hold their resale value if one day you need to sell lenses and reinvest. Camera bodies don't. Play the long game!

3. Get kited out based on what you want to shoot...

If you want to shoot landscapes then think about wide angle lens options. If you want to shoot sports and wildlife you will most likely need a solid and reliable telephoto lens. If you want to shoot portraits you will probably be looking at prime lens options such as a 50mm or 85mm. If you do a bit of everything, look for a good quality "all rounder" something like a 16-55mm, 24-70mm or 24-105mm lens (if you are a Canon shooter). Think about the genre that you want to shoot before you start outlaying cash for your lenses. This is so important in today's market as most bodies are sold to market bundled with a kit lens, and it may well be that as attractive as the bundle is, the kit lens won't be up to scratch, or you will outgrow it quickly. Likewise for camera bodies, if you want to shoot with natural light or low light then look at the camera sensitivity and iso performance.  If you want to shoot sports or wildlife, what is the burst frame rate? Is it enough for what you need? The point is, think about your shooting style first and research the solutions to your needs. 

4. Try before you buy...

If you can, try before you buy. The best deals may not be retail and over the counter. But this shouldn't put you off going to a camera shop with a memory card and asking if you can try things out. Often shooting a few images in store with the agreement of a helpful sales person will help you understand if the camera is right for you. You can then view the images at home on your PC for quality checks. You'll also have the camera/lens in hand and be able to tell if it feels right for you. But beware that the helpful sales people are there to sell, and often what they say is primarily to persuade you to purchase rather than answer those questions to help you determine what you need.....and so the last point is....

5. The internet is your friend...(well sort of!)

There are thousands of pro's, hobbyists and enthusiasts who dedicate their spare time to gear reviews. You will be able to google to your hearts content and get first hand reviews from multiple sources on the kit you are interested in. Never take one persons view alone as a buying guide. Look at many different reviews and assess if the review answers your questions. Once you have read the review ask yourself; Is that camera/lens for me? What trade offs are you making? Can you live with those trade offs? It may take time to do this, but a little invested time will help you make a better buying decision. And finally, when you are ready to drop the cash....remember that the internet will most likely help you find the best and lowest price out there....but buyer beware! Buy from reputable stockists, and if the price looks too good to be true, then it probably is! If you haven't heard of the stockist/online retailer, look for online reviews. And be careful not to fall for stockists or retailers of grey imports, these are usually the lowest prices advertised and thanks to the power of cookies, advertised in your local currency...but you could find you are actually buying from Hong Kong or Taiwan!

So, next time you are in the market for gear, remember my 5 points. If you know a good photographer ask them for their advice. They've probably been through this dilemma many times before and can give you some good pointers.

Jon