Guides

Must-Have Lenses for Your First Camera

The kit lens is great, but these upgrades will take your photography to the next level without breaking the bank.

Mike Chen
2025-02-10
7 min read

Best Lenses for Beginners


So you bought a camera, and it came with a "kit lens" (usually an 18-55mm). It's a good start, but to really see what your camera can do, you need good glass.


1. The "Nifty Fifty" (50mm f/1.8)

This is the #1 recommendation for every beginner.

  • **Why?** It's cheap (~$150), super sharp, and has a wide aperture (f/1.8) for those creamy blurry backgrounds.
  • **Good for:** Portraits, street photography, low light.

    • 2. The Versatile Prime (35mm f/1.8)

    Similar to the 50mm, but a bit wider.

  • **Why?** It captures more of the scene, making it better for indoor shots and travel.
  • **Good for:** Travel, family gatherings, environmental portraits.

    • 3. The Telephoto Zoom (55-250mm)

    If you want to shoot sports or wildlife, you need reach.

  • **Why?** Lets you zoom in close to distant subjects.
  • **Good for:** Zoo trips, kids' sports, birds.