Ask The Team: Our Favourite Camera Lenses
As a team of photographers and videographers, we’ve worked with a variety of lenses over the years. But when it comes to our favourites, there are a few that stand out. In this edition of Ask the Team, we’re sharing our go-to camera lenses, why we love them, and how they enhance our creative process. Whether you’re into landscape photography, videography, water photography, or film, there’s something here for every creative.
Glenn:
16-35mm F4 – The Ultimate Lens for Water Photography
"The 16-35mm F4 is my go-to lens for water photography. Its wide focal length allows me to get super close to the action, making the images feel more immersive. When you’re shooting in the water, proximity is everything—you want to feel like you’re right there in the moment, whether it’s capturing the spray of a wave or the energy of a surfer mid-turn. The ability to shoot wide but still maintain sharpness makes this lens a staple for my ocean and adventure photography."
Reece:
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 – The Versatile Workhorse
"I love our Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 because it’s incredibly versatile. It has a great focal range that works well for both photography and videography, making it my go-to lens for so many different situations. Whether I’m shooting a documentary-style video, capturing a candid portrait, or getting detailed landscape shots, this lens does it all. The F2.8 aperture also allows for great low-light performance, making it an essential in my kit. If you’re looking for a lens that balances quality, versatility, and affordability, this is a solid choice."
Kendall: 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 – The Magic of Compression
"The first lens that comes to mind is our 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 telephoto lens. The way it compresses the background and makes images feel so immersive is what I love most about it. When shooting wildlife, surf, or distant landscapes, this lens allows you to bring the subject forward while stacking the background in a way that creates depth and drama. It’s perfect for capturing moments from a distance while still maintaining incredible detail and sharpness. If you love dynamic, layered compositions, this lens is a game-changer."
Tarn: 50mm F1.8 – The Film Photography Favourite
"Lately, I’ve been really loving the 50mm F1.8 on our film camera. It’s a small and simple setup, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Film photography already forces you to slow down and be more intentional with your shots, and the 50mm focal length feels like the perfect balance—it’s wide enough to capture scenes naturally, but also tight enough to create a beautiful depth of field. The fast F1.8 aperture also helps in low-light situations and creates that dreamy bokeh effect. There’s something so rewarding about shooting film with this lens—it makes every shot feel like a moment worth capturing."
How to Choose the Best Lens for Your Photography Style
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect lens, it all comes down to how and what you love to shoot. Here’s a quick breakdown:
For immersive, up-close action shots: A wide-angle lens like the 16-35mm F4 or the 12-24mm F2.8 is a good start, especially for water or adventure photography.
For all-around versatility: The 28-75mm F2.8 or 20-70mm F4 is a great choice for both photography and videography, covering everything from landscapes to portraits.
For stunning background compression and distant subjects: A telephoto lens like the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 or 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 creates depth and impact in wildlife, surf, and landscape shots. A telephoto lens is great if you really want the background to look ‘stacked’ behind the subject.
For film photography and intentional shooting: A 50mm F1.8 is a classic prime lens that encourages a thoughtful approach to photography.
Final Thoughts
The best camera lens is the one that helps you tell your story the way you envision it. Our team loves working with a variety of lenses, each suited to different styles and creative approaches. Whether you’re capturing fast-moving action, cinematic landscapes, or the quiet beauty of film photography, finding the right lens can transform the way you shoot.
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