I’m glad the camera body post helped so many people! Â Someone made a comment and said that if you can’t take good pictures with an inexpensive camera body then you will not be able to take good pictures with an expensive camera body. Â That is so true! Â The camera doesn’t make the photographer. Â The photographer makes the camera. Â When I was still shooting with my Rebel I got a few snide comments from “real” photographers with expensive camera bodies. Â The funny thing was, when I saw their pictures, mine were a ton better! Â Yes, more expensive camera bodies do have advantages, but if you’re just a Mom*tog a Rebel will be perfect for you!
Okay, onto lenses.  I know I’ve said it before, but I will say it again.  Rent a few lenses to see what you really like before buying.  I love prime lenses (lenses that don’t zoom in and out), but they do take a lot of getting used to.  Borrow Lenses is a great place to rent from if you don’t have a local store that rents lenses.  And if you’ve read my previous posts on lenses you’ll know that I HATE third party lenses.  Yes, they’re cheaper in the short term, but you will end up getting frustrated with them and will eventually buy a more expensive lens.  Just save the money and buy the Canon or Nikon lens to begin with.  Here are  few lenses that I would recommend for you Mom*togs out there.
Cheap(er) Lenses
50 1.8 – Super affordable at only $114, this lens will allow you to stop down to get great pictures in low light. Â But remember, this is a prime lens so you’ll have to get used to zooming with your feet. Â The 50 1.8 was my very first prime lens and I hated it at first. Â It took a lot of getting used to, but I now use prime lenses about 90% of the time while shooting.
85 1.8 – This lens is a little more expensive at $380, but I actually use this lens pretty often. Â It’s a great quality lens and if you are the type of person who likes to be a little farther away from your subjects this lens is great.
28 1.8 – A great wider prime lens. Â I’ve had this lens for quite some time and it’s my second most used prime lens. $440
50 1.4 – This lens is better quality than the 50 1.8. Â I’ve never actually used it, but i would think it would be in between the quality of the 50 1.8 and the 50 1.2. Â If it is then I would say that’s a great quality lens for the price.
Expensive
24 – 70 2.8 – This would be my number one lens for a Mom*tog to have. Â It’s the Canon L series, which means it’s the best glass they make. Â It zooms so you have the flexibility to be a litter further away. Â And it’s wide enough to where you can be pretty close. Â It stops down to 2.8, which is pretty darn good. Â It’s just a great all around lens. Â But, it’s an investment at $1190. Â This was the first lens I invested in and I still have it (and use it) to this day.
50 1.2 – My favorite lens of all time! Â It’s what I take about 99% of the pictures on Mom*tog with. Â The quality of this lens is exceptional. Â And you pay for it at $1400 
Yes, these are only a few of the very many lenses that are available. Â But, these are the lenses that I have experience with and that have worked for me. Â I honestly wouldn’t recommend anything with an aperture over 2.8. Â You will not be able to get good images in low light and you won’t get that “blurry background” look that everyone is always emailing me about.
No answer is going to be the right answer for everyone. Â Do your research and RENT lenses to see what works best for YOU!
I bought (and saved for) the nikkor 24-70mm f2.8.I LOVE this lens and haven’t taken it off my camera since it got to my house. It is an AWESOME camera, especially for chasing little kids.
Good idea about renting lenses…I’ll have to do that when I get ready to buy my super duper wide lens
Rachael’s last blog post..The Rehearsal Dinner!
o.k I meant its an Awesome lens, not camera
Rachael’s last blog post..The Rehearsal Dinner!
Love this post…thanks! I now have a “wish list”.
Sarah’s last blog post..Choosing Paint Colors
Could you explain why prime lenses are better than zoom? From my research it seems they shoot better in low light. Is that the main difference in quality?
Danielle’s last blog post..Knoebles Fun
Thank you so much! Yesterday and today have been soooo helpful! I have been saving for a camera for the last few months and I’m hoping to buy my camera and lens next month. This was so helpful in figuring out what will be right for me.
Jenny Lynn’s last blog post..ahhh.
great post. another great source for renting….http://www.lensrentals.com . i’ve had great luck with them.
couldn’t agree more about the 24-70 and 50 1.2. they are both awesome. 24-70 is my go to wedding lens. one of my new favorite lenses is the 35 1.4 — i’ve had much better luck on the focusing front with this one (as opposed to the 50 1.2). currently back-ordered at B&H.
pick your poison as they say
Thank you Thank you Thank you! I have been wondering forever what type of lenses to get and now I have a list. I can’t wait to go rent a few of these and figure out which one works best for me.
I rented the 24-70 and loved it! I just ordered it from B&H last week and it should be coming anytime!
Eden’s last blog post..My Friends
You are amazing to keep posting while in the midst of a move! If you shoot a larger portrait – more people – do you use your 24 – 70 and just use a smaller aperature? For instance in wedding group shots?
Tracy’s last blog post..Canvas
I can’t believe that it took me so long to finally invest in a prime lens. I always thought zoom was the way to go. I just recently got the 85mm 1.8 and the 50 1.4 and so far so good!
Catharine’s last blog post..Welcome!
I just got the 50 1.8 lens and I’m really pleased with it. If I had to do over I would’ve just bought my camera body and then bought the lenses separate. Great post, Drew!
Oh thank you Drew! You are so awesome!
Jessica’s last blog post..10 TEETH AND COUNTING
I love your blog! Thanks for the tips Drew! But I have a Tokina 10-17mm and it’s the best rated super wide angle lens better than the Canon 10-20.
I took your advice months ago and ended renting my beloved 50mm 1.4 for a week. I highly rec doing this for more that just a few days. A week was well worth the money to explore. I also learned what bohek means with this lens. It’s awesome for those close up of your kiddos faces and ideal for taking pics of infants. I have gotten the best advice here from lighting, homemade backdrops, lens and computer set ups. Keep up this great blog, I’m so glad I found you!
I have the 50 1.4 and LOVE it! I use it around the house for photos of my lil girl and on photoshoots with clients. I want to rent the 24-70 and maybe I can save up for it
misty smith’s last blog post..Whitney & Trent
VERY helpful… Thanks Drew!!
Bobbie Brown’s last blog post..Autumn and Eli
Hello. 2 quick questions. I know you are a super busy gal so I appreciate this if you get the time. I am going to buy an lens today. I keep telling myself I am and so, I am. My question is for sports or events that I am not close to my subject (my girls) do you a suggestion on what lens to buy? I have a canon rebel xsi. and my other is: you suggested a p&s camera in a previous post, the link is gone, which p&s are you wanting :O)
Thanks again.
Kristy Murphy’s last blog post..A Dream of Mine came True
So glad to hear you love the 24-70 so much. I took your advice and rented from borrowlenses.com and this lens came in the mail for me today! It’s much heavier than I’m used to, but I’m stoked to try it out! Thank you for being so open with your wisdom and advice
Kelly’s last blog post..THE ERRICKSON’S
I just wanted to say that I have the Canon Rebel and I use my 50 mm 1.8 99.9% of the time and I think my images turn out pretty good. One of these days I will upgrade!! Love your website!
Kim’s last blog post..The Williams’
Which lens would you recommend for taking group photos or family photos. I was thinking about the 85 1.8 but then I need to use it for indoor studio purposes. I’m totally at lost. I would use my 50mm for everything if I could but I’m struggling with group shots of kids and families…it’s driving me crazy!!!!!! Which lens to you use for inside group shots?
Tonya – I have no idea how big your studio is or what your setup. I don’t have a studio and don’t do inside group shots. I don’t think you can go wrong with one or the other. The great thing about prime lenses is that you can zoom with your feet.
So my indoor studio is basically…my bedroom. I guess my question should be does the 85 mm allow you to take a group photo say standing 5-7 feet away from your subjects. The problem I am having is getting my 50mm to focus in on all my subjects. I tried bumpin up the f stop but it’s just so tricky. Doesn’t focus like my other 18-55mm lens does where all subjects light up with the red dot (sorry for my lack of technical jargon) What lens do you use for your group shots? Any advice helps. Thanks so much.
So I broke down and bought the 24-70. Can’t wait to use it! Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge with us mommies! YOU SiMPLY RoCK!
I have much the same question as Tonya does. I have a hard time getting all my subjects in focus when I have a large group. What would you recommend?
Great post! Thanks for breaking it down!