Lens Selection Guide for Event Photography: Which Lens for Which Moment

The lens you choose shapes the story you tell. A wide-angle lens makes a venue feel grand. A telephoto compresses the background and isolates the subject. A fast prime creates dreamy bokeh. Here's which lens to use for every event moment.

The Essential Two-Lens Kit

If you can only carry two lenses to an event, these cover 95% of situations:

• 24-70mm f/2.8: Your workhorse. Wide enough for group shots (24mm), tight enough for portraits (70mm). Fast enough for indoor events (f/2.8).
• 70-200mm f/2.8: Your reach lens. Ceremonies, stage events, candid shots from a distance, and beautiful compressed backgrounds.

This combination covers everything from wide venue shots to tight emotional close-ups.

Lens by Situation

Venue and decor shots: 16-35mm

• Wide-angle captures the grandeur of the venue.
• Shoot at f/8-f/11 for maximum sharpness across the frame.
• Watch for distortion at the edges — keep important elements away from the corners.

Group photos: 24-35mm

• Wide enough to fit large groups without extreme distortion.
• Avoid ultra-wide (16mm) for groups — people at the edges look stretched.
• f/5.6-f/8 for depth of field across multiple rows.

Portraits and couple shots: 85mm or 50mm

• 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 is the portrait king. Beautiful compression, creamy bokeh, flattering perspective.
• 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 is more versatile — works for environmental portraits and tighter spaces.
• Shoot wide open (f/1.4-f/2) for maximum background blur.

Ceremonies and speeches: 70-200mm

• Shoot from a distance without intruding on the ceremony.
• 200mm compresses the background beautifully — isolates the subject from distractions.
• f/2.8 gives you enough light for indoor ceremonies without flash.

Dance floor and party: 24-70mm or 35mm prime

• You're in the action. Wide-angle captures the energy and environment.
• 35mm f/1.4 is perfect — wide enough for the scene, fast enough for low light.
• Pair with flash for sharp, dynamic dance floor shots.

Sports and action: 70-200mm or 100-400mm

• Fast autofocus is critical. Modern mirrorless cameras with eye-tracking AF excel here.
• 70-200mm for sideline sports (football, kabaddi, basketball).
• 100-400mm for field sports where you can't get close (cricket, athletics).

Prime vs. Zoom for Events

• Zooms (24-70, 70-200): Versatile, fast to compose, fewer lens changes. Ideal for fast-paced events where you can't control the distance.
• Primes (35mm, 50mm, 85mm): Sharper, faster aperture (f/1.4), lighter, better bokeh. Ideal when you can control your position.
• Best approach: Zoom on one body, prime on the second body. Switch between them based on the moment.

Budget Lens Recommendations

• Best budget portrait lens: 50mm f/1.8 (any brand) — ₹8,000-₹15,000. Incredible quality for the price.
• Best budget zoom: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 — ₹50,000-₹60,000. Rivals lenses twice its price.
• Best budget telephoto: Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 — ₹55,000-₹65,000. Compact and sharp.

Remember: the best lens is the one you have with you. Master your current lenses before buying new ones. Great composition and timing matter more than the latest glass.