Top 3 Zoom Lenses Covering 14mm-200mm
Can it be true? Is there really a “Holy Trinity of Lenses” to rule them all? If you’re new to photography or even if you’re a seasoned photographer, there is continual debate as to what makes the best lens or lenses. The Holy Trinity of Lenses might just be the answer to most of your photography related problems.
If I can sum up a Zoom Lens in one word it’s Convenience.
When people opt for a zoom lens it’s normally because they’re easier to compose with. Less moving around, instant adjustments to a composition, and fewer lenses to deal with when out in the field.
There’s a reason why most “Kit Lenses” are zoom lenses. Notice travelers and tourists alike with entry level DSLRs with zoom lenses mounted. They’re just more adaptable!
If travel photography is your thing and you don’t own a camera yet, check out these Best Travel Cameras: 5 Types to Consider.
Purists will tell you to shoot with primes. You know, the smaller, lighter, and sharper pieces of glass that let in a heck of a lot more light compared to their zoom brethren.
Well, if purists aim for primes why would I recommend zooms? Let’s first talk about the downsides of a zoom lens.
Why Do Zooms Get A Bad Rap?
- They’re Heavy
- Slow (compared to a prime lens)
- Less Sharp (compared to a prime lens)
- More Expensive (than a prime lens)
Okay, that’s enough to turn you on to Primes, but wait there’s more!
Zooms Have Their Perks
- Wide Range of Focal Lengths
- Very Fast (available in f/2.8)
- Very Sharp (premium models)
- Minimal (zoom instead of swapping prime lenses)
Zooms are capable of shooting an array of different styles in variety of settings. Sometimes you just can’t get far away or close enough for that perfect composition you’re looking for with a prime lens.
With primes you’re working with a fixed focal length. So you need to constantly move your body to compose your shots or swap lenses to increase or decrease your focal length. You may be okay with this but not everyone is.
This is where you dial it in with a zoom.
Many of us are i places where frequent lens swaps are less desired. For us, we find lens swaps out in nature to be pretty easy for the most part. Although we have higher risk for accidents outdoors than in the comfort of a studio or home.
Go Pro or Go Home (just kidding, sorta)
If you’re serious about shooting then you won’t clown around with entry level zoom lenses. The pro level offerings in today’s market are ridiculously fast and sharp, negating many of the previous cons mentioned earlier.
We’re talking f/2.8 constant aperture throughout the entire zoom range with strikingly good vibration reduction. These details contribute to sharper images in lower light.
I’ll be honest, these premium, pro level zooms are expensive. But not any more expensive than buying 10 pro level primes to cover the same focal lengths. More about that as we move forward!
You can still find some admirable, more affordable zooms that take great pictures. However, you’ll sacrifice other qualities like speed and sharpness. We’re talking about The Holy Trinity of Lenses here and that means we’re going for gold.
So with all that said, what is The Holy Trinity of Zoom Lenses?
In short, the Holy Trinity of Lenses covers ultra wide to long telephoto focal lengths with just 3 lenses. More specifically 14mm to 200mm. You’d need about 10 prime lenses to cover the focal lengths these 3 heavy hitter zooms cover.
Here’s a quick reference chart to give you a better understanding of focal lengths and their names:
- 10-15mm Ultra Wide Angle
- 16-28mm Wide Angle
- 28-40mm Normal
- 40-60mm Short Telephoto
- 60-135 Medium Telephoto
- 135-300mm Long Telephoto
- 300+mm Super Telephoto
You can read more on each of these focal lengths from the guys at Photography-Cameras.org.
The Holy Trinity (14mm to 200mm) is ideal for those who want to do more with less. Traveling and hiking with camera gear isn’t exactly easy and the more gear you’re hauling the more tedious it is to actually shoot.
The Holy Trinity of Lenses takes out a lot of the headache associated with a bag full of primes. Less lens swaps and less time composing your shots.
Now, Without Further Ado – THE HOLY TRINITY OF LENSES
FYI – the Holy Trinity of Lenses is suited for Full Frame (FX Format) DSLR cameras.
1. 14-24 Lens – Ultra Wide Angle Monster
We use the arguably best ultra wide zoom lens in the market. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED.
For our Canon friends we recommend the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM.
Both of these lenses have an incredibly wide range of 114 to 84 degrees.
Set at 14mm or 114°, this focal length is beyond the average person’s field of vision. Now that’s ULTRA wide!
(Shot with Nikon 14-24mm)
So wide in fact, many photographers have trouble composing shots. A more traditional ultra wide focal length is 24mm. So with this ultra wide angle monster you get the best of both worlds and all focal lengths in between.
We specifically use this lens for landscape photography and when we want to capture a group of people in a smaller space.
My absolute favorite is shooting massive natural landscapes, covering fore, middle, and background. The result is an immersive image you can practically walk into.
2. 24-70 Lens – Sound and Best “All Around”
After tons of research, reading reviews, and watching comparison videos, we decided on the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon. It’s half the price of Nikon and Canon’s glass and it rivals their equivalents head on with very minor nuances. Canon friends don’t worry there’s also a Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for Canon.
The 24-70 is considered a “Mid Zoom” and it’s just that. It stretches from wide to mid telephoto perfect for landscapes and portraits.
This lens gets a lot of time on our Nikon D810 because of it’s convenience. An ultra wide lens just can’t do portraits the way a mid or long telephoto can and a long telephoto lens can’t encompass what an ultra wide lens can.
(Shot with Tamron 24-70mm)
It’s no wonder that this is the most popular lens within The Holy Trinity of Lenses. While this is the most convenient lens of the 3, we’ve noticed that it’s the least unique.
Having to just shoot ultra wide or just long telephoto forces you to get creative with your shots and you often produce something more impactful because of it. With that said, the mid zoom 24-70 still gets a lot of attention because of it’s versatility.
3. 70-200 Lens – Compression Obsession
Again, we opted for our new favorite 3rd party lens company and went with the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Nikon. Same quality, half the price. Is this real life?
Yep. There’s also a Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Canon.
Want a tack sharp portrait with creamy bokeh and a massively compressed background?
A long telephoto lens is exactly what you need.
(Shot with Tamron 70-200mm)
Shelby often commented that our portraits were missing something. She couldn’t even describe it at first, but I soon realized that she was referring to the amount of compression in an image produced by a longer focal length. Isolating or emphasizing a subject while pulling in the background and making it look HUGE.
The 14-24 and 24-70 don’t offer the same kind of compression as a long or super telephoto lens.
Alongside intensely compressed shots, we also get the distance needed for candid shots of people and just enough reach to capture wildlife. These benefits have amplified our travel photography greatly.
Shoot A-Z Professionally with the Holy Trinity of Zoom Lenses
If you’re like us and like to have the ability to shoot landscape, portraits, wildlife (or sports), low light, incredible video, and do the least amount of lens swaps then look no further than the Holy Trinity of Lenses. They cover an amazing range of styles and have become much “cheaper” thanks to brands like Tamron and Sigma. Literally half price!
I still have a major soft spot in my heart for prime lenses but zooms just make way more sense based on where and what we shoot. The Tamron 24-70 practically lives on our camera body, but the 14-24 and 70-200 help us capture the most unique shots!
If travel photography is your thing check out these 16 Pieces of Gear You Need for Travel Photography. A more expansive list of must have items for any photographer constantly on the go.
Do you own any or all of the Holy Trinity of Lenses? Do you prefer this setup over a bag of primes? We’d love to hear your thoughts in a comment below!
Like this? Pin it!
