Top 5 Lenses Every Photographer Should Own in 2025

Top 5 Lenses Every Photographer Should Own in 2025

Hey, so you’re probably here because you’ve got a camera, or you’re about to get one, and you’re wondering, “Okay, I know my camera body is important, but what about the lenses? What should I have in my kit to really step up my game in 2025?” Well, don’t worry—I’ve been in your shoes before, and I’m here to help you figure this whole lens thing out.

Now, I get it, buying lenses can feel like a huge commitment. There are so many options out there, each promising to make your photos look amazing. But, let me tell you, not all lenses are created equal. Some are perfect for specific situations, while others are just all-around powerhouses. I’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with different lenses (trust me, it’s a fun journey), so here’s the list of the top 5 lenses every photographer should own in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these lenses will help you capture the world in a whole new way.

1. 50mm f/1.8 – The Budget Bokeh King

Let’s kick things off with the 50mm f/1.8 lens. If you’re just starting out or you’re on a budget, this lens is an absolute game-changer. I remember getting my first 50mm lens— it was like magic. The pictures I was taking just looked so much sharper and professional compared to what I was getting with the kit lens. The f/1.8 aperture is perfect for creating that beautiful, dreamy background blur (also called bokeh), which gives your photos that "wow" factor.

Why you need it:

Amazing for portraits: The 50mm is pretty much perfect for portraits. It lets you get up close to your subject and still have a beautiful blurred background that makes them pop.
Low light performance: That wide aperture (f/1.8) lets in a ton of light, so it’s amazing for shooting indoors or in low-light situations.
Compact & lightweight: It’s small, so you can take it anywhere without feeling like you're carrying a brick around.

I’ve used this lens for everything from close-up portraits to street photography, and it never disappoints. It’s an affordable lens, but the results? Totally worth it.

Perfect for: Portraits, street photography, and those cozy indoor shots with soft lighting.

2. 24-70mm f/2.8 – The Versatile Workhorse

Next up, we’ve got the 24-70mm f/2.8. This lens is an absolute workhorse. If I could only have one lens for the rest of my life, it would probably be this one. It’s so versatile! You can use it for landscapes, portraits, travel, events, you name it. I took this lens with me on a trip to Japan, and it became my go-to for nearly everything. Whether I was taking wide shots of the beautiful temples or zooming in for some intimate portraits in the streets of Kyoto, this lens did it all.

Why you need it:

Flexibility: It covers a wide focal length range, from wide-angle (24mm) to mid-telephoto (70mm), so you can capture a variety of shots without changing lenses.
Fast aperture (f/2.8): The f/2.8 aperture is great for low light and gives you that blurred background for portraits.
All-in-one lens: It’s perfect for travel or events where you don’t want to carry a bunch of lenses.

I can’t recommend this lens enough for anyone looking to step up their photography game. It’s a little heavier and pricier than the 50mm, but it’s totally worth it if you want that one lens that can do almost everything.

Perfect for: Travel, events, landscapes, portraits, and street photography.

3. 70-200mm f/2.8 – The Zoom for Distance

Alright, now we’re getting into some serious zoom territory. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is a must-have if you’re into wildlife, sports, or any kind of photography that requires you to be far away from your subject. I took this lens to a wildlife reserve once, and it was like having superpowers. I was able to shoot animals in the distance without disturbing them, and the level of detail was mind-blowing. The f/2.8 aperture also gives you that creamy background blur, even at longer distances.

Why you need it:

Long-range versatility: Whether you’re shooting sports, wildlife, or portraits, the 70-200mm covers a wide range of focal lengths and lets you zoom in on distant subjects.
Fast aperture: The f/2.8 allows you to get great shots even in lower light situations, and it’s great for those portraits where you want to completely isolate the subject from the background.
Sharp images: This lens is incredibly sharp, even at the longer end of the zoom.

Perfect for: Wildlife, sports, portraits, and any situation where you need to shoot from a distance.

4. 35mm f/1.4 – The Perfect Walkaround Lens

The 35mm f/1.4 is what I like to call the “perfect walkaround lens.” It’s not too wide, not too tight—just the right amount of coverage for all sorts of photography. I remember traveling through the streets of New York, and I was so glad I packed my 35mm. It was wide enough to capture street scenes but still tight enough for portraits. And that f/1.4 aperture? Incredible for low-light situations.

Why you need it:

Natural field of view: 35mm is close to what our eyes see, so it’s perfect for capturing natural, everyday moments.
Low-light performance: With the f/1.4 aperture, you can get beautiful shots in dim lighting without using a flash.
Sharp and compact: This lens is great for everyday use because it’s small, fast, and easy to carry around.

Perfect for: Street photography, travel, environmental portraits, and lifestyle shots.

5. Macro Lens (100mm or 50mm) – For Tiny Wonders

Last but definitely not least, the macro lens. If you’ve never used a macro lens before, you’re seriously missing out. It’s a whole new world of photography! I picked up a 100mm macro lens last year, and I’ll be honest, it was a game-changer for me. I never realized how much beauty there was in the tiny details. Whether it’s a dew-covered spiderweb, a flower petal, or the texture of a leaf, a macro lens helps you get up close and personal with things you never noticed before.

Why you need it:

Incredible detail: Macro lenses let you get super close to your subjects, capturing details that would be impossible with a regular lens.
Great for creative shots: You can use it for nature, food photography, or any time you want to show off the fine details of your subject.
Fun and rewarding: There’s something so satisfying about capturing those little things that most people overlook.

Perfect for: Nature, food photography, and any time you want to focus on the fine details.

Final Thoughts: Which Lens Will You Choose?

Okay, so there you have it—five lenses that I believe should be in every photographer’s kit in 2025. Of course, not every lens is going to fit every situation, but having a variety in your gear gives you the flexibility to tackle whatever creative challenges come your way.

If you’re just starting, I’d recommend getting the 50mm f/1.8 or the 24-70mm f/2.8 first. Those two can cover a wide range of situations. If you’re already a bit more advanced and want to dive deeper into specific niches (like wildlife or macro photography), then adding a 70-200mm and a macro lens will definitely elevate your photography.

So, what do you think? Which lens are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments, and share your own experiences with lenses. Happy shooting, and may 2025 be filled with epic photos!