Best Lenses for DSLR Cameras: A Complete Guide for Photographers & Videographers

Introduction: What Makes a Great DSLR Lens?

If you own a DSLR camera, choosing the right lens is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you're into product photography, cityscapes, nightscapes, or video production, the right lens can make or break your shots.

When I first switched to the Nikon Z 6, I was skeptical about the new Z-mount system. I had been using F-mount lenses with an adapter, but I quickly realized two major issues: loud autofocus noise and focus breathing that distracted from my subject. That’s when I decided to invest in the Z-mount 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and let me tell you—it changed my entire shooting experience.

the Perfect Camera for You

    In this guide, I'll break down:


    ✅ Zoom vs. Prime lenses – which one should you choose?

    ✅ Key factors when picking a DSLR lens (autofocus, aperture, VR, etc.)

    ✅ Best lenses for different photography styles

    ✅ Top lens choices for videography

Zoom vs. Prime Lenses: Which One is Better for You?

When picking a lens, the first decision is choosing between a zoom lens and a prime lens. Each has advantages and trade-offs, depending on your needs.

    📌 Zoom Lenses – Versatile and Flexible


    ✅ Cover multiple focal lengths (e.g., 24-70mm, 70-200mm)

    ✅ Great for run-and-gun shooting (no need to switch lenses)

    ✅ Ideal for travel, event photography, and video

    ❌ Generally heavier and more expensive than primes

    ❌ Maximum aperture is often f/2.8 or smaller

    📌 Prime Lenses – Superior Sharpness & Low Light Performance


    ✅ Sharper images due to simpler optics

    ✅ Wider apertures (f/1.2 – f/1.8) for better low-light performance

    ✅ More affordable options compared to zooms

    ❌ Fixed focal length means you have to move to reframe shots

    ❌ Requires carrying multiple lenses for different perspectives

Key Factors When Choosing a DSLR Lens for Photography & Video

    1️⃣ Focal Length & Aperture


    Wide-angle lenses (14mm – 35mm) → Best for landscapes & architecture

    Standard lenses (35mm – 70mm) → Great for portraits & everyday use

    Telephoto lenses (70mm – 200mm) → Ideal for sports, wildlife & concerts


    For low-light photography (like nightscapes), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) is crucial. This is exactly why I chose the 24-70mm f/2.8 S over the f/4 version—better light gathering means better night shots.

    2️⃣ Autofocus Performance & Focus Breathing


    If you shoot video, autofocus performance is critical. My biggest frustration with F-mount lenses was:

    ❌ Noisy autofocus ruining my audio

    ❌ Focus breathing making shots look unnatural


    With my Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, these issues disappeared:

    ✅ Silent autofocus perfect for video work

    ✅ Minimal focus breathing keeping framing consistent

    3️⃣ Image Stabilization (VR / IS / OSS)


    Vibration Reduction (VR) helps eliminate camera shake for sharper handheld shots.


    DSLR bodies often lack in-body stabilization → You’ll need VR lenses

    Mirrorless bodies usually have IBIS (In-Body Stabilization) → VR is helpful, but not required


    For video shooters, VR adds extra stops of stability, making handheld shots look smoother. This is one of the key reasons I recommend the 24-70mm f/2.8 S over an adapted F-mount lens—it gives me extra stabilization.

Best DSLR Lenses for Product, Cityscape & Nightscape Photography

If you focus on product photography, cityscapes, or night photography, these lenses will elevate your shots:

Best DSLR Lenses for Video: Silent Autofocus & Stabilization

If you're shooting video with a DSLR, these lenses will give you the best results:

📌 Avoid using older DSLR lenses with an adapter if autofocus noise or focus breathing is an issue. I learned this the hard way. If video is your priority, invest in a native-mount lens.

My DSLR Lens Recommendations

If you're looking for the best lenses for DSLR cameras, here are my top picks:


My personal experience: If you're debating between adapting older lenses or investing in native glass, I highly recommend going with native lenses—especially if you shoot video. The difference in autofocus performance and focus breathing is huge.

🚀 Now it’s your turn! What lenses are you using for your DSLR? Drop your thoughts in the comments!