Last Updated on 02/28/2022 by Mark Beckenbach
Photojournalism can take various forms. It can be as simple as event photography for the party you’re going to. Photojournalism is also a huge part of wedding photography. But most importantly, it’s about capturing the world as it happens in front of you. There are loads of great cameras you can use for this. However, which lenses do you choose? That’s where we’re coming in to help you pick the Best Lenses for Photojournalists just like you. And we dove into our Reviews Index to find them.
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How We Chose the Best Lenses for Photojournalists
Here’s some insight into how we chose the best lenses for photojournalists for this round up:
- Our roundups include only products we’ve fully reviewed. You’ll never see a product we haven’t fully reviewed in a roundup. We’re linking to each of our reviews as well.
- This roundup of the best lenses for photojournalists only has lenses that take full advantage of a camera’s autofocus system. They’ll focus quickly, accurately, and use things like face detection, animal AF, vehicle detection, etc.
- All of the best lenses for photojournalists are weather resistant. Our torture tests are often some of the most renowned in the photo industry.
- For the most part, we’re recommending zoom lenses. For certain camera systems, we think there are better options. Fujifilm, for example, is much better with their prime lenses. The Leica L mount also includes one prime lens that we absolutely swear by.
- Photojournalism requires you to not edit your photos, while basic adjustments are allowed. These lenses will help you get everything you need.
- The product images and sample images in this roundup of the best lenses for photojournalists were all shot by our staff of photographers.
Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM
Pros
- Fast-focusing abilities
- Sharp image quality
- Very lightweight
- Built incredibly well
- Well balanced and smaller than the Sony G Master
- Image stabilization
- Fairly priced
Cons
- I donât have one
In our review, we concluded:
“The Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM is an excellent lens for the Canon photographer. It makes the system more usable and sensible. Itâs a lens targeted to professional photographers. Those photographers will be able to justify the investment not only because of the image stabilization but also because of the light weight and small size. The lens is portable when working on location. Beyond that, the image quality is outstanding. While itâs such, itâs still not going to outdo Nikonâs 24-70mm lens. Canonâs zoom lenses have typically been their best, and to me, this isnât comparing to the 28-70mm f2 that much. If I were to compare the Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM and their RF 28-70mm f2 L USM, Iâd say the f2 is designed for the photographer who really demands the highest-end image quality and the most innovation. The Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 L IS USM is more of a lens that helps it catch up to the rest while also providing image stabilization. To that end, itâs a lens Iâm considering purchasing because of how satisfied I am with the results (while also balancing the fact that I need a zoom lens these days).”
Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM
Pros
- Itâs small
- See above
- Beautiful bokeh
- Pretty close focusing
- Nice, sharp images
- Fast-focusing and tracking
- Weather sealing
Cons
- The tripod collar is too large for its own good. Rotating it will only guarantee it gets in the way of using the lens.
- The control ring should probably be closer to the front of the lens, but weâre not sure how many folks are using it.
In our review, we concluded:
“Weâre going to be honest here; the Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM isnât exactly an impulse buy for all of us. But for those who earn taxable income from their photography, it makes sense. Not only is there image stabilization and exceptional build quality, but itâs got beautiful image quality. The bokeh is nice and creamy even though there are better portrait lenses on the market. The colors youâll get are going to be much better than most of what you see on the market. And finally, with Canonâs great autofocusing abilities, youâre going to nail a shot in the dark. The Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM deserves high marks all around.”
Sony 70-200mm f2.8 G Master OSS II
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent autofocus
- Dedicated aperture ring
- Excellent sharpness and colors
- Solid stabilization
Cons
- The $2,799.99 price tag
- Technical greatness limits character
In our review, we concluded:
“Photographers who picked the Sony system for sharp, technically beautiful images are going to love this lens. The images are sharp except for the last little bit at the edge. The colors are close to accurate. The autofocus can keep up with even the a9 in good lighting. The weather sealing and lighter weight also make the lens a joy to use. Plus, I really love that Sony added a dedicated aperture ring. The design, autofocus performance, and sharpness have noticeably improved over the original. Compatibility with Sonyâs teleconverters will also add more versatility.”
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2
Pros
- Beautiful image quality
- Works with Sonyâs autofocus algorithms
- Weather sealing
- Integrated USB port
- Lightweight
- Feels great in the hands
- Works very well on older Sony cameras if youâre on the appropriate autofocusing type
- Can do pretty well in continuous autofocus
- Itâs only $879
Cons
- Slower to focus on moving subjects with the a7r III, but not by much
- Needs a lot of extra help on the older camera bodies. Make sure youâre on the appropriate autofocusing subject type.
In our review, we concluded:
“The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 is a great lens. It builds on the previous version with a built-in USB port, faster autofocus, and a new finish. Personally, I was a tad shocked to see it refreshed this early. But there isnât a single thing bad or wrong with this lens. It boasts great image quality that youâll really like. It innovates with the new USB port. And it retains the light weight design with a weather-sealed body. There isnât a single thing to complain about really.”
Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 Z S
Pros
- Robust weather sealing
- Solid build quality
- Fast maximum aperture of f2.8
- Outstanding image quality
Cons
In our review, we concluded:
“As a photographer who tends to gravitate toward prime lenses, I was genuinely surprised by the performance of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70 f2.8 S. Nikonâs Z mount mirrorless cameras are still playing catch-up with more established mirrorless systems on the market, particularly in terms of autofocus performance, but the new 2.0 firmware certainly helped improve the overall experience. As a result, the Z mount 24-70 f2.8 was a much more reliable and enjoyable lens to use when stacked up against its f4 cousin. Despite costing more than twice the price of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70 f4 S, the stellar optical performance of the newer and faster f2.8 variant will undoubtedly be its most significant selling point. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70 f2.8 Sâs hefty price is further justified by the lensâ ability to produce vibrant yet color-accurate images, the consistent sharpness throughout its focal range, and its ability to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortions. For many photographers who have made the switch to Nikonâs mirrorless Z mount, their wait for a fast and reliable workhorse zoom lens is finally over. As far as innovation goes, the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 S adds a top OLED screen. This makes it stand out from a lot of the rest when it comes to usability. Whether or not this justifies the price tag is up to you. Itâs still more expensive than Sonyâs option.”
Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 Z VR S
Pros
- Spectacular bokeh and color
- Excellent sharpness
- Weather-sealed
- Plenty of controls
- Much closer focusing than other 70-200mm lenses
- Stabilized
Cons
- Autofocus missed about 20 percent of the time for sports
- Hood lock is annoying but does loosen up with use
In our review, we concluded:
“The Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S was exactly what I had come to expect after testing several other Z mount lenses: stellar photo quality, less than stellar autofocus. With the 200mm range, the f2.8 aperture, and the full-frame mount, bokeh from this lens is spectacular. The background melts away, while the subject remains quite sharp for a zoom lens. Color is equally stunning. And, even though most Z bodies have stabilization, the lens still packs in VR as well.”
Leica 28mm f2 APO SL
Pros
- The fastest autofocusing Leica lens weâve used to date
- Great colors
- Keeps distortion down
- Beautiful bokeh
- Does a nice job with portraiture
Cons
- Iâm still not sure Iâd use it for street photography.
- For a 28mm f2 lens, this is pretty large, but we can sort of understand that, considering the elements inside the lens.
- Itâs about time Leica starts working with a third-party flash company to take full advantage of what this lens can offer buyers.
In our review, we concluded:
“Let me be frank here. The Leica 28mm f2 APO Summicron SL is an overall excellent lens. The image quality is stellar for whatâs on the market, but I am yearning for more. Itâs built very well. And most importantly, itâs the fastest focusing Leica lens to date. There isnât a lot to hate on here. But the price tag is pretty steep. Is it worth over $5,000? Well, for a lens with this many aspherical elements, pretty close focusing, and weather-sealing, Iâd say it should be a pricey lens. But at the $5,000 point, Iâm not sure. However, Iâm sure this is an overall very good lens.”
Panasonic 24-70mm f2.8 LUMIX Pro
Pros
- Very sharp
- Beautiful bokeh
- Close focusing
- Weather sealed
- Very fast and usable autofocus
Cons
- More distortion than weâd like at the wider end
- Yuuuuugggeeeee
In our review, we concluded:
“This lens is now the fastest 24-70mm f2.8 lens for the L mount that weâve tested. Itâs very reliable for journalistic work. Weâre changing our star rating too.”
Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 R WR LM
Pros
- Weather sealed
- Lightweight
- Decent size, not too large or small
- Insanely fast on the X Pro 3 and XT4
- Beautiful image quality
- Iâm glad this isnât directly replacing the 35mm f1.4 because that lens has beautiful render.
- Can be a fantastic wedding lens one moment and then a great fun lens the next.
- Around $800Â is pretty fair for what this lens can do.
Cons
- Not going to lie, I miss the pull-back focusing ring. But the autofocus can keep up at this point. Iâm really shocked.
In our review, we concluded:
“Thereâs a lot to love about the Fujifilm 33mm f1.4 R WR LM. For many photographers, it will most likely be their most used lens as the 50mm equivalent view is paramount. They can shoot everything with this lens: weddings, portraits, food, travel, fun stuff that passionate photographers do, etc. Photographers will adore the image quality along with the solid overall build quality. Whatâs more, theyâll be able to use it in incredibly tough weather conditions with ease. When theyâre ready to put the camera away, it will keep your entire package pretty compact in your camera bag. All this for around $800 and you truly canât go wrong.”
Fujifilm 16mm f1.4 R WR
Pros
- Very sharp wide open
- Very sharp overall
- Excellent metal build quality
- Focusing ring allows for zone focusing
- Pretty decent bokeh for a lens of this type, despite having nine aperture blades
- Fast focusing performance
- Weather sealed construction
- Keeps distortion down pretty well
Cons
- Depth of Field scale could have given us more focusing markers
- More purple fringing than a modern lens should have despite it easily being removed in post-production
- There are so many other things that you can do for just under $1,000.
- Autofocus is just a hair too slow for street photography.
In our review, we concluded:
“Fujifilmâs 16mm f1.4 is a great lens, but weâre not quite sure itâs worth $1,000. This lens has weather sealing, sharp image quality, the best bokeh they could possibly give it, and a metal exterior that makes it tough. But it also will give users more fringing issues than weâd like, fairly slow focusing performance, and will most of all set you back $1,000. There is very little around that can even come close to what it offers, so in many ways that can help you justify the price.”
The Phoblographerâs various product round-up features are done in-house. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldnât get a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldnât get photography advice from someone who doesnât touch the product. We only recommend gear weâve fully reviewed. If youâre wondering why your favorite product didnât make the cut, thereâs a chance itâs on another list. If we havenât reviewed it, we wonât recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
