The Best Lenses For Event Photography in 2020

Cameras and lenses are a professional photographer’s most important pieces of equipment. These are what they use to bring a vision to life and capture amazing and once-in-a-lifetime moments in the events they cover. Given this, it’s very important to invest in pieces of equipment that not only will give them good output but will also give them a good return on investment.

If you are looking for an amazing event photographer with an edge, Circular ink is the team for you. For commercial and corporate photography needs, The Crop will definitely make sure that your needs are met and your requirements accomplished.

If you are looking to get your own equipment to cover events, or you want to upgrade your current gear, here are some of the best lenses for event photography in 2020:

1. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S

This piece of equipment may be a little too big and heavy, but it sure gets the job done. This was launched towards the end of 2018 and is said to be one of the best 70-20mm for DLSRs. The price is also quite reasonable given its pro-grade built, handling, image quality and performance. What noticeable downside to this lens though is that the tripod mount ring is fixed and can’t be removed.

2. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

If you want something a little lighter, this lens should do the trick. It boasts of an enhanced optical system that effectively increases sharpness and reduces colour fringing, flare and ghosting. The autofocus is also faster, and the optical stabilizer has 3 switchable modes which make it easier to track fast-moving objects in the viewfinder.

3. Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

This may be lighter and smaller, but it’s very much capable to do the job. Its lighter body matches the most Canon EOS R bodies, which are also compact. Its strength comes from having the ability to telescope rather than having a fixed physical length. Its autofocus is amazingly fast but able to maintain silent operation. One possible con would be it’s a bit heavy on the price tag.

4. Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

If you’re looking to specialize in weddings, this might the lens that’s perfect for you. It’s big, heavy and has a lot of amazing functionalities. This weather-sealed lens is perfect for outdoor weddings and events. Handling is also said to be smooth, silent and effective. 

5. Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master

Sony has always maintained a reputation for quality, and this lens is no exception. Its weather seal quality is known to effectively repel grease and moisture. It has a lot of high-end features such as a complex autofocus system that’s designed to increase its functionality even further.

6. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A

This 24-70mm lens has a weather seal gasket and is built with a metal barrel. Its autofocus system is fast and quiet while its zoom and focus rings operate very smoothly. One of its amazing features is a 4-stop optical stabilizer which produces superb image quality.

7. Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Another amazing lens under 24-700 mm category is the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 which features a major upgrade from previous varieties. Conventional and nano-structure coatings were combined and applied to reduce flare and ghosting. Another upgrade is the faster and more accurate autofocus system and a 5-stop stabilizer. All these features work together to produce a highly impressive image quality. 

8. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD

If you’re looking to get a lens in the 90mm category, this one might just the lens you’re looking for. Its weather seal construction is robust and sturdy combined with a fluorine coating. This lens features a hybrid image stabilizer which helps a lot in vibration and in shooting close-up shots. 

9. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A

If you’re also looking to get informal shots and not just the normal proceedings in an event, 35mm lens can be very useful. This particular one is said to be a classic and is well within a reasonable budget. Although it feels light and is more compact, it’s still very solid and has an amazing built. The images produced by this lens is excellent and has superb quality.

Whichever lens you decide to purchase or upgrade your kit with, as long as it serves your purpose and enhances your ability to take amazing photographs, it’s going to be worth the investment.