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started getting really serious about fashion blogging about 2 years ago when I started using a Canon EOS 60D with the 18-135mm lens that I got for a wedding gift. Since then, I’ve learned sooo much and substantially upgraded my photography setup. You’ve probably heard people say that taking great photos is all about the lens, and I can concur that’s 100% true. Beyond just buying the expensive lens, you need to learn when and where to use each type of lens.
I’m going to give you my top photography tips for new bloggers and break down the best camera lens, body, and accessories you need to become a full-time fashion blogger.
To start out, let’s take a look at these three photos. The photo above was shot on a 10-22mm lens with an F-stop of 3.5. The 10-22mm refers to the focal length of the lens, and basically what this means is the lower the number, ie 10-22, the wider of an angle you’ll see. This particular lens is great for capturing a lot of content in your frame, even when you’re super close to your subject.
The 85mm photo in the top right is great for portraits where you want the background to have that amazing blur, also known as bokeh.
Finally, the 50mm f/1.2 is an in-between. It gives you the best of both worlds. It’s known as the nifty-fifty, because it can be used in almost any setting. This is the first lens I purchased, and if you’re looking for a starter lens, this is a great place to start.
The lens is almost all that matters. Invest in a great lens and your photos will look like the pros.
Best Lens for Fashion Bloggers
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II Fixed Lens
Before our trip to Mykonos, I got this lens, with the hope of being able to use it. I also brought along our 50mm and 85mm, and for 95% of the shots all I used was this 35mm f/1.4 lens.
The high aperture at 1.4 gives me amazing bokeh, and the wide angle allowed me to capture shots like this windmill. To me, this lens can be your every day carry, whether you’re shooting street style or travel photos, all you need is this lens.
Now this lens is pricey, nearing $1700, but, if you make this investment it will more than pay for itself. On the used market you can buy one for $1400.
Canon EF35mm f/1.4, $1,649.00
– Canon 35mm F2 IS (Cheaper Canon alternative.)
– Nikon 35mm F1.4 (Equivalent to Canon and Sigma 35mm 1.4.)
– Sony 35mm F1.4
– Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art – Canon Mount
– Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art – Nikon Mount
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens Review
If you want the absolute best bokeh in your photos, then the 85mm is where it’s at. This lens is pricey, around $1840, but it’s well worth it. Shooting with this lens is hard, though, because it’s extremely zoomed in, and you can’t zoom it out.
Best lens for portraits.
Oftentimes, if I want to shoot ThreadTherapy, I have to stand on the other side of the street to get her entire outfit in the frame. If you’re shooting on a busy street, this lens doesn’t make it easy, but if you’re shooting in a studio or vacant street this lens is amazing.
Alternatives to the Canon 85mm f/1.2:
– Canon 85mm F1.8 well-priced lens that offers high aperture and produces a good blur
– Nikon 85mm F1.4 (Equivalent to Canon 85mm F1.4, but for Nikon)
– Nikon 85mm F1.8
– Sony 85mm F1.4
– Sony 85mm F1.8
– Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art – Canon Mount
– Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art – Nikon Mount
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L Review
If you want a lens that can shoot those perfect shots you see on all the influencers accounts, then most likely it is the 50mm. Also known as the nifty-fifty this lens perfectly matches the naked eye, so what you see through the viewfinder is what gets shot.
Great all-around lens.
In comparison to the 35mm, which will stretch any image, this lens will ensure that your shots are always accurate and look great. With the 50mm, you can shoot distance, close-ups and pretty much anything all with amazing clarity.
Alternatives to the Canon 50mm f/1.2:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard: great, affordable lens, but you’ll immediately notice the bokeh is not as good as the 1.2
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8: this is absolute cheapest 50mm lens you can find that still offers decent sharpness and quality
Nikon 58mm F1.4 : this camera lens has the same effect with Canon and Sigma 50mm 1.4 that has an outstanding low-light and nighttime applications.
Sony FE 50mm F1.8 : cheapest option for Sony cameras still with a great bokeh
Canon 50mm F1.4 : Perfect for close-ups
Best Camera & Lens Setup for Bloggers
If you want the best setup, go with the 5D Mark IV paired with the Canon 35mm f/1.4. This is the setup I use, and its an evolution. I started out with this basic setup 2 years ago, and over time I’ve upgraded my setup.
For the best starter kit, go with the Canon 7D Mark II paired with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. With this setup you can take great photos, and get very similar results to the photos I’ve showcased, and over time you’ll get better and can upgrade your rig.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Review
Everyone wants to have a nice camera for both photos and videos. This Canon model is the one if you’re looking for something that has an all-around full-frame option. The improved burst speed, excellent resolution, and the new sensor are what makes this camera the top choice.
Best camera for photo and video.
Brilliant for landscape, portrait photos and quick video recording.
Alternatives to the Canon 5D Mark IV:
Nikon D850: fast auto focus, 4k video resolution, fantastically sharp and superb image quality.
Sony A99 II: useful in taking shot in dim light settings, fast and has a quick focus.
Pentax K-1: continuous auto focus, easy to use, amazing color rendition.
What’s In My Fashion Blogger Camera Bag
Beeway® Memory Card Case Holder for SD SDHC SDXC Compact Flash CF Cards
This compact and portable SD storage is a thing that every photographer should have. This case holder protects all your cards from dropping and getting wet and it comes in handy.
Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag
This backpack is truly helpful when you have more gears to brings. It can carry cameras, lenses, tripods and other accessories you have. Lightweight and has compartments for more organized things.
SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card
If you’re looking for a good and reliable SD Card that has a good write and read performance then this SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card do the job.
Tiffen 72mm Circular Polarizer
This polarizer makes your photos more vivid especially for an outdoor photgraphy. It lessens the unwanted gleam and would take an ideal shot of the sky color.
Tycka Field Filters Case for Round Filters Up to 86mm
If you are into using multiple filters for photography, this pouch can carry up to 5 filters. Waterproof and dustproof giving full protection for your favorite filters. It’s also a lightweight and fast changing filters bag.
AUKEY 20000mAh Power Bank
A must have when I am traveling. It can charge my phone for more than 4 times due to it’s large charging capacity. Easy to bring and store inside your bag. Protects your devices from overheating which is admirable.
BONFOTO B690A Aluminum Portable Heavy Duty Tripod
This tripod is solid with double telescoping center columns. So easy to use and can be be moved at a 360°angle which is really helpful when taking videos. Ideal for traveling!
Zoom & Wide Angle Lenses for Fashion Bloggers
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Review
Unlike the 85mm where you need to stand across the street to capture your subject when shooting with the 10-22 you only need to be 3-4 feet away, like our photographer was in the shot above. Since this lens has just an f-stop of 3.5 at the highest (when rating f-stop, a larger number lets in less light, and a smaller number lets in more light, so you say 3.5 is higher than 4.5), you aren’t going to get nearly as good of a bokeh as you do on the other lenses.
Great lens for wide angle shots.
Depending on your setup, I recommend having one fixed lens like the 50mm or 85mm and a wide-angle lens. This 10-22mm makes a great option, but I wouldn’t recommend having this as your only lens.
Alternatives to the Canon 10-22mm f/3.5:
Canon 35mm F2 IS: cheapest option for Canon with great images quality, focuses quickly and an excellent background blur. A total catch if you love taking outdoor or food pics.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II Lens Review
A lot of professional photographers and camera enthusiasts are opting for this lens. Perfect for everyday shootings that produce high-quality images.
Its sharpness, durability, and performance are truly admirable. It can capture normal and wide focal ranges. This makes the lens perfect for wide angle shots.
Great lens for landscapes and wide angle shots.
Alternatives to the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8:
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens: has a similar capacity with Canon 24-70. It’s cheaper and still get the job done. A sharp and versatile kind of lens.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 lens : affordable, sharp , good for low light and quick to focus.
