My favorite and most used lenses - and why they are!

When I was presenting at B&H Photo this week, I did one presentation on "The Best Lenses for Different Subjects". During that presentation and my Olympic presentation, I had numerous people ask me what my favorite lenses were, and that lead me to write this blog post.

You will notice that most of my lenses are zooms and not primes. That is because I have always been partial to zooms, and the quality of zoom lenses has increased dramatically over the years, now being on par with prime lenses. I am partial to zoom lenses because I am constantly zooming in and out and reframing my shots before hitting the shutter button.

I am going to list out the lenses I use almost every time I pick up a camera, with explanations of why I rely on those for either the focal length, aperture or both. I am also going to order them by how much I use that particular lens. 

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8

This has been my go-to lens for more than 20 years. It all started with the EF version and I have upgraded to newer models along the way, but the 70-200mm focal length and the wide aperture of 2.8 has made this my favorite of all time. I use the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for most of my individual and family portraits. It is tack sharp from 70mm all the way to 200mm and provides amazing bokeh (quality of blur) behind my subjects.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8

When I am photographing receptions and parties, I use three lenses to cover the event. I do use the RF 70-200 lens for all my tight shots, but most of the time I use wider zoom lenses. The Canon RF 15-35mm 2.8 is probably my most used lens at parties, since I am usually walking around the event and close to my subjects. It is wide enough to show them and some of the surrounding scenery, and tack sharp from edge to edge. I find that the wide shots are really popular with my clients, since they show so many of the people who have joined them for their big day. When shooting at 15mm, there is some distortion at the edges of the frame (making those at the edge look wider), but in my opinion, that is acceptable when viewing a very wide shot. Even though I do not photograph a lot of landscapes, this is my favorite lens for landscape photography.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8

The third lens which I rely on for those same events, is the Canon RF 24-70mm 2.8. This lens gives me a fairly wide view around me, but allows me to zoom in a little more and capture portraits of people with little distortion on the edges of the frame. This is also my second most used lens for portraits, in spaces where the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 is too much lens or I want to take a wider shot to show more of the environment.

Canon RF-100-300m f/2.8

I originally got the Canon RF-100-300m f/2.8 lens for my sports photography, primarily for the longer reach and the ability to capture 300mm images at f/2.8. I also love that this lens, which is VERY sharp, is wicked fast in focusing. 

As it turns out, I now rely on this lens for so much more than sports. I use this long, fast zoom lens any time I am shooting a wedding or bar mitzvah from the back of a church or temple. It allows me to zoom in nice and close to my subjects from a distance and, at f/2.8, do so in low light without having to increase my ISO to levels above what I want. 

Even though this lens is big and heavier than the rest of my lenses, I have been taking it on more and more of my photo tours where we are focusing on wildlife. For most of those times, I will bring extenders with me (but more on those in a minute).

Canon RF 7-14mm fisheye

Most people would think of a fisheye lens as a novelty lens and one not used very often, but I find myself reaching for this lens quite often. It is actually my fourth most-used lens at those same parties I described earlier. I really like capturing super wide shots, especially when I am on a stage, just above the dance floor, shooting down over the crowd. It allows me to capture really nice photos, even in tight spaces, and show so much of the environment. Even though I can correct much of the fisheye distortion in Adobe Photoshop, I usually choose not to do that, as I really like the fisheye look.

This same lens was invaluable at the most recent Olympic Games, when I used the Canon RF 7-14mm fisheye for photographing ice hockey and unique views around the city of Milan.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4

Even though the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 lens is not towards the top of this blog post, this particular lens does get a lot of use. I do not use it at events, since I rely on the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for those times, but I LOVE this lens as my "walk around" lens. Whenever I travel (and I do often), I take this lens with me. I find that the focal range from 24mm all the way to 105mm is ideal for most street photography. I know that Canon also makes an RF 24-105mm f/2.8 lens, but I actually prefer the size and weight of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 lens for when I am walking around.

Canon RF 100-500mm

This is not a lens I use for photographing events, but I use this lens for most of my other photography, including wildlife, sports and even long lens portraiture when I am traveling. There are numerous things that I love about this lens:

1.  The focal range from 100-500mm is perfect for sports and wildlife photography, when you don't know how close you will be to the subjects.

2. It is relatively small and light (compared to my Canon RF-100-300m f/2.8) and easy to handhold. There are times when I use this lens for more than 10 hours at a time, and it is very manageable for me. I also like that I can lift it quickly to catch fast action, which is not the case with my larger zoom lens. This lens goes on almost every photo tour with me, since I need to keep my carry on size and weight to a minimum. 

3. It is a very sharp lens all the way from 100mm to 500mm.

4. This lens lets me focus so close to my subject that, when combining this fact with the 500mm reach, allows me to photograph even the smallest critters and make it look like I used a macro lens.

I don't love the fact that the Canon RF 100-500mm ends at f/7.1, but for the previous reasons I have given, I put that aside and rely on the lens quite often.

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 

I consider this lens my "specialty lens" and only break it out when I want to shoot images at a really wide aperture, like f1/.2. The final results are really beautiful with incredible bokeh and narrow depth of field, while keeping my subject tack sharp. I use it sporadically, and love the final results. There are many times when 85mm is too much reach and I may switch this out for an RF 50mm f/1.2 lens in the near future. Regardless of the focal length, I do love having an f/1.2 lens in my bag. 

Canon Extender RF 1.4x and Canon Extender RF 2x

 

For most of my photography career I have not been a big proponent of using extenders, but that has changed since getting the Canon RF-100-300m f/2.8 lens. As I mentioned before, I love this big lens, with the ability to shoot at f/2.8 all the way from 100mm to 300mm, but there are many times when I need more than 300mm reach. For those times, I grab either the Canon Extender RF 1.4x or the Canon Extender RF 2x to give me greater focal length. With the 1.4x on the big lens, I am able to shoot from 140mm to 420mm at f/4, and with the 2x I can shoot from 200mm to 600mm at f/5.6. This has yielded some really beautiful photos in Costa Rica and I look forward to using it in the Pantanal of Brazil in 3 weeks and in Tanzania on Safari in Jan / Feb 2027.

Canon RF 100mm macro lens

Last, but not least, is my Canon RF 100mm macro lens. This is the least used lens in my arsenal, but not because of a lack of quality or functionality. This lens is used mainly for weddings, when I am capturing images of the rings and other small details, and also for my trip to Costa Rica when we are photographing the small tree frogs and insects. As I mentioned with the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, I am now using that lens for a majority of my close-up photography in Costa Rica, which lessens the need to bring this macro lens with me. A little less weight in my bag. 

There you go...now you know my most used lenses and how I use them. I hope that this will help you decide what might work best for you in each photo scenario that you might encounter.

I mentioned that many of these lenses are used on my photography tours. Check out the photo tours page on my website to see the exciting locations where I will be teaching in the future. Remember, you can try any of these lenses at no cost (thanks to Canon) when you join me on a trip.

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• Subscribe to the Jeff Cable Photography Blog by clicking HERE!

• Check out my upcoming photo tours to amazing places around the world. I have photo tours to Costa Rica, Peru, Galapagos, Africa, Iceland and more.

• If you are interested in purchasing ANY equipment, please click here to go to B&H Photo, as I get a referral from them if you enter this way. It does not change the cost to you in any way, but it helps me keep this blog up and running.

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FINALLY!!!! I am heading back to B&H Photo for LIVE Event Space presentations!

I know this sounds crazy, but I have not presented at the B&H Event Space in New York City since before COVID. It was more than 6 years ago when I presented there, not knowing how much life would change. The pandemic happened and they shut down the Event Space for years. Now B&H has re-opened the in-store presentation area and I will be there in a couple of weeks for two free presentations (thanks to Zenfolio and Canon for sponsoring them)! 

I did a presentation at the B&H BILD show in New York City last year, but that was at their trade show, not at the store. I am really excited to get back to the Event Space, like the good old days.

You are all invited to come, and if you can't make it in person, they will be recorded and posted to YouTube at some point. I will post them when they are live.

Here are the details:

Topic: Photographing the Winter Olympics in Milan

Sponsor: Zenfolio

Date: September 1st

Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm EST

Location: B&H Photo at 420 9th Ave

Registration: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/eventDetails.jsp/id/5218

Topic: Choosing The Best Lens For Your Subject

Sponsor: Canon

Date: September 2nd

Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm EST

Location: B&H Photo at 420 9th Ave

Registration: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/eventDetails.jsp/id/5219

I hope to see you there!

 __________________________________________________________

• Subscribe to the Jeff Cable Photography Blog by clicking HERE!

• Check out my upcoming photo tours to amazing places around the world. I have photo tours to Costa Rica, Peru, Galapagos, Africa, Iceland and more.

• If you are interested in purchasing ANY equipment, please click here to go to B&H Photo, as I get a referral from them if you enter this way. It does not change the cost to you in any way, but it helps me keep this blog up and running.

_________________________________________________________________ 

I have ONE SPOT available on my Pantanal trip at the end of next month!!

I have an amazing trip to the Pantanal of Brazil at the end of September, and just found out that one of my guests has to bow out due to an injury. This trip has been sold out for almost a year and now I have one spot available!

The trip is from September 26 to October 5 and the cost is $13,995

Here are the details:

THE MOST COMPLETE PANTANAL TOUR, A UNIQUE ITINERARY WHERE WE TRAVEL IN A PRIVATE PLANE AND STAY IN THE BEST LODGES ACROSS THE ENTIRE PANTANAL

The Pantanal, a vast and diverse ecosystem, is home to an incredible variety of habitats and landscapes, each offering unique attractions for nature lovers. To showcase this diversity, our journey covers both the Southern and Northern Pantanal, using a private plane to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency.

Guests enjoy stays at the finest lodges and visits to some of the most impressive locations—ideal for capturing unforgettable photos and immersing themselves in the area’s natural wonders. Highlights of this tour include unforgettable encounters with macaws, giant anteaters, giant otters, tapirs, and, of course, the majestic jaguars.

Sept 26
Upon arrival at São Paulo International Airport (GRU), your guide will be waiting to meet you. From there, we take a domestic flight to Campo Grande (CGR) — note that this flight is not included. Upon landing, we drive in a comfortable vehicle for about 3 hours to reach our first destination: Aguapé Lodge. On the way, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant (depending on arrival time). In the late afternoon, we head out on our first safari drive, looking for Giant Anteaters and other wildlife.
Overnight: Aguapé Lodge
[Meals included: Lunch, Dinner]

Sept 27
We enjoy a full day of photography at Aguapé Lodge. In the morning, we focus on the bird feeders near the main house, which are particularly active with Toco Toucans and a variety of other bird species. In the afternoon, we continue with a safari drive to look for anteaters and other animals of the region.
Overnight: Aguapé Lodge
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Sept 28
The morning begins once more at the bird feeders for close-up bird photography. After lunch at Aguapé Lodge, we transfer (around 3 hours) to Hotel Cabanas. The afternoon is free to explore and photograph around the hotel grounds.
Note: Depending on the success of feeder photography in previous days, the guide may adjust the timing — either leaving after breakfast to allow more time in Bonito, or staying until after lunch before transferring. Rooms must be vacated by 10:00 a.m.
Overnight: Hotel Cabanas
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Sept 29
This day is devoted to photographing the famous Red-and-green Macaws at Buraco das Araras, a huge natural sinkhole where dozens of macaws nest and fly at eye level and even below us. We enjoy lunch at nearby Fazenda Rio da Prata before continuing our photography. In the late afternoon, we head out in search of Giant Anteaters.
Overnight: Hotel Cabanas
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Sept 30
In the morning, we return to Buraco das Araras for more macaw photography. Afterward, we go straight to the airport for our private charter flight from Bonito to Porto Jofre (approx. 1h45). Upon arrival, we have lunch at our lodge before spending the afternoon exploring the hotel gardens, photographing Hyacinth Macaws, Toucans, and other wildlife.
Note: On this day all luggage must be packed and loaded into the car in the morning, as we depart directly from Buraco das Araras to the airport.
Overnight: Porto Jofre Hotel
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Oct 1
Breakfast is served at 05:15. By 06:00 we depart on our first boat outing, focusing primarily on Jaguars, but also photographing Giant Otters, Kingfishers, Caimans, and other wildlife along the rivers. We return at 11:30 for lunch, and head back out at 14:30 until sunset.
Overnight: Porto Jofre Hotel
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Oct 2–3
We follow the same schedule of morning and afternoon boat outings, maximizing our chances to photograph Jaguars and the rich wildlife of this extraordinary region.
Overnight: Porto Jofre Hotel
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Oct 4
We have one final morning boat outing, shorter than previous days, returning around 10:00 to pack and check out before noon. After lunch at the hotel, we depart around 13:30 for the 6-hour drive to Cuiabá. We will arrive around dusk, just in time for dinner. Accommodation tonight is at the Amazon Hotel, located conveniently in front of the CGB airport.
Overnight: Hotel Amazon (Cuiabá)
[Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Oct 5
After breakfast, transfer to Cuiabá airport (CGB) for the domestic flight back to São Paulo (GRU). Flights normally arrive around 15:00. We strongly recommend booking international flights home for the following day, as airline schedules in Brazil have been changing frequently post-Covid.
[Meals included: Breakfast]

We are going to see so much! Here are just a few sample images:

As I mentioned, there is only ONE SPOT available! First come, first serve! Please contact me at jcable@jeffcable.com to grab this spot.

 __________________________________________________________

• Subscribe to the Jeff Cable Photography Blog by clicking HERE!

• Check out my upcoming photo tours to amazing places around the world. I have photo tours to Costa Rica, Peru, Galapagos, Africa, Iceland and more.

• If you are interested in purchasing ANY equipment, please click here to go to B&H Photo, as I get a referral from them if you enter this way. It does not change the cost to you in any way, but it helps me keep this blog up and running.

_________________________________________________________________ 

These are NOT my photos from Costa Rica!

Today's post doesn't feature any of my own photographs. Instead, I'm excited to share images captured by guests on my recent photography tour to Costa Rica.

This isn't the first time I've showcased their work, but I wanted to do it again because their images deserve to be seen. They are a wonderful reminder of what can be accomplished with a little guidance, the right environment, and a willingness to learn.

The photographs below were all taken by non-professional photographers during one of my tours. I hope they inspire you and demonstrate that with the right instruction and encouragement, anyone can capture incredible images.

This awesome photo from Bret show a very large Humpback whale at the beginning of a full breach. (Photo credit: Bret B)

From big creatures to small ones. (Photo credit: Bret B)

It is not easy to photograph the Scarlet Macaw in flight, but this tight shot really shows the beauty of this bird. (Photo credit: Bret B)

Capturing a dolphin fully out of the water is difficult...capturing two is even harder! (Photo credit: Bruce S)

This was not a composite, Bruce actually captured this moment and had the perfect settings to get both subjects in focus. (Photo credit: Bruce S)

I love that Colleen saw this and captured something very different. (Photo credit: Colleen C)

This spotted dolphin was right next to the boat and Colleen managed to get the shot, even that close. It was SO close that she missed the end of the snout, but we managed to fix that using AI. (Photo credit: Colleen C)

Beautiful... (Photo credit: Colleen C)

Another beautiful foliage shot from the rain forest. (Photo credit: Colleen C)

We love finding owls in the rain forest. (Photo credit: Colleen C)

Even the dragonflies are beautiful in Costa Rica. (Photo credit: Don M)

You might think that this is an owl, but it is actually a Stick Bird. (Photo credit: Don M)

Don locked in on this grasshopper, really showing the intricate details of the face of this insect. (Photo credit: Don M)

A great pose from this tree frog. (Photo credit: Don M)

This toucan was captured on the last day of the trip, and is now the watch face on Don's Apple Watch. (Photo credit: Don M)

I love this photo of a Spoonbill in flight. Perfect light under the wings. (Photo credit: Don W)

Look at the height of this dolphin jump! (Photo credit: Don W)

Another great snake and bug shot. (Photo credit: Don W)

A White-faced monkey protecting his territory. (Photo credit: George L)

A Squirrel monkey looking cuter than ever. (Photo credit: George L)

It is tough to capture these VERY small frogs, but George took a great shot. (Photo credit: George L)

This is an awesome shot with so many dolphins in one photo. (Photo credit: George L)

An Iguana emerging from the leaves. (Photo credit: Gina W)

A great frog shot, with the yellow hands in perfect position. (Photo credit: Gina W)

Another great frog shot. (Photo credit: Gina W)

Our crocodile friend made a couple of appearances. (Photo credit: Gina W)

The Red-eyed tree frogs are always a favorite for my guests. (Photo credit: Joe M)

We had numerous sloth sightings, and Joe grabbed this nice shot of a Three-toed sloth. (Photo credit: Joe M)

This is a nice portrait of a Squirrel monkey. (Photo credit: Joe M)

I encouraged everyone to get tight shots of the crocodile's eye. Mark nailed that one. (Photo credit: Mark H)

He also got the snake with it's tongue out. (Photo credit: Mark H)

A Helmet lizard posing for us. (Photo credit: Mark H)

Most vultures are not very photogenic, but the King vulture definitely is. (Photo credit: Mark H)

Mark took this really nice shot of a butterfly in the perfect setting. (Photo credit: Mark H)

Two Red-eyed tree frogs in one shot. Nice! (Photo credit: Mark H)

This is a really great shot with the dolphin jumping out of the water, with the Costa Rican landscape in the background. (Photo credit: Tracy I)

A nice shot of a juvenile iguana. (Photo credit: Tracy I)

We saw many Howler monkeys, like this one in a tree. (Photo credit: Tracy I)

Getting a nice shot of a White-faced monkey is great, but getting the baby is even better! (Photo credit: Tracy I)

These images are proof that you don't have to be a professional photographer to create extraordinary photographs. With personalized instruction, incredible wildlife and landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to learn, my guests consistently return home with images they're proud to display—and memories they'll treasure for a lifetime.

 __________________________________________________________

• Subscribe to the Jeff Cable Photography Blog by clicking HERE!

• Check out my upcoming photo tours to amazing places around the world. I have photo tours to Costa Rica, Peru, Galapagos, Africa, Iceland and more.

• If you are interested in purchasing ANY equipment, please click here to go to B&H Photo, as I get a referral from them if you enter this way. It does not change the cost to you in any way, but it helps me keep this blog up and running.

_________________________________________________________________