10 recommended lenses for shooting cherry blossoms

The freezing winter is over, and as the temperature rises, I feel the signs of spring. Speaking of spring tradition, after all "sakura". So this time, I would like to introduce "10 recommended lenses for shooting cherry blossoms".

Key points for choosing a lens for shooting cherry blossoms

Focal distance

Select the focal length according to the angle of view you want to shoot and the distance to the cherry blossoms. An ultra-wide-angle lens of 24 mm or less when you want to shoot the entire tree such as weeping cherry blossoms, a standard lens of around 50 mm when shooting cherry blossoms blooming along the river while taking a walk, 85 mm when shooting tall cherry trees The above telephoto lenses are recommended.

Open aperture value

If you use a "low aperture value = bright lens", the background will be large and blurry, and you will get a three-dimensional image. It is recommended to use F2 or less for a single focus lens and F2.8 or less for a zoom lens.

Recommended lens types for shooting cherry blossoms

Single focus lens

If you place importance on resolution and the size of bokeh, we recommend a single focus lens. Since the fixed focal length lens is not equipped with a zoom mechanism, it has a reasonable optical design, so clear and clear images can be obtained. In addition, there are many bright (F2.8 or less) lenses with a large aperture, and you can shoot three-dimensional works in which the subject is emphasized by the large blurring of the background.

Zoom lens

Zoom lenses are recommended if convenience is important. With a lens that covers 24-70 mm, which is called the standard range, you can flexibly handle snapshots up to the shooting spot of cherry blossoms and shooting moving subjects such as animals. Check for more here.

10 Recommended Lenses for Shooting Cherry Blossoms

From here, we will introduce "10 recommended lenses for shooting cherry blossoms".

Canon RF85mm F1.2 L USM

Soft bokeh with open F1.2.

The RF85mm F1.2 L USM is a Canon RF mount lens that supports full-frame sensors. The medium telephoto focal length of 85mm is very useful when shooting cherry blossoms from a distance, such as shooting tall cherry trees or using the compression effect. Even though it is a medium telephoto lens, you can shoot with the same feeling as taking a snapshot using a standard lens. The descriptive power is outstanding, and the cherry blossoms are cut out with a sharpness with a core, and even one petal is reproduced in high definition. In addition, the brightest open F1.2 bokeh among competitors' products spreads smoothly and softly toward out-of-focus. This lens has a strong image used in portrait photography, but it is also perfect for shooting cherry blossoms in a gentle atmosphere like portrait photography.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f / 1.4G

Thoroughly suppress sagittal coma flare.

AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f / 1.4G is a Nikon F mount lens compatible with full size sensors. It is designed to thoroughly suppress the "sagittal coma flare" in which the point light source bokeh appears like a bird with its wings spread. Since it boasts a maximum aperture of F1.4, it is ideal for scenes where it is difficult to increase the shutter speed, such as when shooting cherry blossoms at night, or where there are many point light sources in the background. Of course, even during daytime shooting, the descriptive power is with origami. The open focus surface has a gentle and sharp finish, and the outline of the bokeh is so beautiful that it melts. Also, if you squeeze one step, you can express the line firmly. The focal length is close to the standard angle of view, so it is also recommended as a regular lens for snapshots.

SONY FE 12-24mm F4 G SEL1224G

An ultra-wide-angle lens that dynamically cuts out cherry blossoms.

The FE 12-24mm F4 G SEL1224G is a Sony E-mount lens that supports full-frame sensors. Although it is an ultra-wide-angle lens, it has an overwhelmingly compact and lightweight design with a total length of 117.4 mm and approximately 565 g. Compared to competitors' lenses of the same class, it is easier to carry. This lens, which covers an ultra-wide-angle range, is ideal for taking pictures of the scenery of cherry blossoms in the mountains and plateaus. In addition, if you take a picture of a weeping cherry tree as if you are pulling the four corners, you can create a more dynamic expression than with the naked eye. Recommended for those who are looking for a spatial expression that is a bit different from standard lenses and telephoto lenses.

FUJIFILM Fujinon Lens XF56mmF1.2 R APD

Melting bokeh of the apodization filter.

The Fujinon Lens XF56mmF1.2 R APD is a Fujifilm X mount lens compatible with the APS-C sensor. The biggest feature is that it is equipped with an "apodization filter" that reduces the transmittance of light around the lens. This makes it possible to blur the outline of the blurred image such as a point light source and express the background so that it blends in more naturally. In addition, the beauty of the melting bokeh created by the medium telephoto range equivalent to 85mm in 35mm format, which makes it easy to obtain large bokeh, and the overwhelming brightness of the open F1.2 is superb. It brings out the charm of cherry blossoms just like when shooting portraits.

OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO

A standard zoom lens that can approach cherry blossoms up to 7 cm.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO is a Micro Four Thirds mount lens compatible with 4 / 3-inch sensors. Although it is a large-diameter standard zoom lens with an open F2.8 that covers the equivalent of 24-80mm in 35mm format, it features a 10mm longer telephoto end than the general 24-70mm. You don't have to worry about "I wish I could take a closer look at the cherry blossoms ...", and it's a lens that can reach the itchy place. In addition, the shortest shooting distance at the telephoto end is 7 cm from the tip of the lens without switching the macro mode. You can get close to the cherry blossoms until the lens hood touches them, so you can shoot each petal in high definition.

Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm/F2.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. H-HS030

Macro lens equipped with powerful image stabilization.

LUMIX G MACRO 30mm / F2.8 ASPH./MEGA OIS H-HS030 is a Micro Four Thirds mount lens compatible with 4 / 3-inch sensors. Since the angle of view is close to the standard range equivalent to 60 mm in 35 mm format , it can be widely used for portrait photography and snapshot photography even though it is a macro lens. In addition, optical image stabilization strongly suppresses camera shake that tends to occur during macro photography. Since it is compatible with "Dual IS2" that synchronizes with in-body image stabilization, if you attach it to an S series camera that supports Dual IS2, you can suppress blurring up to a shutter speed of about 6.5 steps. Recommended as the first one for those who take macro shots for the first time.

TAMRON SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1：1 USD (Model F017)

Tamkyu is a further evolution of beautiful bokeh.

The SP 90mm F / 2.8 Di MACRO 1: 1 USD (Model F017) is a Tamron macro lens that supports full-frame sensors. The Tamron 90mm macro has a reputation for high resolution and smooth bokeh, and has been nicknamed "Tamkyu" for many years. In order to further enhance the descriptive power of the conventional model, the optical design is applied to prevent "two-line blurring" in which the outline of the blur is reflected twice, and you can enjoy even more beautiful blurring. In addition, since it is equipped with a camera shake correction mechanism for a shutter speed of approximately 3.5 steps, it suppresses camera shake that tends to occur in medium-telephoto macro photography. You can shoot cherry blossoms in a stable manner even if you have it on hand, and the sense of security is outstanding.

SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM

Several single focus lenses are integrated into this one.

The 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is a Sigma zoom lens compatible with the APS-C sensor. This lens belongs to the Art line, which pursues overwhelming optical performance among the three concept lines of Sigma. Although it is a standard zoom lens that covers the equivalent of 27-52.5mm in 35mm format, it boasts an amazing brightness of F1.8. Conventionally, if you want to shoot with a brightness of F1.8, it is common to use a single focus lens. However, if you have only one lens , you can get the same depiction as the typical single focus lens 28mm / 35mm / 50mm without changing the lens. Weight if you force the neck up. It weighs 810g, which is a little heavier, so it is recommended to combine it with a camera of intermediate level or higher.

PENTAX FA31mmF1.8AL Limited

High-quality texture machined from aluminum.

FA31mmF1.8AL Limited is a Pentax K mount lens compatible with the APS-C sensor. With an angle of view close to that of a standard lens equivalent to 47.5mm in 35mm format, you can enjoy not only cherry blossom trees but also snapshots until you arrive at the cherry blossom shooting spot. The essential depiction is the attractive focus surface with a solid core and the straightforward and natural bokeh. With the aperture open, you can create a gentle atmosphere where the outline of the bokeh melts smoothly. In addition, one of the features is the metallic form. The machined aluminum appearance peculiar to Limited lenses has a high-class feel, and the operation feeling of the manual ring is also high-quality. The flower-shaped hood is integrated, and the filter can be easily operated from the notch. Why don't you try wearing a soft filter to express the cherry blossoms differently than usual?

CarlZeiss Otus 1.4 / 55

One with the best optical performance.

The Otus 1.4 / 55 is a Carl Zeiss single focus lens that supports full size sensors. The body is much larger than the competitor's class lens, but it has a good reputation for its three-dimensional and clear depiction. With overwhelming resolution and natural and beautiful bokeh that is not inferior even when combined with a high-pixel camera, you can take satisfactory pictures not only in cherry blossoms but also in portraits. However, since it is a manual lens, those who are not accustomed to manual focus should use a function that supports shooting, such as "focus peaking". Also, since it is a heavyweight lens weighing 970g, it is recommended to combine it with a high-end model to a flagship model.

Sakura can be photographed more than enough with either a single focus lens or a zoom lens as long as it is a bright lens. Please use different lenses depending on the purpose of use and take a satisfying photo.