The Holy Trinity of Lenses

Tuscany taken with the 70-200mm f2.8 (trees are isolated and the background is compressed)
Canon EOS 5DIV + Canon EF 70-200mm @200mm f/2.8L III USM/ ISO 200 - f/9 - 1/320 sec

As an amateur photographer, it can be overwhelming to choose the right camera equipment. However, there are certain lenses that are essential for any photographer looking to take their craft to the next level.

The Holy Trinity of Lenses is a term used to refer to three specific lenses that are commonly used by professional photographers. These lenses are the 15-35mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm, all with an aperture of 2.8. Together, they offer a wide range of focal lengths that are useful in a variety of shooting situations.

Visuals

Below you can see some examples of photos taken with the Holly Trinity of Lenses:

Tight space taken with the 15-35mm (Everything were photographed; foreground subject and background)
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 125 - f/10 - 1/200 sec

Portrait with a product taken with the 24-70mm (very nice blurred background)
Canon EOS R + Canon EF 24-70mm @70mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 100 - f/3.5 - 1/200 sec

Isolated mountain taken with the 70-200mm
Canon EOS R + Canon EF 70-200mm @150mm f/2.8L III USM/ ISO 200 - f/5 - 1/640 sec

The first photograph is a wide-angle shot of a landscape and was captured using a 15-35mm lens. This lens is perfect for capturing the grandeur and scope of landscapes or cityscapes, while also allowing you to include more elements in the frame. It is also very useful for tight spaces, such as interiors.
The second image is a portrait that was taken with the 24-70mm lens, which is great for capturing portraits. Its zoom feature allows you to adjust the framing of your shot, providing flexibility. Additionally, it is useful for product photography and capturing details, making it perfect for travel photography.
The third photograph shows a wonderful mountain in the Bavarian Alps. I mean, it was legit beautiful, but it was way too far away for my basic lens to handle. So, I busted out my telephoto lens and managed to capture just the mountain and its epicness, leaving out all the other stuff around it.

The 15-35mm Lens (or 16-35mm)

Tight shot, where the wide angle lens was needed (here I can’t do a panorama to capture this shot)
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 800 - f/4 - 1/200 sec

The 16-35mm lens is a highly versatile lens that can be used to capture a wide range of shots. It is particularly useful for wide-angle shots, such as landscapes or cityscapes, where you want to capture as much of the scene as possible. Additionally, it can be used in tight spaces, where you want to capture the entire scene without having to step back too far.

One of the main benefits of this lens is its usefulness in architectural photography. With its wide angle, you can capture the entire building without having to stand too far back. This is particularly useful when photographing buildings in urban areas where there may be limited space to move around.

Moreover, the 15-35mm lens can be used for environmental portraits where you want to capture the subject and their surroundings. This lens can help you to tell a story about the subject and their environment, giving the viewer a sense of the person's character and lifestyle. Overall, the 16-35mm lens is a valuable tool for any photographer looking to capture a wide range of shots with a single lens.

The 24-70mm Lens

A mid-range focal length of 50mm approximates the perspective of the human eye.
Canon EOS R + Canon EF 24-70mm @50mm f/2.8L III USM/ ISO 200 - f/4.5 - 1/320 sec

Environmental portrait in Barcelona with the background in focus (at 35mm the 15-35mm could also get this job done)
Canon EOS 5DIV + Canon EF 24-70mm @35mm f/2.8L III USM/ ISO 200 - f/2.8 - 1/2500 sec

The 24-70mm lens is a highly versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of shooting scenarios. One of its strongest points is its flexibility, allowing you to capture almost anything you can think of, from portraits to product photography. In fact, this lens is perfect for capturing everyday moments, as it provides a natural perspective that is similar to what the human eye sees, making viewers feel more connected to the scene. Additionally, it is also widely used in event photography, as it allows you to capture both wide-angle shots and close-up portraits without having to switch lenses, thus saving time and ensuring that you don't miss any important moments. The lens has a high-quality construction and is designed to deliver sharp and clear results, making it a must-have for any photographer who wants to take their skills to the next level.

The 70-200mm Lens

Subject isolated and compressed and blurred background (photo taken by Julie Teicke)
Canon EOS R + Canon EF 70-200mm @100mm f/2.8L III USM/ ISO 6400 - f/3.5 - 1/250 sec

Finally, the 70-200mm lens is an incredibly versatile tool for photographers. In addition to its ability to capture distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events, this lens can also be used for a variety of other purposes. For example, it is great for capturing action shots, as it allows you to zoom in on the subject and capture them in detail. It is also useful for portrait photography, as it provides a flattering compression effect that can make the subject stand out from the background.

Furthermore, the 70-200mm lens can be used in a variety of lighting conditions. Its wide aperture range allows it to capture bright and sharp images even in low light situations, making it a great choice for indoor photography or shooting during the golden hour. Additionally, its fast autofocus system ensures that you can quickly and accurately capture the perfect shot, even in challenging shooting conditions.The 70-200mm lens is designed to last. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, making it a great investment for any serious photographer. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this lens is an essential tool that can help you improve your photography and give you a fresh perspective to enhance your storytelling.

When used together, the Holy Trinity of Lenses provides photographers with a complete set of tools that can handle any shooting scenario. Although they may be expensive, investing in these lenses will provide numerous benefits and prepare you to shoot in almost any scenario without your gear limiting your creativity. Professional photographers typically own at least one of them, as they provide the versatility and quality needed to create stunning images.

Some professionals own all three lenses, depending on their needs. Personally, I owned all three at the same time, but I realized that I wasn't using the 15-35 or the 24-70, so I decided to sell one of them to make room in my backpack for other gear.

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Why I chose between the 24-70mm and the 15-35mm.

If you have to choose between the 24-70mm and 15-35mm lenses, the choice depends on your shooting needs. The 24-70mm is a versatile lens that can be used for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from portraits to product photography. It provides a natural perspective similar to what the human eye sees, making it useful for everyday moments. Additionally, it performs well at 24mm for landscapes. Personally, I started my photography career with only this lens and mainly shot landscapes.

On the other hand, the 15-35mm lens is great for capturing wide-angle shots, such as landscapes or cityscapes, making it more specialized. It is also useful in tight spaces where you need to capture as much of the scene as possible. If you shoot a lot of landscapes or environmental portraits, the 15-35mm might be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your shooting style and the types of photos you want to capture. I should also note that the 16-35mm lens, when used at 35mm, is good for environmental portraits.

The thing is, if you have the 15-35mm lens, it's great for landscapes and acceptable for portraits and details. If you have the 24-70mm lens, it's great for portraits and close-ups and acceptable for landscapes. When I needed the extra width with the 24-70mm lens, I took a lot of pictures and then stitched them into a panorama using Lightroom.

I had these three lenses, but I realized it was too much. So, I decided to restructure my gear and sold two of them. I bought another lens, which I will discuss in more detail in a future blog post.

Ultimately, the decision between the two lenses will depend on your shooting style and the types of photos you want to capture.

It is important to note that owning a 15-35mm lens can greatly benefit from an additional prime lens, which can be used for capturing intricate details or for product photography. However, if you only possess a 24-70mm lens and it adequately meets your needs, then there may not be a need for any additional lens.

Ultimately, the decision between the two lenses will depend on your shooting style and the types of photos you want to capture.

Here are some pictures taken with the 24-70mm lens, but they could have also been taken with the 15-35mm lens. This is why I sold the 24-70 and bought the 15-35mm lens instead. Most of the pictures I take when I travel fall within the range of 24mm to 35mm, and the extra 15mm is great for capturing landscapes and interiors.