What's the best Camera Lens for the skiff?
The best lens for taking photos on a boat depends on several factors, including the type of boat, the distance between the subject and the photographer, and the desired composition of the photo. However, there are a few general guidelines that you can follow to choose the best lens for those drippy skiff shots.
1. Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens is a good choice to capture the entire scene, including the boat and the surrounding environment. This is the focal range that I typically stay in on the boat. I prefer to shoot a 24mm prime. A 16-35mm or 24-70mm lens is also a good choice for these shots.
Shot on a Sigma 24mm 1.4 Art Lens
2. Telephoto lens: A telephoto lens is useful when you want to zoom in on a specific subject, such as a tailing fish or a person on another boat. A 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens is a good choice.
Shot on a Canon 70-200 2.8 iii Lens
3. Image stabilization: When taking photos on a boat, there is often some degree of movement or vibration that can cause blur in your photos. Choosing a lens or camera with built-in image stabilization. This can help reduce the effects of camera shake and produce sharper images. Sharpness is key.
4. Weather-resistant: When taking photos on a boat, you may encounter rain, spray, or other harsh weather conditions. Choosing a lens that is weather-resistant can help protect your equipment and ensure that it continues to function properly. These are typically higher-end lenses but it’s one of those rip-the-band-aids-off once kind of thing.
Shot on a Canon 16-35mm 2.8 iii Lens
Ultimately, the best lens for taking photos on a boat depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the factors above when choosing a lens, and experiment with different lenses to find the one that works best for you. In a perfect world, you have all the options but money is always where the buck stops. Personally, if you if yourself just shooting on a skiff I would look at a 16-35mm with a low F-Stop (1.2-2.8). This will give you the most buttery images.
Shot on a Sigma 24mm 1.4 Art Lens