13 Best Lenses for Surf Photography from the Beach; from 3 best brands

Looking for the best lens for surf photography from the beach?

If you’re an avid surfer or a surf photographer, you know the challenge of capturing the perfect shot of a wave from the shore.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect lens to capture those breathtaking surfing moments from the shore with my professional knowledge and experience.

What Lens is Best for Surf Photography from the Beach?

Choosing the best lens for surf photography from the beach, we have a few options to consider.

1.      Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses are the most commonly used lenses for surf photography from the beach.

They are perfect for catching surfers and waves from a distance because they allow for zoom-in on distant subjects.

So, telephoto lenses enable you to get close to the action without actually being in the water.

But, it can be a drawback if you plan on shooting for long periods.

Let me tell you the major benefits and drawbacks of a telephoto lens.

·         Pros and Cons of Telephoto Lenses

Pros	Cons
Excellent image quality and depth of field	Heavy and expensive
Zoom in on distant subjects	Can be difficult to use for beginners
Allow you to capture sharp, detailed photos even in low-light conditions	May require a tripod or other stabilization equipment
Ideal for surf photography from the beach	Limited field of view

2.      Wide-Angle Lenses

With focal lengths of 10-35mm, Wide-angle lenses are another popular option for surf photography from the beach.

However, it may be less suited for capturing action shots, as they require you to be closer to the subject.

The following pros and cons will help you decide whether to use or buy a wide-angle lens for surf photography from the beach.

·         Pros and Cons of Wide-Angle Lenses

Pros	Cons
Offer a wider perspective	Can distort the image
Allow you to capture the surrounding environment	This can make it difficult to capture details in the distance
Generally lighter and less expensive than telephoto lenses	Less suited for capturing action shots
Great for those on a budget	Limited zoom capabilities

Besides, the following lens options can be used for surf photography from the beach.

Lens Type	Pros	Cons
Super Telephoto	Great for capturing details from a distance	Can be heavy and bulky to carry around
Fish Eye	Captures a full 180-degree field of view	Distort the image and may not be ideal for close-ups
Zoom	Versatile and convenient	It may not offer the same level of image quality as a prime
Macro	Can capture close-up shots of surf-related objects	Not typically used for surf photography

What Size Lens for Surf Photography from the Beach?

Now you may be wondering how to determine the size lens best suits your surf photography shoot. Well, there are several factors to consider before purchasing your lens.

The ideal size range for lenses used in surfing photography is typically between 100mm and 400mm, depending on the specific type of shot you want to capture.

Why did I say so?

Because a lens that is too large may be difficult to handle and may not be necessary for capturing certain types of surf shots. Besides, it may require the use of a tripod or other stabilization equipment to avoid camera shake.

On the other hand, a small lens can’t be able to zoom in enough to capture the action from a distance. So, it may struggle to capture fine details or distant subjects.

Is 400mm Enough for Surf Photography from the Beach?

A 400mm lens is a type of telephoto lens and it allows photographers to capture distant subjects with great detail and clarity.

So, a 400mm lens can certainly be used for surf photography, but it may not be the ideal choice in all situations.

One of the main limitations of a 400mm lens is its narrow field of view, which can make it difficult to track fast-moving surfers.

Besides, a 400mm lens may be too large and heavy to carry for extended periods, especially if you need to hike to your shooting location.

Is 200mm Enough for Surfing from the Beach?

Yes, a 200mm lens can be a suitable option depending on the photographer’s preference and shooting style.

It is generally used for capturing portraits or subjects at a closer range.

Besides, it will be beneficial for photographers who want to emphasize the surfer and create a more intimate shot.

However, a 200mm lens may not be enough to capture surfers at a distance or during fast-action moments. This can result in a lack of detail and sharpness in the image.

Additionally, using a 200mm lens may require the photographer to get closer to the water, which can be risky and potentially damage the equipment.

Best Aperture for Surf Photography from the Beach

Aperture refers to the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera and determines the depth of field in a shot.

So if you are seeking the best aperture for surf photography from the beach for action shots, then a wider aperture is preferable to capture fast-moving subjects with a shallow depth of field.

When it comes to the best aperture for surf photography from the beach for landscape shots, a smaller aperture is ideal to capture a wider area in focus.

Besides, the best aperture setting may also depend on factors such as the time of day, lighting conditions, and the desired artistic effect.

However, using a wider aperture can present challenges such as overexposure and difficulties in focusing.

So, it is important to experiment with different aperture settings and find the optimal setting for each specific situation.

Now you may wonder which brands are best for lenses for surf photography from the beach. Right? Let’s take a deeper look at it.

Best Canon Lens for Surf Photography from the Beach

Canon lenses for surf photography from the beach, there are several great options to choose from.

1.      Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM  is making it an ideal lens for capturing action shots of surfers from a distance.

• Offers a versatile zoom range
• Image stabilization
• Fast autofocus

2.      Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens is suitable for capturing surfers in action.

• Provides excellent image quality
• A fast aperture for low-light conditions
• Image stabilization
• Quick autofocus
• Highly Resistant to Dust and Water

3.      Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

If you are seeking a lens that is easy to shoot handheld, then the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is a great option.

• Can capture the entire scene, including the ocean and the beach, with minimal distortion
• Image stabilization

4.      Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

A versatile lens makes it ideal for shooting surfers both in the water and on the beach.

• Can capture both wide-angle and telephoto shots with a fast aperture

5.      Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

A budget-friendly lens that great option for shooting surfers on the beach or in shallow waters.

• A fast aperture that can capture sharp images in low-light conditions
• Optimal for portraits and photos of fast-moving objects such as surfers

Each of these lenses has its unique benefits and can be used for capturing different aspects of surf photography.

Best Sony Lens for Surf Photography from the Beach

If Sony is your trusted brand, you have a range of excellent lenses to choose from for capturing surf photographs from the beach.

1.      Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS

My first choice is the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. It is a super-telephoto zoom lens with a dust and moisture-resistant design.

It offers;

• Versatile zoom range
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• Image stabilization for sharp shots
• Compact and lightweight

2.      Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS

Another popular choice is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lens. It is great for capturing surfers in action with its fast and accurate autofocus system.

Besides, it also provides;

• High-quality optics and sharp images
• Compact and lightweight design

3.      Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is best for capturing the stunning ocean scenery from the beach.

Features;

• Wide-angle lens for capturing landscape and waves
• Fast and accurate autofocus
• High-quality optics and sharp images

4.      Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

For capturing close-up shots of surfers, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is a great choice.

It has;

• Image stabilization for sharp shots
• Smooth and quiet autofocus
• High-quality optics and sharp images

5.      Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is another good option for capturing amazing surf photography from the beach.

Features;

• Mid-range zoom lens
• High-quality optics and sharp images
• Fast and accurate autofocus

These lenses all feature weather-sealed designs and excellent optical performance. So it makes them the best choices for Sony users looking to capture the perfect surf shot.

Best Nikon Lens for Surf Photography from the Beach

When it comes to surf photography from the beach, Nikon lenses offer a range of options to suit different shooting scenarios.

1.      Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens is optimized for vibration reduction technology for sharp photos of surfing.

It also offers;

• Versatile zoom range
• High-quality optics for excellent image quality
• Lightweight and easy to handle

2.      Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR

This lens is great for everything from portraits to close-ups of the nature of surfing and the waves.

Features;

• Versatile zoom range suitable for different types of surf photography
• Fast, quiet autofocus for capturing action shots
• Lightweight and compact for easy portability

3.      Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best option for when you need to capture distant surfers and waves.

It has;

• Vibration reduction technology for sharp images
• High-quality optics for excellent image quality
• Weather-sealed construction for durability in harsh beach conditions

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best lens for surf photography from the beach depends on several factors such as the style and type of photography, budget, and personal preferences.

My recommendation is a telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm is ideal for capturing action shots of surfers from a distance. Besides, a wide-angle lens with a focal length of around 16-35mm is perfect for capturing the vast ocean scenery.

The aperture setting also plays an important role in achieving the desired effect.

So, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens is recommended as the best option lens for surf photography from the beach due to its excellent image quality, image stabilization, and versatile zoom range.

Keep in mind to follow basic tips and techniques on surf photography to capture amazing shots with your lens. Check out my latest article on surfing photography for that.

Finally, it’s important to consider individual needs and budgets before making a final decision on your purchase.