Investing money into your first camera body and lens can be a scary thing for a new photographer, so here are some options you can consider when buying your first camera and lens. (Reported by: Ian Tham)

As beginner photographer who is looking to specialize in a specific genre of photography (be it fashion, nature/landscape or portraiture, etc.), knowing which lens will best be suited for the job can be a rather daunting task in itself! We've compiled a handy beginner's guide of Canon lenses that are best suited for underwater, street and portrait photography below:

1. Shooting underwater

One thing some beginners may not realise is the way light bends in water, which gives a noticeable zoomed-in effect on your photos. To compensate for this problem, try using a wide angle lens. This increases the depth of field and allows you to capture more than what you can actually see in the view finder, which is great for photographing large animals and objects (like shipwrecks) in the sea. Wide angle lenses also allows you to shoot more closely to your subject, bringing every detail and colour to life!
Try these Canon lenses: EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, EF17-40mm f/4L USM, EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

EOS 5D Mark II/ EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM/ FL: 16mm/ (f/3.5, 1/640 sec)/ Metering mode: Spot metering/ ISO 1250

2. Shooting on the streets

Shooting on the streets always has that element of surprise - you never know what will happen or unfold in front of you, and you need to be quick to capture the moment before it's gone. You'll also need to work with uncontrollable light conditions (be it indoor or outdoor) and it's a hassle to carry multiple lenses when you're out and about the whole day. To get the job done whatever comes your way, you'll need an all-rounder lens which can offer a wide focal range and decent low light shooting.
Try these Canon lenses: EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

EOS 5D Mark II/ EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM / FL: 24mm/ (f/22, 1/200 sec)/ Metering mode: Spot metering / ISO 400

EOS 5D Mark III/ EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM / FL: 62mm/ (f/2.8, 1/1000 sec)/ Metering mode: Evaluative/ ISO 500

3. Shooting portraits

When shooting portraits, it's important to plan ahead: will it be done in a studio or on-location, and will you be using artificial or natural lighting? To be on the safe side, you'll need a lens that will allow more light into the camera. Try using one with a fixed focal length and wide aperture, which will give you the ease of focusing be it in a low-lit studio or in low light situations.
Try these Canon lenses: EF50mm f/1.8 II, EF50mm f/1.2L USM, EF135mm f/2L USM