Choosing the right lens is crucial for creating high-quality videos and photographs. However, with so many options available, and the limitation of a tight budget, it can be challenging to know which lens is the best fit for your needs. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you compare the two types of lenses I use (Canon lenses and Sigma Art lenses), and choose the perfect lens for your videos and photography.
Inspired by frequently asked questions, this guide will cover the essential aspects of choosing the right lens, including an overview of popular Canon lenses, the difference between EF and EF-S, RF and RF-S lens mounts, the benefits of the Sigma Art lens series which I use for my professional work, and more. I’ll also provide tips and recommendations to help you select the best lens for your specific needs.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a marketer looking to improve your online promotional videos, understanding the differences between Canon lenses and Sigma Art lenses can help you capture stunning visuals and tell your story effectively. So let’s dive in and explore the world of lenses!
Which lens is best for Canon camera photography?
When it comes to Canon lenses, there are many options to choose from. Canon has an extensive range of lenses that are compatible with their cameras, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and macro lenses. However, not all Canon lenses are created equal, and some are better suited for specific types of photography than others.
The focal length you choose really depends on the kind of photos/videos you’re looking to create, as well as the restrictions you’ll be facing. You should consider whether you need a zoom for variety of shots, a large aperture for low light, size, weight, weather sealing. Not to mention your own personal artistic preference!
One very popular Canon lens is the 50mm f/1.8 lens, which is an affordable and versatile prime lens that is ideal for portrait photography, low-light situations, and street photography. The 24-70mm lens is another popular option with professional photographer (both the f/2.8 and f/4 versions), providing a range of focal lengths and ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and events. Meanwhile, the 70-200mm lens is a telephoto zoom lens that is perfect for sports and wildlife photography. The f/2.8 version of this lens is rather expensive, and the f/4 version is actually waaaay sharper while being cheaper. Do you really need the extra stop of light and shallower depth of field…?
Do all Canon lenses fit all cameras?
It’s worth noting that not all Canon lenses are compatible with all cameras. The two primary lens mounts for Canon cameras were EF and EF-S. EF lenses are compatible with all Canon DSLR cameras, while EF-S lenses are designed specifically for cameras with APS-C sensors, such as the Canon Rebel series.
Now Canon has changed to an updated RF mount (along with RF-S lenses). These can only be used with their mirrorless cameras, but EF and EF-S lenses can be adapted to them. There’s nothing wrong with the older EF and EF-S lenses, they’re fantastic tools, but the RF ones are a touch sharper with better image stabilisation. Which camera you use will determine which of these particular lens types will work best for you.
EF and RF lenses have a larger image circle and are compatible with Canon full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. On the other hand, EF-S and RF-S lenses have a smaller image circle and are designed specifically for cameras with APS-C sensors.
If you use an EF lens on a camera with an APS-C sensor, the lens’s focal length is multiplied by a factor of 1.6. For example, a 50mm lens on a camera with an APS-C sensor will have an effective focal length of 80mm. This crop factor can be advantageous for telephoto photography, but it can also be limiting for wide-angle shots.
When choosing a Canon lens, it’s important to consider your camera’s sensor size and compatibility with EF and EF-S or RF and RF-S lenses. Phew! If you plan on starting with an APS-C camera and then upgrading to a full-frame camera in the future, you may want to invest in an EF lens to ensure compatibility. Most people tend to start with APS-C cameras and EF-S/RF-S lenses as they are a more affordable and practical choice.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the three essential camera lenses for video and photography.
What are the 3 essential camera lenses?
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, there are three types of lenses that are essential for any camera kit: wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lenses.
- Wide-angle lenses: These lenses have a focal length of 35mm or less, and they are ideal for landscape and architectural photography. They capture a wide field of view and can make subjects appear farther apart than they actually are. They can also be used in video production to create immersive and cinematic shots. For example, on a gimbal, wide angle lenses give a sense of quicker motion.
- Standard lenses: These lenses have a focal length of around 50mm and are considered the most versatile lens for everyday photography. They produce images that are similar to what we see with our own eyes and are great for portraits, street photography, and photojournalism. They are also useful in video production for capturing dialogue and interviews.
- Telephoto lenses: These lenses have a focal length of 85mm or longer, and they are ideal for sports, wildlife, and event photography. They allow you to zoom in on your subject from a distance, creating a compressed look and making your subject appear closer. They can also be used in video production to capture distant action or to create a shallow depth of field.
When building your lens collection, it’s important to consider your specific needs and shooting style. A basic kit may include a wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lens, but you may also want to invest in specialty lenses such as macro or fisheye lenses. By understanding the benefits of each type of lens, you can make informed decisions when selecting your camera gear.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the most popular lens used by photographers and videographers.
What camera lens do most photographers use?
If you’re looking to invest in a new lens, it’s helpful to know which lenses are the most popular among professional photographers. Here are some of the most commonly used lenses:
- 50mm prime lens: This lens is considered a must-have for any photographer or videographer. It’s versatile and produces sharp, high-quality images. It’s great for portraits, street photography, and low-light situations.
- 24-70mm zoom lens: This lens is also popular among photographers and videographers due to its versatility. It allows you to zoom in and out and capture a wide range of shots. It’s great for weddings, events, and photojournalism.
- 70-200mm zoom lens: This lens is popular among sports and wildlife photographers due to its long reach. It allows you to capture subjects from a distance and produce a compressed look. It’s also great for portraits and events.
- Wide-angle lens: Wide-angle lenses are great for landscape and architectural photography. They allow you to capture a wide field of view and can make subjects appear farther apart than they actually are. They can also be used in video production to create immersive and cinematic shots.
When choosing a lens, it’s important to consider your specific needs and shooting style. If you’re primarily shooting portraits, a 50mm prime lens may be a great choice. If you’re shooting events or weddings, a 24-70mm zoom lens may be more practical. By understanding the benefits of each type of lens, you can make an informed decision when selecting a lens for your camera ki
In the next section, we’ll discuss Sigma Art lenses and their unique features.
What is ‘Art’ in Sigma Lenses?
Sigma’s Art lens series is a line of high-quality lenses designed for photographers and videographers who demand superior image quality. These lenses are known for their outstanding optical performance, sharpness, and color accuracy. They are built with high-quality materials and are designed to deliver stunning images and videos. Yet they’re still much more affordable than their Canon L, Nikkor or G-Master counterparts.
The Art lens series includes a variety of lenses, including wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lenses, as well as macro and specialty lenses. They are compatible with Canon cameras and other popular camera brands.
One of the standout features of Sigma Art lenses is their large apertures, which allow for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. They also have fast and accurate autofocus and are built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
If you’re looking to invest in a Sigma Art lens, it’s important to consider your specific needs and shooting style. For example, if you’re primarily shooting portraits, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens may be a great choice, while the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens is ideal for street and documentary photography. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art lens is a versatile option that can be used for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to events.
In the next section, we’ll compare standard Sigma lenses to Sigma Art lenses and discuss the differences between the two.
How good is a Sigma Art lens?
Sigma Art lenses are renowned for their high quality and exceptional performance. They are built with the best materials and engineering to produce the sharpest, most detailed images possible. Many photographers and videographers consider Sigma Art lenses to be among the best lenses available on the market today.
One of the primary advantages of Sigma Art lenses is their large aperture, which allows for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. They are also known for their accurate autofocus and exceptional sharpness, even at wide apertures.
When compared to other lenses, Sigma Art lenses often stand out for their superior image quality and attention to detail. They are a favorite among professional photographers and videographers who demand the best performance from their gear. I love my own Art lenses, in fact they make up my entire video production kit:
However, Sigma Art lenses are not the only high-quality lenses available on the market. Other popular lens options, such as Canon L-series lenses, also offer exceptional quality and performance. When choosing a lens, it’s important to consider your specific needs and shooting style to determine which lens will work best for you.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the differences between Sigma lenses and Sigma Art lenses to help you choose the right lens for your photography or videography needs.
What is the difference between standard Sigma lens and Sigma Art lens?
Sigma is known for producing quality lenses that are affordable compared to other brands. The Sigma lens series includes a range of lenses that cover everything from wide-angle to telephoto. On the other hand, the Sigma Art lens series is designed specifically for professional photographers and videographers who demand the highest level of performance and image quality.
The Sigma Art lens series features advanced optics and high-quality materials, which allow for better control of color, contrast, and sharpness. Additionally, these lenses are designed to reduce distortion and aberrations, resulting in cleaner, more accurate images.
In terms of construction, the Sigma Art lens series is built with a metal housing that is designed to withstand heavy use and abuse in demanding environments. The Sigma ‘Contemporary’ lens series, on the other hand, are made with a plastic housing, which makes it more affordable but also less durable.
When it comes to choosing between standard Sigma lenses and Sigma Art lenses, it really depends on your needs as a photographer or videographer. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t require the absolute highest level of image quality, then a normal Sigma lens may be the right choice for you. However, if you demand the very best performance and image quality from your lenses, then a Sigma Art lens is the way to go.
What is 35mm Sigma Art lens used for?
The 35mm Sigma Art lens is a particularly popular and versatile option for many photographers and videographers. In fact, the 35mm focal length is my favourite to use. That’s a pretty geeky statement, but if you’ve already met me you know the cats out of the bag on that front.
The Sigma 35mm Art lens really shook the camera industry when it came out. Unlike Sigma lenses before it, the lens became known for its fast and accurate autofocus, as well as its extreme sharpness and high-quality image rendering. It’s an excellent option for capturing portraits, landscapes, and street photography, making it a go-to lens for many professional photographers.
One of the benefits of using a 35mm lens is its ability to produce images that are true to life, with minimal distortion or cropping. This makes it a great choice for capturing authentic and candid shots, particularly in low light settings where you want to maintain a natural look.
The 35mm lens’ wide f/1.4 aperture is also great for creating a shallow depth of field effect, which is especially useful for portrait photography. This effect blurs the background and focuses on the subject, creating a more visually appealing and professional-looking image. Additionally, the 35mm lens can be used for wider shots, making it a great option for contextual portraits.
If you decided to get the 35mm f/1.4 Sigma Art lens, it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals. Different versions of this lens are available, including those with narrower apertures, better weather sealing, and specialized coatings. It’s important to choose a lens that fits your budget, camera body, and shooting style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens for your camera can make a significant difference in the quality of your video and photography. In this article, we have covered the differences between Canon lenses and Sigma Art lenses, and we’ve provided tips for choosing the right lens for your specific needs. We also covered the three essential camera lenses, the most popular lenses used by professional photographers, and the benefits of using a Sigma Art lens for getting high quality at an affordable price.
When selecting a lens for your camera, it’s essential to consider factors such as focal length, aperture, and lens mount compatibility. Keep in mind that different lenses are better suited for different types of photography and videography, and the lens you choose should match your specific needs and goals.
In conclusion, the key to achieving excellent results in your video and photography is by selecting the right lens for your camera. By following the tips and information provided in this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and select a lens that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Buying lenses can be fun if you’re well informed. Have fun and happy shooting!
