10 Lenses that Make APS-C Better than Full Frame

Summary

This video highlights 10 exceptional lenses designed specifically for APS-C cameras, offering unique benefits that full-frame lenses cannot match. The lenses discussed include wide-angle, zoom, and anamorphic options, each praised for attributes like affordability, sharpness, and specialized features such as cinematic effects or superior image stabilization. Standout lenses include the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8, Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8, and an anamorphic 35mm lens, all delivering outstanding performance. These lenses are ideal for photographers and videographers seeking high-quality images, creative control, and versatility without needing full-frame camera systems.

Takeaways

• 📸 APS-C lenses offer unique advantages, such as smaller size and lower price, compared to full-frame cameras.
• 💡 The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens is highly recommended for APS-C cameras due to its sharpness and performance, and it can even outperform native lenses when adapted to other camera systems.
• 🔍 The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 lens offers versatility with image stabilization, making it an excellent choice for travel and general use, with no full-frame equivalent.
• 🎬 Anamorphic lenses, like the 35mm f/1.8, provide cinematic effects by stretching the sensor image, offering a widescreen format without resolution loss.
• 🎥 The 75mm f/1.8 anamorphic lens pairs well with the 35mm, offering cinematic looks with unique bokeh and barrel distortion.
• 🌍 The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 lens delivers high-quality, wide-angle images with minimal distortion, making it a favorite for immersive photography.
• 🔧 The Meike 10mm f/2 manual focus lens is praised for its image quality, especially in its cinema version, and is ideal for ultra-wide shots.
• 🔭 The Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 is noted for its sharpness, even at wide apertures, and is considered one of the best budget-friendly lenses available.
• 🔧 Manual focus lenses, like the 35mm f/0.95, provide high-quality image output at affordable prices, making them valuable despite lacking autofocus.
• 🐜 The Astora 18mm f/8 probe lens is unique for macro photography and videography, especially for close-ups, and offers surreal, cinematic visuals.

Q & A

What is the primary advantage of APS-C lenses over full-frame lenses?

APS-C lenses take advantage of the smaller sensor size, offering benefits such as lower price points, smaller size, and certain unique features that aren't available in full-frame lenses. Some lenses even lack full-frame equivalents.

What makes the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens special for APS-C users?

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens is notable for its constant f/1.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, sharpness that rivals prime lenses, and compatibility across different systems via adapters. It is also highly regarded for its autofocus performance, often outperforming native lenses on adapted cameras.

Why is the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 considered a versatile lens for APS-C cameras?

The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 offers a wide zoom range, f/2.8 aperture, and image stabilization. It’s a highly versatile lens for travel, landscape, and portrait photography, and doesn't have a direct full-frame equivalent with all these features.

What are the key benefits of using anamorphic lenses like the 35mm f/1.8 in videography?

Anamorphic lenses provide a cinematic widescreen effect without cropping the image, preserving resolution. They also add unique optical characteristics like oval bokeh and subtle barrel distortion, contributing to a more cinematic and immersive visual style.

Why is the 13mm f/1.4 lens by Viltrox particularly favored for wide-angle shots on APS-C cameras?

The Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 provides an effective field of view equivalent to 20mm on full-frame, which is a popular choice for wide-angle photography. It offers excellent sharpness with minimal distortion, making it ideal for immersive, natural-looking wide shots.

What makes the 10mm f/2 lens by Meike/Miky notable in terms of wide-angle photography?

The 10mm f/2 lens by Meike/Miky offers an ultra-wide-angle perspective, creating an almost surreal look. Despite being a manual focus lens, it delivers excellent optical performance at an affordable price, making it a favorite for ultra-wide-angle enthusiasts.

What are the standout features of the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 lens?

The Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 lens is praised for its fast aperture, offering incredible sharpness from center to corners even at f/1.2. This combination of a wide aperture and sharp image quality is rare, especially at its price point, making it a top choice for APS-C users.

Why is the Laowa 18mm f/8 probe lens considered unique in terms of photography and videography?

The Laowa 18mm f/8 probe lens stands out due to its macro capabilities and waterproof design, which allow for close-up, immersive shots of subjects like insects or underwater scenes. It can be used for creative shots, offering a perspective not achievable with most traditional lenses.

What is the significance of the final mystery lens used to shoot the video?

The final mystery lens is made by a third-party manufacturer known for high-quality APS-C lenses. It is popular for YouTube content creators due to its ability to create a blurred background and high-quality image. The specific lens was not disclosed, but it is implied to be widely recommended for APS-C cameras.

How does manual focusing impact the usability of certain lenses, and is it a major drawback?

While manual focus can be challenging for some, experienced users often find it intuitive, especially for video work. Many high-quality manual focus lenses, such as the 35mm f/0.95, offer optical performance that exceeds autofocus lenses at a fraction of the price, making them a worthwhile choice for those comfortable with manual focusing.