The Best Lens for Shooting Videos on a Canon EOS Rebel Camera
When it comes to capturing high-quality videos with a Canon EOS Rebel camera, choosing the right lens is crucial. This article will help you navigate through the options to find the best lens for your needs. We will discuss different factors to consider, including focal length, aperture, build quality, and more.
Understanding Different Types of Lenses
When selecting a lens, the first question to ask is, “What are you shooting?” Different scenes and subjects require different focal lengths, apertures, and capabilities. While there are various ways to measure a lens, no single lens can do it all. Here are some key considerations:
Longest focal length: If you need to capture distant subjects like wildlife or sports, a lens with a longer focal length (such as 70-200mm, 300mm, 400mm, or 600mm) may be necessary. Widest field of view: For wide-angle scenes, a wider focal length (such as 17-50mm or 10-18mm) is ideal. Widest aperture: A lens with a wider aperture (f/1.8 or lower) allows more light into the camera and can create a shallower depth of field for better bokeh. Greatest resolving capability: Premium lenses often have higher resolving capability, but they are also heavier and larger. Best zoom: For flexibility, a lens with a good zoom range (not exceeding three times the zoom range for optimal performance) is wise. Lightest weight: If carrying the camera for long periods, a lighter lens is a better choice. Most compact: Compact lenses are perfect for travel and everyday use. Best bokeh: Lenses with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or lower) can create beautiful background blurs. Best macro ability: If macro shooting is a priority, a dedicated macro lens would be necessary. Prime or zoom: Prime lenses often provide better image quality, but zoom lenses offer more versatility. Some modern zoom lenses can match the performance of primes.The rule of thumb is not to exceed a three-times zoom range for the best optical performance. However, with advancements in technology, some modern zoom lenses can provide excellent performance similar to many prime lenses.
Specific Needs for Different Subjects
The choice of lens should be based on the specific needs of your subject. Here are some recommendations:
General Versatility
Canon Pancake 40mm: This lens is exceptional for both still photography and video shooting due to its compact design and built-in motor. Sigma 18–35mm f1.8: For those who don’t mind careful handling, this lens offers a wide aperture but lacks lens stabilization.Specific Recommendations
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens: A versatile lens that can handle a wide range of subjects. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens: A high-performance, lightweight, and versatile zoom lens. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM L Lens: A great lens for low-light conditions and creating beautiful bokeh. Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM Lens: Perfect for portraits and astrophotography. Rokinon Cine 85mm f/1.5 Lens: An excellent choice for close-up shots and videography. Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens: A wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes and wide scenes. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens: A compact wide-angle lens ideal for travel. Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Lens: Great for ultra-wide fisheye effects and extreme close-up shots.Conclusion and Budget Considerations
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your specific needs. If you're a professional videographer, you might find a combination of different lenses to suit various situations. For hobbyists or photographers on a budget, some older lenses can still deliver excellent results, such as the Nikon 28-70mm and 70-210mm pair that the author has been using for over a decade.
Henri Cartier-Bresson, a renowned photographer, used a single 50mm lens for his entire career. This shows that it's not necessary to spend a fortune to achieve great results.