APS-C lenses are fantastic for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Whether you’re a Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, or any other brand user, I’ve got you covered with top-notch recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
In today’s article, you’ll learn about APS-C lenses, my top picks, and some advice on shooting.
QUICK TAKE
- The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is my pick that is ideal for landscapes, architecture, and interiors
- The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is a prime lens that stands out for its affordability and quality
- APS-C lenses are generally more compact and budget-friendly than full-frame lenses
What Are APS-C Lenses
APS-C lenses are specially designed to complement cameras with APS-C sensors, which are smaller than full-frame sensors.
These lenses are crafted with precision to match the sensor size, resulting in stunning images with incredible clarity and sharpness.
Now, you might wonder, why should you care about these APS-C lenses when there are so many other options out there? Great question! Let’s break it down:
Size
First off, they are typically more compact and lighter than their full-frame counterparts, making them ideal for travel and outdoor shooting adventures.
Plus, they won’t weigh down your camera bag, so you can stay nimble and ready to capture that perfect shot at a moment’s notice.
Compatibility
The beauty of APS-C lenses lies in their compatibility with both DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Whether you’re rocking a Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, or any other brand, there’s an APS-C lens waiting to be your trusty sidekick.
You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues, as these lenses are tailor-made to fit your camera like a glove.
Versatility
One of the best things about APS-C lenses is their versatility.
They are your go-to buddies for various photography styles, from capturing breathtaking landscapes that stretch to the horizon to nailing those up-close and personal portrait shots with dreamy bokeh.
Budget-Friendly
If you’re on a budget (hey, we’ve all been there!), APS-C lenses are here to save the day. Compared to their full-frame cousins, APS-C lenses tend to be more budget-friendly without compromising on image quality. So, you can invest in a top-notch lens without breaking the bank.
Perfect for All
Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or you’re a seasoned pro, APS-C lenses are the way to go.
They offer a fantastic balance of performance and portability, making them suitable for both enthusiastic hobbyists and professional photographers seeking high-quality results.
7 Best APS-C Lenses for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
Here are the seven APS-C lenses for DSLR and mirrorless cameras that I recommend:
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD
- VC (Vibration Compensation)
- HLD (High/Low torque-modulated Drive)
- Moisture-resistant construction
The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD lens is absolutely awesome for wide-angle shots, giving you the same view as a 16-38mm lens on a regular APS-C camera.
It’s perfect for capturing those breathtaking landscapes, impressive architecture, and stunning interiors without any weird distortion.
Plus, the built-in image stabilization system ensures your photos stay super steady, and the fast autofocus works like a charm, even in dim lighting situations.
More Tamron lenses: 5 Best Tamron RF Lenses for Canon EOS R Cameras
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens - Lens Hood(LH-825-03) - Front & Rear Lens...
- Brand: Sigma
- MPN: 884101
If you want an all-around APS-C lens that can handle various types of photography, then the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens is a winner!
With a focal length equivalent to 27-112mm, it’s incredibly versatile, making it ideal for capturing everything from lovely portraits to lively events and even epic travel shots.
The wide aperture of f/2.8 at the lower end and f/4 at the telephoto end gives you that dreamy depth of field and ensures great performance in low-light conditions.
And, don’t forget about the macro mode, which lets you get super close to your subjects for those detailed shots with a minimum focusing distance of just 22cm.
Alternative Sigma lenses: Sigma RF Lenses: The Best Third-Party Lens for Canon EOS R
Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
- Covering three very popular short tele focal lengths when crop factor is considered...
- As an Art lens, the sharpness, even wide open, will rival primes while offering .
- expected to be widely popular with both still photographers and videographers
For action-packed shots and stunning wildlife photography, the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art telephoto lens is the best buddy for your APS-C camera.
Its 35mm equivalent focal length of 80-160mm gets you up close and personal with the action.
It boasts a fast f/1.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, creating absolutely stunning images with that beautiful background blur (also known as bokeh).
The autofocus is quick and precise, which is just what you need when capturing those fast-moving subjects in all their glory.
Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 11-22mm f/4-5.6
- Lens Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
- Diagonal Angle of View: 102�10'-63�30'
Designed specifically for Canon’s mirrorless cameras with EF-M mounts, the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is compact, lightweight, and incredibly convenient to carry around.
With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 18-35mm, it’s excellent for those fantastic wide-angle shots that will leave your audience in awe.
What’s more, the built-in image stabilization keeps things rock-steady, even if your hands shake a bit, and the autofocus is practically silent, so you won’t disturb anyone while trying to capture that perfect shot.
Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM
- Fixed focal length Lens with high image quality
- Bright f/1.4 maximum aperture
- 32mm field of view equivalent to 51mm on 35mm full-frame
If you’re all about prime lenses, then the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM kens is an absolute gem!
With a focal length equivalent to 51mm, it’s perfect for everyday shots and stunning portraits that will make your subjects shine.
The large f/1.4 aperture allows you to take jaw-dropping photos in low-light conditions, and the manual focus ring gives you precise control over your focus for that artistic touch.
Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR
- Greater Resolving Power to Offer Best Possible Image Quality
- Less Chromatic/Comatic Aberration and Beautiful Bokeh
- Fast, Quiet, and Smooth Focus
Now we’re talking about another awesome prime lens! The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR gives you a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27mm and is specially designed for Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras with the X-mount, like the X-T4 or X-S10.
Let me tell you, it’s a high-performance APS-C lens that’s all about delivering stunning images with incredible resolution and clarity.
The best part is the fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which means you’ll get amazing results even in low-light conditions.
And if you’re into that beautiful background blur (who isn’t?), this lens can create those shallow depth-of-field effects that make your subject stand out.
Fujifilm XF 70-300 f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
- ADAPTABLE BY NATURE: XF70-300mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a versatile lens, designed for...
- PUTTING IT ALL WITHIN REACH: XF70-300mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is compatible with the...
- APPRECIATE THE FINER THINGS: Conveying the true magic of an experience is as much...
This APS-C lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 107-457mm and is designed to work seamlessly with Fujifilm’s X-mount mirrorless cameras.
With its optical image stabilization system, you can say goodbye to camera shake worries, as it can reduce shake by up to 5.5 stops!
Plus, the linear motor ensures that the autofocus is not only fast but also super quiet, making it perfect for capturing those candid moments without any noise distractions.
Advise On Shooting
Ive got some fantastic tips and tricks to help you make the most of your APS-C lens and elevate your photography game like a pro:
Master the Focal Length
Understanding the focal length of your lens is crucial for creating captivating compositions.
Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes and impressive architectural shots, while telephoto lenses bring distant subjects up close and personal.
Experiment with different focal lengths to find your preferred style and to make the most of the lens’s unique capabilities.
Mind the Aperture
The aperture setting plays a vital role in your photography.
It controls the amount of light entering the lens and influences the depth of field. Wider apertures (lower f-stop numbers) create a shallow depth of field, perfect for isolating subjects from the background and achieving that dreamy bokeh effect.
Conversely, narrower apertures (higher f-stop numbers) are ideal for landscapes and achieving sharpness throughout the frame. Learn to balance aperture settings for various shooting situations.
Embrace Image Stabilization
Many APS-C lenses come equipped with built-in image stabilization, a valuable feature for handheld shooting.
This technology reduces camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths.
Activate image stabilization when needed, and consider using a tripod for maximum stability in challenging shooting scenarios.
Balance Lens Size and Weight
APS-C lenses are known for their portability and compact size. T
ake advantage of this by carrying your lens with you wherever you go, ready to capture unexpected moments and stunning landscapes.
Find the right balance between lens size and weight, considering your shooting preferences and comfort during extended sessions.
Clean and Protect Your Lens
Maintain your APS-C lens in top-notch condition by regularly cleaning it with a soft microfiber cloth. Dust and smudges can affect image quality, so treat your lens with care.
Consider using lens filters for protection against scratches, dust, and accidental impacts. They also open up creative possibilities by allowing you to experiment with various effects.
Last Word Of Advice
The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is my choice for wide-angle shots.
It’s equivalent to a 16-38mm lens on a regular APS-C camera, ideal for landscapes, architecture, and interiors.
It features built-in image stabilization and fast autofocus, even in low light.
The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is a prime lens that stands out for its affordability and quality.
With a focal length equivalent to 51mm, it’s perfect for everyday photography and portraits.
The large f/1.4 aperture allows for impressive low-light performance.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about some of the must-have APS-C lenses 🙂
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