Best Lens For Vlogging To Record Better Video
Did you just scroll through to check the best lens for vlogging? Then you are in the right place. It is entirely possible that you can just whip out your smartphone and start vlogging via its front camera. Still, if you really want that professional-grade video quality, you need to have a professional camera.
It's also necessary that the lens you want to possess complements your camera's video quality. In this article, I will be providing you with a list of the ten best lenses for vlogging. I've included lenses from Canon, Nikon, Tamron, Sigma, and Sony.
Choose the lens that fits your camera and sensor format. I've also given tips to purchase the best lens for vlogging, which you find after the lenses review content. Make sure you take the crop factor of 1.5x or 1.6x in case your using a full-frame lens on an APS-C body. Also, purchase a lens with OSS (Optical steady shot) if your camera doesn't have any stabilization feature. Let's begin.
10 BEST LENS FOR VLOGGING REVIEW
1. Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Contemporary DC DN - BEST ULTRA-WIDE LENS FOR CANON M50
PRODUCT DETAILS:
- Lens: Wide Angle.
FEATURES: Best for vloggers who would like more of the background setup to be visible in their vlogs. You will not have any issues in low-lights as the lens has got a wide aperture of f/1.4. The DC DN indicates that the lens uses an APS-C sensor format.
DESIGN: I felt the lens to be slightly heavy (405gms) when compared to its 30mm and 56mm models. But while using the lens with an M50 camera, it's not too heavy anyways. It feels very solid and is easy to handle as well.
I chose this lens for videos due to many reasons. In terms of design, the feature that amazed me the most is its stepper motor technology. Wow! I don't have to worry about a noisy AF anymore.
Secondly, the manual focus ring is very sturdy, which will enable easy rotation while shooting vlogs. When it comes to the internal structure, it's got a 9 bladed diaphragm to give you that pleasing bokeh effect.
The reason behind the lens being slightly heavy is because it's got high-performance glasses like 3 FLD glasses, 2 SLD glasses, and 2 aspherical elements. Thanks to the presence of these elements, you will not have any aberrations or distortion in your videos. Thirdly, it's got a larger filter thread of 67mm in the front of the lens.
PERFORMANCE: I was eager to shoot videos with this lens on my M50, and I should say the results are amazing. Most YouTubers love this lens as it gives a perfect background blur. So, if you're a product influencer, you'll be happy that only the gadgets are in the entire focus.
Also, I recommend this lens for travel vloggers as it will get most of the background covered in the frame. Travel shoots require a perfect low-light lens, and this lens is the best choice for that as the wide aperture allows more light to enter the lens, thus making dim shots brighter!
I'm only mentioning product influencers and travel vloggers here, but the lens also works great for storytelling, interviews, etc. Simply speaking, it will fit anyone who would love a larger frame.
The only thing I felt missing in this lens is the lack of an image-stabilization feature. Luckily my M50 has in-body stabilization, so it wasn't a big issue to me.
Overall, a lens that excels in everything: a wide-angle, low-light performer, wonderful bokeh effect, fast and silent AF, sturdy build. And the best part is that you get all these features in a single lens that too at an affordable price. Isn't it rightly placed in this list of the best lens for vlogging! I'm sure you're going to buy one now!
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2. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens - BEST TALK-TO- CAMERA LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES: This wide-angle zoom lens is a favorite choice among YouTubers as 16mm gives you a wide-angle letting the background be seen, and the 35mm will make you feel that the camera is not right on your face. Are you getting my point? Unlike the above lens that was for a crop-sensor camera, this is for all full-frame camera owners.
DESIGN: When compared to the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens, this feels a little bit heavy (1.3 pounds). But it's got features like image stabilization, ring-type ultra-sonic motor for silent AF while shooting videos, and is also weather-sealed.
Another factor liked about the lens is its ability to zoom internally. This is very important while shooting vlogs and video stuff. Again with this lens, also you get a beautiful bokeh effect—the reason being the presence of a 9 bladed circular diaphragm.
PERFORMANCE: This lens is for vloggers. Seriously! Because as vloggers, some days, you may be on a wonderful background setup with lightings, candles. Somedays, your studio will look messy, as it happens with most of us; in that case, you will want only your face to be in the frame right!
This lens perfectly fits into this scenario. I'll tell you how. With a 16mm focal range, you get a wide-angle, so both you and the background is entirely visible, and when you zoom into 35mm, you can even shoot sitting on a messy floor because only face will be visible that too you will not feel like the camera is right on your face. It will only feel realistic.
Moving to the low-light performance, this lens will not rightly justify it like the previous lens. But I' wouldn't say it's abysmal in low-lights; instead, I would say it's decent but not great. If you wish to have the same focal length range with a f/2.8 bright aperture, try purchasing the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L ll USM. It's got the same specs only with a change in aperture, but it's even more costly.
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3. SONY SELP1650 16-50MM POWER ZOOM LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES: If you want a lens that will give a cinematic feel to your vlogs, then this should be one. As this is a kit lens, you get the image stabilization in-built with the lens, so you don't have to worry if your camera doesn't have an in-body stabilizer.
DESIGN: Unlike the previous lenses, this lens feels very compact. It only weighs around 117 grams, can you believe that! Secondly, you will not find separate rings for zoom and focus as there is a single dual-function zoom/focus ring.
Now, I'll you how this lens is best for vlogging. While shooting, you may have to zoom in and zoom out as per the need. In that case, how amazing if there was a facility that will allow the lens front to extend when powered on and get back by itself when powered off. Great, right! this is what is called a power zoom facility, and this lens has that.
You've got to press the PZ present on the lens barrel if you wish to enable this zoom function. If you feel that you need to zoom manually, the lens also allows you to do that anyway.
PERFORMANCE: We know that a 50mm becomes handy on days where we don't feel like setting the background. That's why I, too, like the lens; not only that, I can use the smaller focal length of 16mm when I want to showcase the background.
This lens could have been supreme for travel vloggers if it had a smaller aperture, though. But as for the 3.5 to 5.6 aperture range, you get a moderate level of blurred backgrounds when zoomed in. I wouldn't recommend using the lens for low-lights as it's not great at it.
However, you can focus on subjects that are a bit from you when you're planning to set it at 50mm. If you're the person who's going to be projected on the frame, you might have to speak louder as you will be a bit far from the camera.
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4. CANON EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM - BEST WIDE ANGLE LENS FOR VLOGGING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES: If your vlogs need to show your entire studio setup, then there can be no better lens than this. Like the Sony 16-50mm lens, this lens has got an image stabilization feature so you can comfortably shoot your videos with no jiggles or camera shakes.
DESIGN: This lens is made up of plastic, which inherently seems like a negative point. Still, a plastic body seems better for vlogging because it does not add much weight, and it is still durable.
Another major factor for why I consider the ES-S 10-18mm to be a great pick for vloggers is that Stepper Motor Technology gives you fast autofocus with no noise.
PERFORMANCE: This lens will fit videos/vlogs that don't require much background blur. If you own a lifestyle YouTube channel or cooking channel, I think this lens should work fine. For example, if you want to shoot a vlog in a landscape format and want the things present on the shelf to be in sharp focus, then this is a great choice.
But this lens wouldn't be great for marketing products as those types of videos will look clean only when the product seems sharp while the rest is blurred.
Overall, an excellent lens for vlogging if you have a bright background and you're on a tight budget.
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5. NIKON AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens - BEST AUTOFOCUS LENS FOR VLOGGING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES: The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED takes the cake to be the zoom lens that provides the widest viewing angle. The field of view on this camera is equivalent to one on a focal length of 15 to 36mm in FX format (note: it is not made for FX format, but it will work from about 18 mm-24 mm).
DESIGN: The build quality of this lens is awesome, and is worth the price point. It is a mixture of metal and polycarbonate. When you hold the camera, it seems solid and has that premium heavy feel to it.
It's got a stepper motor for giving you a fast AF while shooting videos.
PERFORMANCE: I would like to put it in simple words. Suppose you want a lens that will do the same job as that of the above-mentioned Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 you can for this lens. The only difference is that you will be mounting this lens on a Nikon APS-C camera.
The purpose of the lens remains almost the same. You can take bright vlogs as long as you're in a studio setup. Even in slightly dark conditions, it performs appreciably because the aperture range isn't very narrow so that it will capture an ample amount of light.
But in very dark environments, this lens is not recommended. If you're looking for a better performer checkout the NIKON Z 14-30MM F/4 as if you posses a Nikon Z mount camera.
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6. TAMRON SP - BEST BUDGET LENS FOR VLOGGING
The names of these lenses always fascinate me. The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 VC XR Di ll LD is a standard zoom, fast aperture lens with hood for Canon DSLR cameras. The SP in its name stands for "super-performance" so I naturally went into testing with high expectations and I am not disappointed, but I would say that calling it super performance is a bit of an overkill.
This best lens for vlogging has a constant aperture of f/2.8 regardless of which it is quite lightweight and easy to handle. The in-built motor for focusing claims to be silent which isn't exactly noise-free but is quiet enough to not come into notice after a while and the focus is internal so nothing outside, except for the focus ring, moves.
This lens performed fantastically across all focal lengths by being able to produce sharp quality images. This is a great mid-range zoom lens for beginners and amateurs.
With that said, it has one major drawback. It is manufactured without any permissions from Nikon or Canon, so for the most part, it should fit your camera and not cause issues but, well, there is a chance always with unauthorized equipment to not work as intended.
However, I have seen almost no complaints about that and obviously, it can be returned if something goes wrong. The performance was okay in my various tests and I would recommend this as a budget option for beginners. Not for professionals.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
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7. SONY E 10-18MM - BEST OSS LENS FOR VLOGGING
When you use a different camera system than the traditional ones, you are bound to run into some predictable problems. It is like driving a Tesla, it is awesome but you cannot just take it to any mechanic. The same applies here. The Sony - E 10-18mm F4 OSS is a mount lens for the NEX system.
With a limited number of lens options, Sony had to make this lens worth it and it honestly is except one problem. I'll address that in the cons. Diving deep, you will notice this lens is built entirely of metal so naturally has a heavy, premium feel to it with no switches located on the outside. Yes, not even a button for turning off stabilization but why would you?
In terms of performance, well, this lens is a bit of a niche at the end of the day with its disappointing 8mms range but then again, you are aware of that and you aren't getting it for its range rather its ability to take dramatic wide-angle shots which it does perfectly.
This lens allows an almost 360-degree field of view and taking panorama shots is really easy. However, for vlogging, the only reason you would consider this lens is if you own a NEX shooter and want to vlog using this wide-angle lens. Again, it is a niche lens so it is quite hard to objectively say how good it is. Yet another hit or miss situation.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
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8. ROKINON 35MM T1.5 ED AS IF UMC
Rokinon 35mm T1.5 ED AS IF UMC seems to be one of those lenses that do not get the appreciation they deserve, probably because of the company's name. The company doesn't have a bad name or nothing, they just aren't exactly mainstream, but they certainly made a quality product. It is quite a capable lens.
The 35mm provides the lens with a generous zoom range along with really pretty looking normal distance and close up shots. This lens is perfect for filmmakers. Everything on it is manual and everything is in your control, which may be a plus or a negative depending upon your perspective.
The lens itself does require a support system, so that takes a point away from it for vlogging purposes. It is made of plastic but does not feel very good, but at this price, it is acceptable. With that said, the videos that you shoot from this do look amazing. I would rate this as a decent budget option.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
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9. NIKON Z 14-30MM F/4 S
Straight up, I find 0 issues on this lens and for a 1000 dollar plus, I would certainly expect it to be perfect. This ultra-wide lens provides you with really awesome quality pictures, sharp and full of detail. I know I kind of bashed how costly it was, but it is priced quite competitively, so it's not like the price is unreasonable.
The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is really compact and looks almost like a starter lens, but it feels and has all the features of a premium lens. You won't go wrong with this, especially if a wide-angle lens is what you want.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
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10. SONY 16-35MM VARIO-TESSAR
The last pick in our list of best lens for vlogging is Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar lens, which is an ultra-wide lens you should consider if money isn't a major factor and you are looking for a reliable lens. Sony is known for making great lenses and this one is no exception.
It is able to capture dramatic ultra-wide shots with its 16mm coverage, which understatedly is not everyone's thing but if it is yours, you should definitely consider this lens.
A lens with this wide of a lens is definitely a plus for videos and it also is optically stabilized, adding to the quality of your vlogs. I was impressed by the build quality, it is dust and moisture resistant but at the same time, at this price, it better. There is some distortion at f/4 but it is manageable.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
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TIPS TO PURCHASE THE BEST LENS FOR VLOGGING
As I always say, It's necessary to go through the factors that make a lens suitable for a particular task. There are many camera lens specs and factor one need to consider, however, here, I'll explain briefly what should be looked upon in a lens, for shooting vlogs.
FOCAL LENGTH
Yes, when it comes to vlogging, I know that there are only two heroes: A wide-angle prime and a wide-angle zoom.
But according to the types of vlogs you'll be shooting; you need to select the focal length and aperture.
For example, if you want to shoot a travel vlog, you need to go for a lens that is around 16-35mm on a full-frame or 10-18mm on a crop sensor. An aperture greater than f/2.8 is essential for dark-lit conditions. Only then will the lens be able to capture more light making your videos look brighter.
For taking tutorial videos and other talk-to-camera needs again, a 16-35mm and a wide-aperture lens does the job. If you want your background to be visible, go for smaller focal lengths less than 16mm. Otherwise, if you want only a part of your workspace, say your table and you to be visible in the frame, a 35mm focal length is the best.
In case you want a more dramatic/filmy feel to your vlogs, a 50mm lens is recommended. This focal lens will help you get flattered videos of the person you're shooting, but sometimes you might feel that the camera is right in front of you because a 50mm lens cuts the background on the frame.
A telephoto lens of around 85mm minimum focal length is excellent for shooting behind the scenes or any kind of documentary videos because you can focus from a distance. Even for capturing side-shots of celebrities from a distance, a telephoto range of around 85mm is suitable.
APERTURE
In the case of aperture, if you will use the camera in a bright setup, a maximum aperture range of f/3.5 - 5.6 is sufficient. But for low-lights, it is compulsory that the lens has a wide aperture greater than f/2.8.
IMAGE STABILIZATION
If the camera you possess doesn't have in-body stabilization, it's compulsory that the lens you are looking to purchase for vlogging has it. Otherwise, camera shakes and micro jiggles will lead to getting shaky videos, and that's not needed while taking a vlog.
Some lenses have VC or VR features; while everything ultimately means the same, it will help videos remain stable throughout the clip.
AUTOFOCUS
Though manual focusing works best for videos, sometimes you'll need autofocusing. It all depends on the need for the shoot. So, make sure the lens allows autofocus for videography.
Also, go for a lens that ensures fast and silent AF, as This is very much needed for videos. Select a lens that uses an STM or USM motor for autofocusing as both provide a less noisy AF and are also fast.
LIGHTWEIGHT LENS
Purchase a lens that is lightweight and comfortable on your camera; otherwise, the camera screws that help your lens stay in place will get loose also your shootings will become tiresome.
POWER ZOOM
This feature will allow the lens front to extend when the camera is powered on and get back when the camera is powered off. So, you don't have to zoom manually while shooting vlogs. This is there for achieving smooth zooming and prevent jerks that occur while zooming manually.
CONCLUSION
That concludes this article, the above were 10 best lens for vlogging. They are in no particular order nor in direct comparison with each other considering the variety of different features they boast and the difference in their price.
I tried to add a lens in the list for everyone, from a budget lens for beginners to expensive ones for all you professionals out there. I hope this article about best lens for vlogging helped you and you start or continue vlogging!
