![[Updated] Perfect Shots Start With The Right Camera & Lens Selection](https://thmb.techidaily.com/ea46c2c3bcce8249fe3c90a83e87a709d2898868b39864edef92685020cbb6c9.png)
[Updated] Perfect Shots Start With The Right Camera & Lens Selection
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Perfect Shots Start With The Right Camera & Lens Selection
A Vlogger’s Guide To Camera Lenses
Richard Bennett
Nov 01, 2022• Proven solutions
The staple of any vlog is the talking headshot, a shot of the speaker talking directly to the audience. You can compose this shot with different kinds of lenses for your interchangeable lens camera.
But which kind of lens is the right lens for you as a vlogger?
In this article, I’m going to help you figure that out.
- Part 1: Three Focal Length Groups: Wide, Standard, Telephoto
- Part 2: Vlogging With Each Focal Length Group
- Part 3: Crop Factor
- Part 4: Focal Length Equivalency Table
- Part 5: Aperture
- Part 6: Vlogging With a Fast Lens
- Part 7: Optical Image Stabilization
Three Focal Length Groups: Wide, Standard, Telephoto
There are three main ranges in focal lengths that camera lenses can be categorized into wide, standard, and telephoto.
Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-angle lenses can “see more.” They allow more of your scene to fit inside your frame. Objects that are closer to the lens appear much bigger while objects that are further away appear even smaller. Perspectives are also enhanced, making close objects and people that just make it into the sides of the frame appear more stretched out. Out of all the other ranges in focal lengths, wide-angle lenses will appear the least zoomed in.
Standard Lens
With standard lenses or normal lenses, you won’t get the stretched out objects or enhanced perspectives that you get from wide-angle lenses. Instead, standard lenses are meant to see scenes as the natural human eye is meant to see them. If you shoot a scene with both a wide-angle lens and a standard lens from the same position, you’ll notice that less of the scene fits into your frame. Standard lenses will appear more zoomed-in than wide-angle lenses, but less zoomed-in than telephoto lenses.
Telephoto Lens
Out of all the other ranges in focal lengths, telephoto lenses will appear the most zoomed in. This can be beneficial for the shooter who wants to get a closer shot of a scene without having to physically be in close proximity to the scene. Objects that are further away in the background also appear larger and closer than they would appear on wide-angle or standard lenses.
Vlogging With Each Focal Length Group
You can get your talking head footage using lenses from any of the three focal length groups. Depending on how you plan to vlog most of the time, though, one of the three focal lengths might be more suitable for you.
When to vlog with a wide-angle lens
Wide-angle lenses are the most commonly used lenses for vlogging. Wide-angle lenses are great when you need to be close to your camera. This might be the case for you if your recording space is small or if you want to film yourself as you hold your camera up with your own hand.
Being close to your camera not only gives you the option to use your camera’s built-in microphone, but it also gives you the option to make use of camera-mounted shotgun microphones.
When to vlog with a standard lens
Standard lenses are great when you have more space to be further away from your camera. The perspectives in your shot will look more natural through a standard lens, making your talking head footage feel more corporate or professional. You’ll also be able to get blurrier backgrounds using a standard lens versus a wide-angle lens.
Being further away from your camera, however, means that you’ll have to use a separate microphone positioned closer to you.
When to vlog with a telephoto lens
As telephoto lenses are even more zoomed in, you’ll need to be even further away from your camera to fit yourself inside your camera frame. Why would any vlogger ever need to be that far away from their camera? One word… teleprompter. If you want or need to stick to a script, you’ll have to be far away enough from your camera that it doesn’t appear like your eyes are scanning left to right. You then close in the distance with a telephoto lens.
In the above video, Marcos Rocha compares different focal lengths for talking head videos. Which focal length range do you like the look of?
Crop Factor
Focal lengths in camera lenses are measured in millimeters. You can vlog yourself handheld with a 24mm lens on a camera with a full-frame sensor (the sensor is the piece of hardware inside your camera that turns the light it receives into a digital image). But if you use a 24mm lens on a camera with a smaller sensor, like an APS-C sensor or even smaller Micro 4/3 sensor, more of you will get cropped out (see below).
In order to make up for the cropping that occurs, you will need to use a wider lens on cameras with smaller sensors to get the same shot you’d get with a full-frame camera.
Focal Length Equivalency Table
This table shows you the focal lengths needed to achieve the same shot between cameras with different sensor sizes. In order to take a shot as wide as the shot I took of myself with the 24mm lens on my full-frame camera, I would need a 15mm lens on an APS-C sensor camera or a 12mm lens on a micro 4/3 camera.
Focal Length / Sensor | Full Frame | APS-C | Micro 4/3 |
---|---|---|---|
Wide (Handheld Selfie-Safe) | 16mm | 10mm | 8mm |
Wide (Handheld Selfie-Safe) | 18mm | 11mm | 9mm |
Wide (Handheld Selfie-Safe) | 24mm | 15mm | 12mm |
Wide | 35mm | 22mm | 18mm |
Standard | 50mm | 31mm | 25mm |
Telephoto | 70mm | 44mm | 35mm |
Telephoto | 100mm | 63mm | 50mm |
Telephoto | 200mm | 125mm | 100mm |
Aperture
The next thing to consider when you’re looking for a lens is the aperture, the hole (often adjustable) within the lens that lets light in. Aperture for camera lenses is measured in f-stops (f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.0) - the smaller the f-stop number, the larger the aperture (bigger hole letting even more light in).
Because larger aperture lenses let more light in, they need a shorter time for cameras to compose an image. This is why larger aperture lenses are also called “fast” lenses.
Fast lenses are more expensive because they cost more to produce. There’s a lot more that goes into them, including larger and higher quality glass elements.
But do you even need a fast lens?
Vlogging With a Fast Lens
Pros of Vlogging With a Fast Lens
- Better low-light performance
- Better autofocus performance
- Better “bokeh” (out-of-focus areas, like your background, having that nice blurry look that you see in a lot of movies)
Cons of Vlogging With a Fast Lens
- More expensive
- Moving subjects more likely to get out of focus when shooting with a large aperture
- Better continuous autofocus performance needed when shooting moving subjects with a large aperture
Optical Image Stabilization
Finally, you’ll have to decide whether or not you want your lens to have built-in optical image stabilization (OIS).
OIS is very beneficial to have on a lens if you’re a vlogger who films mostly handheld footage. Although this technology adds to the price of your lens as well, it can greatly help you to capture smoother footage that may otherwise be shaky. Nikon calls this technology “Vibration Reduction” (VR) for their lenses.
In the above video, you can see how much OIS can help to stabilize your footage. MicBergsma simultaneously compares the footage between two GoPro Hero5 Blacks, one with OIS on and one with OIS off.
If, however, you are shooting most of your vlogs on a tripod, you won’t need a lens with OIS.
Looking for ways to set up your talking-head shot for YouTube with any of these lenses? Check out our post on 4 Ways To Set Up Your Talking-Head Shots For YouTube .
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Also read:
- [Updated] In 2024, Avoiding Common Errors Perfect Tripod Usage in Video Production
- [New] 2024 Approved Essential Video Promo Tips for Startups (Infographic)
- [New] In 2024, Adopting Nature-Positive Policies in Urban Governance
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Building Engaging Learning Experiences YouTube as Your Classroom Screen
- [Updated] Launching Success on YouTube Tutorial with Two Strategies
- [Updated] B-Roll Builder Kit for 2024
- In 2024, Your Quick Guide to Securing a Youtube Revenue Stream
- [Updated] The Definitive List YouTube's Premier Making-Up Masters
- [New] 2024 Approved Elite' Writes on 10 Free Video Transcript Extractors
- [New] Transforming Your Videos for IGTV Excellence (3 Methods)
- [Updated] How to Make a Cool Intro for YouTube? [+Free Templates]
- [Updated] YouTube Earnings Standards New Rules & Tips
- [New] 2024 Approved Effortless YouTube Video to Text Conversion at No Cost
- [Updated] From Still Photos to Dynamic Video How To Use Your Cellular Device
- [Updated] 2024 Approved 24 Hour Heavyweights Top 10 Most Watched on YT
- [Updated] Hitting the High Scores with YouTube Gaming Livestreams
- Rapid Learning From Images To Effective YouTube Thumbnails for 2024
- [New] In 2024, Educator Elite Selective Learning YT Channels
- [New] In 2024, Educational Power Leveraging YouTube in Academic Settings
- [New] Transform Your Channel's Income The Monetization Magic with 500+ Fans
- [Updated] In 2024, A Symphony of Streams Harmonizing Your Multiple YouTube Views
- [New] 2024 Approved Culinary Callings Innovative Naming for Foodie Channels
- [Updated] Smooth Streaming Selective Stabilizer Guidebook
- Tailoring Your Video Content for Wide Platform Distribution for 2024
- [New] 2024 Approved Designing Youtube Ads That Grab Attention A Compreeher Guide
- Unleash More Views on YouTube with Pro Tag Optimization for 2024
- [New] In 2024, Clean Soundscape YouTube Audio Enhancement Guide
- Step by Step Wiping Out YouTube Video Downloads for 2024
- [Updated] Designing Your Musical Journey YouTube Playlist Construction Tips Web/App for 2024
- [New] YouTube's Trophy Chain for Engaged Audiences
- [Updated] Capture Your Audience The Smartphone Guide to YouTube Thumbnails for 2024
- [Updated] Masterclass on Minimizing Video Footage in YouTube
- YouTube Producers' Favorite Cameras & Lenses for 2024
- The Speedy Path to Flawless YouTube Subtitling & CC Integration for 2024
- [New] In 2024, Blueprinting Engaging Content Layouts on YouTube
- [New] In 2024, Boosting Buzz & Views Masterful Strategies for YouTube Success
- [New] In 2024, Accelerate Video Processing for YouTube Uploads
- [Updated] Content Composer Arena for 2024
- Unveiling Effective Techniques for YouTube Video Thumbnail Designs for 2024
- [New] Download YouTube Playlists with Ease - Our Instructions for 2024
- [Updated] From Novice to Pro Mastering the Craft of YT Shorts
- [Updated] Seamless Screen Sequences Cycle YouTube on Your Television
- [Updated] Mind Matters Top Educational YouTube Picks
- [New] In 2024, Digital Dominion for Techno Gamers
- [New] In 2024, Exclusive List of Premium Online & Desktop GIF Makers
- [Updated] The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing YouTube Content - 2024 Edition
- [New] 2024 Approved Evaluating Mr. Beast’s Fortune
- [Updated] Quick-Subscribe Does It Really Amplify Watch Time?
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Avoiding Storage Woes Removing YouTube Media
- [Updated] Prime Quickplay Best Fluid Games For Tablets & Laptops
- How to Fix My Motorola G54 5G Location Is Wrong | Dr.fone
- New 2024 Approved The Noise-Free Zone Step-by-Step Guide to Refining Audio Quality with Audacity and FilmoraPro
- [New] Become an Insta Celebrity Overnight Top 15 Strategies From Social Media Experts for 2024
- New 8 Free Title Makers to Use for 2024
- Pixels to Percussion Composing Visuals in Video for 2024
- [Updated] In 2024, Pure Sound Capture on Your Mac
- In 2024, How to Unlock Xiaomi Redmi Note 12R Phone without PIN
- [New] The Ultimate Guide to Efficiently Using Look-Up Tables (LUTs)
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Evaluating the Performance of Free2WebCam Recorders
- [Updated] The Ultimate List of Immersive Game Worlds
- [New] Insta-Moments of Laughter & Tears in Top Meme Groups for 2024
- [Updated] Ultimate Playbook Cutting-Edge Methods for Remarkable Mobizen Recordings
- How To Unlock a Motorola Moto G04 Easily?
- [New] The Art of Blending Digital Canvases
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Navigating IG Videos Successfully Building an Efficient Marketing Blueprint
- [New] Illuminating iPhone Luminary Strategies
- New Video Editing on a Mac? Here Are the Best Software Choices
- Updated Advanced Techniques for Audio-Video Detachment in Adobe Premiere Pro Projects for 2024
- [New] The Filmmaker’s Toolbox In-Depth Guide to Cinematic Techniques in '24
- 2024 Approved Versatile Tips for Avoiding VR Motion Sickness
- 2024 Approved Top Stock Photos Their Journey to Internet Fame
- Text To Speech | Wondershare Virbo Online
- New From Chorus to Silence Proven Tactics for Singularizing Lyrics Within Harmonized Audios
- In 2024, Foodie Festivals Viral Virtues of TikTok Meals
- [New] In 2024, Top 15 Simulation Games for Android
- [Updated] 2024 Approved Hashtag Bites 10 Viral Recipes on TikTok
- What To Do When ZTE Blade A73 5G Has Black Screen of Death? | Dr.fone
- How to Transfer Data from ZTE Axon 40 Lite to BlackBerry | Dr.fone
- [Updated] In 2024, Uniting Communication & Visuals A Detailed Plan for Slack + Filmora Meetings
- Updated Tips That Show Anybody on Youtube to Mp3 Converter Review for 2024
- New 2024 Approved Create A Freeze Frame Sequence In Your Videos
- [New] Superior Methods OBS Streaming Onto Facebook for 2024
- Navigating Nocturnal Images on iPhones
- New In 2024, 10 Essential Online Resources for Generating Perfect Waveforms
- [New] Comparative Analysis of Screen Capture Software OBS and Fraps
- [Updated] Cutting-Edge Video Collaboration Platform by Microsoft
- YouTube's New Look - Shorts Now on Screen
- 2024 Approved Optimal Viewport Adjustment IPhone's Zooming Guide
- Camera Woes Over OBS Now Functioning
- Fake the Location to Get Around the MLB Blackouts on Tecno Spark 20 | Dr.fone
- Title: [Updated] Perfect Shots Start With The Right Camera & Lens Selection
- Author: Kenneth
- Created at : 2024-06-05 09:10:45
- Updated at : 2024-06-06 09:10:45
- Link: https://facebook-video-footage.techidaily.com/updated-perfect-shots-start-with-the-right-camera-and-lens-selection/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.