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Expert Tips for Selecting Lenses as a Video Blogger for 2024
Expert Tips for Selecting Lenses as a Video Blogger
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
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
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
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
Voice Change Innovations for YouTubers & Their Videos
Are you looking for the best voice-changing app for your YouTube channel?
Creating a YouTube video with professional output is straightforward, but many people find it challenging because they do not have the right vlogging tools at their disposal. There are countless vlogging tools and one of them is the voice changer.
With a voice-changing app, you can create multiple voices for one video clip with complete ease. Voice changer supports several background sound effects that you can import to spice up your content before uploading it on YouTube. The app makes your videos fun and interesting to watch that then drives traffic to your channel.
Presently, there is an array of YouTube voice-changers available online. While some are top-notch, others are nothing to write about. In this article, we will share with you some top-level YouTube voice-changers recommended by experts in the industry. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Part 1. Best Voice Changers for YouTubers
Here are the top 7 YouTube voice-changing apps available on the global market today:
1. AthTek [Online & Free]
AthTek is one the world-leading voice-changing apps suitable for Windows operating systems. This simple yet powerful app is well-customized with powerful features such as pitch and speed enhancer. The app allows you to edit your audio recordings easily and quickly.
It provides you with a comprehensive user interface that lets you switch your voice without stress. Compared to other voice-changers, AthTek stands out. The app integrates perfectly with platforms like Skype, etc.
AthTek is a fantastic voice changer, however, it isn’t without its dark sides. AthTek is not a real-time voice-changing app. Hence, you can only use it with ready-made sound recordings.
How to Use AthTek YouTube Voice Changer
Follow the procedure below to use the AthTek voice changing app on your YouTube channel:
Step1 Download AthTek from the official website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app, and launch it. When AthTek opens, the interface below will appear on your display screen:
Locate the Browse button beside File Path, and click on it. AthTek will automatically direct you to your local storage.
Step2 Choose your desired audio file from the list available on your computer, and tap the Open button. AthTek will immediately upload the audio file on its interface. The page below will come up on your screen:
Step3 Now move to the Change Parameter section and make the necessary adjustments. Once that’s set, click on the Play button to preview the audio file. If satisfied, tap on Export, choose a destination path and click on Save.
2. Voicechanger.io
Voicechanger.io is a cloud-based program that enables you to upload and edit audio files conveniently without distorting the quality. The program also allows you to record your voice, and add effects with complete ease. It’s an easy-to-use voice changer with no operating system limitations. Aside from voice changing, Voicechanger.io supports speech-to-text. Thus, you can convert speech to text without stress.
How to Use Voicechanger.io
Step1 With the help of an internet-enabled computer system, navigate to the official webpage for Voicechanger.io. The page below will come up if all goes well:
Step2 Choose your preferred audio input method to proceed. Should you select Upload audio, you will be directed to your local drive where your recordings are stored. Choose an audio file, and click on Open.
However, should you pick the Use microphone option, you will be prompted to grant access to the mic. Click on the appropriate key to complete this step.
3. Voxal Voice Changer
Voxal Voice Changer is another quality app mostly used by Mac owners to manipulate audio recordings. It’s also suitable for editing real-time chat audio recordings. The app provides you with several preset voices that you can select from to make your sound recordings fun to listen to.
Additionally, you have the privilege to customize the background effects that you could be used at any time. Voxal Voice Changer is a simple app with zero restrictions in the free version. It also offers paid versions with additional features for professional YouTubers. Besides editing ready-made audio, the app does allow you to create voice recordings.
How to Use Voxal Voice Changer
Here is the detailed procedure to use the Voxal Voice Changer app:
Step1 From the official website for Voxal, download and install a compatible version of the app on your computer system. Wait until the installation is successful and launch the app for usage.
When the interface above appears, locate the Menu drop-down menu at the top left corner of your display screen. Select File > Import Voice. Your local storage will automatically appear.
Step2 Choose an audio recording or voice to import on the Voxal Voice Changer interface, and tap on Open. After uploading the file, select a voice effect on the left sidebar.
Step3 Now click on the green Preview button at the top menubar. Listen to the audio file with the chosen effect. If satisfied, export the file to your preferred storage path.
4. Skype Voice Changer
As the name implies, this app is built for you to conceal your voice when using Skype social media platform. It can also serve as a voice changer for YouTube content creators. This app permits you to transform your audio recordings into interesting sounds easily and quickly.
Skype Voice Changer offers free and paid services to its end-users. However, the majority of its features are locked in the paid version. The app provides a clean voice editing interface so end-users, including those who aren’t conversant with information technology, can navigate easily.
How to Use Skype Voice Changer
Here is the set of instructions to use Skype Voice Changer:
Step1 Install the Skype Voice Changer app on your PC, and launch it for operation by clicking on the appropriate button.
A window with several easy-to-use options will come up just as below:
Click on the Effects button at the top menu bar.
Step2 Select a voice effect on the left panel of the Skype Voice Changer interface. Once that is set, click on Preview at the lower right corner of your screen.
Now speak into a microphone, and listen to your voice.
5. AV Voice Changer Diamond
AV Voice Changer Diamond is another wonderful voice-changing app with several entertaining effects that you can choose from to pimp your audio recordings or voice. The app provides you with several preset options, so you have control over your output. It’s one of the most versatile apps for YouTubers.
This voice changer offers an easy-to-manage user interface so beginners in the tech space can easily find their way without involving a third party. AV Voice Changer Diamond works perfectly with all VoIP programs and social media platforms like Skype, Viber, YouTube, and more. One challenge you may experience with this app is the very long installation process.
How to Use AV Voice Changer Diamond
Go to the AV Voice Changer Diamond website to install the latest version of the app on your computer system, and follow the steps below to use it:
Step1 Open the app on your Windows or Mac operating system. You will find the interface below on your screen:
Locate the Nickvoices at the top toolbar. Click on it, and a couple of voice effect options will pop up.
Step2 Select from the list to proceed. Alternatively, you could click on Custom on the list to customize a voice effect. However, mind you, you must subscribe to a premium package to create a voice effect.
Step3 On completing the step above, locate the Record button and click on it. A new window will come up. Follow the on-screen instructions to record your voice.
6. Voice Changer HD
If you are looking for a voice-changing app that you can use to modify your YouTube audio tracks at a zero-cost fee, Voice Changer HD is the perfect tool to use. The app allows you to turn boring audio recordings into enjoyable ones with the lovely effects it supports.
In addition to the audio editing features, Voice Changer HD lets end-users create sounds from texts. Thus, it supports text-to-speech. The app comes with an easy-to-manage user interface. It has over 25 preset voices tucked into it.
How to Use Voice Changer HD
Using Voice Changer HD isn’t difficult. Apply the stepwise guide below:
Step1 Download, install, and open Voice Changer HD on your computer. Once it opens, click on the appropriate button to record your voice.
Step2 Click on the Stop button to end the recording. Voice Changer HD will automatically load an interface with several voice effects. Select one to design your recorded file.
Step3 Next, click on Share to send the file to friends and relatives.
Part 2. Best Voice Editors for YouTubers
1. Filmora
Filmora is an industry-leading audio editing software well-designed with an interactive user interface that allows you to edit YouTube recordings before uploading them on the net. This multipurpose software is customized with endless audio editing features. It supports audio ducking, audio visualizer, auto synchronization, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and lots more.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Additionally, end-users can easily detect silence in an audio or video file via the Wondershare Filmora software. Besides audio editing, this software is capable of video editing. It enables you to modify/adjust videos without compromising the quality. This software permits you to add effects, transitions, detach audio, remove background, etc.
Wondershare Filmora has all you need in a video and audio editor as it integrates with several platforms, including YouTube and other social media apps. This audio editing solution is suitable for Windows and Mac operating systems.
2. Adobe Audition
Designed by the first PDF editing platform developer, Adobe Audition is another software you can count on to edit audio tracks with quality output. It edits all audio types, including MP3, WAV, and more, with zero limitations. The software sits at the second position on our list because of the rich editing features it holds. Adobe Audition allows you to mix sounds easily and quickly- a vital reason Disc Jerkers (DJs) use the software. Another feature you stand to enjoy when using this software is the freedom to design sound effects.
Part 3. FAQs
Q1. Can I change my voice for YouTube videos?
Yes!
With voice-changing apps, you can quickly change your voice for YouTube videos. These apps come with lots of incredible sound effects that you need to pimp your audio tracks on YouTube. Some of the top-rated voice changers available in the market presently have been introduced above. Check them out.
Q2. What voice changers do YouTubers use?
As earlier stated, there are countless voice-changing apps for YouTubers. Depending on the sound effect you need, you may need to try two or more. You can select one from the ones mentioned in the article.
Conclusion
Now you have the top 7 voice changers for YouTubers, select one of them and use it in your next project. All voice-changing apps are simple to use, fast and reliable. However, we advise that you consider the pricing before investing in it. If you need an audio/video editing software program, Filmora is the right tool to use. The software is well-known for excellent results.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Part 1. Best Voice Changers for YouTubers
Here are the top 7 YouTube voice-changing apps available on the global market today:
1. AthTek [Online & Free]
AthTek is one the world-leading voice-changing apps suitable for Windows operating systems. This simple yet powerful app is well-customized with powerful features such as pitch and speed enhancer. The app allows you to edit your audio recordings easily and quickly.
It provides you with a comprehensive user interface that lets you switch your voice without stress. Compared to other voice-changers, AthTek stands out. The app integrates perfectly with platforms like Skype, etc.
AthTek is a fantastic voice changer, however, it isn’t without its dark sides. AthTek is not a real-time voice-changing app. Hence, you can only use it with ready-made sound recordings.
How to Use AthTek YouTube Voice Changer
Follow the procedure below to use the AthTek voice changing app on your YouTube channel:
Step1 Download AthTek from the official website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app, and launch it. When AthTek opens, the interface below will appear on your display screen:
Locate the Browse button beside File Path, and click on it. AthTek will automatically direct you to your local storage.
Step2 Choose your desired audio file from the list available on your computer, and tap the Open button. AthTek will immediately upload the audio file on its interface. The page below will come up on your screen:
Step3 Now move to the Change Parameter section and make the necessary adjustments. Once that’s set, click on the Play button to preview the audio file. If satisfied, tap on Export, choose a destination path and click on Save.
2. Voicechanger.io
Voicechanger.io is a cloud-based program that enables you to upload and edit audio files conveniently without distorting the quality. The program also allows you to record your voice, and add effects with complete ease. It’s an easy-to-use voice changer with no operating system limitations. Aside from voice changing, Voicechanger.io supports speech-to-text. Thus, you can convert speech to text without stress.
How to Use Voicechanger.io
Step1 With the help of an internet-enabled computer system, navigate to the official webpage for Voicechanger.io. The page below will come up if all goes well:
Step2 Choose your preferred audio input method to proceed. Should you select Upload audio, you will be directed to your local drive where your recordings are stored. Choose an audio file, and click on Open.
However, should you pick the Use microphone option, you will be prompted to grant access to the mic. Click on the appropriate key to complete this step.
3. Voxal Voice Changer
Voxal Voice Changer is another quality app mostly used by Mac owners to manipulate audio recordings. It’s also suitable for editing real-time chat audio recordings. The app provides you with several preset voices that you can select from to make your sound recordings fun to listen to.
Additionally, you have the privilege to customize the background effects that you could be used at any time. Voxal Voice Changer is a simple app with zero restrictions in the free version. It also offers paid versions with additional features for professional YouTubers. Besides editing ready-made audio, the app does allow you to create voice recordings.
How to Use Voxal Voice Changer
Here is the detailed procedure to use the Voxal Voice Changer app:
Step1 From the official website for Voxal, download and install a compatible version of the app on your computer system. Wait until the installation is successful and launch the app for usage.
When the interface above appears, locate the Menu drop-down menu at the top left corner of your display screen. Select File > Import Voice. Your local storage will automatically appear.
Step2 Choose an audio recording or voice to import on the Voxal Voice Changer interface, and tap on Open. After uploading the file, select a voice effect on the left sidebar.
Step3 Now click on the green Preview button at the top menubar. Listen to the audio file with the chosen effect. If satisfied, export the file to your preferred storage path.
4. Skype Voice Changer
As the name implies, this app is built for you to conceal your voice when using Skype social media platform. It can also serve as a voice changer for YouTube content creators. This app permits you to transform your audio recordings into interesting sounds easily and quickly.
Skype Voice Changer offers free and paid services to its end-users. However, the majority of its features are locked in the paid version. The app provides a clean voice editing interface so end-users, including those who aren’t conversant with information technology, can navigate easily.
How to Use Skype Voice Changer
Here is the set of instructions to use Skype Voice Changer:
Step1 Install the Skype Voice Changer app on your PC, and launch it for operation by clicking on the appropriate button.
A window with several easy-to-use options will come up just as below:
Click on the Effects button at the top menu bar.
Step2 Select a voice effect on the left panel of the Skype Voice Changer interface. Once that is set, click on Preview at the lower right corner of your screen.
Now speak into a microphone, and listen to your voice.
5. AV Voice Changer Diamond
AV Voice Changer Diamond is another wonderful voice-changing app with several entertaining effects that you can choose from to pimp your audio recordings or voice. The app provides you with several preset options, so you have control over your output. It’s one of the most versatile apps for YouTubers.
This voice changer offers an easy-to-manage user interface so beginners in the tech space can easily find their way without involving a third party. AV Voice Changer Diamond works perfectly with all VoIP programs and social media platforms like Skype, Viber, YouTube, and more. One challenge you may experience with this app is the very long installation process.
How to Use AV Voice Changer Diamond
Go to the AV Voice Changer Diamond website to install the latest version of the app on your computer system, and follow the steps below to use it:
Step1 Open the app on your Windows or Mac operating system. You will find the interface below on your screen:
Locate the Nickvoices at the top toolbar. Click on it, and a couple of voice effect options will pop up.
Step2 Select from the list to proceed. Alternatively, you could click on Custom on the list to customize a voice effect. However, mind you, you must subscribe to a premium package to create a voice effect.
Step3 On completing the step above, locate the Record button and click on it. A new window will come up. Follow the on-screen instructions to record your voice.
6. Voice Changer HD
If you are looking for a voice-changing app that you can use to modify your YouTube audio tracks at a zero-cost fee, Voice Changer HD is the perfect tool to use. The app allows you to turn boring audio recordings into enjoyable ones with the lovely effects it supports.
In addition to the audio editing features, Voice Changer HD lets end-users create sounds from texts. Thus, it supports text-to-speech. The app comes with an easy-to-manage user interface. It has over 25 preset voices tucked into it.
How to Use Voice Changer HD
Using Voice Changer HD isn’t difficult. Apply the stepwise guide below:
Step1 Download, install, and open Voice Changer HD on your computer. Once it opens, click on the appropriate button to record your voice.
Step2 Click on the Stop button to end the recording. Voice Changer HD will automatically load an interface with several voice effects. Select one to design your recorded file.
Step3 Next, click on Share to send the file to friends and relatives.
Part 2. Best Voice Editors for YouTubers
1. Filmora
Filmora is an industry-leading audio editing software well-designed with an interactive user interface that allows you to edit YouTube recordings before uploading them on the net. This multipurpose software is customized with endless audio editing features. It supports audio ducking, audio visualizer, auto synchronization, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and lots more.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Additionally, end-users can easily detect silence in an audio or video file via the Wondershare Filmora software. Besides audio editing, this software is capable of video editing. It enables you to modify/adjust videos without compromising the quality. This software permits you to add effects, transitions, detach audio, remove background, etc.
Wondershare Filmora has all you need in a video and audio editor as it integrates with several platforms, including YouTube and other social media apps. This audio editing solution is suitable for Windows and Mac operating systems.
2. Adobe Audition
Designed by the first PDF editing platform developer, Adobe Audition is another software you can count on to edit audio tracks with quality output. It edits all audio types, including MP3, WAV, and more, with zero limitations. The software sits at the second position on our list because of the rich editing features it holds. Adobe Audition allows you to mix sounds easily and quickly- a vital reason Disc Jerkers (DJs) use the software. Another feature you stand to enjoy when using this software is the freedom to design sound effects.
Part 3. FAQs
Q1. Can I change my voice for YouTube videos?
Yes!
With voice-changing apps, you can quickly change your voice for YouTube videos. These apps come with lots of incredible sound effects that you need to pimp your audio tracks on YouTube. Some of the top-rated voice changers available in the market presently have been introduced above. Check them out.
Q2. What voice changers do YouTubers use?
As earlier stated, there are countless voice-changing apps for YouTubers. Depending on the sound effect you need, you may need to try two or more. You can select one from the ones mentioned in the article.
Conclusion
Now you have the top 7 voice changers for YouTubers, select one of them and use it in your next project. All voice-changing apps are simple to use, fast and reliable. However, we advise that you consider the pricing before investing in it. If you need an audio/video editing software program, Filmora is the right tool to use. The software is well-known for excellent results.
- Title: Expert Tips for Selecting Lenses as a Video Blogger for 2024
- Author: Thomas
- Created at : 2024-05-31 12:43:35
- Updated at : 2024-06-01 12:43:35
- Link: https://youtube-help.techidaily.com/expert-tips-for-selecting-lenses-as-a-video-blogger-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
