Photographing with Third-Party Lenses
While big-name camera manufacturers have long been considered the most trusted source when it comes to finding reliable and robust photography equipment, there are also third-party options on the market. Third-party lenses offer full compatibility with particular camera bodies while also filling a gap by offering models that aren't otherwise available.
What Is a Third-Party Lens?
While most big-name manufacturers produce their own lenses, third-party models by brands such as Yongnuo are compatible with particular camera types.
- They were originally considered by many to be inferior in terms of quality, but improvements in optical technology have seen many third-party lenses become the preferred choice for professional photographers around the world.
- A third-party DSLR lens always clearly indicates which brand and model of DSLR it's compatible with, whether it be a full-frame or APS-C model.
What Are the Advantages of a Third-Party Lens?
With many third-party manufacturers solely focusing their energies on producing high-end zoom and prime lenses, the optical technology and quality are often on par, or sometimes even better, to what the big-name camera brands are doing.
- DSLR manufacturers can't make a lens for every need, which is where third-party models are in their element and help to fill the missing gaps by offering both zoom and prime lenses for niche styles of photography.
- Third-party DSLR lenses tend to favor the major camera manufacturers, which is good news when you own one and not such good news when you have a camera body from one of the smaller players.
- You can find third-party zoom and prime lenses with a range of different maximum apertures, whether you want a long depth of field in your images or beautiful bokeh effects with a wide aperture lens.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Third-Party Lens?
The most important thing to consider when buying a third-party zoom or prime lens is its compatibility with your camera make and model, as well as the image sensor it employs.
- For those shooting with EF Canon full frame or cropped image sensor (APS-C) bodies, look for Yongnuo lenses compatible with the Canon EF lens mount system.
- You can find third-party models with a range of different focal lengths and both autofocus (AF) and manual focus capabilities, so carefully consider the features the lens offers and how well it suits your photography needs.
- Additional features to look for include image stabilization optical technology to help reduce the signs of camera shake, as well as aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberrations. Multi-coated DSLR lenses can also offer protection against scratching and unwanted reflections.
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