What's in My APS-C Kit?

As a passionate photographer still learning the craft, I’ve managed to assemble an incredibly versatile APS-C camera setup without breaking the bank. I shoot with a Canon 80D, a fantastic DSLR that provides a great balance between performance, features, and affordability. Paired with carefully selected lenses, this setup allows me to capture a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits and even wildlife photography. The total cost of my camera and lenses was $1880 USD, with an additional $450 USD spent on accessories like extra batteries, a battery grip, and a sturdy tripod. Considering that this setup enables me to shoot almost any situation, I think it’s an incredible value.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s in my APS-C kit and why each piece plays a crucial role.

My Camera: Canon 80D

The Canon 80D is an excellent mid-range APS-C DSLR that offers great image quality, solid autofocus performance, and fantastic ergonomics. It has a 24.2MP sensor, Dual Pixel Autofocus, and a fully articulating touchscreen, making it ideal for both photography and video work. The weather-sealed body also provides durability, and the battery life is quite solid, especially with the additional battery grip I use.

What I love about the Canon 80D:

• Great image quality with a 24.2MP sensor.

• Fast and reliable Dual Pixel Autofocus.

• Articulating touchscreen for easy composition and vlogging.

• Decent burst shooting speed at 7fps, great for action shots.

• Weather-sealed body for durability in challenging conditions.

My Lenses

One of the biggest advantages of my setup is that I have lenses covering a broad range of focal lengths. Whether I’m shooting wide landscapes, portraits, or distant wildlife, I have the right tool for the job.

Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 EF-S (Ultra-Wide Lens)

This ultra-wide zoom is perfect for landscapes, architecture, and interior photography. With a 10mm wide end, it captures an expansive field of view, which is fantastic for dramatic compositions.

• Why I love it:

  • Ultra-wide perspective for creative shots.

  • Sharp images with good contrast.

  • Lightweight and compact for travel photography.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 EF-S (Everyday Workhorse)

If I had to pick just one lens for my APS-C camera, it would be the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8. This lens is famous for its constant f/1.8 aperture, making it an absolute beast in low light. Whether I’m shooting portraits, street photography, or video, this lens delivers incredibly sharp images with a beautiful shallow depth of field.

• Why I love it:

  • Super sharp image quality.

  • f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance.

  • Great for both photography and videography.

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 EF-S (Perfect for Portraits & Telephoto Work)

The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 pairs perfectly with the 18-35mm. It covers medium telephoto distances while maintaining the same f/1.8 aperture, making it perfect for portraits, events, and cinematic video work. The sharpness and subject isolation this lens provides are nothing short of stunning.

• Why I love it:

  • Razor-sharp image quality.

  • f/1.8 aperture for fantastic background blur.

  • Covers the perfect portrait focal lengths (85mm equivalent on APS-C).

Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 EF (Budget Wildlife & Telephoto Lens)

While it’s not the fastest telephoto lens in terms of aperture, the Tamron 200-500mm gives me an incredible reach for a budget-friendly price. This lens is great for wildlife, bird photography, and even some sports photography. The downside is that it requires good lighting conditions due to its smaller maximum aperture, but it gets the job done when I need those long focal lengths.

• Why I love it:

  • Inexpensive way to reach 500mm.

  • Decent image quality at mid-range focal lengths.

  • Lightweight compared to other super-telephoto options.

Accessories: The Unsung Heroes

To complement my camera and lenses, I’ve also invested in some essential accessories:

• Extra batteries & grip ($150) – Essential for long shoots, especially in cold weather.

• Tripod ($300) – A sturdy tripod is a must for long exposures, astrophotography, and stable video shots.

• Camera bag – My entire kit fits in one camera bag, making it easy to travel with.

How I Built This Kit on a Budget

Photography can get expensive fast, but I managed to keep my costs reasonable by being smart about where I bought my gear. I purchased most of my equipment second-hand from Facebook Marketplace, which allowed me to find excellent deals. The Sigma lenses were purchased from MPB.com, a trusted site for buying used camera gear.

Most of my purchases required some travel around Iowa to inspect and pick up the items, but it was well worth the effort. Almost everything I bought was in excellent condition, and I saved hundreds (if not thousands) compared to buying new.

Why This Setup Works for Me

This setup has several key benefits that make it ideal for someone still learning photography:

1. I can shoot in almost any situation – From ultra-wide to super-telephoto, I have every focal length covered.

2. Great for low-light photography – Thanks to my Sigma f/1.8 lenses, I can shoot indoors, at night, and in dimly lit environments.

3. Cost-effective – $1880 for the camera and lenses is an excellent deal, proving that you don’t need to spend thousands on high-end full-frame gear to get professional-looking shots.

4. Compact enough to fit in one camera bag – Even with four lenses, my setup remains manageable and portable.

Final Thoughts: Start Small & Build Your Kit Over Time

For anyone new to photography, I highly recommend starting small and gradually expanding your kit as you develop your skills and interests. Many beginners feel pressure to invest in high-end full-frame cameras, but as my experience shows, an APS-C setup can be just as capable for a fraction of the price.

I love that my setup allows me to experiment with different types of photography, from landscapes to portraits and wildlife. Whether I’m shooting casual photos, paid gigs, or learning new techniques, I know I have a versatile, budget-friendly kit that can handle anything I throw at it.

So, if you're looking to get into photography, don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once. Start with a good camera, invest in quality lenses, and slowly build a kit that suits your style. There are great deals to be found in the used market, and with patience, you can assemble a powerful photography setup without breaking the bank.

What’s in your APS-C kit? Let me know in the comments!