What’s in My APS-C Kit? (Part 2 – The Update)

A casual breakdown of the trades, upgrades, lucky finds, and real world decisions that shaped my APS-C setup.

If you read Part 1, you probably already know I built my original APS-C kit on the idea of value: good lenses, good camera, good performance without spending a fortune. And honestly, that setup carried me through a lot of early shoots. But the more I shot sports, portraits, and events, the more a few things started to stand out.

Certain lenses were slowing me down.

Others were holding me back in low light.

And a couple of pieces were missing entirely.

So Part 2 is all about the real-world improvements the trades, upgrades, and marketplace finds that made my Canon 80D kit way more capable than before.

Let’s break it down.

Why the Tamron 200–500mm Had to Go

I wanted to love this lens. Who wouldn’t want a 500mm reach on APS-C? It looks insane on paper.

But reality hit quick:

• It needed a ton of light

• Sharpness was hit-or-miss

• Indoor or cloudy-day performance? Nope

• Sports? Only if you like motion blur and headaches

If your super-telephoto can’t keep up with action, it doesn’t matter how long it is.

So I traded it in and got a $350 rebate, which ended up being a great launch point for the upgrade.

Canon 100–300mm f/4.5–5.6 The Underrated Replacement

With the rebate in hand, I picked up the Canon 100–300mm f/4.5–5.6 for $150. And let me tell you this lens doesn’t get enough respect.

Here’s what I gained:

• Lighter weight

• Much better balance on the 80D

• More reliable sharpness

• Faster and easier to use in real situations

Sure, it tops out at 300mm instead of 500mm, but it actually delivers consistent results which is what really matters.

Fixing the Wide End: Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8

My old Canon 10–22mm was great outdoors. But the second you walk into a gym, arena, or indoor event space, that variable aperture (f/3.5–4.5) becomes a problem.

So I traded it in for a $75 rebate and grabbed the Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8 for $100.

This was a massive upgrade.

• Constant f/2.8 = less noise in low light

• Built like a little ultra-wide brick

• Sharp wide open

• Amazing for basketball, volleyball, close-up sideline shots, and creative perspectives

And the net cost? Just $25.

This alone changed my ability to cover indoor action.

Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM The Unexpected MVP

I’ll admit it I didn’t think I needed a macro lens.

But the more I shot, the more I found myself wanting detail shots, crisp product images, stylized close-ups, and sharper studio style portraits. That’s where the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM came in.

I bought it from KEH for $310, and it instantly earned its spot.

This lens is a monster for:

• Product photography

• Texture, detail, and BTS images

• Tight portraits with crazy micro-contrast

• Clean, clinical sharpness when I need it

It’s small, light, and incredibly versatile. One of the best EF-S primes Canon ever made.

Canon 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus (Introduced 1987) My Vintage Secret Weapon

This is the lens that brings flavor to my kit.

The Canon 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus, introduced way back in 1987, is one of the most unique portrait lenses in the entire EF lineup. The Soft Focus ring gives you three levels:

• 0: Regular, surprisingly sharp telephoto

• 1: Smooth, glowing portraits

• 2: Full dreamy, vintage, magazine-style softness

I found this lens for $100 on Facebook Marketplace, and honestly, it’s priceless to me now. Whether I want a dreamy look or a retro vibe straight out of the camera, nothing else in my bag can replicate it.

BONUS: The Free Canon Shoulder Bag

This is the fun part.

When I bought a lens for my LUMIX setup, the seller casually said:

“Hey, you shoot Canon too? Take this bag I don’t use it.”

Free.

I didn’t expect much, but this bag turned out to be perfect for my APS-C system. Everything fits:

• Tokina 11–16mm

• Sigma 18–35mm

• Sigma 50–100mm

• Canon 100–300mm

• Canon 60mm Macro

• Canon 135mm Soft Focus

• Batteries, cards, accessories

It became my main APS-C bag instantly. Sometimes the best upgrade is the one you weren’t even looking for.

Current APS-C Kit (Updated)

Zooms

• Tokina 11–16mm f/2.8 $100

• Sigma 18–35mm f/1.8

• Sigma 50–100mm f/1.8

• Canon 100–300mm f/4.5–5.6 $150

Specialty Lenses

• Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM $310

• Canon 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus (1987) $100

Bag

Canon Shoulder Bag FREE

Everything fits in this bag. Everything has a purpose.

Total Cost Breakdown

• Original kit: $1,880

• Accessories: $450

• Upgrade/trade net total: $225

• Canon EF-S 60mm Macro: $310

• Canon 135mm Soft Focus: $100

• Canon Bag: FREE

Grand Total: $2,965

A full APS-C photography system from ultra-wide to long telephoto, macro to creative portrait effects for under $3,000.

Final Thoughts

What I love about this kit is that it didn’t come from chasing hype. It came from real-world shooting, understanding my needs, and making smart choices. The trades and upgrades weren’t random they solved actual problems in the field.

And now?

My APS-C setup is faster, sharper, more creative, and more capable than ever before.

All in one bag.

All for under $3K.

All built intentionally.