Different lenses will affect the look and feel of your film.
Lenses are an integral part of the photographic and cinematic process. Although the camera is responsible for recording the image and movement to storage media, the lens is what determines how the scene will look when played back. The type of cinematic effect you want to achieve -- whether it be a sense of vast space or intimacy with a main character -- dictates the type of lens you will use.
Primes and Zooms
Zoom lenses add versatility to your camera kit.
Lenses with a fixed focal length, also known as prime lenses, zoom in or out. Because of their simple and precise optical structure, primes produce very sharp results when focused and function well when shooting in low light. Zooms allow the cinematographer to choose between a range of focal lengths, allowing for versatility without switching lenses. Although most zooms are very sharp, they may not perform as well in dim or available lighting conditions.
Normal or Standard
50mm lenses are lightweight, compact and sharp.
A focal length of 50mm constitutes a normal or standard lens. Normal primes are known for their sharpness and exceptional low-light performance. The field of view offered by a normal lens closely resembles that of the human eye, making it a great choice when filming from a character's perspective. Normal zooms, usually with a range of 35 to 70mm or 28 to 85mm, are also available.
Wide Angle
Wide angles allow for sweeping panoramic shots.
Focal lengths that are less than 50mm are classified as wide angle lenses. As the name suggests, these lenses create a vast field of view and allow for the inclusion of many visual elements. Wide angles are most effective in bright to fair lighting and when filming landscapes, fast activity or large groups of people. Because wide angles offer a deep depth of field (small available lens openings) focus does not have to be as precise as with normal or telephoto lenses.
Telephoto
Telephotos have extended barrels that often require additional support while filming.
Any lens with a focal length greater than 80mm is a telephoto. Telephotos are separated into medium (85 to 135mm) and long (135mm and up) categories; the former works well for portraiture and the latter for shots from a distance. When you wish to separate your subject, such as a main character or a specific building, from its surroundings, the shallow depth of field of a telephoto will be of great assistance.
Special Lenses
The otherworldly result of a fish-eye lens.
Macro lenses are optimal for shots requiring very close focus. Used frequently in nature and product cinematography, macro lenses allow for highly detailed shots. Extreme wide angle and fish-eye lenses are used for perspective distortion. The vignetting and bulbous appearance given to the frame will give your shots a jarring and surreal look.
Tags: focal length, depth field, field view, main character, very sharp, when filming, Wide angles
