How to choose camera lenses to shoot professional videos
Macro, fisheye, wide-angle, super telephoto: Do these names sound unfamiliar to you? Learn all about the main camera lenses.
How to choose camera lenses to shoot professional videos
Macro, fisheye, wide-angle, super telephoto: Do these names sound unfamiliar to you? Learn all about the main camera lenses.
Camera lenses are among the priority equipment for those who invest in visual productions, such as photography or video recording. They are almost like a magical element; they are able to capture details of an image that the human eye is sometimes unable to see.
This article is dedicated to them! You will learn about some of the main technical elements, such as focal distance and aperture, in addition to learning about the main types of lenses and their particularities. Keep reading!
Choosing camera lenses is one of the hardest (and at the same time, most pleasurable) tasks in the life of a professional photographer.
They are responsible for effects that make all the difference in the captured images — they can distort edges, zoom in on objects, deliver detailed focuses, etc.
Your investment will depend a lot on your goal. That’s why it’s important to have a basic understanding of the main models and their unique features.
In addition, a few technical elements can completely transform the results. Knowing these aspects can make a huge difference in your content.
If you’re still unfamiliar with the subject, you probably don’t know much about the technical terms of camera lenses. This is completely normal. After all, it’s professional knowledge.
The main ones are:
It’s already getting easier to understand how video and photographic cameras work, isn’t it?
Okay, let’s learn about the main models. We’ve created a brief description with each one’s particularities. Check them out below.
Prime lenses don’t have zoom; therefore, they have less distortion and better quality. This model’s aperture is usually higher, reaching f/2.8. They’re very versatile for photography and recording. By giving wings to your creativity, these lenses deliver excellent results, albeit not specialized.
source: Amazon.com
Zoom lenses have image distortion similar to the human eye. They as versatile as the prime lenses, but they have a focus approximation, which is ideal when you cannot get close to the subject to be captured. Therefore, they are useful for several purposes, from landscapes and animals to portraits.
source: Amazon.com
As to the specialized lenses, the wide-angle is the preferred lens for small places, such as home studios. Models vary from 28mm to 50mm and they are able to capture a good view angle. The major difference is that they slightly distort the edges, which makes objects seem a little more distant.
source: Amazon.com
For those who like more artistic results, the fisheye is highly sought-after. With the center of the lens slightly “widened”, it distorts the edges so that the final effect is rounded margins. It’s able to capture 180° images.
source: Amazon.com
source: Amazon.com
Macro lenses are one of the most popular among professionals, specialized in close-ups. With fixed focus, small details— such as insects, textures and minuscule flowers—, are captured with great clarity. Thus, the images look incredible without the need for using photoshop.
source: Amazon.com
source: Amazon.com
Unlike the macro lens, which is specialized in close-up content, the telephoto lens is ideal for capturing objects that are far away. Its focal length is large and therefore, the viewing angle is much smaller, but the lens delivers excellent results in quality and sharpness.
source: Amazon.com
Going a little further, the super telephoto lens has the same purpose as the previous one, but it’s capable to capture objects that are farther away. With 200mm or more (some reach 1,200mm), professionals capture details astronomical objects and wild animals for example. Because it’s heavy, it requires a tripod.
source: Amazon.com
source: Amazon.com
Finally, the tilt-shift lens is a Canon exclusive. It was designed to photograph or record architectural objects and its features are able to change image perspectives. This way, professionals obtain images that are tilted and parallel to the image plane, for example.
source: Amazon.com
That’s it! You’re practically a lens expert.
Now, there’s no use in knowing all the technical names and elements, only to fail in one basic task: cleaning.
This equipment needs a lot of care in order not to be damaged. Therefore, check out a few tips.
The first cleaning step is removing superficial dirt, such as dust. To do so, use material with very soft bristles, which will work as a duster. The tip here is to invest in a makeup brush.
Warning: Never blow on it, because saliva droplets might cause spots on your camera lens.
Eyeglasses fluid, window cleaners, isopropyl alcohol: these three are the top products recommended for cleaning your camera lenses. But they aren’t ideal and can damage the equipment’s surface.
In order to avoid risks, it’s worth buying the proper solutions for this purpose at specialized stores.
Our last tip refers to stain-removal material.
Always use a soft cloth. Those used for cleaning glasses shed lint, which might be harmful to lens performance.
Once again, ideally you should buy a special cleaning cloth at specialized stores.
In all cases, always keep in mind that camera lenses must be handled gently. They are very sensitive, regardless of the type.
This equipment deserves to be handled with care. After all, it delivers professional results to your videos.
In order to improve your videos even more, how about investing in a camera too? Check out the best video-recording cameras.