Why Lens Choice Matters More Than Camera Choice

When it comes to filmmaking and photography, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is, "What camera should I buy?" While having a good camera is undoubtedly important, I believe the conversation should focus more on lens choice than the camera body. The lenses you choose are instrumental in defining your style and the look of your work. Here's why lens choice is more important than camera choice and how it can shape your visual storytelling.

(This was from a filmmaking Twitch stream from a few years back that essentially is me explaining the same thing.)

Understanding Your Style

Before diving into the technical aspects of lenses and cameras, it's crucial to understand what kind of visual style you want to achieve. This involves exploring various films, photographs, and works of art that resonate with you. Ask yourself: What draws you to these visuals? Is it the depth of field, the way the background blurs, or how close and personal a wide-angle shot feels?

For example, my personal style leans heavily towards using long lenses. I've always admired the work of filmmakers like Tony Scott and Michael Bay, who are known for their use of long, anamorphic lenses. This preference stems from the look and feel these lenses create—isolating subjects from the background, compressing space, and focusing attention in a way that feels dynamic and immersive.

The Power of Lenses

Lenses are the eyes through which your camera sees the world. They define how much of a scene is captured, the depth of field, and the perspective of the shot. Different lenses bring different characteristics to your footage:

• Wide-Angle Lenses (e.g., 16-35mm): Great for capturing expansive scenes, establishing shots, or when you want to emphasize scale and movement within the frame. If you're a fan of Wes Anderson's distinctive style, wide-angle lenses are your go-to for creating that quirky, symmetrical composition.

• Standard Zoom Lenses (e.g., 24-70mm): These offer versatility, giving you a range of focal lengths in one lens. They're ideal for situations where you need a bit of everything—wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups—without changing lenses frequently. This lens type is a favorite for its flexibility, providing a middle ground between wide and long lenses.

• Telephoto Lenses (e.g., 70-200mm): These are perfect for isolating subjects, creating shallow depth of field, and compressing background elements. They are my personal favorite because they allow me to achieve the look I love—close, tight shots with a beautiful blur that draws all attention to the subject.

Case Studies: My Experience with Lenses

Let's dive into some practical examples from my own work.

On the film Green Hornet, we exclusively used 50mm and 85mm lenses. This decision was intentional to create a consistent visual style. We rarely went below 50mm unless we had specific shots that required it, such as a low-angle car shot.

In Bloodhunt, we maintained a similar approach but occasionally used a 35mm lens. However, in post-production, I found myself removing most of the wide-angle shots. They just didn't fit with the long-lens aesthetic I prefer, reaffirming my belief that knowing your lens style can guide your creative decisions, even in editing.

For the THE PURGE short I shot with Shaezilla, we primarily used 50mm and 85mm prime lenses to achieve the cinematic look we aimed for. These focal lengths allowed us to maximize the visual impact within the limited confines of a small backlot. By using tighter lenses, we could compress the space, effectively disguising the constraints of the location and focusing the viewer's attention on the action and atmosphere. This approach demonstrates how thoughtful lens selection can be an invaluable tool for filmmakers working within spatial limitations, allowing them to creatively navigate and enhance smaller sets.

(All of these projects shown were shot with Cinematographer Andrew Sankovich as Director of Photography)

Investing in Lenses Over Cameras

Many beginners believe that the camera body is the most crucial element of filmmaking or photography, often stretching their budgets to afford the latest models. However, camera technology evolves rapidly, and what's top-of-the-line today might be outdated tomorrow. Lenses, on the other hand, are a long-term investment. They retain their value and relevance much longer than camera bodies do.

I suggest starting with a less expensive camera, even one that shoots at 1080p, if that's what your budget allows. Instead, allocate more of your budget towards quality lenses that align with the style you're aiming for. Whether you lean towards a Wes Anderson-style wide-angle aesthetic or a long-lens action style like Tony Scott's, the right lenses will help you achieve that look more than any camera will.

Conclusion: Find Your Lens, Find Your Style

Ultimately, the best camera is the one that you have with you, but the lenses are what define your visual language. Spend time figuring out what kind of filmmaker or photographer you want to be. Your lenses are your tools to bring that vision to life. By focusing on lens choice, you'll not only create more compelling visuals but also save money that can be better invested elsewhere in your filmmaking journey.

So, next time you're shopping for gear, remember: it's less about the camera in your hand and more about the glass in front of it. Find the lenses that speak to your style, and let your creativity flow.