Cine Lenses: Primes

Comments:  A good rectilinear (non-fisheye) ultra-wideangle lens specifically designed for Cine use.

Description (from Canon):  The EF Cinema prime CN-E14mm T3.1 L F (EF mount) lens offers a compact, consistent lens design and proven Canon lens elements for performance and reliability in professional shooting environments. Intended for the working professional, the EF Cinema prime CN-E14mm T3.1 L F lens has markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture settings from behind or from either side of the camera. Focus markings can even be switched from standard labeling to metric. The control rings are engineered to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating torque.

Comments: This would be one of the most common focal lengths I use for cine and at 1.5 – we’re entering the Arri Master Prime range….  I haven’t had a chance to do head to head vs Zeiss yet but will update once I have done some lens tests.  What I have seen is simply phenomenal – we shot the "MoVI" short with this lens instantly and fell in love.

Description (from Canon):  The EF Cinema prime CN-E24mm T1.5 L F (EF mount) lens offers a compact, consistent lens design and proven Canon lens elements for performance and reliability in professional shooting environments. Intended for the working professional, the EF Cinema prime CN-E24mm T1.5 L F lens has markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture settings from behind or from either side of the camera. Focus markings can even be switched from standard labeling to metric. The control rings are engineered to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating torque.

Comments: This would be another of the most common focal lengths I use for cine and at 1.5 – we’re entering the Arri Master Prime range for a fraction of the price.

Description (from Canon):  The EF Cinema prime CN-E35mm T1.5 L F (EF mount) lens offers a compact, consistent lens design and proven Canon lens elements for performance and reliability in professional shooting environments. Intended for the working professional, the EF Cinema prime CN-E35mm T1.5 L F lens has markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture settings from behind or from either side of the camera. Focus markings can even be switched from standard labeling to metric. The control rings are engineered to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating torque.

Comments:  This is a fantastic lens for MCU (Medium closeup) and CU  (Closeup) shots.  A STANDARD cinema prime that is very commonly used.  Gorgeous out of focus Bokeh and incredibly bright.

Description (from Canon):  he EF Cinema prime CN-E50mm T1.3 L F (EF mount) lens offers a compact, consistent lens design and proven Canon lens elements for performance and reliability in professional shooting environments. Intended for the working professional, the EF Cinema Prime CN-E50mm T1.3 L F lens has markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture settings from behind or from either side of the camera. Focus markings can even be switched from standard labeling to metric. The control rings are engineered to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating torque.

Comments:Again – a mainstay portrait lens.  I don’t use it nearly as often as the 50mm and 24/25mm lenses but hard not to have in your kit, especially when you use it wide open (if you can keep anything in focus that is!)

Description (from Canon):  The EF Cinema prime CN-E85mm T1.3 L F (EF mount) lens offers a compact, consistent lens design and proven Canon lens elements for performance and reliability in professional shooting environments. Intended for the working professional, the EF Cinema Prime CN-E85mm T1.3 L F lens has markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture settings from behind or from either side of the camera. Focus markings can even be switched from standard labeling to metric. The control rings are engineered to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating torque.

Comments: This lens is DROP DEAD gorgeous.  The 135mm EF lens has always been one of Canon’s jewel lenses in their still line – this lens is somehow better, notably with the iris and out of focus bokeh it creats.

Description (from Canon):  The EF Cinema prime CN-E135mm T2.2 L F (EF mount) lens offers a compact, consistent lens design and proven Canon lens elements for performance and reliability in professional shooting environments. Intended for the working professional, the EF Cinema prime CN-E135mm T2.2 L F lens has markings on angled surfaces on both sides of the barrel, making it easy to read focus and aperture settings from behind or from either side of the camera. Focus markings can even be switched from standard labeling to metric. The control rings are engineered to maintain the proper amount of resistance with consistent operating torque.

Comments: The CP.2 lenses give you all of the advantages of cinema glass (T stops measurements, a geared focus ring with hard stops, and sharp optics) for a fraction of the price.   This is also the sharpest "affordable" ultra-wideangle cine prime that I’ve used.   I won’t leave home without it.   I would say that the Zeiss CP.2 lenses are the most intelligent investment people can make in terms of versatility: due to their interchangeable mounts you can use these on both Canon EF camera mounts (stills cameras + video) as well as PL.   That means you’ll be using these lenses for decades to come, even if you upgrade to the fancier (more expensive) cine glass as you progress.   This was my first cine prime set and I still use it today.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 15mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).  

Comments:  Were I forced to start off with a set of only four of these – this would be one of the 4 that I would choose.  The 18mm is one of the sharpest wide angle lenses you’ll find anywhere – keep in mind that it does not cover a full frame sensor though but will cover the C300 and 7D series sensors.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 18mm/T3.6 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).  

Comments: A classic Wide Master lens.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 21mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).   

Comments: This is the wide angle lens I use the most by far.  It’s excellent for medium wide shots and absolutely sings when it comes to doing tight portraits.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 25mm/T2.9 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).  

Comments: A very bright, versatile wideangle – great for wideangle portraits and wider compositions.

Description: The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 28mm/T2.1 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).

Comments: This is a pleasure of a lens to use and a guilty pleasure.

Description: The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 35mm/T1.5 Super Speed PL Mount with Imperial Markings is a fast cine prime lens designed for filmmaking and video production applications. It shoots remarkably well in low-light. Aside from great optics and mechanics, the lens offers broad flexibility in the areas of camera compatibility, follow-focus compatibility, and shooting capacity.

Comments: Were I forced to start with a set of four CP.2 lenses – this would be one of the 4 that I would choose.   Still photographers should think of this as their 50mm lens (on a full frame camera) and it’s one of the single most popular focal lengths for all of the medium shots in cinema.

Description: The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 35mm/T2.1 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).

Comments: Once you start using the Super Speeds you will have a hard time going back to the "darker" CP.2 lenses.

Description: The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 50mm/T1.5 Super Speed PL Mount with Imperial Markings is a fast cine prime lens designed for filmmaking and video production applications. It shoots remarkably well in low-light. Aside from great optics and mechanics, the lens offers broad flexibility in the areas of camera compatibility, follow-focus compatibility, and shooting capacity.

Comments: Were I forced to start with a set of four CP.2 lenses – this would be one of the 4 that I would choose.    This is a fantastic lens for MCU (Medium closeup) and CU  (Closeup) shots.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 50mm/T2.1 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).

Comments: Ridiculously sharp and bright.

Description: The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 85mm/T1.5 Super Speed PL Mount with Imperial Markings is a fast cine prime lens designed for filmmaking and video production applications. It shoots remarkably well in low-light. Aside from great optics and mechanics, the lens offers broad flexibility in the areas of camera compatibility, follow-focus compatibility, and shooting capacity.

Comments: Were I forced to start with a set of four CP.2 lenses – this would be one of the 4 that I would choose.  Gorgeous portrait lens for stars.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 85mm/T2.1 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).

Comments: This lens and the one below are simply incredible – this is a wonderful cinema portrait lens.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 100mm/T2.1 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).   This is a jewel of a lens – a little tight for some for closeups – a dream for others.  I consider this my 135mm (full frame still) equivalent and dream lens to shoot female stars closeup shots.

Comments:Knockout portrait and specialty use lens.

Description (from Zeiss): The Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 18mm/T3.6 Cine Lens (EF Mount) is part of the second generation of CP cinema lenses that were the first to offer full-frame 35mm coverage of large sensor DSLRs (such as the Canon 5D Mark II).  

Comments: This is no small lens but wow – it performs stunningly in the macro range.   I used it on the shot in this spot that started on the eye and pulled back.

Description (from Zeiss): With the CP.2 50mm Makro you can go closer to the object you want to capture while still having a sharp image. The closest distance to the object with a CP.2 50mm Makro is 10" (24cm).

Comments: The widest "affordable" cine lens you can get.

Description (from B&H): Thanks to its smooth, de-clicked aperture and ideal focal length, the 8mm T/3.8 Fisheye Cine Lens for Canon from Rokinon is a great lens for shooting video with your DSLR camera. It is designed to shoot with APS-C image sensors, for which it provides full frame coverage, creating an expanded perspective that covers the entire frame. For DSLR’s with a full frame sensor, this lens will produce pictures with a semi-circular image and close-ups will appear proportionately large for a dramatic effect. Its de-clicked aperture range runs from T/3.8 to T/22, providing a smooth, silent, jump-free transition when shooting video and its multi-layered, anti-reflective UMC coated lenses allow for clean light transmission and razor sharp images. Toothed focusing and aperture rings and bright, white numbering make controlling your image all the easier.

Comments: For many, this Rokinon series is a great place to start… (read on below)

Description (from B&H): The Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine Lens for Canon EF-Mount is optimized for film and video applications. The focus and iris rings feature industry-standard gearing, which provide an interface for use with a follow focus. To aid focus pullers, aperture and focus scales are marked on the side of the lens. This 14mm lens produces a 115°, ultra-wide angle-of-view when used with a full-frame or 35mm camera. Hybrid aspherical lenses render sharply defined images with a minimum of distortion and chromatic aberrations, and the minimum focus distance is 11.02" from the lens.

Comments: … these are highly affordable lenses…

Description (from B&H): The Rokinon 16mm T2.2 Cine Lens for Canon EF is a wide-angle lens optimized for digital cinematography. The lens produces an image circle that will cover APS-C sized sensors or smaller. The focus and aperture rings feature industry-standard 0.8 pitch gearing for attaching a follow focus unit. The aperture ring is also de-clicked to allow for smooth iris pulls while shooting. Focus, aperture, and depth of field markings are on the side of the lens to aid focus pullers, who typically operates on the side of the camera. The 16mm T2.2 lens is constructed out of 13 individual elements in 11 groups, including one aspherical and one hybrid aspherical element. Aspherical elements help minimize unwanted distortion and chromatic aberrations. The lens also has a multi-layer coating to reduce flares and maintain image contrast in bright conditions.

Comments: … and the price of the ENTIRE set …

Description (from B&H): The Rokinon 24mm T1.5 Cine Lens for Canon EF-Mount was developed primarily for film and video applications. The cine version of Rokinon’s 24mm lens features industry-standard gearing for the focus and aperture ring, and the aperture ring has been "declicked" for smooth iris pulls. The aperture and focus scales have also been relocated to the side of the lens, where it is easier for focus pullers to read them. The Rokinon 24mm cine lens is compatible with full-frame sensors. APS-C sensors with a crop factor of 1.5 – 1.6 will exhibit a 35mm equivalent angle-of-view equal to approximately 38mm. The optical construction is comprised of 13 elements arranged in 12 groups. Four lenses are low-dispersion glass (ED), plus two aspherical elements. The 24mm features Ultra Multi Coated (UMC) multi-coated lenses for improved light transmission and resistance to ghosting and flares.

Comments: … can be less than one or two Canon or Zeiss Primes… 

Description (from B&H): Thanks to its smooth, de-clicked aperture and ideal focal length, the 8mm T/3.8 Fisheye Cine Lens for Canon from Rokinon is a great lens for shooting video with your DSLR camera. It is designed to shoot with APS-C image sensors, for which it provides full frame coverage, creating an expanded perspective that covers the entire frame. For DSLR’s with a full frame sensor, this lens will produce pictures with a semi-circular image and close-ups will appear proportionately large for a dramatic effect. Its de-clicked aperture range runs from T/3.8 to T/22, providing a smooth, silent, jump-free transition when shooting video and its multi-layered, anti-reflective UMC coated lenses allow for clean light transmission and razor sharp images. Toothed focusing and aperture rings and bright, white numbering make controlling your image all the easier.

Comments: … you can’t expect the same image quality of course…  but for many it’s more than good enough – especially on DSLRs.

Description (from B&H): The Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens for Canon EF produces a slightly telephoto angle-of-view on full-frame sensors. It features a very fast maximum aperture of T1.5 and an 8 blade iris, for shallow depth of field with attractive bokeh. The focus and aperture control rings are outfitted with industry standard gearing, which provides an interface for working with a traditional follow focus. The aperture control ring has also been "declicked", which facilitates smooth iris pulls. The 85mm has a minimum focus distance of 3.6′. Internal focusing minimizes the effects of lens breathing, which insures a more consistent angle-of-view when adjusting focus. The lens is composed of 9 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical element to reduce spherical aberrations. In addition, a multi-coated elements help improve light transmission.