what is the best camera lens for video?

Are you looking for the best camera lens for video?

As a photographic enthusiast, I have searched extensively to find the answer to the question,  what is the best camera lens for video? The answer is not straightforward, but there are some lenses that consistently perform well when shooting video. 

In this article, I have compiled a list of resources to help you find the perfect lens for your video needs. 

If you are a beginner, you can also check out my previous article, which is a beginner’s guide to buying camera lenses.

List of Best Camera Lens for Video [Quick review]

1. Rokinon 35mm Cine T1.5 Lens
2. Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
3. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens
4. Canon EF-S 17-55m f/2.8 IS USM Lens
5. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM L Lens
6. Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM Lens
7. Rokinon Cine 85mm f/1.5 Lens
8. Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
9. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens
10. Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Lens

List of Best Camera Lens for Video [Detailed analysis]

1. Rokinon 35mm Cine T1.5 Lens

• The Rokinon 35mm Cine T1.5 Lens is a cine lens designed for professional video and filmmaking, offering precise manual focus and aperture control.
• It features a wide maximum aperture of T1.5 & minimum of T22, enabling exceptional low-light performance and the creation of a cinematic shallow depth of field.
• The lens typically has a filter thread size of 77mm , allowing filmmakers to attach various filters for creative control over their video footage.

Brand	Rokinon.
Type	Wide angle – cine lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, and Fujifilm X mounts.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is approximately 200 degrees.
Resolution	8K.
Image Stabilization	No built-in image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	8 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 10 groups. [1 high refractive index and 1 aspherical element]
Minimum focus distance	31 cm.
Weight	700 g.
filter size	full frame.
Adaptor	You may need an adapter to use this lens on certain camera mounts that are not native to the lens.
Adjustment	Whatever is in focus stays in focus, while everything else blurs out, as one would expect from a cine lens.
Durability	Solid quality barrel.
Chromatic Aberration	The lens construction incorporates one high refractive index element and one aspherical element to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion.

Reasons to buy:

• Sturdy construction.
• The aperture produces excellent bokeh with smooth blur, highlights and colors remain distinct.
• Nice touches include traction ridges for holding onto the lens to lock/unlock it from the camera.

Reasons to avoid:

• A bit heavy.
• Blurry wide open , sharpens after f/2.

2. Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

• The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a prime lens designed for Canon EF and EF-S mount cameras, known for its compact and lightweight design.
• It features a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 & minimum f/22, enabling excellent low-light performance and the ability to achieve a beautiful background blur.
• The lens typically has a 49mm filter thread size, allowing users to attach various filters for both protective and creative purposes.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Prme lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame & compatible with APS-C cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is 156 degrees.
Resolution	8k.
Image Stabilization	No image Stabilization .
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups.
Minimum focus distance	35 cm.
Weight	159 g.
Adjustment	[STM] Autofocus with full time manual.
Durability	While not weather-sealed, it’s reasonably durable for its price range.
Chromatic Aberration	The lens has a rugged metal mount and improved lens coatings to minimize ghosting and flare.

Reasons to buy:

• STM focus for video.
• Excellent focal length.
• Fast aperture.
• Sharp & clear result.

Reasons to avoid:

• Not ideal for wide open.
• A bit soft at the corners.
• Not image Stabilized .

 

3. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Standard zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C format digital SLRs.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is 72.4 – 27.9 degrees.
Resolution	4K.
Image Stabilization	The lens has optical stabilization (OS) technology.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	28 cm.
Weight	565 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus [ not full time manual focus]
Durability	Well-constructed and designed for durability, but may not be weather-sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Flare seems some how controlled.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast and accurate autofocus.
• Image stabilization.
• Sharp and good contrast.

Reasons to avoid:

• Not full time manual focus.
• vignetting at shorter focal lengths.

 

4. Canon EF-S 17-55m f/2.8 IS USM Lens

• The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a Wide angle zoom lens designed for Canon digital single-lens reflex cameras with an EF-S lens mount.
• It has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22.
• The lens has a filter size of 77mm.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C format digital SLRs.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is 90 degrees.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	3 stop of Image Stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	19 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.35 m.
Weight	645 grams.
Adjustment	Manual focus and manual aperture control [USM]
Durability	Well-constructed and designed for durability, but may not be weather-sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Some chromatic aberration may be present, but it’s generally well-controlled for a lens.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range
• Sharp image quality and low chromatic aberration
• Image stabilization for reducing camera shake
• Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and accurate focusing

Reasons to avoid:

• It is relatively expensive, bulky and heavy.
• It is not weather-sealed.
• It has some chromatic aberration and distortion at the wide end.

5. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM L Lens

• The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens is a versatile wide angle to standard zoom lens designed for APS-C sensor DSLR cameras.
• It has a constant f/1.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range.
• The lens has a filter size of 72mm.

Brand	Sigma.
Type	Wide angle to standard zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C sensor DSLR cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is almost 270 degrees.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	No image Stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	27.94 cm.
Weight	811 g.
Adjustment	HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) integration, as well as an internal focusing system.
Durability	Well-constructed and designed for durability, but may not be weather-sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	The lens construction includes SLD glass and aspherical lens elements, deliver good image quality at wide open aperture.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• Exceptional Sharpness.
• Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast and accurate focusing.
•  Aperture blades for smooth, round bokeh

Reasons to avoid:

• Weight and Size.
• Limited to APS-C Sensors.
• Lack of Image Stabilization.

6. Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM Lens

• The Canon EF 135mm f/2 L USM Lens is a telephoto lens that is compatible with full-frame and APS-C sensor Canon EOS cameras.
• It has a maximum aperture of f/2 and a minimum aperture of f/32.
• The lens has a filter size of 72mm.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	ull-frame and APS-C format digital SLRs with an EF mount.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF mount.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is 120 degrees.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	8 blades.
Lens construction	10 elements in 8 groups.
Minimum focus distance	9 m.
Weight	750 grams.
Adjustment	Manual focus and manual aperture control.
Durability	Built with high-quality materials and weather-sealed for added durability.
Chromatic Aberration	Well-controlled, but like any lens, it may exhibit some chromatic aberration in challenging conditions.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast f/2 Aperture.
• Superb quality.
• Smooth and Fast Autofocus.
• Weather-sealed.

Reasons to avoid:

• Relatively expensive
• Quite bulky and heavy
• No image stabilization.

 

7. Rokinon Cine 85mm f/1.5 Lens

• The Rokinon Cine 85mm f/1.5 Lens is a cine lens designed for full-frame sensors.
• It features a very fast maximum aperture of T1.5.
• The lens typically has a filter thread size of 72mm, allowing users to attach filters for creative and practical purposes.

Brand	Rokinon.
Type	Cine lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F, Canon EF, Pentax K, Sony A, Micro Four Thirds.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is 140 degrees.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	8 blades.
Lens construction	9 elements in 7 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.1 m.
Weight	525.8 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus and manual aperture control.
Durability	Built with high-quality materials and weather-sealed for added durability.
Chromatic Aberration	Well-controlled, but like any lens, it may exhibit some chromatic aberration in challenging conditions.

Reasons to buy:

• Weather-sealed.
• Wide f/1.5 aperture for low-light performance.
• Good resolution.
• Available in various mounts.

Reasons to avoid:

• Manual focus may not be suitable for all users.
• No image stabilization.
• Some chromatic aberration in challenging conditions.

8. Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

• The Canon 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens is a wide-angle zoom lens designed for Canon APS-C sensor cameras.
• It has a maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 and a minimum aperture of f/22-29.
• The lens has a filter size of 67mm.

Brand	Canon.
Type	Wide angle zoom lens.
Lens format coverage	PS-C format digital SLRs with an EF-S mount.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S mount.
Focus rotation	The focus ring rotation of the lens is 113 degrees.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	The lens has optical image stabilization (IS).
No.of diaphragm blades	7 diaphragm blades.
Lens construction	4 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.22m.
Weight	240 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus and manual aperture control.
Durability	Well-constructed for its class but may not be weather-sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Generally well-controlled, but some chromatic aberration may be present in challenging conditions.

Reasons to buy:

• Image stabilization for reduced camera shake.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Affordable.

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited low-light performance due to variable aperture.
• Some chromatic aberration at the wide end.

9. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens

• The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for various camera mounts, including Canon EF, Nikon F, and others.
• It’s characterized by its wide focal length range and a constant aperture of f/2.8.
•  The lens has a filter size of 77mm.

Brand	Tokina.
Type	Ultra wide angle zoom lens for APS-C sensor DLSR cameras.
Lens format coverage	APS-C.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S, Nikon F (DX).
Focus rotation	Lens has a long focus throw for precise focus control.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	13 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.3m.
Weight	560 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus and manual aperture control.
Durability	Constructed with durability in mind, may suitable for demanding shooting environments.
Chromatic Aberration	Generally well-controlled, but some chromatic aberration may be present in challenging conditions.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance.
• Sharp quality.
• The lens is affordable compared to other ultra-wide angle lenses.

Reasons to avoid:

• No image stabilization.
• The lens may exhibit some barrel distortion.

10. Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Lens

• The Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Lens is a ultra wide angle fisheye lens known for extreme wide-angle perspective.
• It features a fixed aperture of f/3.5 & minimum f/22.
• The lens typically has a filter thread size of 67mm.

Brand	Rokinon.
Type	Ultra wide angle fisheye lens.
Lens format coverage	APS-C sensor DSLR cameras.
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, and more.
Focus rotation	focus ring is smooth and ensures precise control.
Resolution	Depends including 4K and 8K.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	6 blades.
Lens construction	10 elements in 7 groups.
Minimum focus distance	30 cm.
Weight	400 g.
Adjustment	Manual focus.
Durability	Constructed with durability in mind but may not be weather-sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Some chromatic aberration may be present, especially at wider apertures.

Reasons to buy:

• Suitable for creative and dramatic wide-angle shots.
• Affordable.

Reasons to avoid:

• lacks image stabilization.
• Manual focus may not be ideal for all users.
• Compatible with a variety of camera mounts

What to look in a best camera lens for video

 Focal length 

When choosing the best camera lens for video, consider focal length based on your needs. Wider focal lengths (e.g., 16mm) capture more of the scene, which is great for landscapes.

Longer focal lengths (e.g., 85mm) provide tighter shots, ideal for portraits. Zoom lenses (e.g., 24-70mm) offer versatility between wide and telephoto focal lengths, accommodating various shooting scenarios.

Your choice depends on your creative vision and the type of videos you plan to produce.

Prime vs zoom 

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and are faster, sharper, and better for low-light situations.

While zoom lenses have a variable focal length with more versatility and are easier to use.

For vlogs or interviews, a prime lens, known for sharpness and a fast aperture, is often the best camera lens for video. However, when covering documentaries or events, the versatility of a zoom lens shines.

Aperture 

When choosing the best camera lens for video, consider your shooting conditions.

For low-light situations, opt for a wider aperture like f/1.8 or f/2.8 to capture more light and brighter images.

In well-lit environments, use a narrower aperture like f/5.6 or f/8 for increased depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.

Sensor size 

When determining the best camera lens for video think about the type of video you want to shoot, if you are shooting in low-light conditions, you may want to choose a camera with a larger sensor. If you are shooting in bright conditions, you can choose a camera with a smaller sensor.

Full-frame sensors offer cinematic depth of field and low-light capabilities, while smaller APS-C sensors provide a balance of quality and portability.

Look for the numbers that indicate the size of the sensor, such as full-frame, APS-C, or Four Thirds.

Adaptor 

When selecting a best camera lens for video, consider adapters if you plan to use lenses across different camera systems. Ensure the adapter is compatible with your camera and the lens, maintaining functionality and electronic connections.

Adapters allow flexibility in lens choice, especially when transitioning between camera brands.

Best Camera Lens for Video FAQs

 

What is the best camera lens for video?

A 50mm, or equivalent adjusted for your camera’s crop factor, is the best camera lens for video as it provides a standard frame. However, it lacks versatility since it’s a fixed focal length, meaning you can’t zoom in or out. On a full-frame camera, a 50mm lens approximates the field of view similar to the human eye.

What size lens is best for filming?

Standard focal lengths vary with sensor sizes: about 50mm for full-frame, 35mm for APS-C, and 20-25mm for MFT. These lenses provide a natural perspective, suitable for two-person shots and mid-shots (hips to head). However, using them for close-ups may introduce slight distortion.

Does the camera lens matter for video?

The lens significantly influences the quality of your camera’s images. It’s the primary device responsible for creating the image, while the camera body plays a role in resolution, color depth, and image noise. Ultimately, the camera can only record what the lens captures, making the lens a crucial factor in image quality.

What lens is most used in film?

The question of the most cinematic focal length is subjective. However, 28mm lenses are frequently recognized in cinema history for their versatility. With a slightly wider view than the human eye, a 28mm lens can create a sense of realism in the viewer’s experience, making it a popular choice in filmmaking.

conclusion

In conclusion, after compiling this information on the best camera lens for video, it’s essential to select your camera equipment based on your specific needs and preferences. The right lens can greatly enhance your video production, so consider factors like focal length, aperture, stabilization etc to capture the perfect shots for your project.

Good Luck !6