What Type of Lens Should I Use? SLR vs. Cinema (Camera Lesson 09)

Summary: Ryan covers the differences between Cinema and SLR lenses and reveals the strengths of each type of lens.

Length: 4:08 minutes

Video Lesson

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Transcript

Introduction

Are Cinema Lenses really worth the extra money? I mean, they can cost well over 50 time what an SLR lens costs? In this video I’ll help you answer that question.

SLR vs Cinema

Why Cinema Lenses Are Better (Camera Lesson 09)

The benefit of choosing cinema lenses over SLR lenses boils down to two factors, superior consistency, and superior mechanics. SLR lenses were never meant for pulling focus. They have small focus scales and a short focus throw, or rotation. And that makes maintaining critical focus a real challenge. Especially when the camera or your subject moves. On the other hand, cinema lenses have a focus scale that has been spaced out, and they have a long focus throw- almost a complete 360 degrees. And that makes pulling focus a whole lot easier.

SLR Lens Focus Scale (Camera Lesson 09)

Cinema Lens Focus Scale (Camera Lesson 09)

Another reason…

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Depth of Field, Part 1: How Aperture and ISO Affect Focus

Rich49er says:
February 6, 2016 at 1:05 pm

Do you have any experience with the Samyang 85 mm T1.5 AS IF UMC II VD SLR lens? At £269 it looks like a decent starting off point for me.
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- Tim says:
  February 19, 2016 at 4:35 pm
  
  Sorry, I don’t have experience with that specific lens. A great way to try out lenses is to rent them first. It is often quite inexpensive.
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rtfilms says:
October 4, 2016 at 6:21 pm

great information! I was curious if you have any experience working with Xeen lenses? I believe they are produced by Rokinon as well.
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- Tim says:
  October 4, 2016 at 7:00 pm
  
  We have not worked with Xeen lenses very much, but we are very impressed with them. If you have the chance to use them for a project, definitely get them! They aren’t cheap, but at the same time you get a lot for that price too.
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