5 Reasons Why Zoom Lenses Are Better Than Primes
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
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In this video let’s flip things in favour of our variable focal length friends by unpacking five reasons why zoom lenses are better than primes.
5 Reasons Prime Lenses Are Better Than Zooms: • 5 Reasons Why Prime Le...
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0:00 Introduction
0:52 1. Zoom Movement
2:55 2. Precise Framing
5:26 3. Faster Setups
7:42 4. Focal Length Options
9:18 5. Budget
10:16 MUBI
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As a new filmmaker who is in the process of working things out in many ways and also choosing my lenses with a limited budget your videos are immensely helpful to me. Thank you so much for these
There is another use for zoom lenses. One can use a zoom lens for scouting locations, and for rehearsals. You go to a location, get a feel for the environment, bust out the camera and get some practice shots you think you'd like to execute during production, and while at home the metadata from the footage will tell you what focal length the zoom was in, and you can use that to pick out which prime lens you'll most likely need.
Just beware that moving closer to a subject is not the same as zooming in on the subject. If you move your position, the perspective changes. If you zoom in, you are just cropping the image and enlarging it, the perspective stays the same. If filmed at high enough resolution, all zooming can be done in post. But moving closer to the subject is not possible in post (at least not without a lot of additional work trying to reconstruct the scene in 3D).
key point! Very important
This isn’t strictly true, as zooming in changes the lens compression and depth of field
Fantastic video as always! But I'm pretty sure that the shot at 2:30 is a dolly move.
Yes it can only be. You have very pleasant looking motion parallax.
Please for the next video , I beg you , make a video about SOUND RECORDING and SOUND DESIGN, I have looked at every single book about filmmaking but none of them discusses about that subject, that for me is a fundamental part of filmmaking , please share your knowledge about it.
Great video as always! Zoom lenses are indispensable for run and gun/documentary style shooting. You need to be fast to get a shot. So it's: zoom-in, focus, zoom out to desired framing, shoot. If you work on a movie, it all depends on budget. If you have a tight budget, you might want to get (rent or buy) at least one prime lens to extend the range of your zoom lens. Very often that one prime lens will be a wide angle, perfect for hand held and very near the actors. Many zoom lenses just don't go wide enough.
Your channel is fantastic. I learn so much about budgets, cinematography, and other parts of filmmaking that I don’t know in film school.
The cinematography in the music video for A Boy is a Gun by Tyler the Creator actually was a huge factor that inspired me to incorporate zooms into my work much more often, they can come off as very elegant and painterly when paired with a pretty composition.
I’d probably lean more toward zooms in normal circumstances. Just so much more efficient in terms of shot variations. But mainly in terms of saving time. Appreciate your content 👍
Succession on HBO is a great example of using zooms often and incorporating into the themes/look of the show. Shot mostly on EZ1&2 + Optimo 12:1
I love this video because it gives vivid examples and as a person who has been practicing in this field I can say thank you for this, I have learnt a lot
If it is one person job, get a zoom lens, such as documentary, travel, vlog. If in any circumstances stand “beauty” is the key, use prime, such as wedding. If you have one extra hand, use prime. It is same as photography. Don’t listen to anyone. Carry everything in any circumstances at once, you will know what you need. There is no correct answer for prime or zoom. If you use high end best prime, you will notice there is no zoom to compare with them. I still carry 24-70 f4 lens when I shoot documentary because it is light and fit many documentary need.
Wedding's lmao
I would rather slit my wrists.
I think an important point not touched on is that because of the size of zooms, they can’t be as fast as primes. If you want a set of Super Speeds, you’re probably renting them for the character they have in combination with the fast aperture. If you wanted a comparable vintage zoom lens, you’re most likely looking at a max aperture of t3.5. You can lose up to about two full stops. Now that’s not the biggest deal in terms of light. Just pump more light in (if it is a regular budgeted shoot with lighting). If you specially want to achieve a shallower DoF, switching to a zoom at t3.5 is going to be deeper than a prime at t1.5.
Also, zooms are very very heavy. Going from an Alexa Mini with a Super Speed to a Mini with a zoom could possibly mean having to rent bigger support.
These are valid reasons to consider primes for your project. With that said, I agree completely with your points. Zooms are great for TV and Commercials where you can be found moving at break neck paces.
I would just say though that even though you are right about lightweight or midweight zooms like the EZs making life easier on set in terms of moving the camera around, the same cannot be said about the 24-290. That thing is a beast and the camera becomes this monster. I love that lens and have used it a bunch but it's the opposite of fast
Why is no one on UA-cam talking about how the background behind the subject appears when filming or taking a photo with zoom, comparing to a standard scene?
my reaction upon seeing the title and tumbnail: "WHAT SORT OF HERESY IS THIS!!!"
but it's all about the right tool for the job, as a stills photography noob good video!
also imma sub case filmmaking is fascinating to me!
Éstos vídeos son oro puro... Un saludo desde República Dominicana.
zoom : convenience
prime: quality
that's it, end of video
prime has fewer optical elements, resulting in a cleaner shot. they have a wider aperture as well, so better in low light and for bokeh
At least Canon’s RF zoom lenses has a lot closer focusing distance than their prime lenses
Could you pleae make video on insurance for short film? How much to spend and how to set up insurance...pleaseee...love your awesome videos!
I think some people get way too hung up on prime lenses. They ARE great, but so are zooms. There have been a number of times I've seen crisp, beautifully shot films where people asked the director, "What primes did you use?". They are shocked when the director confesses none were used.
Once I even saw someone argue, saying, "No! This must have been shot on prime lenses! You're lying!" 🤣 What equipment you use matters far less than what story can you deliver. It's the story that makes people feel. Not an expensive prime lens.
Usually those shots are delivered with an even more expensive zoom lens. Like the Fujinon 24-180 f2,6 , exceptional lens! Not a single spherical glass in there as it seems. The catch is that it weighs 9kg and will set you back at least 60k
Plus... nobody can actually really know what Lenses have been used in movies. So it's all about the storytelling.
Hey, really love your video. Do you have an explanation about why movies like Lord of the Ring, Saving Private Ryan, and many more use low frame rate slow motion as if it was a perfectly fine thing to do?
Using zoom on a crop sensor is an experience in and of itself. I often use vintage zoom lenses for the look, softness and character.
Man I have been thinking I want to use vintage lenses much more
I've found that for the majority of corporate shoots and youtube content, the holy trinity of zooms is perfect. I've shot most of my career on EF L holy trinity and now the RF L holy trinity. Love the sharpness of all 6 of these lenses and honestly I don't see why I'd ever move away. I know that's not "filmmaking" but it fits what I do.
I'm not a cinematographer but I just love movies since I was a little kid in the 80's and would love to learn the craft of cinematography as it's been my passion to learn Filmmaking since I was a teenager in the 90's around 14/15 yrs old and now just turning 41 last week really want to follow my dreams but having several learning disabilities, OCD and high anxiety has made it quite hard to follow this dream, may I ask what is a Telephoto lens and what is the rule of thirds all about in photography/cinematography. Are there any courses that help people in cinematography or anything to do with behind the scenes of movies for people that have learning disabilities that might struggle with understanding things a normal person can but do it at a slower pace and it be hands on with very little written work as I'm a person if someone shows me something at a very slow pace I can understand what to do if it's not too complicated which could translate into anything behind the scenes movies, writing, cinematography, directing (even though that's a really hard job to get) or cleaning floors and getting coffees, I just would love anything of behind the scenes of films but I understand you need to be specialized in a particular field and be good at it. My family says to give up on my dreams you'll never amount to anything, I feel like a failure but school never was never for me as I struggled with anything the teachers said, my brain would easily lose focus and get very confused and because I have a very low I.Q struggled learning anything but being so passionate about movies I feel I could give it my all. Hopefully you can do a video topic on how people that have struggled in school and have learning disabilities and want to learn anything behind the scenes of movie/TV shows how to go about it, if there's any courses/classes that help people.
I don't know if you like the movies but The Lord of the Rings trilogy in Blu Ray or DVD usually comes with a huge amount of behind the scenes documentaries that teach you a lot. Start there.
@@Jorge_Ambruster Oh thank you for that, yes I do like those movies and have seen all the behind the scenes of them, I usually after watching a movie watch all the behind the scenes on the special features as I love to know how shots and scenes were made, that stuff really interests me a lot. Much appreciated.
2:28 uhhh that is not a zoom shot lol
Well I have a question. Prime or zoom gives you the same image in 50mm for example? Despite time anxious and budget. Just in the esthetic field
I do photography, and I have a prime and a zoom. I stick with the zoom 99% of the time. I do street photography mainly, with architecture as well, just walking around. So, I really appreciate the ability to on the go, in a mater of milliseconds frame a person and get the shot, rather than do a digital crop and lose quality. Also, I can zoom in on the buildings, because I do these like close-up shots of buildings, and maybe I need to zoom oit as well for a different composition. You just can't beat the versatility of zooms. Yeah, primes make it easier, but I would lose so many shots I'm proud of if I had the prime on. And basically, I have the focal length of the prime I have in the ramge of the zoom, so really, win win in my situation and use case
I've found a good stabilised 70-200mm zoom can take over from most of my prime lens selection.
Boss tNice tutorials mate, thanks
I have had both sony primes and tamron zoom lenses and I honestly rarely ever used my tampon soon lens,and sold it a few months ago, never tried a master zoom, but the prime lenses just are much cleaner and sharper to me.
I don't even like incredibly sharp picture. The realest badass movies are never ultra sharp. It's part of the beauty of filmmaking. Succes comes through the story and how it is told rather than how sharp it looks.
You're using the wrong zoom lens by the sounds of it. Get Canon EF f2.8 zooms. They are all you will ever need in terms of sharpness and produce great images
@@Leprutz all depends on what you intend to shoot tbh,and its all due to the look,mood etc u are trying to achieve.
@@Panther- yes exactly but but mostly nobody will see the difference between a prime and zoomlense if fixed on a certain focal length. In the end I will assure you to a 100% that both shots will tell the exact same story and emotion. Because it is not about the sharpness of the image.
You forgot to mention the best reason to use a zoom. The dolly zoom!
Hong Sang-soo liked this video
Very good Arguments
Zooms definitely help on set by being much faster. Your camera will be a lot heavier overall but the speed you gain can be essential.
lots of love
I think if I don't have the budget for a crane to do those pull out shots over a long distance then a zoom lens should be the man for the job ?
Zooms only change the focal length of the lenses with fixed perspective. ie, we can set the frame as we wish but the relative position of subject and background don't change. But with a physical push or pull, you'll achieve a parallax or the illusion of moving through 3D space, thus creating a depth. These are two different things, give two different experiences. So which one you think would do great for your story, go for it.
Number one cringe line on wedding video/photo groups when someone is looking for help on a shoot they say the shooter 'must use prime lenses' 🤣 cracks me up, I'd hire a shooter with a 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 over someone with three primes any day. (For a situation like a wedding) They literally have hundreds more focal lengths to work with. Sharpness is plenty from canon, Sony, Nikon & Panasonic versions of those lenses and you really really do not need more than f2.8 on full frame.
Hey man, really cool videos you do! Thanks for that! And, please, not a russian arm - U-crane))) I guess you know that this is a Ukrainian technology and just uses the name because it happens to be an internetional name for the crane, but let's change it! Let's use the newer and better name which filmotechnik proposed. U-crane. Thank you. btw I'm from Ukraine, this is why I care.
U-Crane sounds much better 💪🇺🇦 Слава Україні
Its funny how I know and watched each film you showed
I’m a photographer who just got his first zoom and my god zooms are so much better for actually getting the shot
Zoom lenses are the dopest. Never seen the utility in a prime lense if it wasn't for changing the overall lool. Like a fery wide angle lense.
Hi
Cool
Zoom appeals to me more
That constant use of the zoom sound is reeeaaally grating on the brain.
and just pay more attension. I envy you mate.
There is literally only 1 reason and its the fact that it can zoom
idk i'd still stick to my humble 25mm prime.
I don't want to be a grammar Nazi, but "less" is for continuous measurements, while "fewer" is for discrete counting.
Even a 110k angenieux zoom has a zoom look. If that’s the aesthetic you’re going for great, but saying they’re better than primes kinda triggers me.
I encourage you all to jump on calling it a U crane instead of russian arm
Why waste time use set of lens, when one lens do trick?
The problem I have with zoom lenses, as someone who works in post production, is that it makes our lives immensely more difficult. First step before applying VFX to a shot is to track it, and to track it we need exact information on what focal length was used in a shot. Just having it be a variable focal length makes things incredibly more difficult, even if we know exactly the range of zoom being used. Now imagine being handed a shot with varying focal length, and you have no idea what the start or end point of the zoom movements are. Try getting the computer to do anything with that. Of course it's possible, anything is possible, but it adds tons of work.
On the other hand, simply using a prime lens is a very easy and reliable method of knowing *exactly* what focal length was used in a shot. This to me is the main purpose of prime lenses, otherwise I would just use a zoom lens. But with the risk of messing up post production then.
Maybe Fujinon zoom is better than Sony prime :-)
Zooms all the way when starting out or working w a small team. I think the image quality bw a zoom and prime is practically identical.
I think your technically right about image quality (at a low budget) but not when you compare the minimum aperture and what the flaws do to the image. In my experience cheaper (and more expensive ones) prime and zoom lenses both have flaws but zoom lenses flaws are not pretty and definitely don’t look good. However prime lenses have less flaws and those flaws can be very very nice looking. Take a look at the Helios 44-2 58mm f2 Soviet vintage lens that you can get for 50 dollars or less which has beautiful flaws bokeh and everything and compare that to the canon ef-m 15-45mm lens or even the 18-110 f4 Sony lenses which have lots of flaws but don’t look nearly as nice. Even a cheap prime 35 or 50mm wide aperture lens will look better in lots of cases then it’s zoom counterpart. It has nothing to do with actually quality(at that budget) but has everything to do with character and consistency.
Ezra FACTS there is a reason for cinema lenses being high $$$ as heck and prime. Prime typically are faster and look freaking awesome. I have $400 primes that kill $1000 zooms .
@@krocodilemedia1912 Totally lol. I have a 80 dollar prime lens that totally beats out the 2000 dollar zoom lens lol.
@@krocodilemedia1912 the sigma zoom lenses are pretty good and fast and theyre 1000$
Anybody who understands anything about filmmaking knows that you can make a film with a single lens.
...except they are not
false
Zoom lenses make you lazy cinematographers. Must be avoided at all cost. That applies to photography as well.
Except the reasons listed in the video? I'd say those are pretty solid...
If it works for the shot, who cares how you got there?
You know, except for all of the reasons in the video. What a small minded opinion.
Smh we all just watched the same video, it's not true lmao.